What's the first spring lawn task?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Your initial lawn task in the spring will lay the groundwork for the entire growing season. As soon as the ground is thawed and workable, start with soil testing. Collect samples from 4 to 6 inches deep across several different areas of your lawn. Testing will identify any nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances that may have been exacerbated by winter, helping to inform your entire approach to care.
Compaction Relief
- Core aerate when soil is moist but not soggy
- Target high-traffic areas and near driveways first
- Leave plugs on surface to break down naturally
Bare Spot Repair
- Rake away debris and loosen top 1/2 inch of soil
- Apply quality seed mats containing fertilizer and mulch
- Water lightly twice daily until germination
Address compaction first before putting down fertilizer or seeding. Use core aerators, which remove plugs instead of spike types that can compact the ground. This will provide channels for water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate. I am a proponent of aeration because compacted soil can inhibit root growth for the entire season. Once you have addressed compaction, continue by overseeding the lawn with the same grass type or a similar one to the existing lawn.
Get the mowers ready for the first cut of the season. Set the mower blades to the highest setting, to protect the tender, new growth. Be sure to sharpen the blades so that all nicks from storage have been removed. Take the time to scrape the decks down to bare metal so that no debris carries diseases. I even disinfect my decks using a vinegar solution to prevent the spread of fungus.
Evaluate your winter damage tactically. Concentrate on those areas with snow piles that caused ice damage or salt runoff that caused dead zones in the turf. Before overseeding affected areas, flush the salt-affected areas with water to remove excess salt. For vole tunnels and other locations with minor soil disruption, gently tamp it back down and overseed it. These early actions will help minimize larger issues down the road.
Completing these foundational tasks within the first two weeks of spring enables strong upcoming seasonal growth. Your lawn will recover quickly and be better equipped to handle the stresses of hot summer conditions. Complete the process by conducting a soil test, then aerate and repair as needed. If you follow these proactive steps, you will see visible changes to the lawn within 2-3 weeks; this approach goes a long way toward yielding good results.
Read the full article: How to Care for Lawn: Beginner's Guide
