As the cold winter begins to pass and spring begins to start in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington, it’s officially time to get your outdoor spaces cleaned up after being neglected throughout the winter season. Your lawn, specifically, needs some work in order to become the green masterpiece that you desire. In this blog, you will learn how to help ensure a high-quality lawn with our 5 tips to ready your lawn for spring.
Clean Up and Remove Debris
The first step to restoring your lawn is to get rid of all leaves and debris that might have built up throughout the cold and rainy months. These debris create a barrier that doesn’t allow sunlight or air circulation, which causes damage pretty quickly. Rake up all debris on the lawn and let the grass breathe. This simple step does a lot for the lawn.
Aerate The Soil
Compacted soil is always a bad thing. From stopping the growth of roots, to limiting the amount of water and nutrients the grass can absorb, compacted soil is not something you want in your lawn. Thankfully, aeration can fix that problem by alleviating compaction by poking small holes, allowing water, nutrients, and air to penetrate deep into the soil. This creates a healthier and stronger root system. Consider renting or borrowing an aerator or hiring a professional lawn care company to ensure proper and quality results.
Overseed And Fertilize
Spring is the best time to walk around looking for and addressing bare spots in your lawn to improve overall thickening and health. After aerating, spread a high-quality grass seed over the entire area, focusing on bare spots. Make sure to do research and select a seed variety that works with your soil and climate. Once you have seeded, put down a balanced fertilizer for added nutrients and future growth. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus) ratio will encourage healthy development.
Implement A Watering Routine
As the spring months bring an increase in warm weather, your watering needs are going to change. Adjust your watering routine to these changes to increase the odds of a healthy lawn. Less frequent, deep water is always better than frequent shallow watering, because it allows for the roots to grow deeper into the soil. A healthy lawn requires about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning, between 4-6am, is the best time to water because it reduces evaporation and prevents diseases.
Weeds And Pests
Weeds and pests become most active during the spring and its best to take preemptive measures to prevent them from taking over. Put down herbicides to prevent weeds from germinating, or, as Urban Eden often suggests, use organic weeding methods. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestations. Organic pest control methods work well, but you have to identify and understand the pest specifically before knowing the proper treatment.
By following these 5 essential steps, you can set the foundation for the healthy and successful lawn you envision this spring. Taking some time preparing your lawn now will not only allow for you to see results sooner but help with the overall longevity of your outdoor space. Following these steps will all but guarantee long term vitality and resilience. So, embrace the art of lawn preparation and start now. If you’d prefer some assistance with preparing your lawn for spring, give Urban Eden a call, or contact us now by filling out our FREE estimate request.