After months of cold weather and dormant growth, your lawn benefits from a little attention. The right spring lawn care tips can make all the difference.
Whether you’re working with cool- or warm-season grasses, a thoughtful spring lawn care routine lays the groundwork for thicker, greener grass through the rest of the year. Here’s where to begin.
Rake Gently to Remove Thatch
Before your first mow, rake your yard to clear away thatch, the layer of dead grass, roots, and stems that builds up between the soil and the base of the grass. A thin layer of thatch can help retain moisture and nutrients, but if it’s thicker than a 1/2 inch, it can prevent water and air from reaching the grass.
Wait to rake until your lawn starts to turn green, which means the grass is actively growing and more firmly rooted. Avoid raking when the ground is soft or muddy, which can pull up healthy grass and damage the lawn.
Using a rake, gently loosen the thick thatch and break up any matted clumps. This gives new growth the space it needs to emerge.
Aerate the Soil
Heavy foot traffic leads to soil compaction, which limits airflow to the roots and slows lawn growth. Core aeration can help. A lawn aerator is a machine that removes plugs of soil, creating a channel for air, water, and nutrients. It creates holes of a significant diameter, 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.
For warm-season grasses, aim to aerate from mid-spring to early summer. Cool-season grasses respond best to aeration in early fall. For either type of grass, don’t aerate if the weather is particularly hot or dry.
Fertilize to Encourage Strong, Even Growth
Fertilizing in spring helps replenish nutrients and support healthy growth, but timing is key. If the grass isn’t actively growing, it may not absorb the fertilizer effectively, leading to weak, shallow growth and poor root development. Wait until the lawn is actively growing and has been mowed at least once.
A slow-release fertilizer is a good option, as it delivers nutrients gradually, promoting steady root development while reducing the risk of overfeeding. Follow the instructions on the label, and avoid applying before heavy rain to prevent runoff.
Water the Grass
Spring irrigation varies depending on the region. As a general rule, grass requires an inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or supplemental watering with a hose, sprinkler, or irrigation system. When watering, aim for early in the day, ideally before 10 am; it’s cooler and winds tend to be calmer, preventing evaporation.
If you’re unsure if your lawn needs water, step on and off the grass and see how fast the blades bounce back. If the blades are slow, it may be time to water.
Make Lawn Mowing a Breeze
Once your grass reaches about 4 inches in height and has a lush green color, it’s ready to be cut. Always mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass tends to clump, which can clog the lawn mower and block sunlight from reaching the grass.
Adjust the blade to mow high, taking off 1/3 of the total height. Taller grass helps retain soil moisture and naturally suppresses early weed growth.
You’re Ready With EZ-POUR®
Are you looking for a convenient way to refill your lawn mower this spring? Shop EZ-POUR® today! We offer various spouts that you can easily attach to your old gas cans.
Our Standard Replacement Fuel Spout & Vent Kit comes with a flexible and versatile replacement spout engineered to fit most gas cans. This kit includes a spout, spout cap, tether, 1/2″ replacement push-in vent, flame arrester, and yellow and black base caps. Use this spout to refill your lawnmower, generator, string trimmer, and more.
See if you need an adapter by checking out our application chart. And, if you have any questions, our knowledgeable team is here to help.