Spring is here and the grass is growing! So how can you make sure your organic lawn reaches its full potential this growing season? Here are a few spring maintenance tasks you can check off your list to ensure your lawn thrives.
Spring Cleaning: Now is a great time to clean up anything that might still be sitting on your lawn from last season. On a dry day, run a rake through your yard to invigorate your lawn while removing stubborn debris. Keeping your turf free of leaves, sticks and other debris will ensure it receives the sunlight and other nutrients it requires to grow.
It’s Mow Time!: It’s that time of year again. Break out the dusty lawn mower and make sure it has fresh gas and oil. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to check the air filters, spark plugs and blade to see if any replacements or repairs need to be made. When mowing, only remove 1/3 of the blade height at each cut to avoid scalping your lawn.
Aerate Annually: Spring aeration is crucial for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede and St. Augustine. Core aeration will remove plugs of soil, allowing your lawn to breath. This will help reduce soil compaction and break up thatch, allowing essential nutrients to be absorbed by the roots. Aeration promotes a deep root system which is key for healthy turf.
Feed Naturally: All grasses should receive fertilizers in the spring, though the type and amount will vary depending on your turf. Cool season grasses need less fertilization through slow release fertilizers, while warm season grasses should be fertilized in April and May after the last frost, once active growth has begun.
Sprinkler Check-Up: It’s a good idea to check your irrigation system each spring to ensure it is working properly after sitting idle through the winter. Give it a test run to ensure all the heads are spraying efficiently and effectively. Redirect the heads if needed, set it to an auto-schedule if you prefer and remember watering in the morning is always best! If your system needs repairs beyond your expertise, call a local sprinkler company to get your system in working order.
Scan for Threats: Beginning now and continuing throughout the growing season, it is smart to scan your property weekly for threats to your organic lawn. Keep an eye out for signs of lawn fungus and other diseases and pests. If you have concerns, notify us and we’ll address the issue immediately. Early detection is often critical when it comes to treating lawn issues.
Be proactive in your organic lawn care by performing seasonal maintenance tasks in addition to an effective, consistent organic lawncare program. Each will help build up the healthy soil your lawn needs to flourish and naturally ward off weeds, pests, diseases and other threats.