Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to sharpen up your game — and your lawn! After months of cold, snow, frost and other messiness, your yard has likely seen better days. But don’t sweat it, you can whip it back into shape in no time.
Here are 4 of our favorite superintendent-sanctioned, spring-prep tips, sourced from our rich archive of Super Secrets lawn-care advice.
1. Punch things up
As their courses start to stir from hibernation, superintendents help revive things with a light springtime punch. Opening those passageways lets air and moisture move more freely through the roof zone, exactly what the still-groggy grass needs. It’s not a bad idea to do the same at home. And it’s not hard to do, either. Aerifying machines are readily available for rent. Just be sure to mark any sprinkler heads. You don’t want to punch any holes in them
2. Get the weeds out
Unwanted invaders that germinate in fall can cause problems in the spring. Different weeds proliferate in different regions. Chickweed. Dandelion. Deadnettle. Clover. A light application should take care of them. While you’re at it, consider putting down a springtime pre-emergent to stave off weeds in the summer and fall.
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3. Rake it over
As you’re cleaning the cobwebs off your swing, make time to clear any lingering debris off your lawn. Leaves. Twigs. Dead organic matter. Using a leaf rake, give the ground a good going-over to clear away the gunk and break up thatchy layers, allowing your lawn to breathe more clearly and soak up the replenishing rays of the sun.
4. Fine tune your machines
Just as you don’t want to shave with a dull razor, you don’t want to mow your lawn with a dull machine. You’ll wind up tearing the grass instead of slicing it, creating an unsightly look that also leaves the plants more vulnerable to disease. Now’s a good time to sharpen your mower blades. It’s a job you can outsource. But if you’re reasonably handy, you can DIY with the task on a bench grinder. While you’re at it, take care of other minor equipment tune ups, like changing spark plugs and replacing any fuel that might have been sitting around too long.