How To Help Wake Up Your Lawn For Spring

As the chill of winter recedes and signs of spring begin to emerge in Wisconsin, homeowners turn their attention to reviving their lawns after months of dormancy. Winters in Wisconsin can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice that all take a toll on grass and soil. 

The good news is that with careful planning and proper lawn care practices, you can ensure that your lawn thrives during the upcoming season. The guide below will help you get started with that planning by laying out step-by-step instructions on how to get your lawn ready for spring! Contact us after reading this blog post for more information or to get a free quote on any of our lawn care services.

Step 1: Rake Thatch & Remove Debris

One of the initial steps in preparing your lawn for spring is to remove debris and thatch that may have accumulated over the winter months. Raking your lawn improves air circulation and promotes soil aeration to allow sunlight to reach the grass, stimulating growth and recovery. Clearing debris also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can thrive in damp, shaded areas and damage your lawn. 

• Use a sturdy rake to gently remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the lawn surface.
• Pay special attention to areas where debris may have accumulated, such as along fences, under trees, and near garden beds.
• Consider using a dethatching rake or power rake to remove excessive thatch buildup if necessary, especially in areas with thick grass or heavy foot traffic.

Step 2: Test & Amend The Soil (If Necessary) 

Before applying any fertilizers or soil amendments, it's essential to test your soil to determine its pH levels and nutrient content. Soil testing kits are readily available at garden centers, or you can purchase a pH meter for your soil. Based on the results of your soil test, you can make informed decisions about which soil amendments, such as lime or sulfur, are needed to adjust pH levels and improve soil fertility.

• Collect soil samples from different areas of your lawn using a soil probe or trowel.
• Follow the instructions provided with your soil testing kit to perform the test accurately.
• Use the results of the soil test to determine the appropriate soil amendments needed for your lawn, such as lime for acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline soils.

Step 3: Mow Your Lawn Lightly

Giving your lawn a "haircut" for the first cut in spring is crucial for promoting healthy growth and ensuring the overall well-being of your grass. During winter dormancy, grass blades often become weaker, making them susceptible to damage. Remove the tips of the grass blades only to encourage new growth while avoiding shock or stress to the grass. This initial cut helps to remove any dead or brown tips, giving your lawn a fresh appearance and, more importantly, making your lawn stronger and ready to absorb nutrients.

• Start mowing your lawn as soon as it begins to grow in spring, typically when the grass reaches a height of about 3 to 4 inches.
• Adjust your mower blades to a higher setting to avoid scalping. Keep the first cut around 3 inches, and never remove more than the top ⅓ of your lawn.
• Consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose, serving as a natural fertilizer.

Step 4: Aerate Your Lawn

Compacted soil can impede root growth and water penetration, leading to poor lawn health. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and promote healthy root development. For lawns in Wisconsin, which may have experienced heavy snowfall and foot traffic during winter, core aeration is particularly beneficial.

• Use a core aerator to perforate the soil and create small holes spaced evenly throughout your lawn.
• Choose a day when the soil is slightly moist but not overly wet to aerate your lawn effectively.
• Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, compacted soil areas, and areas prone to waterlogging when aerating.

Step 5: Overseed & Reseed

Overseeding can be an important step for your lawn unless you are choosing to put down pre-emergent in which case you will want to wait until the fall to begin your overseeding process. Choose a high-quality grass seed blend that is suitable for Wisconsin's climate and your lawn's specific conditions. Before overseeding, ensure proper soil preparation by raking the area lightly and removing any debris.

• Select a grass seed blend that contains a mix of cool-season grasses suitable for Wisconsin's climate, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
• Overseed thin or bare areas of your lawn to promote denser growth and fill in gaps left by winter damage.
• Consider reseeding patches of dead grass or areas where turf has been damaged, using a slit seeder or broadcast spreader for even distribution.

Step 6: Use Spring Fertilizers

Spring fertilization is essential for providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive during the growing season. For lawns in Wisconsin, a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nutrients is typically recommended. This helps ensure that you do not shock your grass with a large dose of nutrients while it is still recovering from winter. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking care not to over-apply, which can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental damage. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers to naturally improve soil health, but results from these types of products may take longer to yield results.

• Choose a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nutrients suited to your lawn's needs and soil conditions.
• Apply fertilizer in early spring when the grass is beginning to green up but before it enters its peak growth phase.
• Follow the recommended application rates and timings provided by the fertilizer manufacturer, and water your lawn thoroughly after fertilizing to activate the nutrients.

Step 7: Prevent Weeds Early

Weeds can quickly take over a lawn if left unchecked, competing with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Spring is an ideal time to implement weed control measures to prevent weed infestations and maintain a healthy lawn. Consider using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating, especially for common Wisconsin weeds like crabgrass.

• Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating and establish a barrier against weed growth.
• Monitor your lawn regularly for signs of weed growth and address any emerging weeds promptly, either by hand-pulling or using selective herbicides.
• Consider using selective herbicides to target specific weed species while minimizing harm to desirable grasses.

Step 8: Water & Monitor Your Grass

Proper watering is crucial for ensuring that your lawn stays healthy and vibrant throughout the spring and summer months. In Wisconsin, where rainfall can be unpredictable, supplemental irrigation may be necessary to keep your lawn adequately hydrated. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

• Water your lawn early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth, preferably between 4 am and 8 am.
• Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation, to meet your lawn's moisture needs.
• Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and the specific needs of your lawn, watering more frequently during hot, dry periods and less often during cooler, wetter weather.

Keep Your Lawn Green This Spring!

Waking up your lawn after winter in Wisconsin requires careful planning, diligent effort, and a commitment to proper lawn care practices. Following the steps above can help you ensure that your lawn emerges from its winter slumber healthy, lush, and ready to thrive in spring.

If you need more information or tips on how to get your lawn looking its best this upcoming spring, the Be Green Pro team is always here to answer any questions and provide you with the best lawn care services in Wisconsin! Give us a call today to learn more about all we have to offer you and your lawn this spring!