Step-By-Step Spring Lawn Care Guide for a Perfect Lawn

Winter has had its turn — now it’s time for your lawn to shine. As the days grow warmer and nature wakes up, spring offers the perfect opportunity to revive your grass and set the stage for a lush green season. With the right care, your lawn can bounce back from dormancy, fend off weeds and thrive all year.

But here’s the thing — lawn care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different regions and grass types require tailored approaches to maximize results. Whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass, following the right steps for your area is key to a vibrant healthy lawn.

Want to make it even easier? TruGreen takes the guesswork out of lawn maintenance, offering expert guidance and customized plans to help you achieve that picture-perfect lawn without the hassle. Let’s dive into the essential lawn care steps to get your yard in top shape this spring.

Step 1: Rake and Clear Dead Grass

Raking is one of the first steps in preparing your lawn for spring. It helps remove debris like dead leaves, twigs and matted grass that can block sunlight and prevent air from reaching the soil. This process encourages new growth and reduces lawn diseases by eliminating thatch buildup.

Importance of removing debris: 

• Allows sunlight and air to reach grass blades. 
• Prevents lawn disease and reduces the chance of fungal infections and mold. 
• Improves air circulation and stimulates new grass growth.

Step 2: Test and Improve Your Soil

Soil testing is helpful for understanding the nutrient levels and pH of your lawn. Without this knowledge, applying fertilizers might not be as effective. Soil that's too acidic or alkaline can limit grass growth, so adjusting the pH helps the roots absorb nutrients more efficiently.

• Identify nutrient deficiencies: Testing reveals where your soil lacks phosphorus or potassium and recommends how much nitrogen your lawn needs depending on its grass type.
• Correct pH imbalances: Use lime to raise pH (if too acidic) or sulfur to lower it (if too alkaline).
• Tailor fertilization: This helps you select the best fertilizer based on soil needs. 

Step 3: Aerate the Lawn if Needed

Lawn aeration is a crucial step in maintaining a lush, resilient lawn. It involves creating small holes in the soil to improve air, water and nutrient penetration. This process is especially beneficial for compacted soil, which can restrict root growth and lead to a weak lawn.

Consider Your Grass Type

Your grass type and local climate play a key role in determining the best lawn care schedules. Grass is generally categorized into two types:

• Cool-Season Grasses: Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine and Tall Fescue grow best in cooler temperatures.  
• Warm-Season Grasses: Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass thrive in warmer climates and go dormant when soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees.  

When to Core Aerate

For the best results, aerate your lawn when it is actively growing:

• Cool-season grasses: Aerate in the fall when growth is at its peak.
• Warm-season grasses: Aerate in late spring or summer when these grasses are thriving.

Benefits of Lawn Aeration

• Improves Soil Structure: Enhances water retention and prevents runoff, ensuring grass receives the moisture it needs.
• Encourages Root Development: Strengthens grass roots, making them deeper and more extensive to withstand drought and other stresses.
• Aids in Thatch Management: Helps break down excess thatch, a layer of dead roots and stems that can block nutrients and invite pests.
• Relieves Soil Compaction: Loosens dense soil, allowing air, water, and fertilizer to reach the root zone more effectively. 

Step 4: Apply Fertilizer

Spring is the perfect time to start fertilizing, as your lawn is waking up from its winter dormancy. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients for root development and overall growth. Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for steady nutrient delivery throughout the season.

• Use a slow-release fertilizer: Ensures nutrients are provided gradually.
• Choose the right N-P-K ratio: Nitrogen promotes leaf growth; phosphorus helps root development; potassium supports overall health.
• Timing matters: Apply once the grass starts actively growing and the soil has warmed.
• Cool-Season Grasses: Should be fertilized at key points throughout the growing season.
• Warm-Season Grasses: These grasses benefit from regular fertilization when the grass is actively growing.
• Watering: Water your lawn after a fertilizer application to help absorption into the soil.  

Step 5: Seed and Overseed

Seeding and overseeding are critical for cool-season grasses to promote a thick, lush lawn, and is one of our top spring lawn care tips. If you have bare spots or thin areas, late summer or early fall is an ideal time to plant grass seed. Seeding in early spring is also ideal, but make sure to give your seedlings enough time to establish before the summer heat.  

• Overseed bare spots: Fill in areas that are sparse or damaged from winter.
• Enhance lawn density: Thicken up thin areas to promote a healthier lawn.
• Choose the right grass type: Match your grass seed to your region’s climate for better success.

Remember, don’t overseed warm-season grasses. If you need help identifying between cool-season and warm-season grasses, here’s a quick guide:

Quick Grass Type Guide

Identify Your Grass Type:

• Does your grass turn brown in the winter? → It’s a warm-season grass and only needs aeration.
• Does your grass stay green in the winter? → It’s a cool-season grass and benefits from aeration + overseeding.

Cool-Season Grasses (Aeration + Overseeding)

• Types: Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass
• Best Time: Late summer to fall
• Frequency: Once per year

Warm-Season Grasses (Aeration Only)

• Types: Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass
• Best Time: Late spring to early summer
• Frequency: Once per year

Following this simple guide will keep your lawn thriving year-round! 

Step 6: Weed Control

Weeds can quickly take over a lawn if not managed early. Using the right weed control strategy at the right time helps maintain a healthy, thriving lawn.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Pre-emergents control newly germinated weed seeds by stopping them before they even appear. These should be applied before the soil temperature reaches 55°F, as this is when weed seeds begin to sprout. Common weeds like crabgrass can be effectively controlled with this method.  

Tip: Don’t use a pre-emergent weed control if you’re overseeding, as this will kill your new grass seeds alongside the weed seeds.  

Post-Emergent Weed Control

Post-emergents target existing weeds that have already sprouted, helping to eliminate them and prevent further spread. Choose a product designed to tackle the specific weeds in your region for the best results.

Timing Matters

• Cool-season lawns: Apply weed control treatments when weeds are actively growing in the spring.
• Warm-season lawns: Apply in early spring, with additional treatments as needed throughout the growing season. 

Step 7: Mow for Spring

Proper mowing is key to a healthy lawn. For the first mow of the season, trim your grass slightly shorter — about ½ inch shorter than the recommended growing-season height. This helps remove any dormant grass and encourages green-up. After the first mow, maintain a height of 2.5 to 3 inches for cool-season grasses to promote strong, thick growth that resists drought and disease.

• First mow timing: Cool-season grasses can be mowed after the snow cover melts, typically in early spring. Warm-season grasses should be mowed once they start actively growing, usually by late March.
• Ideal mowing height: 2 to 4 inches for cool-season grasses, 1 to 3.75 inches for warm-season grasses.
• Avoid cutting too short: Cutting too low can stress the grass and encourage weed growth.
• Mow regularly: Frequent mowing helps maintain a dense, healthy lawn. However, it’s important to avoid cutting grass too short. A good rule of thumb is to not remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade while mowing.

Grasscycling Tip: Leave your grass clippings on the lawn! This simple practice:

• Adds nutrients and natural fertilizer.
• Improves soil health and organic matter.
• Conserves water (clippings are 75-85% water).
• Reduces landfill waste and transportation energy.
• Keeps your lawn greener and healthier. 

Step 8: Watering Tips

Watering is crucial for your lawn’s growth, especially during early spring. Inadequate watering can cause grass to dry out, while over-watering can promote disease. Aim to water deeply but infrequently for the best results.

• Water early in the day: Early morning watering prevents disease and reduces evaporation.
• Water deeply but less often: Ensure grass roots are well-hydrated by providing 1 to 1.5 inches of water 3 times per week depending on the weather.
• Adjust based on weather: Reduce watering during rainy periods and increase during dry spells. 

Step 9: Check for Lawn Disease

Lawn diseases can damage your grass if not treated promptly. Look out for symptoms like yellow or brown patches, mold or unusual growth patterns. Early detection and treatment can prevent the disease from spreading.

• Look for signs of disease: Yellowing, patches of dead grass or unusual growth.
• Use fungicides appropriately: Treat infected areas with the right product to eliminate disease.
• Maintain lawn health: Healthy grass that is properly fertilized is less susceptible to disease, so proper care is essential. 

Step 10: Professional Lawn Care Services

If you want an expert, trusted lawn care services provider, TruGreen can take the stress out of lawn maintenance. We offer customized plans that ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy throughout the growing season and all year long.

• Tailored care plans: TruGreen provides personalized treatments for your lawn's unique needs.
• Expert services: Professional, locally curated fertilizers, treatments and care routines.
• Convenience: Let TruGreen handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy your beautiful lawn without the hassle.

How Is Spring Lawn Care Different From Lawn Care During Other Seasons?

Spring lawn care focuses on preparing your lawn for the growing season. It’s all about reviving the grass, removing debris and improving soil health. Unlike summer and fall, which focus on maintaining your lawn's health and managing heat or pests, spring sets the foundation for a lush, thriving lawn.

Is Scalping Your Lawn a Good Idea?

Scalping, or cutting your grass very short, can be harmful. While it may seem like a quick fix, scalping removes too much grass, stressing the lawn and making it more vulnerable to weeds and disease. Identify your grass type and ideal mowing height for optimal growth.

What Lawn Diseases Should I Watch For?

In spring, watch out for common lawn diseases like snow mold, brown patch and dollar spot. Keep an eye on any unusual spots or discoloration in your grass. Early detection and proper care, like adjusting your watering and mowing habits, can help prevent these diseases from spreading. 

Spring lawn care is the key to a thriving lawn all year round. Early attention helps build strong roots, preparing your grass for summer’s heat and fall’s stress. By addressing issues like soil compaction and nutrient imbalances, you’ll promote disease resistance and prevent weed growth.

For an easier path to a healthy, green lawn, TruGreen offers expert care tailored to your needs. Our services, from fertilization to weed control to aeration, ensure your lawn thrives throughout the season.

Take the next step to a greener lawn - contact TruGreen today!