Springtime Lawn Maintenance: Your Comprehensive Seasonal Upkeep Guide

Lawnmower Maintenance Timing:

At the end of winter, your lawnmower needs to be in tip-top shape before you give your lawn its first mow. Start by cleaning or replacing the air filter, changing the oil, draining the fuel, sharpening the blade and checking the spark plug to ensure your equipment operates efficiently.

• Cool-season zone: March is optimal
• Warm-season and transition zones: Late February, in preparation for March usage.

Lawn Cleanup Timing:

As temperatures rise, your lawn may accumulate winter debris, including leaves, sticks, and twigs. Clearing this debris is vital for spring lawn maintenance as it will allow the sun to warm the soil and start the green up process. Maintaining a debris-free lawn ensures lawn services can be completed with no problem.

• Cool-season zone: Start as soon as the snow melts.
• Warm-season and transition zones: Address in February before lawn activity intensifies. 

Unchecked weeds can quickly dominate a lawn. Pre-emergent treatments offer a proactive solution to prevent annual weeds before they take root. Starting these treatments at the right time and under favorable conditions is essential for effective lawn upkeep. A TruGreen lawn care specialist can provide customized treatment for your lawn as temperatures rise.

Mowing Timing:

Once your lawnmower is ready, tackle the season's first cut. This initial mowing eliminates dead grass and promotes new growth. Mow grass at the appropriate height, trimming no more than a third of a grass blade in each mowing. The recommended height can vary based on grass types, so make sure you know what type of grass your lawn has. Mowing properly encourages denser turf that naturally suppresses weeds and retains moisture.

• Cool-season lawns: After debris removal, when the grass starts to grow.
• Warm-season lawns: As grass begins to regrow, in the early spring.

Fertilization Timing:

As lawns emerge from winter dormancy, they require nourishment. Initiate growth with a strategically timed application of fertilizer. Lawn care services collaborate with you to ensure this treatment is administered at the optimal time and the right amount for your lawn, trees and shrubs.

Despite preventive efforts, some weeds may still appear. TruGreen can assess the situation and provide a unique post-emergent solution tailored to your lawn’s needs.

• Cool-season lawns: Begin in March or April depending on your region.
• Warm-season lawns: In April, making sure to use Nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Watering Timing:

Water is essential for a thriving lawn. While rainfall does bring moisture, supplemental watering is necessary during dry spells. Try to give your lawn approximately one inch of water weekly using a hose or sprinkler system. A practical method to measure this is placing empty tuna cans on the lawn; once filled, you've achieved an inch of water.

• Cool-season lawns: Begin in June if rainfall proves inadequate.
• Warm-season lawns: Start as early as March.