Top 10 Spring Tips for a Thick, Healthy Lawn

1. Are you anxious to rake ? Well, the tip is: ‘ go easy! ’ Start by picking up the sticks and winter debris.  Remove rocks and gravel left by the plows. Only perform light raking over the lawn. Think of  trying to make the blades stand up-right. Vigorous raking is not necessary and can actually rip out  the tender, vulnerable grass plants!  
2. Do  consider  an  aeration to open up your soil and help your roots grow deep and strong. Deep roots  help the grass blades tolerate the summer stresses of heat, drought and insects. Aeration in the  spring or fall is one of the best things you can do for your lawn! 
3. Do not plan annual rolling. Rolling compresses the soil around the root, removing air pockets.  Rolling your lawn makes it more difficult for roots to get water, oxygen and nutrients. If you feel  you must roll, then follow it with an aeration to re-open the soil.  
4. Do consider  seeding to help revive a thin, stressed, or old lawn. Did you realize that most grass is  only considered viable for 3-5 years? Annual seeding helps ensure a thick, healthy lawn. Over seeding projects are great in the spring and fall. 
5. Watch for insect damage this spring : Rising temperatures will prompt some insects to begin feeding. Grub are near the root level and being sought out by moles, skunks and raccoons. Identifying your grub problem now allows proper treatment for control during the summer. Learn more about our Grub Control here.
6. Mole / Vole Damage : These little critters tunnel under the snow and eat insects and grass, leaving  trails of damage. In most cases these tunnels will fill in naturally as the grass greens and thickens  this spring. In severe cases a light raking and seed will help the damaged areas. 
7. Sharpen your blades . Dull blades shred the tips giving the lawn a tan / burned colour. Did you  know most new mowers do not come with sharpened blades? Sharpen blades 2-3 times a season. 
8. Mow high! Keeping your grass at 3 inches or higher will help your lawn endure the heat and  drought of summer. Short lawns promote weed seed and crabgrass germination and show stress from  drought and heat sooner than the longer lawns! 
9. Leave grass clippings on after mowing . Grass is more than 90% water. The clippings return  moisture and nutrients to your lawn.  
10. Keep your lawn evenly fertilized throughout the growing season with a high quality, slow released, balance of nutrients 

Have questions about your lawn? Weed Man Huron-Perth Region is here to help! Contact us today at (519) 343-2227 or request your free lawn care quote online.