Winter can leave your lawn looking dull, patchy, or thin. Here's how to revive it for a lush, green yard.
Follow these steps to restore your lawn's health this Spring:
1. Rake & Remove Debris
Start by raking away dead grass, leaves, and debris to allow sunlight and air to reach the soil. This also prevents mold and disease from spreading.
2. Test & Improve the Soil
Use a soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels.
If the soil is too acidic, apply lime; if too alkaline, add sulfur.
Apply compost or organic matter to improve soil health.
3. Aerate the Lawn
Aerating helps relieve compacted soil and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Use a manual or mechanical aerator to create small holes throughout the lawn.
4. Overseed Bare Spots
Spread grass seed over thin or dead areas. Scratch at the thin or dead areas with a rake before spreading grass seed so the seeds can take hold.
Choose a grass type that matches your climate and lawn conditions (sun vs. shade).
Keep the soil moist until new grass is established.
5. Fertilize for Healthy Growth
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs. Be cautious of using lawn fertilizer products that contain a lot of salt - in our climate with our clay and sandy soils salt is not our friend - it is very drying. Organic options, like compost tea, can be great alternatives.
Water Wisely
Deep, infrequent watering (1–1.5 inches per week) encourages deep root growth.
Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Control Weeds & Pests
Apply a pre-emergent weed preventer to stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout.
1. Rake & Remove Debris
Start by raking away dead grass, leaves, and debris to allow sunlight and air to reach the soil. This also prevents mold and disease from spreading.
2. Test & Improve the Soil
Use a soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels.
If the soil is too acidic, apply lime; if too alkaline, add sulfur.
Apply compost or organic matter to improve soil health.
3. Aerate the Lawn
Aerating helps relieve compacted soil and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Use a manual or mechanical aerator to create small holes throughout the lawn.
4. Overseed Bare Spots
Spread grass seed over thin or dead areas. Scratch at the thin or dead areas with a rake before spreading grass seed so the seeds can take hold.
Choose a grass type that matches your climate and lawn conditions (sun vs. shade).
Keep the soil moist until new grass is established.
5. Fertilize for Healthy Growth
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs. Be cautious of using lawn fertilizer products that contain a lot of salt - in our climate with our clay and sandy soils salt is not our friend - it is very drying. Organic options, like compost tea, can be great alternatives.
Water Wisely
Deep, infrequent watering (1–1.5 inches per week) encourages deep root growth.
Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Control Weeds & Pests
Apply a pre-emergent weed preventer to stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout.