Spring Lawn Care Tips
A lush and beautiful lawn requires a few key steps long before the first mow of the year. Check out our recommendations for preparing your lawn for spring.
Lawn Care Tips for Spring
Spring lawn care begins near the tail end of winter with seeding, fertilizing, planning any future projects, preparing your tools for action, and identifying any new tools you might need to make your spring dreams a reality.
Do-it-yourself lawn care schedule
Your lawn care schedule depends on where you live and the type of grass you have.
Common Types of Grasses
Cool-season grasses
Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are grasses most common in the northern and central parts of the U.S.
Warm-season grasses
Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are grasses most common in the southern and western United States and are more suited for dry conditions.
When to plant grass seed
- Cool-season grasses should be seeded from late winter to early springtime, between the end of February and the beginning of April. These grasses tend to go dormant in the hot weather.
- Seed warm-season grasses a little later into the year, between April and June, when the temperatures are more consistently warm.
When to fertilize lawns
- For cool-season grasses, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in the early spring, around late March to early April.
- Warm-season grasses should be fertilized when the temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees fahrenheit, which usually occurs in the late spring or early summer but may vary by region and season.
When Should You Start Cutting Grass
There isn’t a hard and fast date for when you should do your first mow of the season. You should keep an eye on the temperatures and the general state of your grass to decide when to fire up your mower.
You should wait to mow until:
- Temperatures are regularly above 40 degrees
- Your grass is beginning to grow again and has reached a length of around 1.5 to 3 inches
- The ground is generally dry and no longer freezing overnight
Before You Mow
- Make sure you’ve done any maintenance or preparations for your particular mower. Remember to check your operator’s manual for more tips on getting your mower ready for springtime.
- Check your yard for any obstacles and remove any debris like fallen twigs, rocks, or leaves.
- Apply an herbicide to prevent weed growth.
- If you use a watering or irrigation system, check your sprinkler heads to make sure there are no obstructions or leaks.
NOTE: You should aim to cut no more than 1/3 of your grass’s total height during your mowing routine. This will help keep your grass healthy and looking lush.
Mowing and Lawn Care Schedule
- You should plan on mowing your lawn at least once a week during the primary growing season for your grass. This is typically April to September or October for much of the U.S.
- If your grass is still growing after it starts to get cold, it’s okay to continue to mow as long as the ground isn’t frozen or wet.
How to Mow
Final Preparations Checklist
Once your lawn is ready for the season, here are a few more helpful tips for creating a beautiful outdoor space for springtime activities.
- Spray down your outdoor furniture with a pressure washer.
- Inspect any fences, retaining walls, or landscaping features for debris or maintenance needs.
- Check your shrubs, trees, or garden beds. Remove any weeds, debris, or leftover dead materials from the winter.
- If you plan to water your lawn, check out our tips for creating an optimal watering schedule.
The Right Tools for the Job
Another key step of planning is ensuring you have all the tools you need for regular yard maintenance or any additional projects you want to take on this spring. STIHL has you covered with a wide range of tools to help take your yard to the next level.
Visit your local STIHL Dealer to get help finding the tools you need to perfect your lawn this spring. Find Your Dealer
