Winter can be tough on grass, causing it to become brown and dormant. It’s not uncommon for property owners to watch helplessly as their lawns start looking a bit worse for wear with each passing day, with some property owners going as far as saying their grass looks dead after winter. Thankfully, it’s not the end of the world. There are some things you can do to care for your lawn as you slowly bid winter goodbye and start preparing your lawn for spring.
Assess the Damage
Take a good look at your lawn and see what kind of shape it’s in. Are there any dead patches? Is the grass thin or patchy in places? Are there any obvious signs of pests or disease? Addressing these problems now will help ensure a healthier lawn come spring. Make a list of all the issues you spotted so you don’t forget to fix them once it’s safe to do so.
Rake Up Debris
Winter can be tough on your lawn, leaving it covered in leaves, twigs, animal waste, and other debris. Raking up this debris will give your grass a chance to breathe and start growing again. You may have to pick up some items with your hand but the absolute goal is to free the lawn without inflicting any more damage than winter has already done.
Sometimes, you may also have to learn how to get rid of winter grass that are not worth saving anymore. Winter has a way of doing irreparable damage, and there are times you just need to accept that some areas of your turf have to go. But don’t just start digging and pulling, you need to have a system in place to prevent more damage not just to the soil but the remaining roots as well.
Aerate the Soil
Aerating the soil helps improve drainage and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. This is especially important if your turf is compacted or has heavy clay soil. You can use a spike aerator or a plug aerator. The soil is cleared of genuine cylindrical plugs with a plug aerator while a spike aerator uses a spike to make holes in the ground. Because employing spikes to pierce the soil may result in increased soil compaction, the majority of lawn specialists advise using plug aeration instead.
Overseed Bare Spots
Overseeding is an easy and efficient way to fill in bare spots and thicken up your lawn. Choose a grass seed that’s suited for your climate and spread it over the affected areas. Be sure to water regularly until the seedlings are established. But remember not to overwater especially after winter. Too much water could cause rotting in the root zone which is going to be an even bigger problem.
Apply Fertilizer
A healthy lawn needs nutrients to thrive, so apply a fertiliser formulated for spring growth. This will give your turf the boost it needs to green up and fill out. If you’re not sure which fertiliser to get, you can always ask the manufacturer. It would be helpful if you could inform them about the type of grass you have on your lawn.
Resume Mowing
Once your grass starts growing again, you have to resume regular mowing. Set your mower blades a bit higher than usual at first, then lower them as the grass gets longer. This will help avoid scalping the lawn and damaging the grass. Doing this protects the grass blades as well as prevent you from stripping the lawn of its healthy and vibrant green colour.
Water Deeply and Regularly
Proper watering is crucial for a healthy lawn. Water deeply and regularly, giving your grass an inch of water per week. Be sure to water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. There are tools that you can use to know how much moisture is in your lawn. But if you don’t have them, you can always use simple tests like this chopstick test
Be patient!
Lawn care is not a sprint. You need to give your lawn sufficient time to flourish. With a little TLC, your lawn will be green and healthy in no time.
By following these simple tips and lawn care strategies for spring, you can revive your lawn after a long winter and have it looking its best come spring. But if you don’t have the time or the skills to DIY, you can always hire a company that offers lawn maintenance services. Here are some reasons to consider working with a lawn care company for post-winter lawn care:
- They have the experience and skills to properly care for your lawn.
- They have the appropriate equipment and tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- They can provide customised services based on the specific needs of your lawn.
- They offer convenient scheduling options that fit your busy lifestyle.
- They can help you save money in the long run by preventing future problems with your lawn.
- They have extensive experience working on all types of lawns in various seasons
Some lawn companies like Green Oasis offers free quotes online, so you can have a better idea on how much you’re likely to pay to have your lawn ready for spring. It’s a good way to gauge whether you want to push through with hiring a certain lawn contractor or not. If you feel like you’re ready to take the plunge, then you should absolutely get in touch with a lawn company right away.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring
If you’re looking for someone to handle your lawn care as the winter ends, look no further than Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation. We have the experience and expertise necessary to get your lawn looking its best, no matter what the weather throws our way. If you’re ready to have the best looking lawn on the block this spring, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have and get started on making your lawn look its absolute best.
