March
Tip
1
Apply Crabgrass Pre-emergents Now
Pre-emergent crabgrass products are a spring lifesaver when it comes to preventing crabgrass in your lawn, but timing is extremely important. Apply these products as soon as soil temperature reaches 55 degrees.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Start Mowing Frequently and Correctly
Begin mowing now, and continue to mow about once a week. Keep your lawn at about 2.5 inches long. Removing only 1/3 of the total length of the grass, while maintaining your desired length, is an extremely important aspect of mowing. Getting into the habit of mowing more frequently in the spring will help you keep to this rule throughout the spring and summer.
Tip
3
Apply Soil Test Recommendations
If you've taken a soil test in the winter, now is the time to apply the recommended fertilizer and nutrients to your lawn.
Tip
4
Water Only When Necessary
In the spring, water your grass only if necessary. Wait to water your lawn until it really needs it; when it experiences natural wilting or slight browning. However, if you're applying a fertilizer or other product that requires watering before or after application, follow those application instructions carefully to achieve your desired results.
Tip
5
Remove Excess Thatch Now
Removing excess thatch now will help light penetrate your grass and improve air circulation, as well as allowing fertilizers, herbicides, and any other products to absorb faster and more efficiently.
April
Tip
1
Last Chance To Apply Pre-Emergent Products
Crabgrass preventers, also called pre-emergent crabgrass killers, should be used in most areas by mid April. If you apply them after this point, you could miss the window and the weeds may already be germinated and actively growing.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Begin Fertilizing Now
Fertilize now, and be sure to follow proper fertilization rates, ideally based on results of a soil test. Fertilizing now will help give your lawn the nutrients it needs to root deeply and robustly, so your lawn can fend off weather, pests, and diseases without experiencing much damage.
Products needed for Tip 2
Tip
3
Start Applying Post-Emergent Weed Killers Now
If you already have weeds growing in your lawn, control them now with post-emergent weed killers. Control any weeds as soon as you see them. They're easier to control when they're small and young.
Products needed for Tip 3
Tip
4
Remove Excess Thatch
Dethatching is an important step in your spring lawn care schedule. Too much thatch traps moisture and blocks sunlight and airflow, so if your thatch is too thick, now is the time to dethatch.
Tip
5
Start To Inspect Lawn Regularly For Lawn Diseases
The melting snow, possible increase of rainfall, and increasing temperatures can create a good environment for lawn diseases to thrive. Start watching for possible lawn diseases closely, diagnosing issues based on thorough inspection. Many diseases can resemble drought or pest damage, so make sure you diagnose correctly.
May
Tip
1
Control Broadleaf Weeds With Post-Emergent Herbicide Application
Some broadleaf weeds may continue to grow even if you've applied a pre-emergent herbicide. Use a post-emergent product, but apply when temperatures are below 85 degrees, and read the label carefully to ensure you can use it on your type of grass.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Apply Second Spring Fertilizer Application
Most lawns can benefit from two spring fertilizer applications, one in early spring and one in late spring. Apply a second application now.
Products needed for Tip 2
Tip
3
Begin Watering Lawn
If spring rain has tapered off and your lawn appears dry, start watering your lawn, careful to only water when your lawn appears to require it, and water deeply, letting your lawn get at least an inch of water.
Tip
4
Remember To Mow Frequently
Because of the warmer temperatures and increased rainfall or irrigation, grass will be growing quickly. Although it may seem like extra work, mowing your lawn frequently is extremely important. Taking off only ? of the total height of the grass to maintain your desired grass height (2-3 inches) will keep your lawn healthy.
Tip
5
Leave Grass Clippings On Lawn
Instead of raking up your grass clippings after you mow, consider leaving them on your lawn. This not only saves you some time and effort, but also gives some nitrogen and organic matter back to your lawn.