What to do with your Lawn after Winter

Winter is over, and spring has officially sprung! In fact, I was so excited to see tulips in a client’s yard I basically jumped out of my shoes. He planted bulbs last year, and now they made his entire backyard sing. So many of you are probably wondering how to make your yard sing this spring. From a garden and landscaping business owner’s perspective, this is an essential time of year. Let’s explore what to do with your lawn after winter.

Clear Debris

The first step in getting your lawn ready for spring is to clear away any debris that accumulated during the winter. This includes fallen leaves, twigs, and branches that could be tangled in the grass. Use a leaf blower or rake to get everything off your lawn. Clearing this debris will leave your lawn clear and free to grow. You won’t believe the change this can make in how healthy and beautiful your lawn looks.

Rake and Aerate

During winter, the snow can compact the soil, making it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Raking and aerating the lawn after winter is a good way to alleviate compaction and breathe new life into your lawn. This process will help to break up the soil and allow water and nutrients to reach the roots. Reseed If your lawn has bare or thin patches, it’s a good time to add some grass seed and fertilizer. This process is called overseeding. It’s essential to do this in the spring because the soil has warmed up enough to help the seeds take root, ultimately giving you thick and healthy grass.

Fertilize

Fertilizing is critical in the spring because it provides the necessary nutrients to help your lawn grow lush and green. Fertilizing the lawn once enables it to grow and flourish and stay healthy throughout the season. And a healthy, dense lawn is your best defense against weeds. By fertilizing in spring, you encourage grass to grow vigorously, which helps to choke out weeds and prevent them from taking hold.

Mow the Lawn

This one seems obvious, but it’s time to mow your lawn. Now that the grass has begun to grow, you need to start mowing regularly. Keep your mower blades sharp. Make sure to cut the grass to the desired height because cutting it too short can damage the blades and cause spots to appear. Regular mowing ensures the growth of a healthy, vibrant lawn, which is what I want for you in 2024. Your lawn after winter can be quite challenging to take care of without any prior knowledge about the right time and ways to tackle it. Debris, compaction, dead roots, and other problems may have occurred that your yard will not be able to fully flourish until you’ve addressed them. If this seems overwhelming or you want to do more with your yard this spring, contact us today and, together, let’s give your lawn the care it deserves.

Summer Planning

And if you are like most of my clients, you are already thinking ahead to summer. How will you use your space when the days are long and hot? If you are considering a pool, then check out my latest blog post. Make your wish list, research each option, then start interviewing professionals (for things like sprinklers, patio design, and pools) – our calendars fill up quickly for summer projects! All other DIY projects can be planned and completed by you, ideally this spring before the temperature rises!

Happy Gardening!

Pragya Mishra is the Founder and Principal of Artscapes, LLC, a Northern Virginia-based landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing outdoor transformations that bring you joy. With 22 years of professional experience, she works closely with each client and her network of top-tier contractors to make each project vision a reality. Follow Artscapes on Instagram @artscapes_living and see examples of past projects on her website, www.artscapesliving.com.