You can bring about healthy spring lawn growth through these tasks.
As we turn the corner into March, spring is within sight. If you are eagerly awaiting spring’s arrival, you may start to look closer at your lawn. Are there bare or thin patches in your lawn left behind from harsh winter weather? Does your soil seem more compacted than usual? Are you concerned about weeds? If your lawn needs a refresher and you want to encourage healthy spring lawn growth, there are several tasks that can encourage your healthy grass.
Aerate If Necessary
If your lawn receives a lot of heavy traffic, such as kids running and frequently playing in the same spot, this can cause soil compaction. If your soil is compacted, an aerator creates openings in the soil to allow water and air to reach the roots. Aeration encourages healthy spring lawn growth in previously-compacted soil.
Assess Your Soil’s Acidity
Grasses grow best in a soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.9. You can call a professional at Scientific Plant Service to conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s pH level. Based on the test results, we can recommend the best soil amendments to return the pH to an optimal level for turf growth.
Overseed to Fill in Your Lawn
A lawn with bare or thin patches may need a spring application of grass seed to fill those unsightly spots. Overseeding involves sowing grass seed into existing grass. When growing new grass in the spring, pay close attention to the new growth and keep the soil moist but not soaked during the germination period. The little extra work is worth it when you can enjoy a full and lush yard in the summertime.
Fertilize Your Lawn
Fertilizer is always a key component of encouraging healthy spring lawn growth. Again, a soil test will indicate any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. Scientific Plant Service can interpret the soil test results and make specific fertilizer recommendations. If you applied fertilizer in the fall to prepare your lawn for spring, you may only need a light application this spring.
Service Your Lawn Mower
A key component of encouraging healthy lawn growth is regular mowing at the proper height. Now is the time to check your mower. Beyond checking that your lawn mower works and that you have the correct fuel, check to see that the blade is sharp. A sharp blade ensures that the mower cleanly cuts each blade of grass rather than tearing them. Rough tearing from a dull blade can lead to grass with ragged brown tips which are an ideal place for pests to invade.
Prevent Weed Growth
Many weeds emerge in the springtime and, if unchecked, can compete with your grass for water and essential nutrients. This is why spring lawn care requires you to simultaneously encourage healthy lawn growth while preventing the spread of weeds. Pre-emergent weed treatment stops weeds before seeds germinate. Some treatments may conflict with your aeration or seeding plans, so discussing your complete lawn care plan with a lawn care expert is best.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.