Spring lawn care checklist: get your yard ready for mowing season

It’s mowing season in Mid-Missouri, the perfect time to begin preparing your yard for the warmer weather. To help you get your yard in top shape, we've put together a spring lawn care checklist. With these simple steps, you can ensure your yard looks its best.

Rake up leaves and debris from your lawn

Before your first mow of the year, rake your yard thoroughly to loosen matted grass clumps and alleviate thatch. Raking also helps remove dead leaves, twigs, and other debris from the winter. Doing this will help reduce lawn disease, prevent lawn pests, and make your yard look neat and well-maintained.

Aerate and fertilize your lawn

After you’re done raking, aerate your lawn to further reduce thatch buildup and improve oxygenation in the soil. Aeration helps promote better fertilizer absorption by creating more spaces in the soil where fertilizer nutrients can enter.

Apply spring fertilizer about three weeks after the grass starts greening or following the first two or three mowings. Apply too early and you risk feeding weeds and creating fertilizer runoff. Fertilizing too late can stunt growth. Always follow the instructions on your fertilizer package, paying attention to any special instructions depending on your climate, soil type, and desired results.

Water your lawn regularly

At the beginning of the season, you will need to water less often, many grass varieties don’t require much water during early spring. By summertime, you will be watering more often. According to the University of Missouri, “Lawns in Missouri may require as much as 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week from irrigation or rainfall during summer to remain green and actively growing.”

To keep your grass healthy and reduce stress, spread the amount of watering over two to three days during the week instead of in one session. Yard work should also include spot-watering any areas that need extra hydration; this includes newly planted patches and patches shaded by trees or buildings.

Mow your lawn regularly

No matter what type of grass you have, it’s important to mow regularly so that your lawn looks neat and healthy. Set aside time each week to mow your lawn, and make sure you don’t let it grow too long in between cuts. The ideal height for most grasses is 2 1⁄2 to 3 inches high, so make sure to adjust your mower blade as necessary.

Remember, mowing is an important part of lawn care and maintenance. Don’t skimp on mowing – take the time to do it right. Doing so will help ensure a lush, green lawn this spring and all year round.

Don’t have the time to devote to your yard? Let goodhouse help with your lawn maintenance so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Contact us to get started.