8 Key Spring Lawn Care Tips

Spring is the season when your lawn gets a fresh start after enduring the harsh winter. Yet many homeowners find their grass looking dull, patchy, or invaded by weeds as the snow melts. This is the problem – winter leaves behind debris, compaction, and damage that can stunt your lawn’s growth. It can be frustrating to see bare spots or persistent weeds popping up despite your hopes for a green yard. Fortunately, proper spring lawn care can help. By implementing the right spring landscape maintenance practices, you set the stage for a healthy, vibrant lawn all season long. From cleaning up winter debris to timely fertilizing and weed control, the following eight tips will help transform your yard into a lush, green oasis and prevent small issues from becoming big headaches.

To learn more and explore lawn care needs for other seasons, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Landscape Maintenance in Omaha.

Prepare for Spring Lawn Care in the Fall

The best spring lawns actually begin in the fall. By taking a few proactive steps before winter sets in, you’ll set the stage for faster recovery and stronger growth once spring arrives. Fall is the perfect time to address compacted soil, control weeds, and feed your lawn before dormancy. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in late fall helps grass store nutrients through winter, leading to richer color and thicker turf come spring.

Aerating in the fall also pays off—cool-season grasses develop deeper roots when soil is loose and oxygen can reach the root zone. This reduces compaction and improves drainage, making spring aeration easier or even unnecessary. If you notice bare patches, overseed in early fall while temperatures are cool but not freezing; this gives new seedlings time to establish before the first frost.

Clearing leaves and debris before winter prevents snow mold and disease from spreading under compacted material. Even a light final mowing in late fall (with the mower blade set slightly lower) helps your lawn overwinter cleanly and grow evenly in spring.

In short, a few hours of fall lawn care can save weeks of spring recovery, ensuring your yard wakes up greener, thicker, and healthier after the snow melts.

Phase 1: Spring Lawn Care Beginnings

1. Start with Spring Cleanup

The first step in spring lawn care is a thorough cleanup of your yard. Begin by clearing away all the winter debris, such as fallen leaves, twigs, and dead grass. Removing this clutter gives your lawn a clean slate and improves airflow to the soil. It also helps prevent pests and diseases from finding hiding spots in damp, decaying matter. Use a rake or leaf blower to gather leaves and pine needles, and pick up any sticks or branches. Pay special attention to matted patches of grass – these could be spots of snow mold or thatch (a layer of dead organic material) that built up over winter. Raking the lawn not only lifts away these dead layers but also “fluffs up” the grass blades, allowing sunlight, water, and nutrients to reach the soil more easily. This simple spring cleanup step improves airflow and soil warmth, encouraging new grass shoots to emerge. Dispose of or compost the debris, and by the end of your cleanup, your lawn will be breathing easier and ready for the growth to come.

2. Aerate Your Lawn

After the initial cleanup, consider aerating your lawn in the spring, especially if your soil is compacted or your lawn gets heavy foot traffic. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes or removing small plugs of soil and grass. The purpose is to relieve soil compaction and create space for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. Improved airflow and drainage from aeration help grass roots grow deeper and stronger, resulting in a more robust lawn. Spring is an ideal time for aeration because the grass is entering its active growing season – cool-season grasses common in Canada (like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue) are waking up and can heal quickly from the aeration process. Aim to aerate in mid-spring when the soil is moist (not waterlogged) so the aerator can pull plugs easily. You can use a manual coring tool or a power core aerator machine, which is often available to rent. After aerating, leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down naturally, or rake them out if you prefer. This practice, as part of your regular landscape maintenance routine, greatly improves soil structure, prevents water puddling, and ensures that nutrients from fertilizer can reach the roots where they’re needed. In the long run, annual aeration keeps your turf healthier and more resilient.

3. Lawn Fertilization is Essential

Spring lawn fertilization is key to recovery from winter and promoting vibrant growth. It replenishes lost nutrients, especially nitrogen for green blade development, but also phosphorus and potassium for root health. A 20-5-10 ratio is often suitable. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer in early to mid-spring, when grass is actively growing and heavy rains are less likely. Always follow application rates, as over-fertilizing can harm your lawn. Experts suggest a lighter spring feeding for cool-season lawns to avoid disease and weeds. Apply with a spreader, ideally after aeration, and water lightly afterward. Proper spring fertilization strengthens roots and brings back rich green color, setting your lawn up for healthy growth.

4. Manage Weeds Early

Weeds compete with grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water, making early intervention crucial for effective spring lawn care. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring, when soil temperatures are ideal, creates a barrier to stop weed seeds from sprouting. For existing weeds like dandelions, hand-pulling or spot-treating with selective herbicides is effective. Environmentally friendly options include corn gluten meal as a natural pre-emergent or organic weed sprays. Attacking weeds early prevents spreading, saving you a bigger job later and leading to a healthier lawn.

Phase 2: Lawn Optimization

5. Overseed Thin & Bare Spots

Spring is ideal for overseeding thin or bare spots in your lawn, repairing winter damage, and ensuring lush coverage. This process involves spreading new grass seed over existing turf to fill gaps, improve density, and crowd out weeds. Choose a high-quality, cool-season grass seed mix suitable for your region, considering sun or shade. Prepare areas by raking away dead grass and loosening topsoil; you can also add a thin layer of topsoil or compost. Spread seed according to package rates, then gently rake it in or cover it with a thin dusting of soil. Watering is crucial: keep seeded spots consistently moist, meaning light watering once or twice daily for the first couple of weeks until seeds germinate. Avoid mowing until new grass is about 3 inches tall, and don’t use weed control products for at least 6-8 weeks. Done correctly, spring overseeding rejuvenates your lawn, creating a uniform, lush look. Overseeding every year or two also introduces new grass varieties, improving disease resistance and turf thickness, ultimately prolonging your lawn’s life and keeping it healthy.

6. Properly Mow and Maintain Your Lawn

How you mow in spring greatly impacts lawn health. Set your mower blade to 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) for most lawns, encouraging deep roots and shading out weeds. Avoid cutting too short, as it weakens plants and exposes the soil. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mow; this may mean mowing weekly during rapid spring growth. Frequent, moderate cuts are healthier than infrequent, drastic ones.

Sharp mower blades are crucial; dull blades tear grass, inviting disease. Sharpen blades at the season’s start and periodically. Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping and vary your mowing pattern to avoid soil compaction. Consider using a mulching mower to return nutrients to the soil, unless weeds are seeding. Proper mowing height, sharp blades, and correct frequency promote a thick, healthy lawn, naturally deterring weeds and building stronger grass.

7. Monitor & Improve Watering Practices

Watering your lawn in spring requires careful consideration. Overwatering or improper techniques can harm your lawn, leading to shallow root growth and fungal diseases. Early spring often provides enough natural moisture, so heavy watering might not be necessary. Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry and the grass shows signs of thirst.

When you water, prioritize deep and infrequent soaking to encourage deep root growth. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall, watering once or twice a week if needed. Ensure the water penetrates 6-8 inches deep. The best time to water is in the morning, allowing grass blades to dry and preventing fungal issues. Morning watering also minimizes evaporation.

To avoid mistakes, ensure sprinklers work efficiently and consider smart irrigation systems that adjust based on weather. Monitoring moisture levels and watering wisely will keep your lawn healthy and prepare it for summer.

8. Keep an Eye on Pest & Disease Control

As your lawn awakens in spring, vigilant monitoring for pests and diseases is crucial for early intervention. A healthy lawn naturally resists many issues, but even well-maintained grass can face problems.

Common spring pests include grubs, beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, causing brown patches. If your lawn turns brown and lifts easily, inspect for C-shaped grubs. A few are fine, but a large population (over 5-10 per square foot) warrants action. Spring or early summer is ideal for grub control, using chemical treatments, beneficial nematodes, or milky spore disease. Good lawn maintenance, like reducing thatch and aeration, also deters grubs.

Fungal diseases like snow mold, visible as matted, dead grass patches with white or pink mold, often appear in wet spring conditions. Usually, snow mold resolves itself as temperatures rise; gentle raking helps. Red thread, small brown patches with a reddish tinge, often indicates under-fertilization. It’s mostly cosmetic and improves with proper nutrients and watering. A healthy lawn is the best defense against diseases. Proper watering (mornings, not nights) and avoiding excessive fertilizer or thatch prevent fungal growth. For serious issues, consider fungicides, but try cultural remedies first (improved air circulation, correct watering, proper mowing, overseeding).

Regular spring lawn inspections are key. Look for discoloration or chew marks. Early detection allows for minimal damage. By integrating pest and disease monitoring, you prevent small issues from escalating. A dense, well-maintained lawn is your best defense, crowding out weeds, resisting insects, and reducing disease susceptibility. Proactive care ensures a healthy lawn from spring through fall.

Take the Guesswork Out of Spring Lawn Care

A beautiful lawn is the result of consistent care and smart springtime efforts. By following these eight key spring lawn care tips, you’ll give your grass the best possible start for the year. First, a thorough spring cleanup clears the way for new growth, while timely aeration opens up the soil for air and nutrients. Careful lawn fertilization replenishes the soil and feeds your grass, and early weed management stops invasive plants before they spread. Don’t forget to overseed any bare spots to ensure a lush, even turf. Routine tasks like proper mowing and wise watering practices might seem simple, but they make a huge difference in keeping your lawn robust and green. And of course, staying vigilant on pest and disease control means you can tackle any issues before they harm your lawn’s health. All of these steps are part of good landscape maintenance and, together, they ensure your lawn stays thick, green, and thriving throughout the season. Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to put these tips into action — your lawn will thank you by looking greener and healthier.

Contact us for expert help with your spring lawn care. We will ensure that your lawn gets a healthy start to the growing season.