Spring Lawn Preparation: A Complete Guide
As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, it's time to prepare your Massachusetts lawn for the growing season. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your lawn thrives all year long.
When to Start Spring Lawn Care
In Massachusetts, the ideal time to begin spring lawn care is when soil temperatures consistently reach 50-55°F. This typically occurs in late March to early April, depending on your specific location within Boston, Bristol, or Norfolk County.
Step 1: Clean Up Winter Debris
Before any treatment, remove leaves, sticks, and other debris that accumulated over winter. This allows sunlight and air to reach the grass and prevents fungal diseases from developing in damp, shaded areas.
Step 2: Apply Crabgrass Preventer
Timing is critical for crabgrass prevention. Apply pre-emergent herbicide when forsythia bushes begin blooming - this is nature's indicator that soil temperatures are reaching the point where crabgrass seeds will soon germinate. Once you see crabgrass, it's too late for preventers.
Step 3: First Fertilizer Application
A balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring provides essential nutrients to wake up your lawn from dormancy. Look for a formula with a higher nitrogen content to promote green-up, but avoid over-application which can lead to excessive growth and disease susceptibility.
Pro Tip
Don't apply fertilizer and crabgrass preventer on the same day. Wait at least a week between applications for optimal results.
Step 4: Address Bare Spots
Spring is an excellent time to overseed thin or bare areas. Choose a grass seed blend appropriate for Massachusetts cool-season lawns (typically Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, or Fine Fescue). Keep newly seeded areas consistently moist until germination.
Step 5: Set Your Mowing Height
For the first mow of spring, cut slightly lower than normal to remove dead grass blades. After that, maintain a mowing height of 3-3.5 inches throughout the season. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing weed germination and water evaporation.
Need Professional Help?
While some homeowners enjoy DIY lawn care, many prefer the convenience and expertise of professional service. At Turf Pro Inc., we've been helping Massachusetts homeowners achieve beautiful, healthy lawns since 1986. Our Spring Starter program takes care of everything mentioned in this guide - and more.