10 Lawn Care Tricks for Spring

If you have spent your cold days dreaming of the perfect lawn over the winter months, now is the time to put that plan into action!

As we approach early April, we are finally starting to see the first hints of spring in Maryland. If you have spent your cold days dreaming of the perfect lawn over the winter months, now is the time to put that plan into action! Don’t know where to start? Here are 10 tips to keep your lawn healthy and green all spring and summer long.

Remove Weeds Early

Now that the weather is getting warmer and you can actually spend an afternoon outside, it’s the time to rid your lawn and garden of weeds before they have a chance to grow and seed. Removing weeds early is much more effective for keeping them out of your lawn and garden long term.

Mow Before the Rain

Don’t make the mistake of ruining your lawn by mowing after it rains. Cutting your grass when it’s wet will result in a messy, uneven cut. Save mows for drier days when you can get an even look across your lawn.

Don’t Get Rid of Grass Trimmings

Grass clippings can supply nutrients to your lawn. If your lawn mower throws the clippings out into the street, use a backpack blower to blow the extra trimmings back onto your lawn.

Use Slow-Release Fertilizer

Feed your lawn for a longer period of time by using a slow-release fertilizer. The nutrients in these break down slower than other lawn fertilizers and will keep your lawn healthier with less effort.

Aerate Your Lawn

Every couple of years, you should aerate your lawn. Aerating eliminates thatch and will allow better circulation around roots, so water and nutrients can penetrate deep into your lawn.

Water Often & Early

Don’t wait for the rain to water your lawn! Most lawns need about an inch of water per week for optimal growing conditions. Watering in the morning can also help prevent your grass from becoming diseased.

Don’t Panic Over a Few Weeds

Some weeds and clover are healthy for a lawn. It can actually balance your lawn since it’s drought tolerant and can fix the nitrogen from the air to feed your grass better.

Sharpen Your Mower Blades

Dull blades shred the grass and turf beneath, leaving them open to disease. A sharp blade will cut the grass like a pair of scissors and leave the ground unscathed.

Don’t Mow Too Short

Leaving your grass a little higher will prevent crabgrass from growing in your yard.

Choose a Grass Variety for Your Area

Ask a garden center worker or do some research on your own about what grasses do the best in your area. Spreading grass seed that is best for your climate early in the growing season will mean your lawn will be easy to maintain and beautiful.

Professional Landscape Design for Your Home

Rhine Landscaping has the tools to make your yard beautiful throughout the year, so trust us with all of your landscaping and poolscaping needs. We have the expertise and knowledge to complete any and all of the landscaping projects on your list. For more information about our services, visit us online or give us a call at (410) 442-2445. For more tips on how to keep your yard and pool looking great year round, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.