Winter can be tough on your lawn, especially here in Minnesota. By the time the snow melts your yard may be covered in debris, compacted soil, and early signs of weeds.
The good news? A proper spring lawn cleanup can set your lawn up for a healthy, green season.
Here’s exactly what to do, and what most homeowners overlook:
Step 1: Clear leaves, branches, and debris
Start by removing anything left behind from winter:
- fallen branches
- leftover leaves
- dead grass buildup
This step is more important than it seems, debris blocks sunlight and traps moisture, which can lead to mold and patchy growth.
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
Even small debris can prevent new grass from growing evenly!
Step 2: Gently rake to remove thatch
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that build up over time.
A light rake helps:
- loosen matted grass
- improve airflow
- allow nutrients to reach the soil
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
Raking too aggressively can damage new grass. The goal is to loosen, not tear.
Step 3: Check for compacted soil (and consider aeration)
After a long winter, soil often becomes compacted, making it harder for water, oxygen and important nutrients to reach the roots. Aeration creates small holes in the soil to improve growth.
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
If your lawn feels hard underfoot or has thinning areas, aeration is likely needed.
Step 4: Address bare spots early
Spring is the perfect time to repair damaged areas. To do so, you’ll need to loosen the soil, add seed, and lightly water.
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
Most homeowners wait too long, which allows weeds to take over those bare spots.
Step 5: Apply emergent weed control
Stopping weeds before they grow is one of the most effective things you can do! Pre-emergent treatments help prevent crabgrass, dandelions, and other invasive weeds.
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
Timing matters! Apply before the soil temperatures rise too much.
Step 6: Plan your first mow
Once your grass starts growing, it’s time for the first cut. Some rules of thumb:
- Don’t cut too short
- Make sure the blades are sharp
- Mow when the lawn is dry
Quick Tip | Don’t miss:
Cutting too short or too early can stress your lawn and slow growth.
Don’t want to handle it all yourself?
Spring lawn cleanup can be time consuming, and doing it right makes all the difference. At Matt’s Lawn Service we take care of:
- Full spring cleanups
- Aeration and dethatching
- Lawn repair and maintenance
You can enjoy a healthy, green lawn without the hassle.