Spring lawn care means it will then be set-up to get through the coming summer months.
Here are six easy steps for spring lawn preparation:
Step 1 – Cleaning up your lawn
During winter not only do weeds litter your lawn but thatch starts to build up. Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass shoots, stems and roots that shows up between the soil and the grass blades in your lawn.
Raking and removing all leaves is the first step in the spring-cleaning process! But while you are raking your lawn you are also dethatching especially if you dig the rake in deeply. Raking also removes all the dead matted patches where glass blades are stuck together. Raking is a two-fold effect and achieves more than just leaf removal.
A wire or metal rake is more effective than a plastic one.
Step 2 – Aeration
Lawn compaction occurs during the year, especially in high traffic areas. It is also a result of a wet winter where the ground has been moist, and the soil has compacted.
The solution is easy – lawn aeration. You can either aerate your lawn manually with a fork, aeration shoes or hire a lawn core machine at your local Garden Centre.
It’s a winter job that rarely gets done but adds so much benefit.
Step 3 – Fertilising
Lawns can be easily organically fertilised using a mulching mower or by adding compost.
Alternately using a chemical fertiliser purchased from your local Garden Centre or LawnPride is also advisable. The trick is to not “overfeed” too early during spring as this only encourages weeds so be sure to read the label for how much to apply.
Step 4 – Watering
As we move into spring the soil is yet to warm up properly and the nights are still cool. Therefore, any deep watering may sit on top of the lawn/soil for longer than expected. To check if your lawn requires water burrow your finger into the lawn and if it is damp don’t water.
As you then move into summer when watering is an issue, you want to make sure you’re using water wisely. Water early in the morning for about 15 minutes so the lawn can absorb the moisture more effectively. Alternately, water parts of the lawn that are most in need (drying out more) or the areas you want to stay green.
Step 5 – Weeds
Springtime is also about removing pesky weeds from your lawn. Depending on whether the weed is an annual or perennial will depend on which pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide you use.
For example, if you have a problem with annual weeds, such as Crabgrass, then fertilising in spring would go hand-in-hand with the application of pre-emergent herbicides.
Pre-emergence herbicides, as the name suggests, addresses weed control before their seedlings can emerge.
Post-emergent herbicides are used on perennial weeds, such as Dandelions. You can first try removing these perennials by hand, ensuring you remove the whole weed and its roots. Alternately you can purchase a post-emergent herbicide from your local Garden Centre or LawnPride.
Please read the label on any herbicide you may purchase as some are not suitable for Buffalo grasses.
If purchasing a herbicide be sure to check the chemical is suitable for your variety of lawn.
Step 6 – Mowing
Springtime gives you the perfect opportunity to not only revitalise your lawn but also your lawn mower.
Be sure to check the blades, as sharp blades are the key to healthy lawn mowing. Either replace the blades or grind them back yourself or seek the services or your local mower shop.
During spring grasses such as Buffalo, Zoysia, Couch and Kikuyu like to be kept shorter so aim for between 2cm and 4cm in length.
Also, make sure the engine and other key elements are working smoothly. Want more mowing advice?