The cold and dreary season has gone and the growing season is in full effect. Your lawn could use a  little love before the rain starts pouring, and the grass will be a growing! These simple and easy spring lawn care tips should get you moving into the right direction with a lush and healthy lawn.

Thatch Removal and Soil Aeration

• Thatch is basically a layer dead or dying grass shoots and a light layer of thatch is actually good for your lawn, however too much thatch can suffocate it by blocking water oxygen from penetrating into the subsoil.  For light thatch build up a rake will be adequate,  For heavy thatch removal a thatch removal rake should be used. Be aware that you yard will look a bit rough afterwards but should rebound nicely.
• Compacted and clay soils prevents your lawn from thriving much in the same way that thatch does. Aerating your lawn to loosen the soil so water and nutrients are better absorbed down to the roots have room to grow.

Soil Testing

A balanced pH level for you lawn is usually between five to seven, depending on the type of grass.  Soil test can be purchased at your local lawn and garden store.

• If the pH level is too high, your soil is considered alkaline, Adding sulfate with a broadcast spreader with reduce the pH level.
• If your pH level is too low, Your soil is acidic. You can add lime to balance out the ph.

Be sure to read the directions carefully when applying additives. Follow the directions from the manufacturer. Once adjustments have been added, water the lawn and test the soil pH again in 30 days.

Fertilize and Weed Control

Depending on your lawn’s health you should fertilize at least twice a year, once taking place during the spring growing season. If you do have weeds you apply a post emergent weed killer, but do so carefully not to harm your grass.  You can also apply a weed pre emergent to your lawn, however too many chemicals can stress the grass roots.

Watering Your Lawn if Needed

During the spring season many areas can be drenched with heavy rain and there is no need to water your lawn for a week or two.  Checking the amount of wet or moist soil can be done by simple digging or pulling up small patch of grass. If you soils is moist or saturated about to 2 inches you do not need to water your lawn.  When the rains stops and your soil begins to dry up then you should water about an inch and half per week.  Applying too much water could lead to fungus and unwanted weed grow. Too little water can lead to grass drying out and allowing weeds to establish in to the shallow soils.