Spring is when your lawn wakes up, and what you do now will shape how it looks and performs all year long. A thoughtful spring lawn care plan lays the groundwork for healthy growth, fewer weeds, and fewer pest problems as summer approaches. Here are three key areas to focus on this season.
1. Start with Smart Nutrition
Healthy lawns begin with proper nutrition, and that usually means fertilizer. The most important nutrient in lawn fertilizer is nitrogen, which fuels green color and steady growth. If you’ve ever looked at a fertilizer bag and seen numbers like “24-0-5,” those numbers represent the percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For example, a standard 50-pound bag labeled 24-0-5 contains 24% nitrogen — or 12 pounds of nitrogen total. Spread evenly over 12,000 square feet, that delivers 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. In our area, most lawns benefit from about 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet over the course of the growing season, applied in split applications.
It’s also important to understand that not all nitrogen is the same. Some forms release slowly over 60 to 120 days, while others last closer to 30 days. Some fertilizers use natural or organic sources of nitrogen. Others are polymer-coated for slow release — but as those coatings break down, they can leave behind microplastics in the soil. Choosing the right product and timing can make a significant difference in both performance and environmental impact.
2. Get Ahead of Weeds
Spring is the ideal time to think preventatively. Certain weeds, especially crabgrass, must be addressed early in the season before they germinate and spread. Once summer heat arrives, it’s much harder to regain control.
Perennial broadleaf weeds are also easier to manage in spring. When they’re small and actively growing, treatments are typically more effective than waiting until they’re mature and highly visible later in the season. A proactive approach now can mean far fewer headaches by mid-summer.
3. Protect Against Grubs and Other Insects
In our region, grubs are among the most common and damaging lawn pests. These insects feed on grass roots, weakening turf and creating brown, thinning areas. To make matters worse, animals such as raccoons and skunks will often dig up lawns in search of them.
If you’ve had grub damage in the past, or simply want to protect a healthy lawn, preventive treatment in late spring or early summer is typically the most effective strategy. Timing and product selection matter. Applied too early or too late, treatments may be ineffective. Using the wrong product can waste time and money, and in some cases harm pollinators or beneficial insects. Careful planning helps ensure effective control while minimizing unintended consequences.
A Strong Start Makes the Difference
Fertilizing properly, preventing weeds, and addressing insect concerns early are the foundation of a healthy, attractive lawn. With the right approach in spring, your yard can stay thick, green, and resilient through the heat of summer and beyond. A little attention now truly sets the stage for a beautiful lawn all year long.
For more info: sean@farviewtreeandlawn.com or call (914) 391.9970.
