As the days grow longer and the snow begins to melt, your lawn eagerly awaits the care it needs to thrive. After a harsh Colorado winter, your grass, plants, and soil are ready for a fresh start—and you should be, too. Spring is the season of renewal, and getting ahead with spring lawn care can mean the difference between a struggling yard and one that bursts with life.
At Westside Grounds, we’ve spent over 25 years helping Colorado homeowners like you transform their outdoor spaces. Our proven strategies are tailored to Colorado’s unique climate. Read on to learn some spring lawn care tips to give your yard the strong start it needs.
Spring Lawn Care Tips
Spring is the time to rejuvenate your lawn and prepare it for the growing season ahead. Focusing on essential tasks sets the stage for a healthy, vibrant yard all year. Below are key tips to help your lawn thrive this spring.
Fertilize Early
Many homeowners mistakenly believe it’s too cold to apply fertilizer effectively in late winter. In reality, late February to early March is an ideal time to give your lawn and plants the nutrients they need to awaken from dormancy. Applying an organic fertilizer during this period helps fortify the roots, ensuring your lawn can handle Colorado’s fluctuating spring weather. Use a slow-release formula to nourish your lawn gradually over time, promoting strong, healthy growth.
Top Dressing & Overseeding
If your lawn has thin or patchy areas, early spring is the best time to address them with top dressing and overseeding. Top dressing involves spreading a thin layer of nutrient-rich soil or compost over your grass. This practice improves soil quality, helps water retention, and encourages deeper root growth.
Pairing top dressing with overseeding (applying new grass seed) can significantly improve your lawn’s density. Choose a grass seed variety suited to Colorado’s climate, and keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds germinate. Addressing these issues early in the season will encourage a thicker, more resilient lawn.
Refresh Potted Plants
Spring isn’t just for your grass. If you have potted plants, now is the time to refresh their soil. Carefully remove about an inch of old soil from the top of each pot and replace it with new, nutrient-rich organic topsoil. This process replenishes vital nutrients and prepares your plants for the growing season. The moisture from early spring weather will help distribute these nutrients through the root system.
Prune for New Growth
Pruning is an essential part of early spring lawn care. Evergreens, shrubs, and other year-round plants benefit significantly from a late-winter or early-spring trim. Pruning removes dead or damaged branches, allowing the plant to direct nutrients to new growth. Be bold but strategic—cut back dead growth while leaving at least one or two healthy buds on each branch to promote future growth.
Inspect and Prepare Equipment
A successful lawn care season starts with the right tools. Inspect your lawn care equipment before the growing season kicks into high gear. Check for rust, dull blades, and wear and tear on essential tools like lawnmowers, trimmers, and rakes. Sharpen mower blades to ensure clean cuts, which help reduce stress on your grass.
Dethatching for Healthier Growth
Thatch—a layer of dead grass and roots—can prevent water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching your lawn’s roots. Removing excess thatch in early spring with a rake or dethatching tool improves airflow and nutrient absorption, helping your lawn recover and grow stronger during the season.
Aerate the Soil
Compacted soil can prevent water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching your lawn’s roots. Early spring is an excellent time to aerate, especially if your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic or shows signs of poor drainage.
Aeration involves creating small holes throughout the lawn, allowing essential resources to penetrate deeper into the soil. This process helps your lawn recover faster from winter dormancy and promotes healthier, thicker grass growth.
Address Weed Control Early
Weeds can quickly overtake your lawn if not managed early in the season. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating. Common Colorado weeds like dandelions and crabgrass are easier to control when tackled before they take root.
Balancing overseeding with pre-emergent herbicide application is essential for optimal spring lawn care. Overseeding introduces new grass seeds to thicken your lawn, while pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating. However, simultaneously applying both can be counterproductive since herbicides can inhibit the growth of your new grass seed. Proper timing and spacing between these applications will help maintain a dense lawn and effective weed control.
Water Wisely
While spring typically brings rain, you’ll still need to monitor your lawn’s moisture levels. Overwatering can lead to shallow root systems, while under-watering may prevent new growth. Aim to water deeply but infrequently, encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil. An irrigation system check at the start of the season ensures your sprinklers function efficiently and evenly deliver water across your lawn.
Clean Lawn and Landscape
Before beginning any spring lawn care, it is crucial to clean your yard. Remove any debris that accumulated over the winter, such as fallen branches, leaves, and dead plant material. This cleanup helps prevent pests and diseases from taking hold of your lawn.
Additionally, clear away tools, toys, or other items that may have been left outside. These objects can block sunlight and hinder grass growth. Starting with a clean and uncluttered landscape creates the ideal conditions for your lawn to flourish.
Contact Us Today for Your Early Spring Lawn Care
Spring is your moment to turn a dull, lifeless yard into a vibrant, thriving landscape. But maintaining a healthy lawn throughout spring requires more than occasional care—it demands a dedicated, well-rounded approach.
At Westside Grounds, we provide a full spectrum of lawn care in the spring to ensure your lawn thrives. From fertilization to aeration, our team of professionals will care for all your spring lawn care. Contact us today for a free quote. Let’s make this the season your lawn comes to life.