Spring lawn care tips
Tip #1 Raking/Dethatching - a thatch build up of more than 1/2" is considered excessive
Tip #2 Aeration - a remedy for compaction, allows water, air & nutrients to reach roots
Tip #3 Liming - grass requires a nuetral ph, winter rains can leach soils, test soil first
Tip #4 Overseeding - fall is the preferred time, but can be used in spring to reclaim bare/worn patches
Tip #5 Fertilizing - lighter in spring, heavier in the fall, consult expert as to which type & composition is best for your application
Tip #6 Weed management - organic & chemical herbicides available, consult expert as to which type & composition is best for your application
Tip #7 Tune up mower/buy new one - sharp blades produce clean cuts, rough cuts promote disease, properly running mowers are easier & safer to use
Tip #8 Review mowing strategies/techniques - alternate direction regularly when cutting, avoid cutting when wet, evening is preferred over morning, an optimal height for cutting a "cool season" grass in summer is about 2 1/2", removing only about the top 1/3 of the grass blade, a good time to mow lawns is when your grass is about 3 2/3" high, however, "warm season" grasses may generally be cut shorter. Higher heights promote deeper roots & slower drying.
Tip #9 - Watering - water uniformly & thoroughly 1x per week preferred over many light waterings, water early in the day avoiding mid-day sun (evaporation) & late night which increases chance of disease, avoid oversaturating, know which soil type you have & water accordingly.