Spring isn’t just a season – it’s an awakening. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, your lawn shifts from winter dormancy to full-on growth mode. But what’s really happening in the soil, to the grass, and around your yard? Understanding this seasonal transition can help you make smarter lawn care decisions and set the stage for a lush, healthy lawn all season long.
Let’s dig in.
Beneath the Surface: Soil Comes Back to Life
Winter may have slowed things down, but beneath your lawn, the soil is anything but static. As the frost thaws and moisture levels change, an entire underground ecosystem reactivates.
- Microbial Reawakening: Beneficial bacteria and fungi start breaking down organic matter left from last season, releasing nutrients that your grass will soon need.
- Earthworm Activity: Earthworms, nature’s tiny tillers, begin working through the soil again, aerating it and improving nutrient circulation.
- Soil Moisture Shifts: Snowmelt and spring rains create fluctuating moisture levels. Proper drainage prevents root rot and fungal growth, so check for areas where water pools.
How to Prepare:
- Consider a light spring aeration if your soil feels compacted.
- Avoid walking on overly wet soil to prevent compaction.
- If your lawn has poor drainage, assess problem areas before growth kicks into high gear.
Grass Growth: From Dormant to Dynamic
After months of dormancy, grass blades and roots start their comeback. But not all grasses wake up at the same time.
- Cool-Season Grasses (Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass): These grasses thrive in spring’s cooler temperatures and begin greening up as soon as the soil reaches around 50°F.
- Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine): These varieties stay brown longer, waiting for warmer temperatures (60°F+) before actively growing.
What’s Happening to Your Lawn?
- New Growth Emerges: Blades stretch upward as chlorophyll production increases.
- Old Growth and Thatch Breakdown: Winter-damaged blades and dead material may linger. Light raking helps remove excess thatch and allows new shoots to thrive.
- Root Expansion: As temperatures rise, roots dig deeper, strengthening the lawn’s ability to withstand summer heat.
How to Prepare:
- Hold off on heavy fertilization until grass is actively growing.
- Start mowing when growth is steady—never scalp your lawn early in the season.
- For warm-season grasses, resist the urge to fertilize too soon. Let nature take its course.
Around the Lawn: Spring’s Chain Reaction
Your lawn doesn’t exist in isolation—nature is waking up all around it.
Weeds Take Their Shot
Spring is prime time for weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and chickweed to germinate. These opportunistic invaders sprout before grass fully establishes, competing for sunlight and nutrients.
- Pre-emergent herbicides (for crabgrass and broadleaf weeds) should be applied early, before soil temperatures hit 55°F consistently.
- If you missed pre-emergent timing, spot treat weeds as they appear instead of blanket-spraying the entire lawn.
Insects on the Move
- Grubs overwinter in the soil and begin feeding on grassroots as temperatures rise. If you’ve had past grub issues, monitor closely.
- Pollinators like bees emerge and begin searching for nectar. If you plan to seed bare patches, choose bee-friendly blends with clover.
Fungal Growth and Lawn Diseases
- Snow mold, dollar spot, and other fungal issues appear when lawns stay wet for too long.
- Proper air circulation (mowing at the correct height) and avoiding excessive early spring watering help prevent disease.
Wildlife and Yard Dynamics
- Birds are returning and foraging for insects, a natural pest control boost.
- Small mammals like squirrels and rabbits become more active, sometimes digging or nibbling on early lawn growth.
- Mulch beds and compost piles reactivate as decomposers return to break down organic material.
Mowing Season: Are You Ready?
Spring mowing isn’t just about cutting grass—it’s about setting the tone for a healthy season.
Mowing Tips for Spring Success:
- Wait for the Right Time: Don’t rush the first mow. Let grass establish steady growth before cutting.
- Set the Right Height: Cut no more than one-third of the blade’s length at a time to avoid stress.
- Sharpen Your Blades: A clean cut reduces disease risk and promotes healthy regrowth.
- Change Up Your Mowing Pattern: Mowing in different directions prevents soil compaction and encourages upright growth.
Spring is nature’s reset button, and your lawn is part of the transformation. By understanding what’s happening beneath your feet and above the surface, you’ll be ready to maximize your lawn’s health and beauty this season.
Are you ready to start mowing? Your lawn sure is.