After a long Minnesota winter, your lawn needs a little help getting going. Use this checklist to start the season right.
Spring checklist
- Wait for the soil to dry. Walking or raking on soggy ground compacts the soil and damages new growth.
- Rake away debris. Remove leftover leaves, sticks and matted grass. Raking also helps with snow mold, which shows up as gray or pink matted patches.
- Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses. Do this before new growth starts so you do not cut the new shoots.
- Edge and refresh beds. Clean edges give your yard a sharp look right away.
- Add mulch. Spread 2 to 3 inches around plants, and keep it away from stems and trunks.
- Repair bare spots. Spring is a good time to overseed thin or bare areas, and keep new seed moist while it germinates.
- Consider aeration. Core aeration helps compacted lawns take in air, water and nutrients.
- Service your mower. Sharpen the blade and change the oil before the first cut.
- Mow high. Keep the mowing height around 3 inches or more, which helps grass grow thicker and crowd out weeds.
- Be careful with fertilizer. Minnesota limits phosphorus on lawns unless a soil test shows a need, so check the label and local rules.
Need a hand?
All Star Outdoor Services offers spring cleanups, lawn mowing, mulch installation, aeration and overseeding in Northfield, Faribault, Dundas, Lonsdale, Morristown and Waterford. Request a free estimate on our website.