Homeowners: What Does Spring Mean for Your Lawn?

Warmer weather is creeping into the Carolinas which means grass is growing and plants are starting to bud or bloom. Early spring is a great time to get a head start on lawncare so you can have a healthy, lush lawn come summer when you’re spending more time outdoors. Plus, you want to help make your neighborhood look great and be an attractive part of the community. No one wants to look at a yard overgrown with weeds or covered in dead spots.

Get started prepping your yard this spring:

·        Evaluate damage: Even with a mild winter, damage can occur. Look for spots where grass seems to be thinning or dead, or where weeds are taking over. Give your yard a thorough raking to remove thatch and smaller debris that has collected and is matting things down.

·        Know your grass type: The Carolinas often have a mixture of warm-season and cool-season grasses, so know what’s in your yard. Read packaging when buying lawn care products such as fertilizer, grass seed, or weed killer to ensure that it’s intended for the type of grass you have.

·        Seed and fertilize: Now is the time to start overseeding your lawn or adding a little fertilizer to stimulate healthy growth. The weather is a mix of rain and sun, yet it doesn’t get too hot to scorch seeds before they have time to take root. Be careful if you’re treating for weeds at the same time, however, because weed controller can interfere with the growth of new grass.

·        Make the most of mowing: As grass shifts into growth mode, it means time to mow to keep things healthy and even. Remember to sharpen your mower blades for a crisp, clean cut, and to only remove approximately one-third of the grass length at a time. Wait until the ground and grass are dry to avoid clumping and matting.

·        Consult a professional: Unsure of how to best care for your grass? Talk to a professional who can educate you about what type of grass you have, what issues are present in your yard, how to control weeds, and what to do to keep your lawn as healthy as possible.

Keeping your yard looking its best can take some work. Start scheduling regular mowing into your plans and thinking about planting flowers and gardens. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late and get behind. It can be a great idea to use the compost you’ve been working on all winter to enrich your soil before planting.

Now is also the time for the HOA to work with its landscaping team to ensure common areas are well cared for and transition the community from winter to spring and into summer. A property manager like Kuester can help coordinate these services and more to support your HOA. Contact us today to learn more!