We have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you utilized your New Jersey sprinkler system installation company and won’t have to worry about dragging a hose through your lawn all summer long for adequate watering. The bad news is that if you fail to care for your lawn in the spring, you could end up paying for it all summer long.

But wait, we have even more good news; the care your lawn needs in the spring isn’t as labor intensive and time-consuming as you might think. In fact, you won’t spend any more time prepping your lawn in the spring than you will be spending mowing your lawn in the summer. Now some more bad news: If you are reading this right now, spring will be giving way to summer very soon so you better get on it now.

Raking

Your first chore of spring lawn care is raking. Yes, we did hear a collective groan coming from everybody reading this. You are still getting over all the raking you had to do in the fall to rid your lawn all of those leaves.

Thatch is the reason you rake in the spring. Well, thatch and dead blades that will soon become thatch. Even if your lawn is free from thatch, there are likely matted patched throughout and new grass has a difficult time penetrating these patches.

Aeration

If there are areas of your lawn subjected to high levels of traffic, it may be showing signs of decline. If so, it is probably due to compacting. The remedy for compaction is aeration.

The good news is that you can rent a lawn aerator and do the job yourself.

Seeding

If your lawn is riddled with bare patches due to Fido or other reasons, you will want to seed these in the spring. While fall is the best time to seed your lawn, spring will do if you wish to fix up these bare spots.

Fertilizing

Your lawn can be fertilized organically using compost or, if you prefer, chemical fertilizers can be used. Whichever one you choose, we recommend a lighter feeding as too much fertilizer can lead to problems with weeds.

Weed Control

Weeds and crabgrass begin their annual assault in the spring. Preemergent herbicides deal with the weed issue before the seedlings even emerge, as the name suggests. If you already have dandelions and other weeds popping up in your lawn, then you will need a post-emergent herbicide.

Of course, you can bypass herbicides completely and simply pull the weeds by hand.

Tune Up Your Lawn Mower

Mowing your lawn is a physical task that leaves you tired and worn out. The only thing worse about having to spend your Saturday mowing the lawn is having to spend your Saturday trying to get the lawn mower started. Don’t spend a Saturday tired, sweaty and frustrated because you failed to have your lawnmower tuned up in the spring.

Follow these tips and your lawn will look great this summer.