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Many Texas homeowners dream of having that lush, green lawn that wows the neighborhood, and we would like to help you with five tips to help prepare your lawn for spring.
1. Clear Your Lawn
Start small and remove the big things cluttering your lawn. If you want your grass to grow, relocate everything that will not be part of your dream lawn such as piles of wood and rocks from previous projects, vehicles and other debris covering your grass. Next, tidy up your lawn by removing smaller things such as leaves and twigs. Your grass now has access to more sunlight and better airflow to start strong this spring.
2. Apply Pre-emergents
Use pre-emergents to halt the growth of weeds in your lawn before they even start to take hold. Apply your spring pre-emergent in late winter or early spring – from the middle of February to early March. Most weeds only live for a single season, flower, drop seeds and wither away. Pre-emergent herbicides will stop their seeds from sprouting and eliminate competition for your grass.
3. Avoid Fertilizing too Early
What you don’t do is as vital as what you do. Fertilize your lawn in late spring when it is growing and ready to absorb nutrients. Timing is everything. If you fertilize before your grass is prepared for it, you could end up fertilizing those weed seeds that may have blown in after the application of pre-emergent herbicides.
4. Aerate
Aerating stimulates root growth, reduces compaction and lets air and nutrients get to the roots faster. With a cool-season turf like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, aerating in the fall or spring yields the best results. With bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and other warm-weather grass, aerate at the end of spring or the beginning of summer. Putting holes in the lawn, while beneficial, may make you feel uncomfortable. If it does, hire a professional to take care of your lawn service needs to help you achieve your dream lawn.
5. Observe Changes
Start developing the habit of checking your grass now, and when the Texas summers force others indoors, your routine will make it easier for you to continue to check for problems. Learn about lawn pests and spend a minute or two walking and observing your lawn. Later, these routine walks will allow you to spot infestations from pests such as chinch bugs, grubs and/or armyworms. The more you observe, the earlier you’ll detect problems and the easier it will be to fix them.
Let Us Help You
If this feels overwhelming, or you are worried because you have missed the optimum time to aerate this season, contact our professionals at Worldwide Pest Control Inc. It would be our pleasure to help you.