Preparing for Spring Lawn Care in North Carolina

Spring is just around the corner, and for homeowners in North Carolina, it’s time to gear up for the growing season. A well-prepared lawn is the key to ensuring lush, green grass throughout the warmer months. We’ve created a guide to walk you through essential spring lawn care steps for homeowners in the Triangle area. These lawn care tips will help you get your lawn ready so you can achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn in Raleigh. 

Lawn Care Tips to Prepare for Spring

As spring rolls around, these step-by-step lawn care tips can be a huge factor in maintaining a healthy lawn in North Carolina.  

Assess Your Lawn

Before diving into spring lawn care, take a close look at your lawn. Check for signs of damage, disease, or any lingering effects from the winter weather. Note areas affected by pests or heavy foot traffic. Understanding your lawn’s current condition will help you determine what spring lawn care it needs before the growing season. 

Lawn Clean Up

Clearing your lawn of debris left over from winter is crucial. Remove sticks, leaves, and any other items that might hinder the grass from receiving sunlight and nutrients. This clean-up ensures a fresh start for your lawn in the growing season. 

Take a Soil Test

Conduct a soil test to determine your lawn’s pH balance and nutrient levels. Collect a soil sample and send it to your local extension office in North Carolina. Soil test results will guide you in choosing the right fertilizers and soil amendments needed for a healthy lawn. 

Spring Aeration and Addressing Thatch

Aeration and dethatching are essential for a thriving lawn in Raleigh. Late spring, when the lawn has begun actively growing, is the perfect time for core aeration. It helps break down thatch build-up, alleviate soil compaction, and promote stronger root systems. Lawn aeration also helps improve air circulation, basically allowing your lawn to breathe. Healthy soil means better nutrient absorption, ensuring your grass gets the most out of your fertilizers, watering, and more. 

Service Your Lawn Mower

Before the first mow of the season, take some time for lawn mower maintenance. Sharpen or replace mower blades, check the oil, and ensure everything is in working order. Sharp mower blades ensure a clean, even cut. Dull blades can cause tearing to the grass blades and stress out your turfgrass. 

Understand How to Mow the Right Way

Timing is crucial when beginning spring lawn mowing. Always mow at the right height, and make sure to bag your grass clippings after the first mow. Begin mowing when the grass starts greening up, which can be as early as mid-March in the Triangle area. Proper mowing techniques encourage healthy growth and discourage pests. 

Recommended Mowing Heights by Grass Type

• Bermudagrass:  0.5-2 inches
• Zoysia: 0.75-2 inches
• St. Augustine: 2.5-4 inches
• Centipede: 1-2 inches
• Tall Fescue: 2.5-3.5 inches

When to Fertilize Your Grass

Timing is everything when it comes to fertilizing your lawn in the springtime. Choose the right type of fertilizer and follow the guidelines to provide your grass with the nutrients it needs for robust growth. Typically in Raleigh, early April is a good time for spring fertilization. 

How to Prevent Weeds & Pests in Your Yard

Weed control should be a big priority for homeowners during spring. Before the growing season, weed and pest prevention can be a game changer for the health of your lawn for the rest of the year. 

Spring Weed Control & Prevention

You may see common early spring weeds like dandelions popping up in your lawn. Post-emergent weed killer can be used for any existing weeds. To prevent summer weeds, like crabgrass, spring pre-emergent herbicides are crucial! Apply weed prevention in mid-February through March to stop germination in the soil.  

Lawn Pest Control & Prevention

Familiarize yourself with common lawn pests in North Carolina, like white grubs. These pests feed on grass roots and can cause damage and discoloration in the lawn. An insecticide in spring may be necessary but they can may also become an issue in late summer to early fall.  

Spring Lawn Watering Strategies

Keeping your grass hydrated is a crucial part of lawn maintenance. Warm-season and cool-season grasses need at least one inch of water per week during spring. Morning is the perfect time to water, as it gives your lawn time to absorb it before evaporating in the peak heat of the day. Avoid evening watering to limit fungus issues. 

How Eastern Turf Maintenance Can Help

Homeowners looking for the best spring lawn care in the Triangle can call the pros at Eastern Turf Maintenance! We offer lawn care services for North Carolina grass types and we know what lawns in Raleigh need to be ready for a successful growing season. Our services include weed control and fertilization, lawn aeration, tree and shrub care, and mosquito control in the Triangle Area. Contact us today for a free quote!