For the most part, the snow is gone and problem spots in your lawn are starting to surface.  Right now is the time to start preparing your lawn for the upcoming spring and summer season.

Here are 5 tips that will help you get ahead of lawn care issues that could possibly ruin your lawn.

Dethatch

Dethatching is by far one of the most important tasks you can complete this spring to give your lawn a head start.  Thatch is basically grass that has died off during the winter season and anything more than ½ inch of thatch in your lawn will suffocate your grass.

Dethatching is recommended early in the spring because it can be harsh on your lawn and dethatching later in the season can actually have negative effects on your lawn.  Therefore, dethatching early in the season gives your lawn ample time to recover properly.

Weed & Feed

Weeding and feeding your lawn in mid to late spring gives way for your lawn to flourish.  Weeding can be done by hand pulling the weeds to get the roots or you can spot spray weeds with chemicals.  But be careful, over-spraying your lawn with chemicals can cause stress to your lawn during the heat of summer.

Feeding your lawn in spring is done best with a slow-release fertilizer.  A slow-release fertilizer will seep deep into your soil as the ground thaws out, providing your lawn with nutrients from top to bottom.

Deal With Bare Spots

As your lawn starts to green, you may notice some bare or dead spots throughout your lawn.  If this happens, flush the spot with water, rake out the dead grass, level it out with sand and soil, plant some seed and water it vigorously.

Seed

Just like everything else, individual blades of grass die out and can leave your lawn looking thin.  Seeding your lawn early in the spring allows new blades of lawn to replace the dead ones and gives your lawn a thick, lush look and feel.

Watering

Water, water, water, but don’t overdo it!  Water is essential to any lawn and the best time to water your lawn is early in the morning.