Spring has finally arrived, and while tending to your lawn may not be the most exciting weekend activity, many people eagerly anticipate the first mow of the season. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and take some preparatory steps to ensure that your initial lawn care efforts yield the best results.
Here are 11 tips to consider before firing up the lawn mower for that first essential mow:
1. Prepare Your Mower
Before starting the mower, ensure it’s in top condition. Change the oil, replace the filter and spark plugs, clean the underside of the deck, and sharpen the blades. Consider a professional spring tune-up for comprehensive maintenance.
2. Address Diseased or Dead Spots
Treat areas of weakened grass with a fungicide to eliminate lingering bacteria. Common issues include snow mold, brown patches, and fungal infestations. Addressing these concerns before mowing promotes a healthier lawn.
3. Clear Obstacles and Decorations
Remove plant pots, lawn décor, and furniture to facilitate a thorough mow. Avoid the risk of diseases spreading by clearing items that have been sitting in your yard all winter. Discard damaged or unnecessary decorations and planter pots.
4. Thoroughly Rake the Yard
Prior to mowing, consider raking the entire lawn to remove debris, sticks, and matted grass. Loosen soil thatch and break up unwanted growth, ensuring a healthier and more even rate of new grass growth.
5. Aerate the Soil
Use a core aerator to reduce thatch and compact soil, providing more room for essential care. Aeration allows for better absorption of air, water, and nutrients, strengthening grass roots.
6. Apply Spring Fertilizer
Boost the soil with quality-grade fertilizer before engaging in intense yard work. This contributes to a robust, healthy lawn that thrives throughout the season. Choose fertilizers tailored to your grass type, soil, and seasonal needs.
7. Seed Where Needed
Address patches of dead or thinning grass by adding extra grass seed before mowing. This speeds up germination and rooting, enhancing the overall appearance of your lawn.
8. Water the Grass
Despite the lawn being exposed to snow and water, thorough watering before the first cut can awaken the roots, promoting increased growth and strength.
9. Dispose of Lawn Debris
Clear away all lawn debris and waste, such as wet leaves and dead grass clumps. These can harbor bacteria and lead to grass illnesses, including brown patches and snow mold.
10. Treat for Weeds and Pests
Combat weed and pest issues early in the spring, ideally before mowing. Treating the soil beforehand provides better access to the grass roots, increasing the efficacy of the treatments.
11. Gradual Mowing Height Adjustment
When mowing for the first time, avoid cutting more than a third of the grass height to prevent damage and reduce the risk of weed infestation and disease. Gradually adjust the blade height over subsequent mowing sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking the time to follow these steps before the first mow will significantly impact the look and health of your lawn, ultimately saving you effort later in the season.
