5 Things You Should Do Now to Ensure a Lush Lawn Come Spring

Although temperatures might still be dipping, and you’re probably wearing an extra layer or two, better days are on the horizon. Spring isn’t too far away, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard. So, if you’re counting down the days until gatherings with friends and family, as well as relaxing evenings watching the sunset with a drink, it’s best to start getting your lawn ready as soon as possible. Are you ready for a verdant green space filled with plants and blooming flowers? Here are five things you should do right now for a healthy lawn come spring.

Remove Debris Immediately

It’s easy to let debris build up on your lawn during the colder months, but try to motivate yourself to get outside and tidy things up. “Start with a gentle refresh by raking away debris, fallen leaves, and any lingering thatch to allow fresh air and sunlight to reach the soil,” says Michael O’Brien, founder and owner of Hommes + Gardens.

While you might not think excess leaves are a major problem, according to Matt Koch, director of biotechnology, genetics, and seed at ScottsMiracle-Gro, debris can suffocate lawns or even lead to lawn disease if it becomes too wet. “Remove lawn furniture and items like piled-up firewood, which can leave damaged spots on the lawn,” he adds.

Hydrate

You do still need to water your lawn when it’s cool out (50 degrees or higher), especially if your area has been hit with droughts. “Recently, there have been dry periods in the early season that will slow your lawn’s development and health.” says Don Eaton, CEO of Bower & Branch.

One of the best things you can do is watch out for those dry periods; while lawns are tolerant of extended periods without water, they do let you know when water is needed. “Simply watch closely—you will notice growth slow, and the vigorous green will begin to fade as your grass plants move toward dormancy,” he advises. “It’s always best to water so as not to interrupt growth.”

O’Brien recommends deep, infrequent watering sessions (preferably in the early morning) to encourage strong root development and drought resistance.

Get Rid of Weeds

Weeds can be a frustrating part of gardening, but unfortunately, they’re part of nature and essentially unavoidable. For weed control, try to skip the harsh, pricey herbicides. “Instead, hand-pull weeds before they spread, or use corn gluten meal as a natural pre-emergent to prevent unwanted growth,” O’Brien suggests. “Over time, these small but thoughtful choices will transform your lawn into a vibrant, resilient landscape that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.”

Mow Early and Often

You might not be super motivated to mow your lawn on colder days, but if you want a beautiful lawn come spring, it’s crucial to get out there and start mowing. “I recommend early mowing and mowing often,” says Eaton. “Think of it like brushing your hair—it feels good, looks good, and is good for you.”

Not sure how tall your grass should be? Probably taller than you think. “One of the most significant errors I see in homeowners’ lawns is the desire to keep lawns far too short,” Eaton adds. Mowing too short can cause unnecessary stress and may contribute to weed growth, so he recommends keeping grass 2.5 to 3 inches tall. No more than one-third of the overall grass height should be removed during one mowing.

Get Off Your Lawn

When lawns are dormant in the winter, it’s important to avoid excess walking or playing on them. “Frequent activity on lawns in the winter can cause soil compaction, and even strong grass can become weak if the same path is walked over too much,” says Koch.

While this might not be possible to avoid entirely, after all, you might want to build a snowman or enjoy some time outdoors on those occasional days when the temperatures rise, but just be sure not to overdo it if you’re looking forward to enjoying your lawn in the coming season.