Spring Lawn Care Checklist: Week-by-Week
A step-by-step spring lawn care schedule covering cleanup, pre-emergent, fertilizer, mowing, and the common mistakes that set back your season.
Spring is the most important lawn care window of the year. What you do in March, April, and May sets the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the checklist.
Week 1: Cleanup
- Rake leaves, dead grass, and debris.
- Pick up sticks and clear beds.
- Dethatch if the thatch layer is thicker than half an inch.
Avoid walking the lawn when the soil is saturated. Footprints compact wet soil and show up all summer.
Week 2: Pre-emergent herbicide
Apply a crabgrass pre-emergent when soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit for three days running. This is non-negotiable for a weed-free summer. See our weed control service for professional application.
Week 3: First mow
Sharpen the blade first. A dull blade tears grass and invites disease. Cut high, never taking more than one-third of the blade. See how often should you mow for height guidance.
Week 4: Starter fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If you plan to overseed, choose a starter formula with phosphorus.
Ongoing through May
- Weekly mow, alternating direction.
- Deep, infrequent watering (one inch per week including rain).
- Spot-treat broadleaf weeds as they appear.
- Watch for pest pressure and pull one or two plugs to check for grubs.
Common spring mistakes
- Mowing too short. Scalping exposes soil and invites crabgrass.
- Applying pre-emergent too late. Once crabgrass is visible, pre-emergent is useless. Use post-emergent spot treatments instead.
- Skipping a soil test. A $15 test saves you hundreds in unnecessary fertilizer.
Related reading
- When to aerate your lawn
- Best grass types by climate
- Weed control service
- Lawn fertilization service
Want this done for you? Book a spring lawn program in your city.