Lawn Care in March

March. The sign that warmer weather and spring are practically here!

As the weather warms up, people are itching to get back in their yard to prepare it for spring (trust us, we're getting excited about the warm weather, too). Sometimes, though, it can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe you just aren't sure what you CAN do, but you know you just have to do something.

Not sure where to start on your lawn? Here are a few things you can do this month:

1. Remove any winter damage. Any branches, leaves, dirt, etc. laying on top of your grass should be removed. Although your lawn hasn't started growing yet, these branches and weeds are going to start taking advantage of a weak lawn. They need to be removed.
2. Prepare your mower and lawn tools. Your tools have likely been sitting in your garage or shed for a few months. Pull them out and clean them up. Make sure they work and are ready to go when it's time to start using them.
3. Aerate. If you have a warm-season grass (bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine), you should have your lawn aerated early spring every year. This is really where the "lawn calendar year" starts. It's the foundation for a healthy, thick lawn. Give us a call if you'd like to talk about aerating your lawn.
4. Mow, maybe. It's likely your lawn is fine and does not need mowing yet because it hasn't started growing for the season. But if you do feel your lawn is ready to be mowed, just take off very little from the top. Give us a call if you aren't sure if it's time to cut yours.

It's important to remember that there are a few things you don't want to do yet. The weather can get a little crazy and you never know what to expect, especially in the south. We usually get a pop of warm temperatures, followed by one final winter weather cold spell, before settling into the warm temperatures for good. Plus, your grass isn't actually growing yet and is still dormant from the winter.

What NOT to do in your yard this month:

1. Now is not the time to aerate or overseed if you have fescue grass. Fescue is a cool-season grass and is in its prime season. The time to aerate is later in the fall.
2. There's no need to start watering your lawn yet. Wait a few more weeks for this (unless your route manager has told you otherwise).

March really kicks off the beginning of the "season" for us, although we work to protect and care for your lawn all year long. Our focus this month is a pre and post-emergent weed control with fertilization. We're working to prevent crabgrass as well as promoting a strong root system.

If you'd like to get started with our 8-step lawn care program, give us a call!