Spring is the perfect time to handle all those lawn care tasks on your to-do list. Our real estate agents know that a lush, green lawn also helps your home look inviting to potential buyers. Check out these spring lawn care tips to get your yard looking its best.

1. Clean Up Your Yard
   When your yard has dried out from the latest round of rain or winter precipitation, set aside time to pick up any debris and dead vegetation. Focus on picking up leaves, wayward rocks, and sticks. If you have snow that's refusing to leave, use a shovel to gently spread it out so that it'll melt quicker. 

2. Get Your Weeds Under Control
   Spring is the ideal time to tackle any weeds residing in your lawn. Apply a pre-emergent weed control product that keeps your weeds from germinating. These products last for approximately three months, so you'll need to do another application during the summer. 

3. Seed Your Lawn
   If you're using a weed control product, note that it will also prevent any new grass seed from sprouting. You'll need to decide if you want to focus on weed reduction or filling in bare spots in your lawn. Should you decide that your focus is on improving the thickness and amount of grass in your yard, plant warm-season grass varieties that can withstand warmer spring and summer temperatures. 

4. Inspect Your Hoses
   You'll likely need to water your lawn or gardens over the next few months; make sure your equipment is ready by inspecting your garden hoses, your watering attachments, and your outdoor taps for leaks and damage. Confirm that your hose is long enough to access any areas that you'll need to water. 

5. Rethink Your Water Technique
   It's a common misconception that you need to water your yard every single day. This will actually prevent it from developing a deep, drought-resistant root system. Instead, it will develop shallow roots that require your intervention for survival. A better watering technique is to wait until your grass needs water to run your sprinkler system. If you step on the grass and it doesn't bounce back, this means that it has wilted and needs watering. Most yards need an inch of precipitation each week. Grass seed is the exception to this rule. You'll want to water grass seed for 5-10 minutes in the early morning and in the middle of the day. Once the new grass grows, continue this watering schedule for another week. Then, reduce the watering to once per day for a slightly longer period. Reduce your watering frequency until it's on the same water schedule as your established grass. 

6. Explore Alternative Techniques for Fertilizing Your Yard
   If you prefer to use bagged fertilizer, opt for a slow-release variety that's less likely to damage your foliage and more likely to allow the nutrients to break down more gradually. Another option is to leave your grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them. This will provide your yard with almost a quarter of its nitrogen needs. 

7. Test Your Soil So That You Know What It Really Needs
   Consider having your soil tested so that you can better personalize your lawn chores to your yard's needs. A soil test will also tell you if your soil is acidic and requires a layer of lime. 

Looking for a home with a larger garden or yard? Contact us today to start your search!