Your guide to spring yard care this season

Spring Lawn Care Kickoff: Mowing and Timing

Host Charity Nebbe welcomes Adam Tomes, a turfgrass specialist, to discuss the basics of spring lawn care, starting with proper mowing height and timing. The episode begins with a focus on the importance of not cutting more than one-third of grass height at once, especially after a rainy spring.

Crabgrass and Winter Damage: What’s Happened to Your Lawn?

Tomes explains that crabgrass has already emerged, making pre-emergence preventers ineffective. He also details winter kill from cold temperatures and lack of snow cover, particularly affecting tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, leading to dead spots.

Fertilizing Smartly: Timing, Type, and Environmental Impact

The episode dives into spring fertilization, emphasizing that while it helps thicken turf, overuse leads to excessive mowing and runoff. Experts recommend slow-release or organic fertilizers and stress avoiding application before heavy rain.

Compost: The Secret Weapon for New Lawns

Tomes highlights compost as a game-changer for new developments where topsoil was stripped. He explains how compost improves soil structure, water retention, and microbial health, and recommends applying it once every few years.

Grass Clippings: Nature’s Free Fertilizer

The episode emphasizes leaving grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients and build soil organic matter. Removing them wastes free fertilizer and undermines soil health.