Spring makeover for your lawn

The lawn is a favorite of many garden owners. However, once the last remnants of snow have melted, the often sad sight it presents may bring tears to the owners’ eyes. But don’t worry, with a few tricks, you can get your lawn looking great in no time.

Your lawn is in the best position for a strong start to the gardening year if you applied a special autumn fertilizer. The potassium-rich fertilizer strengthens the grass cells, making them more resistant to drought, frost, and fungal infestations. Additional iron ensures that the lawn starts off lush and green, and helps reduce moss. However, it’s likely that the icy and wet winter months have taken a toll on your lawn, and you may need to implement a few 'revival measures.'

Remove old thatch from your lawn, which has accumulated over the year from leaf debris and other organic residues between the grass blades. This process is called scarifying. The best time to do it is once the grass growth has started in March/April. First, mow the lawn, then scarify. The scarifier’s blades comb through the soil and pull up the thatch. After scarifying, the grass roots get light and air again; water and fertilizer can also penetrate deep into the soil. If bare patches appear during scarifying, reseed them. If your lawn doesn’t yet need scarifying, aerating will suffice. This gentler procedure can be done more frequently. With an aerator fork or lawn aerator shoes, you loosen the grass sward, allowing light, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots without obstruction.

From mid to late April, the first fertilizing can be done, ideally after scarifying or aerating. It’s best to use a special spring fertilizer, which, thanks to its phosphorus-rich composition, gives the lawn a strong boost. If there’s a lot of moss in the lawn, use a fertilizer with an integrated moss killer. The ideal method for applying is with a spreader, which is back-friendly and ensures even distribution. Fertilize on a cloudy day, and if it’s dry, water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing.

In many regions, snow covers the ground well into March. Even the lawn remains covered by a snow layer for a long time. This serves a purpose, as the snow provides protection against harsh frost and/or intense sunlight. When the sun shines on the exposed lawn at sub-zero temperatures, the grass loses water through evaporation. However, the plants cannot draw moisture from the frozen ground, causing the grass to turn yellow and dry out. Therefore, it’s important not to remove the protective snow and avoid walking on the frozen lawn, as the brittle grass blades may break like glass. Even during thawing weather, avoid stepping on the lawn, as softened soil may form depressions where water can accumulate.

However, don’t use the lawn as a storage area for snow cleared from sidewalks or paths, as the additional weight and residual salt can cause lasting damage to the grass. If last autumn’s leaves have gathered on the snow-free lawn, which spring storms may have blown from hidden corners, carefully rake them off on frost-free days. If the old leaves form a wet layer on the lawn during rain, fungi can thrive and spread, as air and light cannot reach the grass.

Are the blades sharp, and is the engine running smoothly? Before the gardening season truly begins, it's a good idea to have your lawnmower serviced. Don’t hesitate—have your lawnmower checked by the professionals and repaired if necessary. This pays off in the form of a clean cut and extends the lifespan of your equipment!