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Wednesday April 3, 2019

Spring is Here: Get Your Lawn In Shape With These Tips


spring-lawn

With the vernal equinox behind us, the days are getting longer. And that means your yard is starting to wake up for the season. While your first true mow may still be a few weeks away, there is plenty of prep work you need to get done now – both to get your machinery ready and to make sure your lawn doesn’t have any problems that developed over the winter when your attention was focused elsewhere.

Today we’re taking a look at what you need to do to get your summer of mowing off to a great start.

Check and Tune up Your Equipment

Whether you never got around to the recommended fall maintenance for your mower last year or just want to be sure your mower is in great shape for the mowing season ahead, now is the perfect time for a mower tune-up.

Your mower tune-up should include changing the oil, air filter, and spark plug. You’ll also want to clean your mower from top to bottom, making sure to remove dirt and grass clippings from the undercarriage.

Now is also a great time to sharpen the mower blade to ensure the best cut for your lawn all season long. Dull mower blades rip and damage your grass, creating the perfect conditions for disease to set in.

Last, but not least, fill the gas tank with fresh gas, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that mowers can be difficult to start while it’s still cold outside. To make things easier, try leaving your mower out in the sun for a few hours to warm it up first.

Of course, if you want to save valuable time for a beer with your buddies, the experienced technicians at Power Pro Equipment are happy to handle maintenance and repairs on all of your lawn equipment from zero turn, lawn tractors and walk behinds to single-blade push mowers, and even gas-powered utility vehicles.

Check Your Hoses

A sturdy garden hose is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your outdoor arsenal. Be sure to check your hose for wear, UV damage, and leaks to be sure it’s in tip-top shape for spring and summer watering chores. If you find that you need a new hose, choose one that is long enough to reach all the parts of your lawn and garden beds to make things easier.

Clear Your Lawn

Take a walk around your lawn and gather any twigs, branches, and loose debris. A chainsaw can be very helpful to remove larger branches. Next, rake up dead grass and leftover leaves. If you find weeds, now is a good time to remove them. If you add leaves or dead grass to a compost pile, make sure any weeds are separated out first. Finally, make note of any bare patches in your lawn.

Fill in Bare Patches

While one of the best times to plant fresh grass seed is in the fall after crabgrass and weeds die out, you can still fill bare patches in your lawn in early spring. To plant fresh grass seed, start by weeding the area if necessary. Then just follow these easy steps:

  • Loosen the topsoil.
  • Spread new grass seed over the bare patch.
  • Cover new grass seed with a few handfuls of topsoil and water generously.
  • Be sure to water newly-seeded areas daily for at least the first week.
  • Avoid mowing your newly planted grass until it’s at least 2” tall.

Edge Your Beds

Edging your garden beds in early spring is a great way to prevent grass from invading the beds throughout the spring and summer. Plus, the soft soil in early spring makes the task a snap. Just cut a 2 to 3 inch deep, V-shaped trench along each bed using a sharp garden spade. A string trimmer will help you keep that clean edge throughout the spring and summer.

Get a Jump on Weeding

Early spring is a great time to get a jump on sprouting weeds. If you’ve had problems with crabgrass or weeds in the past, using a good weed and feed lawn care treatment can prevent weeds from sprouting, giving your grass plenty of space to grow thick, lush, and green.

If you prefer an organic approach, you might try an organic, pre-emergent herbicide instead of chemical weed treatments and fertilizers. Be sure not to apply weed and feed or pre-emergent herbicides in areas where you’ve planted fresh grass seed.

Water Sparingly

In early spring, your lawn’s roots grow first, seeking out available water in the soil. If you water too often, your lawn will not develop the deeper roots it needs to resist drought conditions in late summer. Instead of watering, allow Mother Nature to provide the water your lawn needs. Your lawn will get plenty of moisture from spring showers.

After your grass is established, water your lawn only when blades of grass don’t bounce back after you walk over them. This means your lawn is ready for a quick drink. Water in the early morning or late evening for best results.

Mow High & Don’t Bag

While we know you can’t wait to fire up your mower, be sure to let the grass grow out a bit before that first cutting. Tall grass creates deeper roots which are better able to find water and keep weeds at bay. When it’s time to cut, set your mower deck to the highest setting and don’t bag the clippings. The added nitrogen from the grass clippings will get your grass off to a great start.

While spring clean-up can be a bit time consuming, the rewards are well worth the effort, especially when you’re using the right tools to get the job done. If your old mower just isn’t cutting it anymore, stop in to your nearest Power Pro Equipment dealer to see the latest residential and commercial mowers from great names like Hustler, Husqvarna, Spartan, Toro, and more. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and find the perfect equipment for your needs!

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