It’s officially springtime here in central Florida, and now’s the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the warmer months ahead. Achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn can be hard work. That’s why it’s important to create a lawn routine that will give your lawn its best chance at thriving not just in the spring, but all year long! The lawn care experts at Heron have provided six essential tips for getting a beautiful spring lawn that will stay healthy well into the summer, fall, and winter months.

1. Choose the Best Grass for Your Lawn

There are several different types of grass that grow well in our climate. There are pros and cons to each one, and a lawn care expert can typically help you decide which is best for your unique property. Whether St. Augustine grass is your top choice because of its high tolerance and attractive dark green blades or you’re considering bermuda for its resistance to foot traffic and drought, the right grass is out there for you!

2. Aerate Your Spring Lawn

It’s important to get into the habit of aerating your lawn. The many benefits of aeration include improved fertilizer uptake, better tolerance to drought and heat, better exchange of nutrients and oxygen with the soil, and more. The best time to aerate your lawn is the early spring or fall, making now the ideal opportunity to do so. This can help the overall health of your lawn.

3. Establish a Good Watering Schedule

Obviously Florida is under water restrictions in the summer months, making it the perfect time to prepare for that. Equip your sprinkler system with the right technology, including watering timers, meters, and moisture sensors. This will help keep your water usage in check and also keep your lawn healthy. Too much water this time of year can quickly expose your lawn to disease and insects.

4. Fertilize Your Lawn Correctly

We all know that fertilizers help maintain the nutritional balance of your lawn and encourage growth. But many people are intimidated by fertilizer, especially because improper use can lead to a ruined lawn. Always use fertilizers sparingly and follow your local fertilizer ordinance guidelines, as some types of fertilizer are banned during the summer months.

5. Control Any Weed Issues

Weeds can quickly turn a healthy lawn sour, and weed problems are a common threat to lawns in Florida. This dreaded lawn problem often comes about as a result of over-watering, insect infestations, heavy foot traffic, and more. Because we deal with so many different types of weeds—burnweed,  dollarweed, and more—it’s recommended to enlist professional help to identify and treat specific weeds.

6. Mow Your Lawn Properly

Mowing your lawn too short will weaken the root system and allow for weeds. Your grass should never be mowed more than ⅓ its leaf surface, and, on average, a lawn should be mowed about once a week. Ensure your mower has sharp blades, which are important to maintain a green lawn.

Professional Lawn Care Services

Taking care of a lawn is no job for an amateur. If you want your spring lawn to be healthy and happy all year-long, the experts at Heron Home & Outdoor can help. Our lawn care specialists will work with you to develop a plan suited to the unique needs of your property.