Prepping Your Lawn for Spring: The Early Steps to a Lush, Green Yard

• On March 01 2025

It's time to kickstart your lawn care plan! Winter may still have its grip on Maryland and Virginia, but now is the perfect time to begin reviewing your lawn goals for green spring growth. A well-maintained lawn doesn't happen overnight - it requires thinking in advance, beginning in late winter. There are plenty of tasks to tackle, so starting earlier will help you achieve your lawn goals stress-free and efficiently. Review our Maryland and Virginia-specific checklist of late-winter lawn care tasks to help you prep for spring.

The Ultimate Late Winter Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland and Virginia Homeowners

1. Soil Testing

Never underestimate the power of a soil test. Over months and years, your soil's composition will naturally adjust. As its nutrient makeup and organic matter change, your soil's ability to support a healthy lawn will also change. Soil testing is the #1 way to identify what your soil needs to promote dense grass growth. The University of Maryland recommends taking a soil test every three years to stay on top of its developing molecular environment.

Virginia Tech offers soil testing through its university labs. For a thorough expert soil analysis, fill out its form and request a soil sample kit.

2. Debris cleanup

From last year's leaf litter to broken branches, chances are that, underneath all that snow, your lawn needs a serious cleanup! Late winter, when the snow has thawed, is the perfect time to get the family outdoors and pick up organic debris in the lawn. Put on some gloves, grab rakes, and tackle the cleanup together. This simple step will make room for new lawn growth and better sunlight penetration.

3. Lightly rake the lawn

Is your lawn having a bad hair day? Dense snow piles, foot traffic, and heavy ice weigh down your grass, making it look flat and lifeless. A light raking can fluff those grass blades and get your grass back in shape! Use a lightweight leaf rake or dethatching rake to gently undo the grass matting without damaging the roots. If you notice gray or pink patches in your lawn, it may be infected with snow mold. Raking will combat the moisture-loving molds with fresh air and proper circulation.

4. Reseeding bare spots

Sometimes, not all our grass survives the winter. Don't fret — an early reseeding of these bare lawn spots will make your grass as good as new! The best time to reseed cool-season turf grasses like tall fescue is early March through April. As for warm-season turf grasses like Zoysia, it's best to wait to overseed around August since these varieties grow best in heat. Need to reseed cool-season grasses this year? Here are the steps to bring life back to your lawn after a harsh Maryland winter:

• Step 1: Rototill with a lawnmower or aerate to break up the thatch layer.
• Step 2: Till soil amendments into the earth based on your soil test results.
• Step 3: Sow the grass seed using a spreader for big areas or by hand for small areas.
• Step 4: Follow with watering and continue watering daily.

If you simply want to make your existing lawn denser and fuller, try overseeding:

• Step 1:Mow low to prepare the area for seeding.
• Step 2:Pick up the grass clippings and follow with aeration.
• Step 3:Use a seed spreader to distribute your grass seed variety.
• Step 4:Water immediately after and daily to ensure the seeds stay hydrated.

5. Plan for fertilization

The soil test in step 1 will be crucial for fertilization planning! The soil test will uncover the nutrients that your soil lacks so you can select the best fertilizer type for this year. Before your first early spring fertilizing, spend winter researching what NPK composition your turf needs most.

Nitrogen (N) is a primary lawn nutrient that encourages dense, beautiful blade growth. If your soil is low in nitrogen, select a nitrogen-full fertilizer from your garden store. Phosphorus (P) is another key nutrient crucial for strong root development. Still, according to Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law, it should only be added when a test states your soil needs it. Finally, potassium (K) is an immune booster for your grass, improving its defenses against disease and drought. Potassium is safe for local bodies of water, so apply as needed. As you plan your fertilizer schedule, remember Maryland's fertilizer blackout dates, which start on November 16th and end on March 1st.

Creating a Year-Round Lawn Care Plan: What's Included?

Your neighbor's pristine lawn that looks right out of The Sound of Music? It all started in the winter! The perfect lawn begins with creating a year-round lawn care plan before the growing season begins.

• Ensure your lawn tools are stored and maintained throughout the year.
• Assess if your lawn needs reseeding or overseeding.
• Plan for four fertilizer applications in early spring, late spring, early fall, and late fall.
• Evaluate your lawn's most common weed problems to plan spring crabgrass and broadleaf prevention accordingly.
• Plan an annual core aeration to improve air and water circulation.
• Mow once a week on a regular schedule.
• Water 2-3 times per week, adjusting for drought and frost.

When to Call in the Pros for Lawn Care in Maryland and Virginia

Taking on an entire year of lawn care by yourself is no joke. If that to-do list is overwhelming to look at, we get it! Sometimes, it's best to lean on the lawn care pros to guarantee your lawn will not just meet your expectations but exceed them.

A lawn care team will come equipped with everything needed to revive your lawn from a dreary winter. With industry-leading equipment, a professional education in landscape maintenance, and years of experience on our shoulders, you can trust Agrolawn to transform your lawn. It will save you money, time, and stress in the long run.

From Winter Woes to Spring Successes, Agrolawn Will Lead Your Lawn to Greatness

Agrolawn is committed to the growth and development of beautiful lawns in Maryland and Virginia. Ready to create a spectacular lawn in the Chesapeake watershed region? Contact us today to begin prepping your lawn for the spring season.