Does your lawn look worn out? Brown patches? Extra thatchy? Just... tired? You've may have ignored this in previous years, waiting out the season to see if it could rebound on its own. This year, try something a little different.
With a little effort (and the right timing), you can help your yard wake up and thrive. Whether your region took a hit from frigid temps, heavy snow, or even flooding, the tips below will help you take the right first steps to recovery. You don’t need to be an expert; just start with the basics and build from there.
Start With a Cleanup
Once the snow starts to melt, it’s time to grab your rake. Clear away leaves, branches, and anything else that settled over the winter. Marc Mayer, TruGreen’s director of technical operations, says this first task helps more than you might think: “This step is important for improving air circulation and stimulating new grass growth as the soil warms with longer daylight.”
This also gives you a chance to spot any trouble areas, whether it's dead patches, fungal spots, or signs of damage or compacted soil from heavy snow piles. Don’t skip this cleanup; it sets the stage for everything that comes next.
After raking, bring out the lawn mower. For that first cut, Mayer recommends dropping the mower blade a bit lower than usual. Before mowing, make sure your lawn mower is ready to go:
- Clean or replace the air filter
- Change the oil
- Make sure you don't have a dull blade
- Check the spark plug
Watch for Snow Mold
Cold weather can leave more than just dead grass behind. If snow lingered on your lawn for too long, especially in spots where it piled up, fungal diseases can thrive.
Here’s how to know if you’re dealing with snow mold, according to Mayer:
- Look for straw-colored patches, sometimes several feet wide
- Check for matted-down, crusty areas
- Gray snow mold has a grayish-white look
- Pink snow mold has a white-pink tint
If you see these signs, don’t panic. Lightly rake the matted patches of grass to loosen them up and let air and sunlight get in. Most of the time, snow mold clears up on its own once the weather warms up. Avoid adding more moisture with early spring watering until the grass starts growing again.
Other Lawn Fungus to Look Out For
Snow mold isn’t the only fungus that can cause problems. As your lawn wakes up, keep an eye out for other fungal infections that can show up in spring.
Many lawn fungi create irregular or circular patches in the grass. These patches may start small and grow over time, often with a darker ring around the edge. One common example is fairy ring lawn disease, which appears as rings of dark green grass or mushrooms. Another is dead spot ring, where otherwise healthy grass dies in roughly shaped circles that don’t green up with the rest of the grass.
Fungal spores from these issues spread quickly, especially when the lawn stays damp or has poor air flow. Damage fungal problems cause can look like thinning grass, yellow patches, or even bare, trouble spots.
Raking and letting the lawn dry out can sometimes help; however, if the damage spreads or doesn’t improve, a lawn fungicide may be needed for treatment. Look for one that treats the specific type of fungus you’re seeing and follow the label directions carefully. Preventing lawn fungus often comes down to keeping your grass healthy—don’t overwater, mow at the right height, and don’t let a thatch layer build up.
Don’t Skip the First Mow
That first cut after winter makes a big difference. Lowering the blade helps clear away dead grass and gives your lawn a jump start. Mayer says, “This will remove dead grass blades, help to improve air circulation, and stimulate new grass growth.”
This is where timing matters. In cool-season areas, wait until the snow is gone and the lawn is dry—usually March or April. Many cool-season grasses remain dormant into spring. In warmer climates, you can mow as soon as new growth begins, often in late February or March.
One thing to remember: don’t mow if the ground is still soggy. You’ll risk tearing up your entire lawn and compacting the soil, which makes it harder for grass roots to grow. If it squishes when you walk on it, wait.
FAQ
Should I fertilize my lawn right after winter?
It depends on where you live. In cool-season zones, early spring isn’t always the best time for fertilizer, since your grass might not need a boost just yet. You’re better off waiting until late spring to add nutrients. In warm-season zones, a light feeding in early spring can help, but only once the green lawn is active and growing.
What about aerating the lawn in spring?
If your lawn feels hard underfoot or you’ve had water drainage problems, aeration can help. But spring isn’t always the best time, especially if you still have a dormant lawn. In many cases, fall is preferred because it gives your lawn more time to recover. If you must aerate as part of your spring lawn care routine, do it lightly and wait until your the blades of grass are growing well.
