After a long Michigan winter, the first signs of spring bring excitement for homeowners eager to see their lawns return to lush, green glory. Southern Michigan’s climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for lawn care as the seasons transition. Here’s how to prepare your lawn for the spring season to ensure a thick, healthy yard all summer long.
Winter’s Aftermath
As the snow melts and reveals your lawn, you’ll likely notice some winter damage. Dead patches, snow mold, and compacted soil are common issues facing southern Michigan lawns. Begin with a thorough inspection, noting areas that need special attention in the coming weeks.
The freeze-thaw cycles typical in Michigan winters often cause soil heaving, pushing grassroots upward and potentially damaging them. Walking your property during early spring allows you to assess these problem areas before diving into your lawn care routine.
Early Spring Tasks
Timing is crucial when preparing your lawn. In southern Michigan, temperatures typically become favorable for lawn work by mid-April, though this varies yearly. Wait until soil temperatures consistently reach about 55°F before beginning intensive work.
Start with grass raking to remove thatch—that layer of dead grass and debris that accumulated over winter. This element of a “spring cleaning” allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the soil more effectively while removing potential disease harbors.
Core aeration is particularly beneficial for Michigan lawns after winter. The heavy clay soils common in the region tend to compact, especially after months of snow cover. Aeration creates pathways for nutrients and reduces soil density, allowing grassroots to expand more easily.
Seeding and Feeding
For bare patches that didn’t survive winter, early spring offers an excellent opportunity for overseeding. Choose cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fescue blends that thrive in southern Michigan’s climate. These varieties establish themselves before summer heat arrives, giving them the best chance of survival.
April is ideal for applying a spring fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. Products designed specifically for Michigan’s early growing season provide the nutrients your lawn needs to recover from winter stress and prepare for summer growth. Consider a slow-release fertilizer that provides consistent nutrition over several weeks.
Weed Management
As temperatures warm, weeds begin their growth cycle, often before your grass reaches its prime. Apply crabgrass pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures reach about 55°F to prevent crabgrass and other summer annual weeds from establishing themselves.
For established perennial weeds, spot treatment rather than broadcast application minimizes chemical use while effectively targeting problem areas. Remember that a thick, healthy lawn naturally suppresses weed growth, so your overall lawn care strategy remains your best defense.
Mowing Practices
When your grass reaches about 3 inches, it’s time for the first mow of the season. Set your mower height to about 2.5-3 inches—taller grass develops deeper roots and better drought resistance, which becomes important during Michigan’s occasionally dry summer months.
As spring progresses, establish a regular mowing schedule, typically once a week starting late spring. Remember the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.
Final Thoughts
A successful summer lawn in southern Michigan begins with thoughtful spring preparation. By addressing winter damage, providing appropriate nutrients, and establishing good cultural practices early in the season, you’ll create conditions for thick, healthy turf all season long.
The relatively mild spring temperatures and typically adequate rainfall in southern Michigan create ideal conditions for lawn recovery and growth. Take advantage of this period to set your lawn up for success before summer heat and potential drought conditions arrive.
Put Your Yard Work on Autopilot
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, or manage a 10-acre office complex, contact the team at Keast Lawn & Snow today to get a quote for lawn maintenance at your property.