Early Spring – Lawn Care Tips

Fertilization – Step 1 for a Healthy Lawn

April is the perfect time to apply Step 1 of a lawn fertilizer program or a Crabgrass Preventer with lawn food. This step nourishes your lawn after winter while preventing Crabgrass and other seeds—including grass seed—from germinating.

Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers

  • Synthetic Fertilizers & Preventers: Ideal for maintaining an already healthy lawn, synthetic options provide quick nourishment and weed prevention. We recommend Jonathan Green products for this approach.

  • Organic & Hybrid Fertilizers: These alternatives, such as Espoma Lawn Foods and Milorganite, focus on feeding soil microbes, which in turn enrich the grass. While they don’t prevent weeds or crabgrass, they improve soil health over time, leading to a stronger, more resilient lawn.

Both options promote a greener, healthier lawn—whether you prioritize immediate results or long-term soil improvement. Choose the best fit for your lawn care goals!

Grass Seeding – Time to Fill in Bare Spots & Thicken Your Lawn

If your lawn has bare spots or isn’t as thick as you’d like, now is the time to patch and overseed! While some seeds may not germinate immediately due to soil temperature, growth will begin over the next week—so you can start prepping now.

How to Seed for Best Results

  1. Prepare the Soil:

    • Loosen the soil in bare spots.

    • Lightly rake your lawn to remove dead grass and debris.

  2. Spread the Seed:

    • For bare spots, apply seed directly onto the prepared soil.

    • For overseeding, gently rake with the backside of the rake (tines facing up) to help the new seed settle between existing grass blades and make soil contact.

  3. Enhance Germination:

    • In bare spots, apply Top Dress with fertilizer to nourish seedlings and retain moisture.

    • On slopes, use EZ Straw to reduce erosion and conserve water.

    • Apply a lawn starter fertilizer wherever you’ve spread new seed for optimal growth.

  4. Watering & Maintenance:

    • Water once daily to keep the soil moist and encourage germination.

    • For patching bare spots, check out our lawn patching products in-store.

Choosing the right seed for your lawn’s conditions makes all the difference! Stop by the garden store to explore seed options and chat with our experts about the best variety for your yard.