Well, after one last blast from Mother Nature, it looks as if we are finally on our way to spring in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. After the long winter, most of us have cabin fever and are eager to get out to and start working on our grass and enjoying the start of the lawn growing season. But like a kid during the holidays with a shiny new gift, we don't quite know what to do first. That's why we put together 3 lawn care tips you must start with.

1. Clear Debris & "Fluff" Snow Mold - After a long winter, our turf has taken quite a beating. The howling winter winds can cause branches and debris to litter your lawn, causing indentations and mowing hazards. You may think that mowing over branches and debris is no big deal, however this can cause damage to both your mower and your lawn (Learn more about Snow Mold Here). Obviously, your mower may be damaged by debris, but a lot of people don't realize that damaged, knicked blades can cause your mower to "rip" the grass instead of cutting it. This can lead to disease, and other problems. Snow mold may also be a common site after all the snow we've received this winter. The snow pack causes a lack of oxygen to reach your turf, creating a perfect environment for fungus to grow. Unlike other problems, simply "fluffing" these packed areas can return airflow, and stop the fungus dead in its tracks. 
   
   
2. Spring Aeration - After a winter with a lot of snow, your soil can become compacted from the weight of the snow pack. A spring aeration is a perfect way to help alleviate this compaction, creating thousands of tiny little pockets for oxygen to hit your turf's root systems and allow your lawn to breath (Read more about Aerations by Clicking Here). A spring aeration also serves as a perfect way to deliver food to your lawn, with fertilizer reaching the roots quicker.
   
   
3. Apply Pre-Emergent - While it is too early to apply pre-emergent crabgrass preventer in some areas of Cleveland and Columbus, you should be prepared to apply it in the next few weeks. Pre-emergent crabgrass preventer is perhaps your most important application of the season. Applying it too early, or waiting too late cause crabgrass all season long. Crabgrass preventer should be applied when soil temperatures hit 50 degrees. Applying before then can lead to your preventer wearing out before it gets warm enough for crabgrass seed to germinate.

Not Ready for Spring and Looking for Help? Use Our Guide to Help Hire a Professional!

So you've decided that it may be better to hire a professional to care for your turf rather than attempting it yourself. But the main question is what should you be looking for in a professional? That's why we've put together the Ultimate Lawncare Company Hiring Guide and have made it available to download ABSOLUTELY FREE by clicking on the button below. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know when it comes to hiring a lawncare professional. So get your free copy by downloading the button below!

Shaun Kanary has been a part of the Green Industry for the past 15 years. As the Director of Marketing for Weed Pro, a Cleveland and Columbus Fertilizing Company, Shaun is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazine and blogs.  Shaun on Google+     Shaun on LinkedIn     Shaun on Twitter