It's remodeling time in the Weed Pro Lawn Care offices where I currently find myself working in a hallway until all the new furniture is installed. Earlier this year, Weed Pro decided to add 3 new employees to our office in Sheffield. The only problem is that we are quickly growing out of the space we have. After meeting with an office consultant, we realized that we didn't have to start from scratch.  All that was needed was a little remodeling.

Don't Start Over in Your Lawn - Remodel!

The point I'm trying to make here is that with spring approaching, we always come across those homeowners who want a better looking lawn, but think that the only way to get it would be to start over.  So in honor of the remodeling here at Weed Pro, I thought I'd share our 5 Steps to a "Lawntastic" Spring!

1. Aerate and Overseed
   
   If your lawn has been patchy, even at it's best, the past few seasons - spring is the perfect time to counter that trend.  Early this spring, an aeration and overseed may be just what the Lawn Care Expert orders. Aerating your lawn will open up thousands of holes in your turf's soil, allowing for oxygen to reach your root systems, and allow for growth opportunities for the "shooters" in your roots to grow further down.
   
   This is also the perfect time to overseed as well, with spring's cool tempretures and wet conditions offering a great opportunity to establish some new grass in bare, or thin, spots throughout the lawn.
    
2. Pre-Emergents - The Best Offense is a Good Defense
   
   You've always heard the saying that the "best offense is good defense." This is very true when it comes to your spring lawn care efforts.  Pre-emergents can help prevent pesky crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds in general.  But be careful, make sure that if you do overseed your lawn you don't apply pre-emergent fertilizer soon afterwords.  Pre-emergents will prevent the grass seed from germinating. 
   
   The best thing to do when it comes to controlling and preventing weeds & crabgrass is to sign up for a comprehensive lawn care program that includes both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments. 
    
3. Cure Those Shady Areas
   
   Some of us have those shady areas of the lawn that just won't grow. They're bare or thinning areas of our turf that just doesn't look good. Spring is a perfect time to treat these areas to get them in shape. Make sure that these areas can drain properly and are not heavily trafficked. Reducing standing water and the amount of foot traffic will allow the grass in the area to become more established.
   
   Short of trimming the trees that are causing the shade, your best bet is to plant a seed mix that contains shade friendly varieties, such as tall fine fescue.
    
4. Sharpen Your Blades
   
   I know it sounds silly, but a big reason that your lawn may not look good in the spring is due directly to how sharp your blades are on the mower.  
   
   Sharp blades mean less ripping of the grass, and allow mowers to adequately blow trimmings into the bag, or further cut the blades for mulching.  Dull blades can leave clumps that cause dead spots of turf underneath them, or yellow tips from the grass blades tearing.
    
5. Edge for Success 
   
   Finally, you gotta "edge for success."  It's my personal opinion, however nothing makes a lawn look better than having sharp, edged lines that separate the grass and landscape beds.

Need More Spring Tips? We Got You Covered!

These are just some of the things you can do to get the most out of your lawn this spring. But don't worry, Weed Pro's got you covered with our FREE ULTIMATE MONEY SAVING SPRING LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPE GUIDE (whew... that's a mouthful!).  This guide will help you get that beautiful lawn that you always wanted by following a few simple tips!  Download it today for free by clicking on 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 Lawn Care, a Cleveland and Columbus Lawn Care Service Provider, 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