Spring is almost here! As we brave this last bit of cold here in Ohio, spring is just weeks away from hitting the buckeye state. With spring weather arriving, homeowners begin to prepare their lawns for the season. However, most consumers don't realize that the things they are doing to help their lawn are actually HURTING it. We'll take a look at the four most commonly made lawn care mistakes.

1. Rolling Your Lawn - We've all seen the pictures of grandpa rolling the lawn with his lawn tractor and riding lawn mower. While we may think it's a good idea to smooth out our lawn while the ground is soft, this actually can spell certain doom for young seedlings and grass. Rolling your lawn in the early spring can damage the turf plant's "crown" causing damage to the lawn.
   
   
2. Seeding THEN Putting Down Crabgrass Preventer - I've seen it happen all too often. You're putting down your spring crabgrass preventer, then notice a few bare spots to treat. This scenario will lead to no new grass, and take your frustration to the next level. Crabgrass preventer is a non-selective product that prevents everything (including grass seed) from germinating. If you do have to seed in the spring and you've applied your crabgrass preventer, make sure you rake the bare spot, breaking the pre-emergent barrier. (Click here to see tips on how to seed after applying crabgrass preventer)
   
   
3. Raking Your Lawn - Often when snow melts, there is matted grass everywhere. The compulsive thing to do is to rake the grass to eliminate the matting. However, the same reason that you do not roll your lawn is the same reason you do not rake your lawn. Raking your lawn can cause damage to the turf plant's crown, causing damage to your lawn.
   
   
4. Putting Down Crabgrass Preventer TOO EARLY - I know, we've all been waiting for spring FOREVER. However we can let our excitement dictate when we start fertilizing our lawn! Fertilizer particles have a certain lifespan before they begin to disintergrate, and pre-emergent crabgrass preventer is no different. If you put down your crabgrass preventer too early, it might wear off BEFORE crabgrass even begins to think about germinating! Typically, crabgrass cannot germinate until early to mid-May in most areas. (Click here to learn about the best time to apply Crabgrass Pre-emergent)
   
   

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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