1) Do a quick cleanup first (30 minutes)
- Pick up sticks, winter debris, and dog waste.
- Lightly rake matted areas (don't scalp the lawn).
- Check sprinkler heads for cracks, tilt, or leaks.
Skip: aggressive dethatching early spring unless the lawn is truly choked. Cool-season grass can get set back.
2) First mow: go high
Set your mower higher than you think. A taller cut helps roots recover and shades out weeds.
- Sharpen blades (torn grass tips turn brown).
- Don't cut more than 1/3 of the blade height at once.
3) Water smart (don't overdo it)
Most spring lawns need less water than people assume. Overwatering = shallow roots + fungus risk.
- Run a short test cycle and watch for pooling.
- Adjust for wind (early morning is best).
4) Fertilizer: light + timed
A modest spring feed can help, but timing matters. If you fertilize too heavy too early, you get a flush of top growth with weak roots.
- If you're unsure, start light and reassess in 3 weeks.
- Ask about a seasonal plan based on your grass type + sun/shade.
5) Weed control: target the problem
Pre-emergent vs post-emergent are different tools. The best results come from matching the product to what's actually showing up in your lawn.
- Spot-treat where possible.
- Fix thin areas (thin turf invites weeds).
6) When to call a pro
- You're getting bare patches that don't bounce back.
- Your sprinkler coverage is uneven (dry strips).
- You want consistent weekly mowing and edging.
Need help this week?
Call (970) 685-9512 or use our quick quote form. We'll get you on a schedule that fits.
Serving Northern Colorado: Berthoud, Johnstown, Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and surrounding areas.