Essential Spring Lawn Care Tips for Minnesota Homeowners

Spring is the most important time of year for lawn care in Minnesota. After a long, harsh winter, your lawn needs special attention to recover and thrive throughout the growing season. Here's your complete guide to spring lawn care.

When to Start Spring Lawn Care?

In Minnesota, you should begin spring lawn care when the soil temperature reaches 50°F, typically in late March or early April. Starting too early can damage grass roots that are still dormant.

Spring Cleanup: The First Step

Before you can assess your lawn's condition, you need to remove winter debris:

• Rake up leaves, branches, and dead grass
• Clear storm drains and gutters
• Remove any salt damage areas
• Check for snow mold and treat if necessary

Dethatching: Remove the Dead Layer

Thatch is the layer of dead grass and roots that builds up between the soil and living grass. If it's thicker than ½ inch, it prevents water and nutrients from reaching grass roots.

When to dethatch: Wait until grass is actively growing, usually mid to late April in Minnesota.

Aeration: Let Your Lawn Breathe

Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate grass roots. This is especially important in Minnesota's clay-heavy soils.

Best time to aerate: Late April to early May when grass is growing vigorously.

Overseeding: Fill in Bare Spots

Spring is an excellent time to overseed thin or bare areas:

1. Choose a grass seed blend suited for Minnesota (Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass work well)
2. Apply seed to bare or thin areas
3. Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks
4. Avoid heavy foot traffic until grass is established

Fertilization: Feed Your Lawn

A slow-release nitrogen fertilizer applied in mid-May gives your lawn the nutrients it needs without encouraging excessive growth.

Pro tip: Wait until you've mowed at least twice before applying fertilizer.

What About Pre-Emergent Herbicides?

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating. Apply when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F for three consecutive days, typically mid to late April in the Twin Cities area.

Important: Don't apply pre-emergent if you're planning to overseed, as it will prevent grass seed from germinating too.

Common Spring Lawn Problems in Minnesota

Snow Mold

Gray or pink patches that appear as snow melts. Rake affected areas gently and allow them to dry out. Most grass recovers on its own.

Salt Damage

Brown patches along driveways and sidewalks. Flush with water and consider reseeding if damage is severe.

Vole Damage

Runways and tunnels in the grass. Fill in low spots with topsoil and overseed affected areas.

Your Spring Lawn Care Schedule

• Early April: Remove debris, rake lightly
• Mid April: Dethatch if needed, apply pre-emergent
• Late April: Aerate, overseed bare spots
• Mid May: First fertilization, mowing begins

Why Professional Spring Cleanup Matters

A professional spring cleanup ensures:

• Proper timing for all treatments
• Correct product application rates
• Identification of disease or pest issues
• Professional-grade equipment for thorough cleanup

At True North Outdoor Services, we offer comprehensive spring cleanup packages that include all essential services to get your lawn off to the best start possible.

Ready for Spring?

Don't wait until it's too late. Book your spring cleanup and lawn preparation services now to ensure your lawn looks its best all season long.