Syracuse’s long frost season and chilly spring temperatures can make it challenging for grass to thrive. However, starting early and following the right spring lawn care tips for Syracuse will help your lawn take full advantage of the growing season for cool-season grasses.
With proper lawn care — whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn care pro –, your grass will be greener, healthier, and stronger throughout the year.
So, let’s get started:
1. Mow the Right Way
Most Syracuse lawns feature cool-season grasses. This means your turf will reach its maximum growth rate during the spring and fall. Follow these mowing best practices:
- Mow frequently: Cut your lawn every 4 to 7 days, but never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This prevents stress and keeps your lawn strong.
- Leave the grass clippings: Instead of bagging grass clippings, let the grass clippings decompose naturally. They act as a free organic fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil.
- Mow at a higher setting: Keeping your grass taller helps it transition out of dormancy by allowing it to absorb more sunlight and grow stronger.
- Use sharp mower blades: Dull blades bruise instead of cut grass, which will make your lawn more vulnerable to grass diseases. Sharpen your mower blades at least once a year for clean, precise cuts.
See Related:
— Lawn Mowing Tips: How to Mow a Lawn the Right Way
— How to Mow Tall Grass In Your Lawn
— Mulching vs. Bagging Grass Clippings
— How Often Should You Sharpen Mower Blades?
2. Prevent Crabgrass
Crabgrass is one of the most unsightly and aggressive weeds, taking over weak areas of your lawn if left unchecked. The best way to control it is through prevention, and the time to act is now.
Apply a crabgrass preventer between mid-March and early April to stop seeds from sprouting. Focus on areas where your grass is less dense, such as along driveways, sidewalks, and bare patches, where crabgrass tends to take hold.
See Related:
— Most Common Weeds in New York: How to Identify and Control Them
— Why Is Crabgrass Bad for the Lawn?
— How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard
3. Fertilize at the Right Time
For cool-season grasses in Syracuse, fall is the best time to fertilize, but spring is the next best option. To give your lawn a healthy boost, apply fertilizer in late May, around Memorial Day, when the grass is actively growing.
Follow these fertilization guidelines:
- Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide steady nutrients over time.
- Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to encourage strong root growth and lush, green grass.
- Look for fertilizers with no phosphorus in them, as most lawns in New York State don’t need this nutrient, and you’ll be preventing water pollution.
Tip: It is forbidden to fertilize in New York State between December 1 and April 1, so resist the temptation to fertilize in early spring.
See Related:
— How to Fertilize Your Lawn
— Common Fertilizer Mistakes to Avoid
— Can You Over-Fertilize Your Lawn?
4. Water When Needed
Proper watering is essential for preventing lawn pests, weeds, and grass diseases while encouraging deep root growth.
Follow these best practices:
- Water deeply but infrequently: This encourages grass roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to drought, pests, and disease.
- Water in the early morning: The best time to water is as early as possible, allowing moisture to soak in before the sun evaporates it.
- Check soil moisture: Press a screwdriver into the soil; if the top 2 inches are dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, your lawn is hydrated.
See Related:
— How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
— Signs Your Lawn Needs Watering
— Signs of Overwatering Your Lawn
5. Aerate Compacted Soil
If your lawn experiences frequent foot traffic, aeration is one of the most important steps you can take to keep it healthy. Over time, soil becomes compacted, making it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots, which can stunt growth and weaken your lawn.
To give your grass the best chance to thrive, core aerate your lawn between early and mid-May when cool-season grasses are actively growing. This will help loosen the soil, improve nutrient absorption, and promote stronger root development for a healthier, more resilient lawn.
See Related:
— How to Aerate a Lawn
— When and How Often Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
— How Much Does Lawn Aeration Cost?
Give Your Syracuse Lawn a Fresh Start
Taking care of your lawn in the spring sets the foundation for a healthy, green yard all year long. From mowing and fertilizing to aerating and preventing weeds, a little effort now will go a long way in keeping your grass strong and vibrant.
Lawn care is A LOT of work though.
Need help with lawn care? Visit our Syracuse lawn care page to hire a local LawnStarter lawn care pro. In addition to Syracuse, we provide lawn mowing, trimming, and lots of other yard servicew to other New York cities, including Rochester, Albany, and Buffalo.
Read More:
— Best Grass Seed for New York
— Planting Zones of New York State
— Alternatives to Lawns in New York
— Best New York Native Plants
Main Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
