{"id":3391,"date":"2021-07-20T22:43:12","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T22:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.wpengine.com\/?p=3391"},"modified":"2023-11-18T15:33:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-18T15:33:37","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-detroit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/spring-lawn-care-tips-detroit\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Detroit"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a long winter, your Detroit lawn needs some TLC. Read our nine spring lawn care tips to put a spring back in your haggard-looking lawn.<\/p>

Here is our list of 9 spring lawn care tips for your Detroit lawn:<\/p>

  1. Perform a soil test<\/a><\/li>
  2. Prep before you mow<\/a><\/li>
  3. First mow of the season<\/a><\/li>
  4. Overseed<\/a><\/li>
  5. Defeat the weeds<\/a><\/li>
  6. Wait to fertilize<\/a><\/li>
  7. Watering wisdom<\/a><\/li>
  8. Plan to aerate<\/a><\/li>
  9. Mulch<\/a><\/li><\/ol>

    1. Perform a soil test<\/span><\/h2>
    \"soil
    CSIRO | Wikimedia Commons<\/a> | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

    Does soil testing seem like something that costs unnecessary time and money? 
    <\/p>

    Think about it this way:<\/strong> Soil testing is the one thing that will save<\/em> you time, money, and frustration. If you don\u2019t do a soil test, you could be giving your lawn nutrients it doesn\u2019t need<\/em>, which costs you time and money and can work against all of your spring lawn care efforts.
    <\/p>

    Test your soil every three to five years<\/a> or after you add lime or sulfur to adjust the pH. You can purchase a test kit<\/a> from Michigan State, an online retailer, or a home improvement store.
    <\/p>

    Collecting a soil sample<\/a> is easy. Here\u2019s how:
    <\/p>

    1. Determine how many samples you need.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

      Consider two things: soil texture and fertilizer treatments. Soils that have a similar texture and fertilizer history can be tested in the same sample. Soils with different textures or that have been fertilized differently should be tested separately. <\/p>

      For example, if your front and back lawns are fertilized the same and the soil texture is the same, you can do one sample. If you only fertilize your front lawn but want a reading on your backyard as well, take a separate sample from the front and the back lawns. <\/p>

      1. Take 10-15 different samples<\/a> for each area.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

        If you\u2019re testing your lawn, sample at a 3- to 4-inch depth in a zig-zag pattern. Sample garden beds at 7 or 8 inches. Discard roots, thatch, or any green material. <\/p>

        1. Dry the soil overnight if it is wet. Spread the soil on a brown paper bag to help it dry.<\/li>
        2. Mix the soils together.<\/li>
        3. Place one cup of the mixed soil in the container or bag.<\/li>
        4. Fill out the form.<\/li>
        5. Mail in the sample.<\/li>
        6. Wait a week or two for the results to come to your email.<\/li><\/ol>

          2. Prep before you mow<\/span><\/h2>
          1. Rake the grass.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

            If you notice thin areas in the lawn, use a leaf rake to help the grass stand straight and increase air circulation. Mowing will remove some or most of the dead tips on the grass. 
            <\/p>

            1. Remove debris.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

              After a long winter, you\u2019ll probably have leftover leaves or debris to clean up before you mow.
              <\/p>

              1. Sharpen your mower blade.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

                A dull mower blade tears the grass<\/a>. That is an invitation to disease and water loss. A sharp blade is a small thing that prevents unnecessary problems in your lawn.
                <\/p>

                You can take your mower blade to a local repair shop or sharpen it yourself. If you want to DIY, here\u2019s how<\/a>:<\/p>