The snow is finally gone and you're ready to get to work creating your dream yard. Here are a few tips that will help kick-start your lawn after those long winter months.
Dethatch
Dethatching is an important first step to getting your lawn ready for the season.
What is thatch and why is it important to manage? Over time, little bits of grass die and accumulate just above the soil. If it accumulates too much, the thatch buildup creates a barrier keeping moisture and nutrients from penetrating the soil. To check and see if your lawn has a thatch problem, simply dig a core sample using a garden spade. Thatch will appear as a distinct layer between the healthy grass and the underlying soil. As a general rule of thumb, any more than 1/2” of thatch can be detrimental and deteriorate the health of your lawn. Dethatching will help remove that layer of buildup.
After you are finished, you will be left with all of the remaining thatch that you removed that has now been brought to the surface. Now is a great time to aerate your lawn to really allow air, water and nutrients to deeply penetrate the soil and promote root growth.
Aerating
First, ensure that you are choosing an aerator that is right for your lawn and application. Whether you own a Lawn Tractor, Zero-Turn Mower or Compact Utility Tractor, visit your local Martin Deerline to find an aerator that is compatible with your equipment.
Aerators are made up of a series of hollow tubes (called spoons) spaced evenly over a rotating flange. When the aerator is pulled across your lawn, the spoons dig into the soil and remove plugs that are roughly ½” wide by about 3” long. These holes allow water, seed and nutrients to reach the root system of the grass which ultimately results in a richer, healthier lawn.
Fertilizing/Overseeding
After your lawn has sat covered in snow during the winter months, fertilizer will provide your grass with a much-needed boost. You may come across some damaged areas with little to no grass or some brown patches while clearing your lawn. You may want to consider putting down some topsoil and spreading some grass seed to encourage new growth. A broadcast spreader lets you easily spread fertilizer, seed or salt in the winter, truly make it an all-season tool.
Check out the video below that shows you exactly how to aerate, fertilize and over seed your lawn using Frontier implements for your John Deere Compact Utility Tractor.
Lastly, don't forget to book your lawn mower or compact tractor in for routine maintenance to make sure that you are ready for the season ahead. Call your local Martin Deerline or book an appointment online.