Spring Lawn Care Minneapolis

The snow has melted, birds are singing, and it’s time to think about spring lawn maintenance in Minneapolis. Fungi are growing underground in our organic lawns in an amazing sprawling network. A web of fungi connects to the roots of the turf, protecting them from pathogens, and providing grass plants with nutrients and water to support their growth for the entire season. What are the most important spring lawn care steps to ensure our turf has these vital fungal connections?

 

 

Spring lawn care steps:

1. 1. Spring clean-up – lawns need to have fallen leaves removed in the spring and fall to prevent smothering of the lawn. This is true for all lawns including bee lawns. This will also promote your spring and fall seeding efforts. We recommend using your leaves as a mulch your garden beds. No need to shred or chop the leaves because they often have moth and butterfly cocoons attached to them.
   2. Spring aeration and seeding – aerate and over-seed the lawn in spring. Only aerate when the soil is somewhat dry, not after a rainstorm. Seed at the same time as aeration. Also seed lightly before spring rains and right after snow melt.
   3. Spring fertilizer – fertilize with organic 9-0-2 or similar fertilizer as soon as the grass starts to grow. Never use corn gluten because it prevents grass seeds from sprouting and damages fungal networks.
   4. Spring weed control – pull any undesirable weeds early in the season to stay on-top of the weeds all season long. We don’t use weed & feed because it damages fungi that will support our turf.
   5. Lawn Restoration – spring is perfect for restoring bare areas of the lawn. We recommend aeration, compost, seed and seed blanket as the best method of restoring a lawn. Some choose sod, and this can be a good choice in some instances. Whether you choose seed or sod, spring is a great time for lawn restoration.
   6. Spring irrigation – avoid irrigation as long as possible for your organic lawn. City water has anti-microbial agents that damage soil fungal networks. Only irrigate lawns as needed during drought to keep the lawn alive.

 

Spring Lawn Care Schedule:

Following a spring lawn care schedule can help ensure a season of growth and abundance.

• April – when the snow melts apply your first seeding to take advantage of the soil moisture. Apply the first round of organic fertilizer when you see the grass start to grow. Use organic non-water-soluble fertilizer and avoid corn gluten. Perform any lawn restoration needed for bare areas. Select the right seed for your sunlight conditions, choosing either shade or sun tolerant seed from a local vendor. Never use seed from big box or hardware stores because it contains a high percentage of annual seed.
• May – apply your second round of organic fertilizer in May or after grass is 3-4” tall to support robust turf growth through the spring. Begin mowing when grass reaches 4” tall. Mow weekly to prevent grass from becoming taller than 4 or 5 inches. Follow basic mowing rules.
• June – continue mowing as needed to keep grass around 3-4 inches tall. Never mow shorter than 3”.

Contact Minnehaha Falls Landscaping today to schedule an on-site consultation so we can start your spring lawn maintenance routine!