Lawn Care Tips For Illinois Homes

Clean up Winter’s Debris

One of the most important aspects of spring and summer lawn care is removing everything Mother Nature poured down on your lawn during the winter.  You can have layers of old leaves that are wet and smothering your lawn.

It’s also the perfect time to aerate and spike your lawn. Grass roots need a combination of air, water and nutrients to grow thick and beautiful. Over time, the ground compacts and can make it difficult to get everything they need.

There are sticks and who knows what else brought in from winter winds that settled in your yard. Spend some time clearing your yard, so you have a fresh canvas.

Aerating and spiking the lawn help loosen the dirt and creates the room needed for the nutrients to flow to the roots.

Fertilize and Weed

Fertilizing should be done in fall and avoided during the summer, but May is the last month you should fertilize and if it’s needed.

You should also check for weeds and pull them. Catch them now as their coming out of winter and you avoid them spreading like…well…weeds across your lawn. They can easily choke out your grass and end up with a lawn of weeds and crabgrass.

Proper Mowing Height

Many people take to the idea of the shorter the better when it comes to grass…that means they don’t have to mow as often. With spring rains and cooler temperatures, grass should be cut to a length or 2-3 inches.

As temperatures slowly rise and the snows storms turn to thunderstorms, your lawn will begin to grow and grow. If you want to have a lawn that looks great for the rest of the year, then follow some of these tips for Illinois lawns.

It’s going to have plenty of water to grow. Once summer hits and temperatures rise, mow it at around 3 inches. You can keep the clippings in the lawn and rake them to keep from clumping.

Seed Bare Areas

It’s possible some areas of your lawn may not grow because of winter smothering, disease, etc. This is the perfect time to seed and make sure it stays moist until it’s had the time to germinate.

When the news grass hits about 4 inches, you can mow it. Until then, leave it alone. Ekana Nursery and Landscaping can help you with all your lawn needs. If you want to learn more then, feel free to contact us today.