Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in Kentucky
Spring in Kentucky is a sight to behold–the blooming dogwoods, the birds returning, and the Bluegrass finally creeping up again. If you want your lawn to look its best this year, now’s the time to get to work. Our mix of cool-and warm-season grasses means that spring lawn care is a game of timing, technique, and proper equipment. Whether you’re managing a large property or just your front yard, here are some essential tips for spring lawn care in Kentucky.
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Start with a Clean Slate
Winter can leave behind a mess of fallen branches, dead leaves, and thatch buildup. Kicking off spring starts with a general cleanup.
Tools you’ll need:
- Leaf rake or dethatching rake: use a flexible rake to remove leaves and light debris, or a dethatching rake if necessary.
- Gloves and garden bags: never underestimate a good pair of gloves! Reusable lawn bags are a great way to keep your seasonal cleanup eco-friendly.
Mower Prep and First Cut
As soon as your grass starts growing, it’s time to get the mower out of storage. Don’t just start it up–give it a proper spring tune-up.
Quick tips:
- Check the oil, sharpen or replace blade, and clean debris from the deck.
- Never cut more than ⅓ of your grass height.
- Aim to keep cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass around 3-4 inches tall.
Edge and Trim
Well-defined edges make a yard look professional. After mowing, tidy borders around sidewalks, flower beds, and driveways. Browse our Stihl selection to find the perfect lightweight solution to your trimming needs.
Aerate if Necessary
Heavy clay soils in Kentucky can easily become compacted over winter, especially in high-traffic areas. If this is an issue on your property, consider aerating your soil to improve drainage and encourage deeper growth.
Your options: manual core aerators are great for smaller lawns. For larger lawns, consider a tow-behind core aerator like the Frontier CA Series.
Fertilize and Overseed
Spring is a great time to fertilize cool-season lawns with nitrogen fertilizer. If you’re still planning to overseed, though, avoid using weed preventers, as they can keep your new grass from germinating.
Quick tip: late April to early May is ideal for overseeding in Kentucky. Double-check that your soil is 55°F or warmer.
Weed Control
Crabgrass can be a tricky opponent in Kentucky lawns. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide early in the season before crabgrass gets a chance to germinate!Tip for application: use a broadcast spreader for more even coverage.
Pruning and Trimming
Shrubs, grasses, and trees often need plenty of attention early in spring if you want to see a successful season of growth. Find all of the handheld pruning and trimming equipment you need at your local Wright Implement.
Wise Water Usage
While spring rainshowers help keep Kentucky lawns hydrated, we can’t always bet on them. When it’s dry, aim to water about one inch per week. Watering early in the morning is a great way to avoid evaporation.
Sustainability tip: use a rain gauge–only water what your lawn needs on top of the natural rainwater you’re already getting!
Spring is a beautiful season of growth that will set the tone for your lawn all year long. With a little effort and the right tools in hand, you can keep your property looking in top shape.