Spring is when your lawn wakes up from winter dormancy, and how you treat it during these crucial first weeks sets the tone for the entire growing season. Here's our proven checklist, tailored specifically for Central Ohio conditions.
Early Spring (March - Early April)
1. Spring Cleanup Remove all the debris that accumulated over winter: - Fallen branches and sticks - Leftover leaves from fall - Dead plant material from perennial beds - Any trash or winter storm debris
This cleanup isn't just cosmetic. Leaving debris on your lawn smothers grass and promotes disease.
2. Assess Winter Damage Walk your entire property looking for: - Snow mold (gray or pink patches) - Vole trails (surface runways in the turf) - Heaved plants (freeze-thaw cycles can push perennials out of the ground) - Salt damage along sidewalks and driveways
3. Soil Test If you haven't tested in 2-3 years, early spring is the ideal time. Central Ohio soils tend to run slightly acidic with heavy clay content. A soil test tells you exactly what amendments your lawn needs.
Mid-Spring (April - May)
4. First Mow Don't rush this. Wait until your grass is actively growing and has reached about 3.5-4 inches. Set your mower to cut at 3 inches. This height encourages deeper root growth and shades out weeds.
5. Pre-Emergent Weed Control Timing is critical here. Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F (usually mid-April in Central Ohio). This prevents crabgrass and other annual weeds from germinating.
6. First Fertilizer Application Apply a balanced fertilizer once grass is actively growing. Avoid heavy nitrogen in early spring. It pushes top growth at the expense of root development.
7. Edge and Mulch Spring is the ideal time to re-cut bed edges and refresh mulch. Clean edges add immediate curb appeal, and fresh mulch suppresses weeds while retaining moisture.
Late Spring (May - June)
8. Monitor for Pests Watch for grub activity (brown patches that peel up easily) and surface insects. Early detection makes treatment much more effective.
9. Irrigation Check Test your sprinkler system for leaks, misaligned heads, and coverage gaps. Adjust watering schedules as temperatures climb.
10. Ongoing Mowing Establish your weekly mowing schedule. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at once, and keep blades sharp for clean cuts.
Need Help?
The order and timing matter as much as the work itself. Meyers Landscape offers spring cleanup packages and year-round maintenance programs that run each step in the right window.
We've been caring for Central Ohio lawns for over 25 years. We know exactly what your property needs and when it needs it. Schedule your free spring consultation today.
