Spring seems to sneak up on us every year, slowly at first, then suddenly it’s here. And when that warm weather hits you want to get outside, soak up some sunshine, and maybe start planning a trip or two.
And let’s be real: lawn care is probably not high on your priority list… There’s plenty of time to get to that, right?
Well, there’s time, but you’ll lose out on the specific benefits that come from starting your lawn care early, setting the stage for healthy, vibrant grass throughout the year. In fact, by investing in springtime fertilization, liquid aeration, and weed and pest control, you’re giving your grass the best possible start. Plus, tackling weeds and pests (like ticks) early on means fewer problems later in the season, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space with fewer headaches.
Pro Tip!
Before we dig into our tips, we’re going to offer a little expert insight. There’s a lot of value in springtime maintenance, but we actually recommend seeding and aeration in the fall. Spring seeding has about a 50% success rate, but that percentage grows much higher when you plant in the fall while conditions are ideal for strong root growth over the winter.
1. Early season fertilization for a healthy lawn
We recommend carbon-based lawn fertilizers and soil enhancements that offer a slow-release source of nutrients, essentially supercharging your soil’s natural microbes. In other words, your lawn is an intelligent ecosystem: give it what it needs to flourish, and start NOW while the plants are just beginning to feed.
2. Liquid aeration for better nutrient absorption
As we mentioned above, fall is an ideal time for traditional aeration: essentially creating small holes in your lawn to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration. Liquid aeration has similar benefits, oxygenating the soil to increase the health of your grass, making your lawn more resilient to drought and other stressors too.
3. Controlling weeds before they take over
If you’re still wondering why being proactive helps with lawn care in Cherry Hill, we have one word for you: weeds. Yikes, right?
Now is when many of those pesky weeds start to emerge. By applying pre-emergent weed control products early in the season, you can stop them in their tracks before they become a problem. This proactive approach means less time and effort spent on battling weeds throughout the season.
We recommend a targeted approach, pinpointing specific weeds in specific areas for the most effective results.
4. Springtime tick control
The only thing worse than weeds are ticks, and they seem to be getting worse every year. While many homeowners assume that summer is the time to start spraying, it’s actually right NOW. Early spring is their nymphal stage, meaning that they’re young, active, and hungry, and if you deploy the right control measures immediately you can drastically reduce their population.
Our tick control services, for example, kill existing ticks on contact, and also repel newcomers for up to 30 days. Effective tick control is also not a one-and-done service. We recommend frequent treatments (often several weeks apart) from late February right into October.
Need a few more tick control tips? Coming at you:
- Keep your grass mowed and your yard free of leaf litter, as ticks thrive in tall grass and debris.
- Apply tick control treatments to your lawn and landscape, targeting areas where ticks are most likely to hide.
- Inspect yourself, your family, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
FAQs about early season lawn care and pest control
We’ll button things up with a few FAQs, but if you have additional questions please reach out to us at Elements Lawn & Pest. We’d be happy to help!
Q: What organic lawn fertilizers do you recommend for Cherry Hill homeowners?
Organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure, or fish emulsion, can provide essential nutrients to your lawn without the environmental concerns associated with synthetic fertilizers. For best results, choose a fertilizer that’s appropriate for your specific grass type and soil conditions. Your lawn care professional can help you determine the best organic fertilizer for your needs.
Q: How can I conserve water while maintaining a healthy lawn?
Here are a few practical tips:
- Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. This encourages deeper root growth, which helps your grass become more drought-tolerant.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and ensure that more water reaches your lawn’s roots.
- Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater, which you can then use to water your lawn and garden. This not only conserves water but also provides your plants with natural, chemical-free water.
- Consider using drought-tolerant grass varieties or native plants in your landscape, which typically require less water to thrive.
Q: How can I control weeds naturally in my Cherry Hill lawn?
One of the best natural ways to control weeds is by maintaining a healthy, thick lawn that outcompetes them for resources. Regular mowing at the right height, proper watering, and organic fertilization can all contribute to a strong, weed-resistant lawn.
Q: When should I start lawn care in Cherry Hill?
In Cherry Hill, you should start your lawn care as soon as the weather begins to warm up and the grass starts to grow, which is typically in early to mid-spring. Keep an eye on the temperatures and look for consistent soil temperatures of around 50-55°F. This usually occurs in late March or early April, depending on the year. Just remember: you should actually lay the foundation for a beautiful springtime lawn in fall with aeration and seeding.
