When to Get Started with Spring Lawn Care

Protect Your Lawn by Starting at the Right Time

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We get it — after a long Pennsylvania winter, you’re itching to get outside and clean up the yard. But when it comes to spring lawn care, jumping in too early can do more harm than good. Knowing when to start mowing, watering, and fertilizing makes all the difference in growing healthy, resilient grass for the season ahead.

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Here’s how to tell when your lawn is truly ready — and what to do next to give it a strong start.

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How to Know It’s Time to Start Spring Lawn Care

In places like Malvern, Downingtown, and Media, spring doesn’t arrive on a set date. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs rather than flip the calendar. Starting too early can damage the grass or compact the soil, especially if it’s still wet from melting snow.

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Wait until:

• The ground is completely thawed
• There’s no standing water or soggy soil
• Daytime temps are consistently above 40°F
• The grass is starting to grow and turn bright green

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Once your lawn hits 2 to 3 inches in height, it’s ready for its first mowing. Patience now pays off big later. It helps protect new shoots and strengthens root systems as they wake up from winter dormancy.

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Spring Lawn Care Tips from the Pros at Lang’s

1. Spring Cleanup: Rake It Right

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Clear away fallen leaves, sticks, and thatch — that thick layer of dead grass that mats over the turf. A gentle raking helps sunlight and air reach the soil while reducing the risk of mold or pest problems.

Wait until the lawn has dried out to avoid tearing out healthy new growth. Use a leaf rake, not a metal one, to avoid damage.

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2. Fix the Bald Spots

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After your first mow, you may notice some thin or bare patches — especially in high-traffic areas or shady corners. Spread grass seed over those spots, lightly press it into the soil, and water it daily for at least a week. Hold off on mowing until the new blades reach about 2 inches tall.

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3. Test and Treat the Soil

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Healthy grass starts with balanced soil. A simple pH test kit (found at any garden center) can tell you if your soil is too acidic or alkaline. Unbalanced soil won’t absorb nutrients well, even if you fertilize.

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Based on the results, apply lime or sulfur to bring your soil back into the ideal range. For more complex issues, give Lang’s a call — we’re experts at diagnosing and adjusting local soil conditions.

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4. Control Weeds Early

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Spring is the perfect time to apply pre-emergent herbicides. These products prevent weeds like crabgrass and dandelions before they ever sprout. In southeastern PA, the sweet spot is typically late March to mid-April, depending on weather.

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Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions closely — and if you're overseeding this spring, skip weed treatments until the new grass has established.

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Other Landscape Tasks to Tackle in Spring

Your lawn isn’t the only thing waking up. Here’s how to handle the rest of your outdoor space:

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Pruning

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Trim back overgrown shrubs and remove dead branches from trees. This opens up space for new growth and helps the sun reach your grass and other plants.

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Edging

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Create a clean separation between garden beds and grass while the soil is soft. Use a shovel to dig a shallow trench, or install plastic edging to block grass from creeping where it doesn’t belong.

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Mulching

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Once the surface dries, refresh mulch around trees, flower beds, and borders. It helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and give your yard a polished look.

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Composting

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Instead of bagging your grass clippings or tossing yard waste, compost it. Grass is rich in nitrogen and helps break down other organic materials fast. Compost improves soil quality — and it’s free.

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FAQs – Spring Lawn Care in Southeastern PA

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Q: When should I mow my lawn for the first time?
A: Once your grass reaches 2 to 3 inches tall and the soil is firm, it’s time to mow. Make sure the ground isn’t wet or muddy to avoid damage.

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Q: Is it okay to start watering in early spring?
A: Not yet. Let nature do its thing. Watering too early can saturate already wet soil and delay healthy root growth.

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Q: How do I repair patchy areas after winter?
A: Reseed bald spots in early spring. Keep them moist and wait until new grass reaches mowing height before trimming.

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Q: Should I aerate now or wait until fall?
A: Fall is ideal, but if your lawn is compacted or had heavy foot traffic, spring aeration can help get things back on track.

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Q: Can I apply weed killer and grass seed at the same time?
A: No. Pre-emergent weed treatments can stop new grass from growing too. If you’re seeding, wait to treat weeds until later in the season.

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Q: Do I really need to test my soil?
A: Yes! Without the right pH, your grass won’t absorb nutrients properly. It’s a small step with big results.

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Leave the Dirty Work to Lang’s Lawn Care

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Want to spend less time working on your yard and more time enjoying it? That’s where we come in. At Lang’s, we help homeowners in Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties with expert spring cleanups, fertilization, weed control, and more.

We’re locally owned, trusted by thousands of happy clients, and we know exactly how to handle Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather.

Give us a call today at (610) 647-6001 and let’s get your lawn ready for the season.

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