MOW. TIDY. CLEAR.
Bring a winter-worn lawn back into active growth without scalping, overfeeding or compacting wet ground.
Wait for real growth
A few warm days do not mean the whole lawn is ready for aggressive renovation. Look for consistent new leaf, improving soil temperature and a surface firm enough for equipment. Frost-prone regions may start weeks later than northern coastal areas.
Reset the mower before the lawn
Sharpen blades, clean the deck, check wheel height and begin with a conservative cut. Lower the height over later visits only if the turf is dense and healthy. Remove leaves and sticks before mowing so they do not damage equipment or hide obstacles.
Open compacted and thin areas
Aerate genuine compaction when soil is moist, not sticky. Overseed bare areas, repair levels and keep new seed watered. Avoid unnecessary dethatching: a small thatch layer is normal, while vigorous scarifying can damage a weak lawn.
Build a sustainable spring rhythm
Increase mowing frequency as growth accelerates, control weeds after identification and label checks, and plan irrigation before the first dry spell. The goal is dense turf entering summer, not a burst of soft growth that needs constant rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should spring mowing start?+
When grass is consistently growing and the soil supports the mower without marking. This varies significantly by region and year.
Does every lawn need scarifying?+
No. Scarify only when excess thatch is confirmed and the lawn is healthy enough to recover.