Green Up Home Lawns

March is a pivotal time for bringing home lawns out of winter dormancy, with an emphasis on weed prevention, soil health, and careful early-season care. Taking the right steps now helps ensure strong, healthy growth heading into summer.

March Lawn Care Priorities

• Crabgrass prevention: Applying a professional pre-emergent herbicide in early March is essential. It forms a barrier that stops crabgrass and other weeds before they emerge.
• Soil health and amendments: Soil temperature plays a major role in early growth. Testing soil pH and adding amendments such as lime can correct imbalances, while products like humic acid can help turf recover despite fluctuating temperatures.
• Cleanup and debris removal: Raking or using a stiff broom to clear away twigs and matted grass improves airflow and allows the soil to breathe.
• First mow: Timing matters. A light first mow with a higher blade setting—around 1.5 to 2.5 inches—can trim away winter-damaged tips without stressing the grass.
• Fertilization: A light, nitrogen-rich “spring wake-up” fertilizer can encourage healthy growth without pushing excessive top growth too early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting too low: Scalping the lawn can damage sensitive roots as they begin to wake up.
• Fertilizing too early: Premature feeding may burn roots and lead to weak, overly leafy growth.
• Working wet soil: Mowing or walking on saturated ground can cause compaction and long-term damage.

Visit your local Farmers Co-op for more information on what you can do to start working toward a beautiful lawn this year. Now is the time to get started, and your friends at Co-op can point you in the right direction with just the right products to get that lush, green yard you’ve always wanted. Click here to find a Co-op near you.