April Lawn Care Schedule: DIY Tips & Recommendations

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to wake up your lawn from its long winter nap. April is all about setting your turf up for success. Whether you’re dealing with cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue, following a solid plan this month will promote healthy roots, greener grass, and fewer lawn problems throughout the growing season.

Here’s how I approach April lawn care for Lawn Phix customers and my own lawn. Let’s get your yard prepped and thriving for spring!

1. Clean Up Your Lawn

Start with a good clean-up to remove all winter debris like fallen branches, dead grass, and leaves. A thorough raking or using a leaf blower helps:

• Improve air circulation by lifting matted grass blades.
• Expose grass to sunlight and reduce fungal diseases like snow mold.
• Identify bare spots or weak areas that will need overseeding later.

Pro Tip: I use a Sun Joe dethatcher, which works wonders for pulling up thatch and debris—worth every penny if you’re serious about lawn care.

2. Test Your Soil

Before doing anything else, check your soil pH and nutrient levels. A soil test lets you know exactly what your lawn needs. I recommend Soil Savvy or thinkSOIL test kits for quick, DIY results. If you’re sending samples to a lab (like UMass Amherst), don’t skip the nitrogen test—your lawn depends on it.

• Why it matters: Knowing your soil’s condition helps you choose the right lawn fertilizers and avoid wasting time and money.

3. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide

April is prime time for pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass and other stubborn weeds. Crabgrass germinates when soil temperatures hit 55°F, so timing is everything.

• I use Prodiamine for pre-emergent control. It works well if applied before weeds begin to sprout.
• A good rule of thumb: When forsythia blooms, it’s time to apply pre-emergent.
• Always water the product in to activate it.

Note: If you’re planning to overseed in the spring, skip the pre-emergent—it prevents new grass seed from germinating.

4. Assess Fertilization Needs

Resist the urge to “jump the gun” with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers in early spring. If you applied a winter fertilizer last fall, your lawn still has enough nutrients to wake up naturally. For lawns that missed winterization, apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to promote gradual, healthy growth.

• Ideal Timing: Wait until soil temperatures consistently approach 60°F before applying any fertilizer.
• Product Tip: Use slow-release options like Milorganite alternatives to feed the soil microbes and boost growth without forcing top-heavy, weak grass.

5. Mower Prep and First Mow

Before you fire up the mower for the first time:

• Sharpen your mower blade for a clean cut—dull blades tear grass and stress the turf.
• Set the mower height high (around 3.5 inches) to promote deeper roots and reduce soil compaction.

Mow only when the lawn is actively growing and dry to avoid damaging the grass. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to eventually decompose and return nutrients to the soil.

6. Repair Bare Spots

If winter left bare patches in your lawn, address them in late April when soil temperatures warm up:

• Rake and loosen the soil in the bare spots.
• Overseed with a cool-season grass type like perennial ryegrass for quick germination.
• Apply a light layer of starter fertilizer and keep the area moist for 2-3 weeks.

Pro Tip: Overseed sparingly if you’ve applied pre-emergent earlier—herbicides will prevent seed germination.

7. Address Soil Compaction

If your lawn sees heavy foot traffic or feels spongy, April is an excellent time for core aeration. Aerating helps:

• Reduce soil compaction and improve water, air, and nutrient movement.
• Stimulate strong root growth, leading to healthier grass.

Tip: Aeration works best when the soil is moist but not saturated, so aim for a dry day after light rainfall.

April Lawn Care Summary

Here’s your step-by-step checklist for April lawn care:

1. Clean up debris like fallen branches and dead grass.
2. Test your soil to check pH and nutrient levels.
3. Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
4. Skip heavy nitrogen fertilizers until soil temps are consistently 60°F.
5. Sharpen your mower blade and mow at a high setting (3.5 inches).
6. Repair bare spots with overseeding and starter fertilizer.
7. Address soil compaction with core aeration if needed.

Recommended Products for April Lawn Care

Here are a few products I use and recommend for Lawn Phix customers:

• Soil Test Kits: Soil Savvy
• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Prodiamine, Hi-Yield Grass Stopper
• Dethatcher: Sun Joe Dethatcher
• Fertilizers: Slow-release products like Milorganite alternatives

FAQs: April Lawn Care

What is the first thing you put on your lawn in April?
Start with a clean-up and soil test. Then apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent early spring weeds.

Is April too early to fertilize my lawn?
Yes, if you fertilized in the fall. Otherwise, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer when soil temperatures hit 60°F.

Should you mow your lawn in April?
Yes, but only if the grass is actively growing. Sharpen your mower blade and set it high to avoid stressing the turf.

What’s the best lawn treatment for April?
Pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds, soil testing, and mower prep are key treatments for April lawn care.

By following these steps, you’ll lay the foundation for a lush, healthy lawn that thrives throughout the season. Ready to move on? Check out my May Lawn Care Schedule to keep your lawn in peak condition!

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