Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in Central Georgia

Spring in Central Georgia brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and the perfect time to prep your lawn for a lush and vibrant summer. With our unique climate—characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters—taking the right steps now can set your lawn up for success. Here are some essential spring lawn care tips to help you maintain a healthy, thriving lawn that will look great all season long.

1. Aerate Your Lawn for Better Root Growth

One of the best ways to start spring lawn care is with lawn aeration. The compacted soil in Central Georgia lawns can restrict root growth, preventing grass from accessing vital water, oxygen, and nutrients. Aeration, which involves perforating the soil with small holes, helps to alleviate compaction, improve root depth, and boost the effectiveness of fertilizers and water.

• When to Aerate: While fall is the best time to aerate your lawn in GA, early spring, before temperatures rise, is also a great option. This allows your lawn to recover quickly from the aeration.
• How to Aerate: For smaller lawns, you can rent an aerator from your local home improvement store. For larger yards, you might want to call in the experts who offer professional aeration services.

Learn the difference between core vs liquid aeration.

2. Overseed Your Lawn for a Fuller, Greener Yard

Central Georgia is home to warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede. If your lawn is looking sparse or thin after the winter months, overseeding is a great way to fill in the gaps and encourage a fuller lawn.

• When to Overseed: Late March to early April is the best window, right as the temperatures start warming up.
• How to Prepare: Mow your lawn short (around 1.5 inches) to allow the seed to reach the soil more easily. Lightly rake or dethatch your lawn to remove any dead grass or debris.
• How to Apply Seed: Choose a grass seed appropriate for your lawn type (Bermuda, Zoysia, or Centipede grass). Use a broadcast spreader to evenly distribute the seed across your lawn. Make sure to cover bare patches but avoid over-seeding areas that are already healthy.
• Watering: After overseeding, water the area gently to keep the soil moist. Water lightly once or twice a day until the seeds germinate, then cut back to 2-3 times a week.

3. Fertilize for Strong Growth

To help your lawn bounce back after winter and prepare for the summer heat, proper fertilization is key. In Central Georgia, your lawn will benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides steady nutrients over time.

• When to Fertilize: Apply your fertilizer early in the season, typically in late March or early April, when the grass begins to wake up from dormancy.
• Choose the Right Fertilizer: For Central Georgia lawns, select a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Look for a balanced ratio like 24-5-12 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium).
• How to Apply: Use a broadcast spreader to apply the fertilizer evenly across your lawn. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount based on your lawn size.
• Post-Fertilization Care: Water your lawn lightly after fertilizing to help the nutrients soak into the soil.

Make sure to follow the recommended rates based on your lawn size to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excess growth and an increased need for mowing.

4. Control Weeds Early

Spring is the best time to tackle weeds before they have a chance to establish. In Central Georgia, common weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and clover can quickly take over a lawn if left unchecked. 

• When to Apply: Apply pre-emergent weed control in early spring, between late February and early March, before weed seeds start to germinate.
• Choose the Right Pre-Emergent: Look for a product that targets weeds common in Central Georgia, such as crabgrass.
• How to Apply: Use a broadcast spreader to evenly distribute the pre-emergent over your lawn. Water the lawn after applying the product to activate it and help it penetrate the soil.
• Monitor and Spot Treat: If you start noticing weeds popping up, treat them immediately with a post-emergent herbicide that targets the specific weed you're dealing with.

Be sure to choose products that are safe for your grass type to avoid damage.

5. Water Wisely

As the temperatures rise, so does the need for water. During the spring, your lawn will need consistent moisture to grow strong roots, but over-watering can lead to shallow root systems and fungal diseases. 

While it’s tempting to water your lawn daily, it’s important to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Central Georgia can experience periods of drought in the summer, so giving your lawn a solid foundation of deep roots will help it survive the heat.

• When to Water: Water your lawn early in the morning (preferably between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.). This allows water to soak into the soil before temperatures rise and reduces the chances of common lawn diseases.
• How Much to Water: Aim to water your lawn deeply once or twice a week, applying about 1 inch of water each time. This encourages deeper roots.
• Watering Tips: Use a rain gauge to measure how much water is being applied to your lawn. Avoid watering every day, as this can cause the roots to stay near the surface and become vulnerable to heat stress in summer.

6. Mow Properly for Healthier Grass

Mowing is a regular task throughout the spring and summer months, but how you mow makes a difference. Proper mowing height, blade sharpness, and timing can make all the difference.

• When to Mow: Start mowing once the grass begins to grow in early spring. Aim to mow your lawn once a week during the growing season.
• Set the Right Height: For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia, you’ll want to keep the grass height between 1 and 2 inches for the best results. For Bermuda grass, the ideal height is around 1 to 1.5 inches, while Zoysia grass likes to be kept at 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Mowing Tips: Never cut more than a third of the grass blade at once. Cutting too short can stress the grass. And make sure to keep your mower blade sharp for clean cuts, which help the grass heal faster and reduce stress.
• Mulching: If possible, mulch your clippings rather than bagging them. Mulch returns nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture.

Regular mowing not only keeps your yard looking neat but also helps prevent common GA weeds from setting roots.

7. Check for Pests and Diseases

Central Georgia’s warm, humid climate can create the perfect environment for pests and lawn diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of problems such as brown or yellow patches, discolored blades, or spots of visible turf-damaging insects. Early detection is crucial for managing pest problems like grubs, chinch bugs, or lawn disease like dollar spot.

• How to Identify Issues: Look for signs such as yellowing patches, visible pests, or unusual spots on your grass blades.
• Pest Treatment: If you spot pests, apply an insecticide designed for your lawn type. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully. 
• Lawn Disease Treatment: For fungal diseases, apply a fungicide as soon as you notice symptoms. Again, make sure to use a product safe for your grass type.
• Preventative Care: Consider applying a preventative insect control treatment in early spring to ward off pests like grubs.

If you spot any issues, take action right away with appropriate treatments, whether it’s applying an insecticide or fungicide, or calling in a professional for advice.

8. Edge and Mulch Garden Beds

While focusing on your lawn, don’t forget about your garden beds. Freshening up the mulch and edging the beds gives your yard a clean, manicured look. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves the appearance of your landscape. 

• Edge Your Beds: Use an edger or spade to define the edges of your garden beds. This gives your yard a clean, well-kept appearance.
• Apply Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Choose organic mulch like pine bark, which will decompose over time and enrich the soil.

Spring Lawn Care: Setting Your Lawn Up for Success

With these spring lawn care tips, you’ll give your Central Georgia lawn the best chance to thrive through the hot summer months. By aerating, fertilizing, overseeding, and watering properly, you’ll ensure your lawn remains healthy, lush, and green all season long. Early spring is the time to prepare, and with the right care, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood. So get started now, and enjoy a beautiful, vibrant yard throughout the summer!

If you're looking for expert help or need assistance with fertilization, aeration, or pest control, contact to your local lawn care professionals at Roots Turf and Ornamental for expert guidance tailored to Central Georgia lawns.