As winter fades and temperatures warm up, your lawn may be looking a little dull, patchy, or full of weeds. In Zone 8b, spring is the perfect time to take action to restore a thick, healthy, and vibrant green lawn. Follow these essential steps to bring your grass back to life!
Call or come by to talk to us about a customized plan for your lawn and shop all the products you need for a lush, green lawn.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
- Rake away leaves, twigs, and any leftover thatch to allow sunlight and air to reach the soil.
- Remove any dead grass or debris that could harbor pests or diseases.
- If you have compacted soil, aerate to improve water and nutrient absorption.
2. Tackle Weeds Before They Take Over
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide, such as Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental, early in spring to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from sprouting.
- For existing weeds, use a weed control product like Ferti-lome Weed Free Zone, which targets broadleaf weeds without harming your lawn.
Tip: DO NOT us any pre-emergent if seeding, it will kill off your grass seed
3. Feed Your Lawn for Maximum Growth
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as Ferti-lome Lawn & Food + Iron (comes in slow-release and fast-release) to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to green up and grow strong.
- Water deeply after fertilizing to help nutrients absorb into the soil.
4. Overseed or Sod Any Bare or Thin Spots
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Choose a warm-season grass that matches your existing lawn, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, or Centipede.
- Zoysia & Centipede will take 25-30 days to germinate.
- Loosen the top layer of soil and spread seed or sod evenly over bare patches.
- If seeding: Cover lightly with compost or topsoil
- Keep the area with sod and/or seed moist until new grass establishes.
Tip: Wait at least two weeks after over-seeding before the first mow to allow new grass to establish. Keep moist, do not allow seed or sod to dry out.
5. Set Up a Proper Watering Schedule
- Lawns in Zone 8b benefit from deep, infrequent watering.
- Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal issues.
- Adjust your watering as temperatures rise to prevent drought stress.
Tip: Start your watering routine right after over-seeding and fertilizing to help establish healthy roots.
6. Mow the Right Way
- Wait until your grass is actively growing before mowing for the first time.
- Set your mower blade higher (3–4 inches) to promote deeper roots and shade out weeds.
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can cause stress and disease.
7. Apply Mulch & Maintain Lawn Edges
- Refresh mulch around trees and flower beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Use a lawn edger to create crisp, clean borders for a well-manicured look.
8. Prevent Pests & Lawn Diseases
- Keep an eye out for signs of lawn pests like grubs or fungal diseases.
- Apply lawn-safe pest control products if needed.
- Improve drainage in areas prone to standing water to prevent mold and fungus.
- Recommended Products for pest control: Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone II, Hi-Yield Kill-A-Bug II, Hi-Yield Turf Ranger II, Hi-Yield Bug Blaster II