May is the doing month in the garden.  It may seem overwhelming but by accomplishing these tasks now will make the rest of your summer more enjoyable!  Spring lawn care is no exception.  Here is a quick summary of what you can tackle to have a healthy and sustainable lawn.

Seed

Although fall is the ideal time to seed May is the second best time to overseed areas or start a new lawn area.  Many people have lawn damage from voles or our long winter of snow cover.  Spring rain and cooler temps make seeding a bit easier than later in the season.  If you are applying a pre-emergent crabgrass control be sure to not apply it where you are seeding new grass.  The same product that prevents crabgrass seeds from growing will do the same for your desirable grass seed.

Mow

Usually May is the first time we all need to get out the mower.  Make sure your blades are sharp and keep your grass at a height of 2-2.5″ to help shade the soil which prevents weeds and helps with moisture retention.  Mulch your clippings and return them to the lawn and get the equivilant of one application of nitrogen fertilizer

Aerate

If your lawn is lumpy-bumpy or hard and compacted a good core aeration will help even out the lawn and allow for better penetration of water into the soil.  Fall is the ideal time for this task, but spring is a close second.

Fertilize & Weed Control

Control weeds that grow from seed like crabgrass and dandelions with a pre-emergent weed treatment.  These products are often a combination weed control and fertilizer, but can also be purchased separately if you choose.  Just one application of fertilizer a year can help your grass thrive and reduce soil erosion.

For more information visit the Extension’s Lawn Care site.