Spring Lawn Care Tips for Michigan Homeowners

Spring in Michigan means thawing ground, warmer days, and a fresh opportunity to transform your lawn into a lush, green oasis. But let’s be honest—Michigan’s unpredictable weather can make spring lawn care feel more like a guessing game than a strategy. 

At Lake State Landscape and Snow Removal, we know that the secret to a healthy summer lawn lies in smart spring prep. If you’re ready to start your spring lawn transformation, our professional lawn care services are here to help you every step of the way. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about spring lawn care in Michigan. 

Why Spring Lawn Care Matters in Michigan 

Michigan winters are tough—heavy snow, freezing temps, and months of dormancy can stress your turf. Spring lawn care is essential to: 

• Revive damaged grass 

• Prevent weeds and disease 

• Stimulate root growth 

• Build a dense, green lawn for summer 

A strategic approach in early spring can save you time, money, and frustration later on. Don’t wait until June to realize your lawn needed attention in March. 

Michigan’s Lawn Care Calendar: Timing Is Everything 

To make things simple, here’s a breakdown of when to tackle key tasks: 

Lawn Care Task	Best Time to Perform
Raking & Cleanup	Late March to early April
Dethatching	Early to mid-April
Lawn Aeration	Mid to late April
Fertilization	April through May
Overseeding	Late April to early May
Weed Control	Late April through June

Use this schedule to keep your lawn on track as Michigan weather warms up. 

Step-by-Step Spring Lawn Care Tips 

1. Clear Winter Debris 

As snow melts, you’ll likely find twigs, leaves, and leftover ice melt products scattered across your yard. 

• Rake out matted grass and leaves to prevent mold. 

• Remove debris to allow sunlight to reach the soil. 

• Avoid walking on overly wet soil to prevent compaction. 

2. Dethatching Your Lawn 

If you see a thick, spongy layer between your grass and soil, it’s time to dethatch. 

Dethatching removes organic material that blocks air, water, and nutrients. 

Tips: 

• Rent a dethatcher or contact our team at Lake State to handle it professionally. 

• Do it when the soil is moist but not soggy. 

This improves oxygen flow and helps your lawn bounce back faster. 

3. Core Aeration Is a Must 

Lawn aeration is one of the most beneficial spring services, especially after compact Michigan winters. 

Benefits include: 

• Enhanced root growth 

• Improved water absorption 

• Better fertilizer penetration 

Aerating your lawn in spring is especially helpful if you have heavy clay soil, which is common throughout Michigan. 

4. Set a Smart Fertilization Schedule 

Your lawn is hungry after a long winter nap. A proper fertilization schedule fuels healthy spring growth. 

Do: 

• Use a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen. 

• Apply in April and again in late May. 

• Water lightly after application to prevent burn. 

Don’t: 

• Over-fertilize, especially during early warm spells. 

• Use summer-specific formulas in spring. 

5. Control Weeds Early 

Michigan weeds like crabgrass and dandelions germinate early if left unchecked. 

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in mid to late April. 

• Target perennial weeds with post-emergents. 

• Avoid overseeding until after pre-emergents have broken down. 

For best results, integrate weed control into your seasonal lawn maintenance plan. 

Pro Tips for Michigan Lawns in Spring 

Michigan lawns are unique due to variable soil types and rapid temperature shifts. Here’s how to stay ahead: 

Monitor Soil Temps 

Grass begins growing once soil temps reach 50°F. Use a soil thermometer to know when it’s go time. 

Mow High, Mow Often 

• Wait until the grass is at least 3 inches tall before the first cut. 

• Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade in one mowing. 

Water Wisely 

• Water deeply and infrequently. 

• Early morning is the best time to irrigate. 

Common Spring Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid 

Even well-meaning homeowners can set their lawns back. Here are some pitfalls to watch for: 

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful
Mowing too early	Can tear dormant grass
Skipping aeration	Limits water and nutrient absorption
Over-fertilizing	Burns lawn and encourages weed growth
Ignoring thatch buildup	Prevents roots from accessing nutrients

Don’t guess—trust the experts at Lake State Landscape and Snow Removal. 

When to Hire a Pro 

DIY isn’t always the best path—especially with unpredictable spring weather in Michigan. 

Professional lawn care can save you: 

• Time and effort 

• Equipment rental hassles 

• Expensive mistakes 

Whether you need aeration and dethatching services or want a tailored maintenance plan, our experts make it easy. 

Table: Quick Checklist for Spring Lawn Success 

Task	Completed?
Remove debris	☐
Dethatch	☐
Aerate	☐
Fertilize	☐
Control weeds	☐
Mow and water properly	☐

Check off these tasks and get ready for a summer-ready lawn. 

Long-Term Benefits of Spring Lawn Care 

Proper spring lawn care in Michigan delivers lasting benefits: 

• A greener lawn all summer 

• Fewer weeds and pests 

• Stronger root systems 

• Better curb appeal 

Your lawn is more than grass—it’s an investment in your home’s value and comfort. 

Let Lake State Landscape and Snow Removal Help 

We’re not just about cutting grass—we’re about transforming landscapes. Whether it’s custom lawn programs or seasonal cleanups, we’re proud to help Michigan homeowners elevate their curb appeal. 

Visit Lake State Landscape and Snow Removal today and let us take your lawn from average to outstanding. 

FAQs About Spring Lawn Care in Michigan 

When should I start spring lawn care in Michigan?

Start once the snow melts and the ground is no longer frozen—typically late March or early April.

Is lawn aeration really necessary in spring?

Yes! It loosens compacted soil and improves root development, especially after a cold Michigan winter.

Can I dethatch and aerate at the same time?

It’s best to dethatch first and then aerate a few days later to maximize results and minimize lawn stress.

How often should I fertilize in spring?

Two applications—once in early spring and again in late spring—are usually sufficient for Michigan lawns.

Do I need to reseed my lawn every spring?

Only if you see bare patches or your lawn suffered winter damage. Otherwise, overseeding every few years is enough.