Spring is the season when yards wake up. Fresh growth pushes through the soil, and everyone wants that rich green look. That is why a proper lawn spring clean up matters. A wrong move during those early weeks can harm the grass for months. Many homeowners rush the process or skip key steps, only to regret it later. Let’s break down the main mistakes and how you can steer clear of them.

Raking too early

One of the biggest errors people make is raking before the ground dries. Wet soil is soft. Strong raking at that point pulls up healthy roots and crushes young shoots. Instead, wait until the soil feels firm underfoot. Rake with care to clear out leaves, branches, and winter buildup. The grass underneath will breathe better without being ripped out. 

Cutting grass too short

It is tempting to mow low in spring. People think shorter grass means less mowing later. That thinking harms the yard. Grass cut too close cannot hold moisture, and roots stay weak. Keep blades sharp and mow at the highest safe setting. Longer blades shade the soil, hold water, and give weeds less room to grow.

Skipping aeration

Compacted soil starves grass of air and water. After months of snow and foot traffic, the soil can feel like concrete. A core aerator breaks up that surface, letting oxygen and nutrients flow down. Strong roots follow. Without aeration, fertilizer and water may never reach the roots at all.

Forgetting spring fertilizing

Some people throw down fertilizer without a plan. Others skip it entirely. Both paths cause trouble. The key is timing and balance. Fertilizer applied too early can wash away in rain. Too late, and the grass will miss its strongest growth period. Use a mix with slow release nitrogen once the lawn starts greening up. Feed the soil, not just the surface.

Ignoring bare spots

Every yard has patches that look weak after winter. Ignoring them is a mistake. Bare spots invite weeds. Use seed that matches your grass type and cover lightly with soil. Water often until new blades fill in. Repairing early keeps the yard thick and healthy all season.

Overwatering

People often think more water means greener grass. That habit drowns roots. Shallow daily watering creates weak growth. Deep watering done less often trains roots to grow down where the soil stays moist. Aim for about one inch per week, depending on rainfall. Let the soil dry slightly before watering again.

Not clearing leftover leaves

Fall leaves often get trapped under snow. Left in spring, they block sun and hold too much moisture. That creates disease. A proper cleanup clears out every soggy pile of leaves. Air flow and sun keep grass strong and fungus away.

Treating spring like fall

Homeowners often mix up tasks meant for different seasons. For example, heavy dethatching and overseeding work better in late summer or early fall. Spring is for lighter work. Think of it as a reset, not a full reset. Strong summer growth depends on the right timing. Good spring and fall clean up planning helps keep tasks in their proper place.

Using dull mower blades

Dull blades rip grass instead of cutting it clean. Torn blades turn brown at the edges and make lawns look sick. Sharpen mower blades before the first cut. Sharp cuts recover quickly and keep the lawn looking neat.

Forgetting weed control

Spring is the right time to block weeds before they spread. Crabgrass and dandelions grow fast once the soil warms. A pre-emergent treatment stops seeds from sprouting. Missing that window means fighting weeds all summer.

Bagging all clippings

Many people bag grass clippings every time they mow. That habit takes away natural fertilizer. Small clippings left on the lawn break down fast and feed the soil. As long as the grass is dry and cut short enough, clippings return nutrients without smothering the yard.

Ignoring soil tests

Soil health drives grass health. Yet many skip soil tests. Without them, you guess at what the yard needs. Too much fertilizer can burn the lawn. Too little leaves it weak. A soil test shows the exact balance of nutrients. Adjusting based on that saves money and builds a healthier yard.

Not planning ahead

Some think spring care is a one-time task. That is not true. Lawn care is a cycle. Cleaning in spring sets the tone for summer. Skipping steps now often means more weeds, more brown spots, and more work later. A steady routine pays off with thicker grass that lasts through heat and stress.

Conclusion

Small mistakes during spring lawn care have big results later. Raking too soon, mowing too short, skipping fertilizing, or overwatering can ruin grass that should thrive. Clear debris, treat bare spots, sharpen blades, and plan tasks for the right season. With careful steps, lawns grow thicker, greener, and stronger.

For those who want expert help, Bilzerian Tree and Land Services has the skill and tools to handle full lawn spring clean up with care. They guide homeowners through every step, from clearing leaves to deep root care. Their team makes lawns on Martha’s Vineyard look fresh, healthy, and ready for the season.