Spring Lawn Care Guide: How to Get a Lush, Green Lawn in Crystal Lake, IL

Spring is the most critical season for lawn care, as it sets the foundation for a healthy, green lawn all year long. After a long Midwest winter, your yard needs proper attention to recover from the cold and prepare for the growing season. If you live in Crystal Lake, IL, and want a thick, weed-free lawn this year, follow these essential spring lawn care steps.

1. Start with a Spring Cleanup

Before jumping into fertilization and weed control, start by cleaning up your yard. Winter can leave behind debris, dead grass, and compacted soil, all of which can hinder new growth.

• Rake up leaves, sticks, and thatch buildup.

• Remove any dead patches of grass.

• Check for snow mold or fungal issues that may have developed over winter.

  
  

2. Test Your Soil for pH & Nutrients

A soil test provides valuable insights into your lawn’s nutrient levels. In the Midwest, soil can often become too acidic or lack essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.

• Ideal pH: 6.0 – 7.0

• Fix pH issues with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).

• Add organic material like compost to improve soil structure.

  
  

3. Aeration & Overseeding for a Thicker Lawn

If your lawn is compacted or has thin patches, aeration and overseeding in early spring can help:

• Aeration loosens soil, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

• Overseeding fills in bare spots with new grass, making your lawn denser.

• Best time: Early spring, but only if the soil isn’t too wet.

  
  
  
  

4. Early Spring Fertilization: Feed Your Lawn

Applying a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in early spring encourages strong root growth.

• Look for a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10 for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).

• Avoid over-fertilizing too early, as it may promote too much top growth without strong roots.

• Apply fertilizer before a light rain to help absorption.

  
  

5. Pre-Emergent Weed Control: Stop Weeds Before They Start

Prevent weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and clover from taking over your yard by using a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.

• Apply before soil temperatures reach 55°F (usually late March – early April in Crystal Lake).

• Pre-emergent prevents weed seeds from germinating but won’t kill existing weeds.

• Water the herbicide in after application for best results.

  
  

6. Mowing Tips for Early Spring

• Keep mower blades sharp for a clean cut.

• Set the mowing height to 3 – 3.5 inches to promote deeper roots.

• Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress.

  
  

7. Watering Wisely: Less is More in Spring

• Overwatering in spring can lead to shallow roots and disease.

• Water deeply but infrequently (1-1.5 inches per week if there’s no rain).

• Early morning is the best time to water to prevent evaporation.

  
  

8. Control Pests & Lawn Diseases

Look for signs of grubs, chinch bugs, or fungal diseases like dollar spot or red thread. If you notice issues, consider:

• Beneficial nematodes or grub control treatments.

• Fungicide applications for persistent lawn disease.

  
  

9. Call the Experts for a Head Start!

DIY lawn care can be effective, but professional fertilization and weed control ensure your yard gets the right nutrients at the right time.

At DAB Green Team, we provide expert lawn fertilization, weed control, aeration, and overseeding services in Crystal Lake, IL. Let us help you get a lush, healthy lawn this spring!

Click the blue button below for your free quote!