Winter often leaves behind leaves, sticks, and debris that block sunlight and trap moisture in the grass.

A thorough spring cleanup helps your lawn recover and begin growing again.

Key cleanup tasks include:

• Removing leaves and branches
• Lightly raking matted grass areas
• Clearing debris from landscape beds
• Checking for snow mold or winter damage
• Inspecting drainage areas for standing water

For many homeowners across Hamilton County, a professional spring cleanup helps reset the entire property after winter.

Your first mow of the year should happen once the lawn is actively growing and the soil is dry enough to support equipment.

Cutting too early or mowing wet soil can compact the ground and damage new growth.

For most Indiana lawns:

• Ideal mowing height: 2–3 inches in early spring
• Use sharp mower blades
• Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height

Proper mowing practices help grass grow thicker and naturally crowd out weeds.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

When should I fertilize my lawn in Indiana?

The best time for the first spring fertilization in Indiana is typically:

Mid-April through early May

This timing allows grass to begin active growth before receiving additional nutrients.

Applying fertilizer too early — especially in March — can encourage excessive top growth while roots are still weak.

Before fertilizing, it’s ideal to test your soil.

Most Indiana soils are slightly acidic, and lawns perform best with a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

A balanced fertilizer with higher nitrogen levels typically works well for spring growth.

Professional fertilization programs ensure the correct nutrients are applied at the correct time based on your lawn’s specific conditions.

Many lawns in Hamilton County and surrounding areas suffer from soil compaction due to heavy clay soil.

Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots.

Core aeration solves this problem by removing small plugs of soil and improving airflow.

If your lawn also has thin or patchy areas, overseeding can help fill them in.

The best time for aeration and overseeding in Indiana is usually fall, but spring treatments can still be beneficial if fall services were missed.

A dense lawn is one of the best natural defenses against weeds.

Spring is when many of the most common lawn weeds begin to germinate.

In Central Indiana, some of the most common weeds include:

• Crabgrass
• Chickweed
• Dandelions
• Henbit

The most effective strategy is prevention.

Applying pre-emergent weed control in early spring stops weeds like crabgrass before they ever sprout.

Once weeds become established, they spread quickly and compete with healthy grass.

Post-emergent weed treatments can eliminate existing weeds while protecting the surrounding turf.

Spring is the ideal time to refresh landscape beds with mulch.

Fresh mulch provides several benefits:

• Helps retain soil moisture
• Suppresses weeds
• Protects plant roots from temperature swings
• Improves overall curb appeal

Most beds benefit from 2–3 inches of mulch applied each spring.

This is also a great opportunity to add seasonal flowers or update landscape plantings.

As temperatures rise, pests and lawn diseases begin to become active.

Two of the most common problems in Indiana include:

1. Grubs

Grubs are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots. Preventative treatments applied in April or early summer can stop them before damage occurs.

2. Fungal Lawn Diseases

Excess moisture and poor airflow can lead to diseases like:

• Red Thread
• Dollar Spot
• Brown Patch

Avoid overwatering and maintain proper mowing height to reduce disease risk.

Spring rains can make it seem like lawns don’t need irrigation, but consistent watering helps strengthen root systems.

The general recommendation is:

1–1.5 inches of water per week

Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper roots.

Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal disease.