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Read More April 4, 2016 | Blain's Farm & FleetYour Midwest Spring Lawn Care Plan: What to Do (and When)
After a long Midwest winter, your lawn needs more than just sunshine to bounce back. A simple, month-by-month plan makes all the difference between patchy grass and a thick, green yard you’re proud of.
Here’s your spring lawn game plan.
March: Prep Now, Thank Yourself Later
Before the grass really starts growing, focus on your equipment and early prep.
Give your mower some TLC:
- Clean under the deck
- Check and change the oil
- Replace or clean the air filter
- Sharpen mower blades
- Use lubrication on moving parts
Sharp blades matter more than you think — dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, which can stress your lawn. If you’d rather skip the tune-up, bring your mower into Blain’s Farm & Fleet for maintenance and service.
March is also a great time to grab mulch and landscaping supplies before the rush hits.
April: Clean Up + Get Ahead of Weeds
As the snow melts and the ground dries out, it’s cleanup season.
Start with a good rake. Removing debris and snow mold improves airflow and helps your lawn wake up faster.
Overseed thin spots by adding enriched topsoil and spreading grass seed with fertilizer to encourage strong growth.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 50–55°F (typically April 20–28 in the Midwest). Timing is everything here — this step helps stop crabgrass and other weeds before they even start.
Once your grass reaches about 3 inches tall, it’s time to mow — but keep your blade set high. Taller grass promotes deeper root growth and helps crowd out weeds naturally.
May: Strengthen and Protect
Now that your lawn is actively growing, it’s time to reinforce it.
- Apply grub control to prevent root damage later in the season
- Aerate compacted soil to improve water and nutrient absorption
- Use a fertilizer in late May to feed your lawn steadily
- Spot treat weeds with post-emergent herbicides as needed
This is the month that sets the tone for summer.
A healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident — it happens on schedule. Stop by Blain’s Farm & Fleet for seed, fertilizer, spreaders, mower maintenance, and everything you need to stay ahead this spring.
Lawn Care Supplies
Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower Oil
Price: $5.99 – $13.49
Briggs & Stratton Air Filter 5432K
Price: $13.99
Genuine Factory Part 21″ Mower Blade
Price: $19.99
Lucas Oil Products 14 oz Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease
Price: $6.99
Fiskars Aluminum Leaf Rake
Price: $24.99
BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control
Price: $24.99 – $47.99
Estate 36 lb 13-13-13 Garden Fertilizer
Price: $29.99
Gordon’s Acreage Pro Lawn Weed Killer
Price: $25.99 – $65.99
For more guides and how-tos like this one, check out our other Lawn Care articles.
