South Milwaukee Spring Lawn Care Checklist: 5 Tips for Oak Creek & Franklin Homeowners

Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your lawn after the harsh winter months. Homeowners in South Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and Franklin know Wisconsin winters can leave their yards in rough shape, making spring lawn care a crucial step in maintaining a lush, green landscape. By following these five essential lawn care tips, you’ll ensure your yard is healthy, vibrant, and ready for the growing season ahead.

Winter can leave behind a mess of leaves, twigs, and dead grass that can smother your lawn and prevent new growth. A thorough cleanup will improve sunlight penetration and air circulation, helping your grass recover quickly. To effectively clear your lawn, you should:

• Rake up leaves and debris to prevent mold and disease.
• Remove any dead grass to promote new growth.
• Trim back overgrown shrubs and plants to allow sunlight to reach your lawn.

Compacted soil and excessive thatch buildup can prevent water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching your grass roots. If your lawn feels spongy or water pools on the surface, it may be time to dethatch or aerate.

• Dethatching: Use a rake or dethatching machine to remove excess organic matter.
• Aeration: If your soil is compacted, aerate by using a core aerator to create small holes, improving absorption.
• Timing: In Oak Creek and Franklin, early to mid-spring is ideal for these treatments before peak growing season begins.

Spring is a critical time to prevent weeds before they emerge. Applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring will help keep weeds like crabgrass at bay.

• Apply pre-emergent weed control before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
• Combine pre-emergent with a balanced fertilizer to strengthen your lawn.
• In the South Milwaukee area, mid-to-late April is typically the best time for application.

A well-maintained mower is essential for a healthy lawn. Follow these steps to ensure your grass is cut properly:

• Sharpen mower blades to avoid tearing grass, which can lead to disease.
• Set mower height to 2.5 to 3 inches to encourage deep roots and prevent weed growth.
• Mow regularly but never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time.

Proper watering is essential for a thriving lawn, especially in spring when grass is establishing a strong root system.

• Check your soil’s moisture level before watering.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Adjust watering based on rainfall and install or repair irrigation systems for even coverage.