Lawn Care in March: Follow the Weather
Are you wondering if you can begin doing your lawn care in March? If that’s the case, let me remind you of an old saying about this month: “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
It refers to, of course, the weather. The early days of the month are still in the throes of winter. Yet by the fourth week here in Cincinnati, we experience the calmer climate of spring.
So, the bottom line is this. Doing lawn care tasks is dictated by the weather. Let’s get started on the details.
Table of Contents
- Mowing Your Grass
- Dethatching
- Aerating
- Seeding
- Trimming Edges
- Lawn Care in March Dos and Don’ts
- Related Resources
- Need More Help?
Mowing Your Grass
March really is the beginning of the grass cutting season here in Cincinnati. With the warmer weather, your lawn emerges from its dormant state. New growth comes fast this time of year. It’s the perfect time for the first cut of the season.
But like any important activity, you’ll want to ease into the season. Don’t cut every week yet. Even though it is waking up, your lawn is still recovering from the winter dormancy. You may only cut once or twice this month.
When you do cut, remember to keep your blades at the highest setting. The grass needs height right now so it can take advantage of the springtime sun and grow stronger.
Of course, all of this talk about cutting the grass is only valid if the weather is with you. If you haven’t experienced warmer temperatures yet, you will want to wait.
Dethatching
Dead, organic debris on your yard’s surface can prevent new grass from growing because it blocks sunlight and keeps nutrients from reaching the soil. It can also create bare patches. Dethatching is the process of removing this material from the grass. It’s a necessary process for keeping your lawn healthy and devoid of patches.
You can dethatch by hand by gently raking the debris up and out of the grass. Then remove it from the surface.
Aerating
Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil. This makes it easier for air and water to seep down into the roots of the grass. The typical season for aeration is the fall, when the weather is warm and wet. But if you have similar conditions in the springtime, this process is great for your lawn then, as well.
Seeding
Doing lawn care I March would not be complete without seeding. After the snow melts away, we typically discover some bare patches in the lawn. Use lawn seed covered by some straw to help repair those areas. Don’t forget to water those patches regularly, as well.
Trimming Edges
March growth can happen fast and make your yard look pretty unruly. On top of that, finding the right time to cut is not always easy with the weather vacillating between rain and sun. If you have a time when the grass is long but can’t be cut because it is wet, here’s a tip to help your yard look a bit neater: Trim the edges of your lawn. Those areas that border your driveway, street or sidewalk can easily be cleaned up by trimming back that rapid growth. You’ll be surprised how much tidier your yard looks after getting a quick trim.
Lawn Care in March Dos and Don’ts
As we get into the month, you’ll find that you need to plan your tasks according to the weather. If march is behaving like a lion, you may need to wait for the lamb. Here are a few other Dos-and-Don’ts for the third month of the year.
Do this in March:
- Take note of the health of your lawn
- If your grass is long and the weather is warm, cut the grass.
- If the weather is appropriate, aerate.
- Apply lawn seed where needed.
- Dethatch by removing dead organic debris from the grass.
Do not do this in March:
- Don’t be concerned if you have spread grass seed and it is still dormant. You just might need to wait a bit for warmer temperatures.
- Don’t cut your grass if temperatures are still cold.
- Don’t be aggressive when dethatching.
- Don’t set your mower blades too low at this time of year.
Related Resources
- Lawn Care in February
- What Temperature is Too Cold to Fertilize Lawns?
- How to Aerate Your Lawn for the Best Results
- How to Control Moss on Your Lawn
- How to Use Fertilizer Spreaders (The Right Way)
Need More Help?
Need help with your Cincinnati lawn care in March or through the Spring, Summer, and Fall? Just contact American Landscapes here for a free, no-obligation estimate. Or call us at (513) 947-8727.
You can also learn more about our lawn care, landscaping, and outdoor lighting services by reading our blog. In addition to fertilizer and weed control, we also provide mosquito control, lawn aeration, lawn seeding, and much more.