Spring Lawn Startup Checklist

Name: Local Service Pros
Address: Halfmoon, NY, US
Price range: $$

Everything worth doing in the first few weeks the snow's gone, in the order that actually matters.

Skip steps out of order and you'll be redoing work later in the season. Check these off in sequence.

Rake up winter debris, leaves, and matted patches (snow mold) before the first mow
First mow at a slightly higher height than usual — don't scalp it
Check the irrigation system for winter damage before you need it
Look for bare or thin patches to flag for overseeding
Get soil tested or at least eyeball drainage issues from winter runoff
Apply a pre-emergent before crabgrass season if that's part of your plan
Sharpen or replace mower blades — a dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it
Schedule aeration if the lawn feels compacted underfoot