The Ultimate Spring Lawn Care Checklist for New Jersey Homeowners

Spring in New Jersey is the perfect time to reset your lawn after winter and prepare it for a healthy growing season. From fertilization to shrub care, following a strategic spring checklist helps ensure greener grass, fewer weeds, and stronger roots throughout the year.

What Should Be The First Step In My Spring Lawn Care Routine?

The first step in your spring lawn care routine should be a full lawn inspection and soil evaluation.

Early spring is the ideal time to assess how winter impacted your lawn. Look for compacted soil, thin or bare patches, early weed growth, and signs of lingering disease. These indicators help determine which treatments will be most effective and when they should be applied.

Taking the time to evaluate your lawn early allows you to address problems proactively instead of reacting once damage becomes more visible.

When Should I Schedule Lawn Fertilization And Weed Control?

Spring is the most important time to fertilize and protect your lawn, and timing matters. Lawn fertilization should be scheduled when your grass begins actively growing, allowing it to absorb nutrients efficiently and kick off the season strong. Applying fertilizer too early or too late can limit results, while properly timed treatments help establish healthy growth from the roots up.

Early-season fertilization supports vibrant green-up and encourages stronger root development, while pre-emergent weed control plays a critical role in stopping crabgrass and other invasive weeds before they have a chance to germinate. Addressing weeds at this stage prevents competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight as temperatures continue to rise.

Effective spring fertilization and weed control typically includes:

• Balanced nutrients to promote healthy root development and dense blade growth
• Pre-emergent weed control to prevent crabgrass and other grassy weeds before they emerge
• Targeted broadleaf weed treatments where existing weeds are present

A properly timed fertilizer and weed control application lays the groundwork for thicker, healthier turf throughout the growing season, helping your lawn stay resilient, lush, and weed-resistant as spring transitions into summer.

Do I Need To Aerate And Overseed My Lawn In Spring?

In many cases, yes—you will need to aerate and see your lawn, especially if your lawn shows signs of thinning or soil compaction.

Why is aeration important in spring?

Aeration relieves compacted soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the root system more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for lawns that experience heavy foot traffic or poor drainage during winter.

How does overseeding help?

Overseeding fills in bare or thin areas, improves turf density, and helps crowd out weeds naturally. When paired with aeration, it can significantly improve overall lawn health.

Together, these services encourage stronger root development and more even growth throughout the season.

Should I Be Concerned About Lawn Diseases And Shrub Health In Spring?

Yes—spring conditions can create the perfect environment for disease and plant stress.

Cool mornings and increased moisture may trigger fungal lawn diseases, while shrubs and ornamentals may show signs of winter damage or early insect activity.

Monitoring plant health early allows for preventative treatments that help maintain strong turf and attractive landscape beds throughout the growing season.

What Ongoing Maintenance Should I Plan For This Spring?

Spring lawn care isn’t a one-time task—it’s a series of timely actions.

Regular mowing, consistent watering, and follow-up weed and pest control all play a role in keeping your lawn healthy as growth accelerates. Staying consistent with maintenance helps prevent small issues from becoming larger problems later in the season.

A well-maintained lawn in spring is far easier to manage during the hotter summer months.

How Can New Jersey Homeowners Stay On Track With Spring Lawn Care?

Following a seasonal checklist and addressing issues early is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn. Professional lawn care programs can simplify the process by ensuring treatments are applied at the right time and tailored to local conditions.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of spring lawn care, working with Royal Turf can help you enjoy greener grass, fewer weeds, and a healthier outdoor space all season long. Contact us today to get started.