Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Season Ahead

The first day of spring is officially here in Connecticut and we’re already seeing early signs of the season peeking through in the form of crocuses, daffodils, and warmer weather. After an up-and-down winter with a good amount of snow, now is the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention so it thrives all season long.

Here’s your early spring checklist to help get your grass green, healthy, and beautiful:

1. Start with a Soil Test

Before you do anything else, start with a soil test. Grass can be picky, and understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient profile is essential. Ideally, your pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. A test will help determine what your lawn needs—so you don’t waste money on the wrong fertilizer or seed. You can pick up an easy DIY soil test kit at your local hardware store or hire a professional landscaper to do it for you.

2. Clean-Up Comes First

Once the snow is gone and the ground begins to thaw, it’s time to clean up winter’s mess. Remove any sticks, leaves, or pine needles that have accumulated. Then, rake your lawn—even if it looks clear. Raking helps dethatch the lawn by removing the layer of dead grass and debris that can block sunlight and prevent new growth. Thatch offers insulation in winter, but now it’s time to let your lawn breathe.

3. Aerate for Better Growth

Aerating your lawn is a game-changer. It helps break up compacted soil, improves air and water flow, and gives grass roots better access to nutrients. You can rent an aerator or hire a pro, but either way, don’t skip this step—it really helps your lawn thrive from the ground up.

4. Apply a Pre-Emergent for Weed Control

Weeds are the first to pop up in the spring—and they’re stubborn. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide now will help stop weeds like crabgrass before they take over. The best product for your yard will depend on your soil and grass type, so talk to your local garden center expert for guidance. Getting ahead of weeds early gives your grass a better shot at soaking up all the sunlight and nutrients it needs.

5. Reseed Bare or Thinning Areas

Even healthy lawns can develop thin or patchy areas. Whether you're filling in bare spots or overseeding the entire lawn, the right grass seed makes all the difference. Match your seed type to your soil and light conditions—your local hardware store can point you in the right direction. Use a seed spreader for even coverage and keep the area consistently moist to encourage germination.

6. Finish Strong with Fertilizer

Finally, give your lawn a nutritional boost with fertilizer. Just like with seed, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your soil test results will tell you what nutrients your lawn is lacking, so choose a fertilizer that supports those needs. The right mix will encourage lush, vibrant growth that lasts well into summer.

One Last Tip: Don’t Mow Too Soon!

It’s tempting to get out the mower once the weather warms, but try to hold off. Let your grass grow a little taller in early spring—longer blades help develop stronger roots and prevent weeds from sprouting. A little patience now will go a long way in creating a thick, healthy lawn you’ll enjoy all season.

Happy spring—and happy growing!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spring Cleaning Jobs To Tackle

As the weather slowly starts to warm up, the next few weeks offer a great chance for an early spring yard cleanup. While getting the lawn and garden ready for the season seems like a big job, spreading it out over a few mild weekends early in the year can make it much more palatable. Plus, the vitamin D, fresh air, and exercise will do your body and mind a world of good after a long winter indoors. 

If you didn’t clean out your beds in the autumn, now is the time to do it. Cut back any dead debris and prune any shrubs or trees that are overgrown or have been damaged by winter. It’s a lot easier to do this before buds and leaves come which makes it more difficult to see what you’re cutting. With that being said, don’t start chopping away at spring bloomers until the buds have formed. If you’re worried about weeds, now is a good time to lay down your landscaper's fabric and mulch new beds. Just be careful to leave space for the plants that you want to come through. 

Don’t let those dead leaves and plant debris go to waste. You can fence off a small area for composting or purchase a tumbler. All that easy-to-break-down yard waste and future food scraps will make fantastic soil for later spring and summer planting. 

If you didn’t reseed your lawn in the fall, it’s not too late. Start by raking up any leaves and branches that have been left behind. Raking also acts as a massage for the ground as it allows oxygen to circulate. I always take it one step further and use an aerator to break up tough, cold soil which gives grass seeds the best chance for survival. Finally, reseed and fertilize to keep hungry birds away.  

If your yard is susceptible to crabgrass, using a pre-emergent will keep weeds at bay. Just make sure you take the proper precautions and don’t apply it near your new grass seedlings as it will kill them off instantly. 

Hardy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are best for early planting, as the same goes for peas as long as the ground is fully thawed. Spinach and lettuces are pretty tough too and can generally be put right into the ground in March if the weather cooperates. 

Finally, it’s too early now, but soon it will be time to start mowing. I always recommend setting the blade as high as it will go, especially if you’ve recently reseeded the yard. It’s smart to tread lightly in the first few weeks to make sure that the grass has time to properly root and get comfortable. Go too short too fast and you’ll have a complicated relationship with your yard for the rest of the season. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

It's Not Too Late To Get in The Vegetable Garden

June in Connecticut offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in the warm, early summer climate. With the last frost safely behind, it's time to get your hands dirty and your garden flourishing. Here’s a guide to some of the best vegetables to plant in your garden this month.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic garden staple and June is an excellent time to plant them in Connecticut. The warm soil and increasing temperatures provide ideal conditions for these sun-loving plants. Whether you prefer cherry tomatoes, beefsteak, or heirlooms, make sure to plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Staking or caging your tomato plants will help support their growth and keep the fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of disease.

Peppers

Peppers, both sweet and hot varieties, thrive when planted in June. Connecticut's warm summer days and slightly cooler nights are perfect for pepper plants. Bell peppers, jalapeños, and even exotic varieties like habaneros can be planted now. Ensure they receive full sunlight and regular watering, but be careful not to overwater, as peppers prefer their soil to dry out between waterings.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another excellent choice for a June planting in Connecticut. These fast-growing vines love the heat and can produce a bountiful harvest throughout the summer. You can plant them directly in the garden or start them indoors earlier in the spring and transplant them in June. Trellising cucumbers will save space and make harvesting easier while reducing the risk of disease.

Zucchini and Summer Squash

Zucchini and other summer squash varieties are known for their prolific nature and are perfect for planting in June. These plants require plenty of sunlight and space to spread out. They thrive in Connecticut’s climate, quickly producing a large harvest that can be enjoyed in numerous summer dishes. Regular harvesting encourages further production, ensuring you have a steady supply of fresh squash throughout the season.

Beans

Both bush and pole beans can be planted in June and will yield a generous harvest. Beans are relatively easy to grow and do well in our summer weather. Bush beans do not require support, making them simpler to manage, while pole beans need trellises or stakes. Ensure your bean plants receive full sun and regular watering for the best results.

Carrots

Carrots can be sown directly into the garden soil in June. These root vegetables prefer loose, well-drained soil and a sunny location. Although they take a bit longer to mature, the sweet, crisp carrots harvested later in the season are worth the wait. Thinning the seedlings is crucial to ensure each carrot has enough space to grow properly.

Leafy Greens

Although typically associated with cooler weather, certain leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach can still be planted in June. These greens can tolerate Connecticut’s summer heat if they receive partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Regular watering and harvesting the outer leaves will keep these plants producing throughout the summer.

Gardening during June is both rewarding and productive. By planting a diverse range of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, carrots, and leafy greens, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all summer long. Don’t forget to include a selection of herbs to elevate your cooking and support your garden’s ecosystem. Happy gardening!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.