Spring Lawn Care Tips for North Carolina's Piedmont

Spring Lawn Care Tips for North Carolina’s Piedmont

Grass Seeding and Aeration | Landscaping | Residential Landscaping | Seasonal Mowing

Spring in North Carolina’s Piedmont means warmer days, fresh blooms, and the perfect time to get your lawn back in shape. Winter can leave behind compacted soil, thin grass, and stubborn weeds, but follow our Spring lawn care tips to set up for a lush, healthy yard all season.

With the right timing and care, your lawn can thrive in the region’s mild spring temperatures. From aeration and fertilization to weed control and mowing techniques, knowing what your grass needs now makes all the difference.

Early Spring Is the Time to Prepare for Lawn Mowing

Clear Away Winter’s Mess

Before your first mowing, focus on spring cleanup to remove dead grass, fallen leaves, and other debris. These leftovers from the winter months can smother new grass, block sunlight, and slow down healthy growth.

Check for snow mold, dead patches, and bare spots in your existing lawn. If you see matted areas where grass blades look discolored, gently rake them to improve air circulation and encourage grass roots to spread.

Test and Improve Your Soil

A soil test helps you understand your soil pH and nutrient levels. Alkaline soil may need amendments to create the best conditions for healthy grass.

If soil compaction is an issue, early spring is the right time to aerate your lawn. This process loosens the soil, allowing deeper roots to develop and water to reach grass roots.

Choose the Right Mowing Height

Setting the correct mower height helps warm season grasses and cool season grasses stay strong. Cutting more than one-third of the blade at once stresses the grass and weakens root development.

Raise the mower height in early spring to protect grass thrive as it starts actively growing. For most grass types, a height of 2.5 to 4 inches works best.

Sharpen Mower Blades and Perform Maintenance

Dull blades tear grass blades instead of cutting cleanly, making your lawn vulnerable to lawn diseases and broadleaf weeds. Sharpen mower blades before the growing season starts to prevent ragged cuts.

Change the air filter and check the oil in your lawn mower to keep it running smoothly. Replace worn-out spark plugs and make sure the wheels are adjusted evenly for a consistent first mowing.

Address Weeds Before They Spread

Early spring is the best time to use pre emergent herbicides to stop weed seeds from germinating. This creates a chemical barrier against weed growth, reducing problems with wild violets and other invasive plants.

For weeds that survived winter, post emergent herbicides can help kill weeds before they take over your entire lawn. Spot-treat trouble areas to protect the lawn health without harming beneficial insects.

With no contracts and customized scheduling, keeping your lawn in top shape has never been easier. Let Southern State Landscape take care of your seasonal mowing so you can enjoy a lush, green lawn without the extra work.

Contact us today to schedule your Seasonal Mowing service. Get a free quote online or call us at (919) 673-3956.

Encourage Healthy Growth with Proper Watering

Spring showers help, but a strong irrigation system ensures deep watering when soil temperatures rise. Water early morning to allow grass blades to dry during the day, reducing the risk of lawn diseases.

Apply a thin layer of organic material like compost to boost nutrients and improve root development. This helps warm season turf establish strong grass roots for a lush spring lawn that lasts into early summer.

Fill in Bare Spots with Grass Seed

If you notice bare spots, fill them with grass seed suited for your grass type. Rake lightly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and keep the area moist to support germination.

By following these spring lawn care steps, you’ll set up your lawn care routine for a healthy lawn that thrives from early spring to late spring and beyond.

When Is It Time to Start Mowing For the Season?

Watch for the Right Soil and Air Temperatures

The best time to start mowing depends on soil and air temperatures. In North Carolina’s Piedmont, cool-season grasses like fescue wake up in early spring, while warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia remain dormant until late spring.

Wait until daytime temperatures consistently reach the 60s and the soil warms to at least 55°F. This signals that your grass is actively growing and strong enough for the lawn mower.

Check for Signs of Active Growth

If your spring lawn still has dead grass from winter, don’t rush to mow. Wait until you see:

New grass growing evenly across your lawn
Green shoots filling in bare patches
Thicker grass blades that stand upright

Mowing too soon stresses the lawn and makes it harder for grass to develop deep roots for the growing season.

Set the Right Mower Height

Cutting too low weakens your lawn healthy, especially in early spring when grass is recovering from winter. For the first mow:

Keep cool-season grasses around 3 to 4 inches
Set warm-season grasses to 2 to 3 inches once they green up
Avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at a time

Leaving grass clippings on your lawn returns nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture.

Control Weeds Before Mowing

If weeds have already started to sprout, apply pre-emergent herbicides to block weed seeds before they grow. If unwanted weeds are already visible, use post-emergent herbicides to target them before the first mow.

Mowing before controlling weeds can spread them across your lawn, making future lawn problems harder to fix.

Perform Basic Maintenance on Your Lawn Mower

Before your first mow, check that your lawn mower is ready for the season. Basic lawn care tips include:

Sharpen mower blades to cut cleanly and prevent tearing grass blades
Check the oil and air filter to keep the engine running smoothly
Adjust mower height for your grass type

A well-maintained mower helps your spring lawn care routine start off right.

The Bottom Line

The right time to start mowing depends on when weather warms, grass type, and soil conditions. Wait until your lawn is actively growing, set your lawn mower properly, and control weeds early for a lawn healthy all season long.

Southern State Landscape In Johnston County: Setting You Up For Greener, Lusher Lawns

Flexible Mowing Plans Designed for Your Needs

At Southern State Landscape, we know every lawn is different. That’s why we offer Seasonal Mowing with no contracts, so you get professional care on your terms.

Whether you need weekly or bi-weekly mowing, we make it easy to keep your lawn looking its best without long-term commitments.

With our service, you can:

Start or stop mowing at any time without penalties
Choose a schedule that fits your yard’s growth rate
Rely on expert care to keep your lawn healthy and manicured

Professional Lawn Care for a Picture-Perfect Yard

A well-maintained lawn doesn’t just happen. It takes consistent mowing, the right height adjustments, and professional equipment to ensure lush, healthy growth.

Our team brings years of experience to each mow, keeping your grass at the ideal height for strong root development and long-term health.

When you choose our mowing services, you get:

Expert mowing techniques that promote thicker, greener lawns
Precision edging and trimming for a polished finish
Reliable, scheduled service so you never have to stress about overgrown grass

More Than Just Mowing—A Commitment to Lawn Health

Beyond just cutting your grass, we focus on your lawn’s overall health. Regular mowing helps prevent thatch buildup, encourages even growth, and improves your yard’s appearance.

With Southern State Landscape, you’re not just getting a cut—you’re investing in a healthier lawn for the long run.

Our Seasonal Mowing service is perfect if you want a well-kept yard without the hassle of maintaining it yourself.

Get a Greener Lawn Without the Commitment