In the Adirondacks, lawn care typically kicks off in late April to early May, depending on how the weather behaves—especially how quickly the snow melts and the ground dries out. Here’s a quick timeline to get things rolling:
Early Spring (Late April – Early May)
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Wait for the ground to thaw and dry out. Walking on soggy lawns can compact soil and damage tender grass.
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Clean up debris like sticks, leaves, and thatch once the lawn is dry enough.
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Light raking can help wake up the grass and prevent mold (especially snow mold).
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Apply pre-emergent weed control if you’re tackling crabgrass (usually when forsythia blooms).
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Sharpen mower blades and prep your equipment.
Mid to Late Spring (Mid–Late May)
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First mow of the season: Keep it high—around 3 to 3.5 inches.
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Fertilize with a slow-release nitrogen blend to give grass a solid start.
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Overseeding bare spots if needed—though fall is better for a full reseed.
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Check soil pH if the lawn has been struggling; Adirondack soils can be a little acidic.