Green lawn emerging in spring in a Twin Cities yard

Spring Lawn Care Checklist MN

Grin's Irrigation LLCFebruary 17, 20265 min read

Late March – Early April: Assess and Clean Up

Walk your property once snow has melted. Look for winter salt damage, vole trails, low spots, and debris. Rake lightly to break up matted grass. Check hardscaping for frost heave.

Mid-April: Irrigation Startup

Activate your system once overnight temperatures stay above 32°F. Spring startup includes re-pressurizing, walking every zone, adjusting heads, reprogramming the controller, and testing sensors.

Late April – Early May: First Fertilizer Application

Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once grass has been actively growing for 2–3 weeks. For Minnesota's Kentucky Bluegrass, look for a 22-0-4 ratio or similar.

May: First Mow and Regular Maintenance

Wait until grass reaches 3.5–4 inches. Set mower to 3–3.5 inches. Edge sidewalks, refresh mulch beds, and begin regular irrigation (2 days/week in May).

Quick-Reference Checklist

A summary of spring tasks and timing:

Task	When
Walk property, assess winter damage	Late March
Light raking and debris cleanup	Early April
Irrigation spring startup	Mid-April
Pre-emergent crabgrass treatment	When soil hits 55°F
First slow-release fertilizer	Late April–early May
First mow	When grass reaches 3.5–4"
Begin regular irrigation	May
Edge and refresh mulch beds	May