Madison, WI, has been experiencing some warmer-than-usual temperatures this March, leaving many homeowners wondering if spring is arriving early this year. While an early warm-up can be exciting, it also brings unique challenges for lawn care. Grass may start growing sooner, soil conditions may change rapidly, and weeds could take advantage of the mild temperatures.
So, what does this early warmth mean for your lawn? In this blog, we’ll cover how early spring temperatures affect grass growth and soil conditions, when to start mowing and fertilizing, and how to adjust your lawn care schedule to unpredictable weather patterns.
How an Early Warm-Up Affects Your Lawn
Unseasonably warm temperatures in March can kickstart your lawn’s growth cycle earlier than usual. While this might sound great, it’s essential to understand the effects on your grass and soil:
1. Faster Grass Growth & Early Green-Up
- Warmer soil temperatures encourage grass to break dormancy sooner, leading to earlier green-up.
- Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues may start growing weeks ahead of schedule.
2. Increased Weed Activity
- Weeds, especially crabgrass and dandelions, thrive in fluctuating temperatures and may sprout earlier.
- If pre-emergent herbicides aren’t applied in time, weeds can establish before your grass fully emerges.
3. Soil Moisture & Compaction Issues
- A rapid transition from cold to warm weather can lead to overly saturated soil, increasing the risk of compaction.
- Walking or mowing on wet soil can cause damage, leading to uneven growth and poor root development.
4. Risk of a Sudden Cold Snap
- An early warm-up doesn’t guarantee that winter is over—late-season frosts can still damage young grass.
- If new growth starts too early, it can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
When to Start Mowing, Fertilizing, and Other Lawn Care Tasks
With an early start to spring, it’s tempting to jump into lawn care right away. However, timing is everything. Here’s a guide to help you manage your lawn properly:
1. Mowing
✅ Wait until the grass is at least 3 to 4 inches tall before the first mow.
✅ Set your mower height to 3 inches to encourage strong root development.
✅ Avoid mowing on wet soil, as this can cause compaction and damage new growth.
2. Fertilizing
✅ Avoid fertilizing too early—late March or early April is ideal when the grass is actively growing.
✅ Choose a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to encourage steady growth.
✅ If you fertilized in late fall, you may not need an early spring application.
3. Pre-Emergent Weed Control
✅ Apply pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F to prevent crabgrass.
✅ In Madison, this usually happens in late March to early April, but warm temperatures may move the timeline up.
✅ Avoid aerating your lawn right after applying pre-emergent, as it can disrupt the barrier.
4. Aeration & Overseeding
✅ If your lawn has compaction or bare spots, aerating and overseeding can help.
✅ However, spring aeration should only be done if necessary, as fall is the best time for this process.
✅ If you apply pre-emergent, overseeding may not be effective, as it prevents new seed from growing.
Tips for Adjusting Your Lawn Care Schedule
With unpredictable weather patterns, flexibility is key. Here’s how to stay ahead of the changes:
- Monitor soil temperatures – You can check soil temps online or use a soil thermometer to track when to start pre-emergent weed control and fertilizing.
- Watch for frost warnings – If a cold snap is forecasted, hold off on fertilizing or mowing.
- Adjust watering habits – If warm temperatures cause early growth, ensure your lawn isn’t drying out too quickly. Water deeply but infrequently.
- Schedule lawn care early – If warmer weather leads to a busier season, book your professional lawn care services before schedules fill up.
Let Friske Lawn Care Help You Manage Your Lawn This Season
With temperatures warming up earlier than expected, now is the time to prepare your lawn for a healthy season ahead. Friske Lawn Care is here to help with mowing, weed control, aeration, and more. Contact us today to schedule your lawn care services and ensure your yard stays lush and green all season long!
