Here are some things you can do to get your lawn ready for summer.

Number one: Raking and Thatch removal
These are the first things you will need to do in the spring to get your yard ready for summer. Raking isn't just about removing leaves and debris from your lawn, it is also the best thing you can do to control the build-up of lawn clippings (thatch) and other solid waste that collects on the top soil. To get your lawn ready for summer you will want to rake thoroughly and deeply to help prepare your lawn for summer growth. If you have half an inch or more of thatch you will want to use deep raking top remove that, if it is less than a quarter inch in depth you want to leave the deep raking until fall, unless you live in a humid climate.

Number two: Aeration
Removing the thick layers of thatch from your lawn will help to keep the soil aerated, but it isn't always enough, especially if your lawn has been a high-traffic area for several years. If your lawn is subject to high-traffic, it will eventually start to decline due to soil compaction. Soil compaction is when the air has been squeezed out of the soil over a period. To aerate your lawn you can walk over your lawn with spiked shoes on or you can rent an aeration machine from the local garden center or hire a lawn care company to aerate your lawn.

Number three: Overseeding
If your lawn is covered in bare patches, you will need to apply lawn seed to fill in the patchy parts, which is known as overseeding. Overseeding involves sowing grass seen over the bare patches, along with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Once the seeds have begun to germinate, you will need to apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer for a growth boost. When overseeding cut your lawn short before doing it, this ensures that the seeds have a good chance to get past existing grass to the soil.

Number four: Weed control
If you have a known problem with weeds or crab grass in your lawn, you will not want to fertilize your lawn for spring until you have applied pre-emergent herbicides. The herbicides will help to get your weed problem under control because it will prevent seeds from germinating, which means the weeds will not be able to sprout at all. Keep in mind that if you are going to be overseeding your lawn you will not want to use pre-emergent herbicides because they will prevent your grass seeds from germinating.

Number four: Spring fertilization
To get your lawn growing you will want to apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, this will help kick-start your lawn's new growth. You want to stay away from the quick-release fertilizers in the early spring because you do not want to push the grass to grow if it isn't ready, which can cause new growth to be killed by a late frost. To ensure that you are using the right fertilizer for your soil type you will want to retest your soil every few years. When applying fertilizer make sure you use the right amount for your square footage and that grass that is growing in the shade will need half as much fertilizer as grass that is consistently in the sun.