5 Essential Lawn Tasks to Kick Off Spring in Des Moines
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to give your lawn the attention it needs after a long Iowa winter. A little effort now can make a big difference all season long. Not sure where to start? Here are 5 essential tasks to wake up your lawn the right way — the eco-friendly, Signature way.
1. Clear Away Winter Debris
Before anything else, give your lawn a clean slate. Remove leaves, branches, and dead plant matter that accumulated over winter. Clearing debris helps prevent mold and disease and gives sunlight and air better access to your soil.
Pro Tip: Be gentle with your rake to avoid damaging tender spring grass.
2. Prep and Edge Your Landscape Beds
Spring is the perfect time to redefine those bed edges and prep your landscaping areas. Clean lines around beds not only boost curb appeal, but they also help keep mulch in place and grass out.
Pro Tip: Use a spade or half-moon edger to create a sharp, crisp line.
3. Apply a Spring Fertilizer
A slow-release, eco-friendly spring fertilizer gives your lawn a much-needed boost. After the stress of winter, nutrients help encourage healthy new growth and kickstart root development.
Pro Tip: Pair fertilizer with a pre-emergent to tackle early weeds.
4. Inspect for Lawn Damage & Patch Thin Spots
Cold temps, snow piles, and foot traffic can leave patches or thinning. Take time to inspect your lawn and identify areas that may need seeding or aeration later in the season.
Pro Tip: Avoid seeding right after applying pre-emergent — they can cancel each other out.
5. Mulch & Refresh Your Beds
Fresh mulch not only makes everything look clean and polished — it also helps retain moisture, control weeds, and protect plant roots. Use natural mulch in a 2-3" layer to avoid suffocating your beds.
Pro Tip: Always leave a little space around the base of plants and trees.
Need help getting your lawn and landscape ready for spring?
Signature Lawn & Landscape offers professional spring clean-up, mulch installation, bed edging, fertilization, and more — all with pet-safe, earth-friendly solutions.
📞 Call 515-289-2039 or request a quote today.
Let’s make this your lawn’s best season yet! 🌿