As winter fades and the days grow longer, the signs of spring begin to emerge. One of the most noticeable changes is the awakening of dormant grass. After months of dormancy, turfgrass starts to grow again, bringing life and vibrancy to lawns and landscapes. Understanding this process and providing the right care can help ensure a healthy and lush lawn throughout the growing season.

The Dormancy Period

During the winter months, turfgrass goes through a period of dormancy. This is a natural survival mechanism that allows the grass to conserve energy and protect itself from harsh weather conditions. As temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease, the grass slows down its growth and can turn brown or yellow in colour. This is a normal and temporary state, and the grass will begin to grow again as the weather warms up.

The Awakening

As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, turfgrass begins to emerge from dormancy. This process is triggered by a combination of factors, including soil temperature, moisture levels, and sunlight. As the soil warms up, the grass starts to absorb water and nutrients, which stimulates growth. At the same time, longer days provide more sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

The Growth Process

Once the grass starts to grow again, it goes through several stages of growth. The first stage is called the "green-up" stage, where the grass starts to turn green again as new shoots emerge from the soil. This is followed by the "tillering" stage, where the grass produces new shoots called tillers. These tillers grow horizontally along the ground and help the grass spread and fill in bare spots. Finally, the grass enters the "elongation" stage, where the tillers start to grow vertically and the grass blades become longer.

To help your turfgrass thrive during the spring awakening, there are a few care tips to consider:

1.  Aeration: Consider aerating your lawn to improve soil compaction and promote healthy root growth. This can be done using a core aerator or by hiring a professional lawn care service.

2. Weed Control: Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them as soon as you see them. Weeds can compete with turfgrass for water and nutrients, so it's important to keep them in check. You can rake or scarify your lawn to remove moss, or for problem areas apply a non chemical moss remover.

3. Fertilising: Spring is a good time to fertilise your lawn to provide the grass with the nutrients it needs to grow. Choose a fertiliser that is specifically formulated for spring use and follow the instructions carefully.

4.  Mowing: As the grass starts to grow, it's important to start your mowing routine. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and pests.

Your lawn will naturally start to colour up and look better as we move through spring. These are a a few tips to help it along the way!