Spring in the Grand Valley is the time to set your lawn up for the rest of the year. A few tasks done at the right time can mean the difference between a yard that stays green through the heat and one that struggles by summer. Homeowners in Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, and nearby areas often ask what to do first. The answer is a short list: get water to the lawn, clear winter debris, tune up the mower, and line up the right care at the right time.
Mesa Turf Masters has been helping Western Colorado properties with lawn maintenance and lawn care for decades. Here is a straightforward spring checklist that works for our climate.
Start With Your Irrigation System
Before the weather warms up for good, have your sprinklers checked and turned on properly. Frozen lines, broken heads, and misaligned spray patterns are common after winter. A professional irrigation startup includes checking pressure, clearing blockages, and adjusting heads so every zone covers the lawn evenly. Fixing leaks and broken parts now saves water and prevents dry or drowned spots later.
Clear Debris and Winter Damage
Rake or blow off leaves, sticks, and any leftover winter mulch or matted grass. This lets light and air reach the soil and reduces places where disease and pests hide. If you see thin or bare spots, note them for overseeding or sod once the soil is warm enough. A light raking also helps break up thatch so water and fertilizer can reach the roots.
Get the Mower Ready
Sharpen or replace the blade and change the oil and filter if needed. A sharp blade cuts cleanly and stresses the grass less. Set the cutting height so you are not removing more than one third of the blade in a single mow. For most lawns in our area, a height of two to three inches works well and shades the soil so it holds moisture longer.
Time Aeration and Fertilization With the Season
Core aeration opens compacted soil so air, water, and nutrients reach the roots. In the Grand Valley, spring is a good window for aeration before the heat sets in. Follow that with a balanced fertilization program so the lawn has the nutrients it needs to green up and grow strong. Combining aeration with fertilization and weed control gives you a solid base for the rest of the year.
A simple spring routine pays off. Once irrigation is running, debris is cleared, and the mower is ready, you can focus on mowing, watering, and letting your lawn care program do the rest.
Ready to schedule irrigation startup, aeration, or a full lawn care plan? Call (970) 434-5440 or request a free quote for service in Grand Junction and the surrounding areas.