Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips for Wilmette & Kenilworth Homeowners

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Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

After a long winter, your yard can start to look tired—compacted soil, patchy areas, and sluggish growth are all signs it’s time for spring lawn maintenance. If you’ve been asking yourself when to prepare the grass for spring, the answer is: right now—before minor issues turn into major headaches.

That’s where trusted local experts like Tommy Pollina Landscape Company come in. With over 40 years of experience and a specialty in lawn aeration services in North Shore Chicago IL, our team knows exactly how to bring your yard back to life. Read on to uncover the best lawn care tips for spring that will give your grass the strong, healthy start it deserves.

Why Spring Lawn Maintenance Matters

After months of compacted snow and fluctuating temperatures, your turf suffers from poor air exchange, waterlogging, and stunted growth. That’s why spring cleanup is essential—a structured spring lawn maintenance checklist ensures your yard recovers quickly and builds resilience for summer heat and storms.

If you’re wondering when to prepare lawn for spring, the answer is now—when soil temperatures rise above 50°F and the grass starts greening up. This window is key for lawn maintenance in North Shore Chicago IL, especially in moisture-sensitive areas like Wilmette and Kenilworth.

University of Illinois Extension says it’s best to aerate and dethatch when grass is actively growing and the weather is mild. Doing it at the wrong time can compact the soil and damage roots, making it harder for your yard to stay healthy.

 

Now’s the time for spring lawn care.  Wilmette & Kenilworth homeowners—get ahead before it’s too late. Request a contact today.

How to Prepare Your Lawn Right This Spring

Tip 1: Lawn Aeration

Lawn aeration services in North Shore Chicago IL are essential during early spring. Soil loosening involves making small holes in the soil to improve airflow, water absorption, and strong root growth. It’s particularly vital for compacted or heavily trafficked yards.

For homeowners facing water pooling or soggy patches, how aeration improves grass health becomes clear—this service complements yard drainage services in North Shore Chicago IL by alleviating underlying soil compaction and improving natural drainage.

Research from the National Association of Landscape Professionals shows that properly aerated yards can absorb water up to 15% more efficiently and support deeper root growth, helping them survive droughts later in the season.

Tip 2: Dethatching

Thatch is the layer of dead grass and roots that builds up between the soil and living grass. When it’s thicker than ½ inch, it suffocates your turf. Our dethatching services in North Shore Chicago IL remove this buildup and restore proper how water and food reach the roots.

You might need to remove dead grass buildup if it feels spongy or if water pools after light rain—issues common in Kenilworth properties with clay-heavy soil. Combining dethatching with power raking services in North Shore Chicago IL ensures your grass breathes and absorbs nutrients effectively.

Pro Tip: After dethatching, overseed thin patches to boost density and prevent weed takeover.

Tip 3: Smart Mowing Practices

Spring mowing isn’t just about keeping your yard tidy—it sets the stage for season-long success. As one of the key spring lawn care tips, start mowing when the grass reaches 3 inches and never cut more than one-third of the blade.

Our lawn maintenance in North Shore Chicago IL focuses on optimal mowing frequency and blade sharpness, which helps prevent disease and cutting grass too short. Clients in Wilmette often see dramatic turf improvements just from consistent mowing at the right height.

If your yard experiences early weed spread, combining mowing with mulch installation services in North Shore Chicago IL can suppress weed growth and lock in soil moisture.

The EPA states that healthy yards act as natural filters for air and water, making mowing more than an aesthetic chore—it’s part of your home’s environmental health. 

Tip 4: Fertilizer Timing & Nutrient Balance

As part of your spring lawn maintenance routine, fertilization is key—but timing is everything. Apply a nitrogen-rich formula after your first two mowing to avoid burning new shoots.

Our team tailor feeding schedules to match your yard’s needs and North Shore soil conditions. For yards recovering from dethatching services, a balanced fertilizer accelerates root repair and greening.

Pair your spring fertilization with spring cleanup service in North Shore Chicago IL to clear debris, improve soil contact, and boost nutrient absorption.

A well-fertilized yard can reduce water that drains away by 30%, according to the Lawn Institute, helping protect the local water supply in Wilmette and Kenilworth.

Why Hire a Pro: Local Expertise & Full-Service Care

DIY yard care often skips essential steps like timing proper setting, and yard-specific changes. With Tommy Pollina, you’re not just hiring a crew—you’re partnering with experts who’ve specialized in lawn care in North Shore Chicago IL since 1982.

Skip the guesswork—get expert yard care done right. Call Tommy Pollina at 847-698-6868 to book now.

From diagnosing drainage problems to coordinating aeration and mowing cycles, we understand the challenges Wilmette and Kenilworth yards face each spring. With expert insights from Tommy Pollina, you get peace of mind and results that last.

“I have used Tommy Pollina Landscaping for 15 years, they have transformed my yard from Ordinary to Fantastic. I get compliments on my yard every day. I even have them do weekly maintenance and the men are very professional and neat, they go out to give you an outstanding job every time.”

– Peter Wirtz

Get Your Lawn Ready for a Strong Spring Start

A well-timed spring lawn maintenance routine is the difference between a patchy yard and a thriving one. Services like yard aeration break up hard-packed soil, boost root growth, and prepare your grass for the warmer months ahead. By taking early action, you’ll enjoy a healthier, greener yard all season long.

Let the trusted team at Tommy Pollina Landscape Company help you get there. With decades of hands-on experience, we offer expert lawn maintenance in Wilmette and Kenilworth including dethatching, cleanups, and customized care. Give us a call at 847-698-6868 or request a contact to get started with your spring service.

Want to learn more? Check out our full list of services, read helpful tips on our blog, or hear what happy clients have to say in our reviews. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for seasonal updates and yard care inspiration.

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