March: Preparation
Clean up winter debris, fallen branches, and matted leaves. Rake lightly to break up any snow mold patches. Do NOT fertilize yet. The grass isn’t actively growing and early nitrogen promotes weak top growth. If you didn’t soil test last fall, collect samples now.
April: First Treatments
Monitor soil temperature with a probe at 2 inches deep. When it holds 55 degrees for 3 or more consecutive days, apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass. In the Omaha metro, this is typically mid to late April. Begin mowing when grass reaches 3.5 to 4 inches. Set your mower to 3 inches. First fertilizer application: use a light rate (0.5 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft) with slow-release product.
May: Active Growth
Mow weekly at 3 to 3.5 inches. Apply grub preventer in early to mid May for season-long control. Spot-treat any broadleaf weeds that escaped the pre-emergent. If you overseeded thin areas in fall, they should be establishing now.
