General spring cleanup

When

In March, once the ground has dried enough that you do not sink in or leave footprints. Working a wet, half-frozen lawn compacts the soil and tears grass that is only starting to grow.

What to do

• Rake gently with a spring-tine fan rake to lift leaves, twigs and matted grass. This is not scarifying; do not dig into the thatch yet.
• Pick up stones, branches and anything the snow plow or winter storms left.
• Clear drains and gullies so spring rain runs off.
• Edge the borders if you like a crisp line; it is easier before the grass grows.

Check for winter damage

• Snow mold: gray or pinkish matted patches after snow melt. Rake them lightly so air gets in; most recover.
• Vole runs: winding trails of chewed grass. Rake, then overseed if they do not green up.
• Salt damage along paths and roads: water heavily to flush it.

Next: the first mow and the spring feed.