The 2013 spring season is upon us – now is the time to get your lawn ready for the coming year.

Already Denver Water is setting expectations for 2013:

“A dry winter across Colorado has led to low snowpack, and mountain streamflows are expected to be well below normal. This follows a dry 2012, in which Denver Water’s reservoirs didn’t fill. Denver Water may move to a Stage 2 drought this spring or summer, which means we would require customers to limit days and times for outdoor watering.”

Early season lawn care in March will prevent future lawn problems and allow your lawn to retain as much water as possible before watering restrictions become a reality.  Help Colorado’s effort to “use only what you need.”

Related: How to manage your lawn in a drought

What you can do to turn your lawn around today?

Do you have a lawn that’s in rough shape? The reason your lawn is in rough shape is partly due to all those red and orange spots you see on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.  Even with the sizable snowstorm last week, forecasters are still using terms like “epic” to describe the amount of precipitation we’ll need to have a normal snowpack. We certainly got more snow in April and May. Still, watering restrictions are in effect.

Do you want to turn it around, but don’t have the time to focus all your energy on it?  By putting in a little work now you will be able to prevent many problems and begin turning that yard around without spending all your time and money on it.

Early spring lawn fertilization and weed control, as well as lawn aeration, are keys to having a good looking lawn by the time summer heat hits.  By giving your lawn a proper lawn and fertilization you will be able to control the following weeds while feeding your lawn its proper nutrients:

  • dandelions
  • clover
  • speedwell
  • ground ivy
  • wild violet

Learn more about Spring/Lawn fertilization.

Are lawn fertilizers safe?

Are lawn fertilizers safer?  This question is being asked and in some states regulation has begun.  Officials are worried the fertilizer is ending up in lakes and rivers polluting the ecosystem.  Although Colorado hasn’t put in any law or regulations, some parents are looking to change that for their children’s schools.  Parents are worried the chemicals are harmful to children because they have weaker immune systems and are in constant contact with the grass.

DPS parents want fewer chemicals on school lawns