The Spring Lawn Care Checklist Every DC Metro Homeowner Needs

DC Metro winters are hard on lawns — soil compaction, dormancy stress, and accumulated thatch all need attention before the growing season. Here is the order of operations that actually works.

Assess Before You Act

Walk your lawn in early March before doing anything. Note bare patches, thatch buildup, drainage problems, and any areas where the soil feels particularly hard underfoot.

Aerate First

Aerating compacted soil — especially common in DC Metro's clay-heavy soils — is the single highest-impact spring lawn task. It allows water, air, and nutrients to reach roots. Do this before fertilizing.

Overseed Bare Patches

Bare patches that appear after winter need overseeding as soon as soil temperatures consistently hit 50°F. In DC Metro, this is typically mid-March to early April for cool-season grasses.

Fertilize After Aerating

Spring fertilization on un-aerated soil largely runs off or sits on the surface. Fertilize after aerating for results you can actually see.

Mow High to Start

First mows of the season should leave grass at 3-3.5 inches. Cutting too short stresses the lawn and encourages weed competition.

Call Ortega Landscaping at (571) 217-2935 for a free estimate.