Spring lawn care in Greenwich, Darien, Westport and New Canaan should start in early March with spring cleanup, followed by pre-emergent crabgrass control in mid-April, first fertilization in late April, and aeration/overseeding as needed.
This week-by-week guide ensures your Fairfield County lawn is healthy, thick, and weed-free all season.
With Connecticut’s unpredictable spring weather, timing is everything. Apply treatments too early and you waste money; too late and you miss critical windows. This guide is specifically designed for Lower Fairfield County’s climate, soil conditions, and common lawn challenges.
📞 Need help with spring lawn care? Call (203) 588-0038 for FREE estimate
Why Timing Matters in Lower Fairfield County
Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Norwalk, and Wilton share similar climate conditions that dictate lawn care timing:
- Unpredictable spring weather: Warm spells followed by late frosts are common through mid-April
- Clay-heavy soil: Takes longer to warm up and dry out than sandy soils
- Soil temperature critical: Many treatments require 50-55°F soil temperature
- Last frost date: Typically April 15-30 for our area
- Spring rains: Heavy rainfall common in March/April affects treatment timing
Following this timeline maximizes results while avoiding wasted applications and potential lawn damage.
Early March: Assessment & Planning (Weeks 1-2)
What to Do:
- Survey winter damage: Look for dead patches, animal damage, salt damage along driveways
- Check for snow mold: Gray or pink patches under melting snow
- Inspect drainage: Note areas with standing water after rain
- Order materials: Seed, fertilizer, mulch (prices rise as season starts)
- Service equipment: Sharpen mower blades, change oil, clean air filters
Professional Service:
Spring Consultation: We visit your property, assess winter damage, test soil pH, and create a custom spring care plan. Completely FREE for Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan properties.
Book early: Our spring schedule fills by late March. Reserve your spot now for priority service.
📞 FREE spring consultation: (203) 588-0038
Late March: Spring Cleanup Begins (Weeks 3-4)
What to Do:
- Spring cleanup: Remove fallen branches, debris, leftover leaves
- Cut back ornamental grasses: Before new growth starts
- Prune shrubs: Remove dead/damaged branches (wait on spring-bloomers)
- Edge garden beds: Redefine clean lines
- Rake lawn lightly: Remove matted leaves, promote air circulation
- DON’T fertilize yet: Grass isn’t actively growing
- DON’T mow yet: Wait until grass reaches 3-4 inches
Common Mistake:
❌ Fertilizing too early: Many Greenwich homeowners fertilize in early March when it’s warm. If cold weather returns, grass goes dormant and fertilizer washes away. Wait until consistent 50°F+ temps.
Professional Service:
Spring Cleanup Package ($500-800 for typical Greenwich/Darien properties):
- Remove all winter debris and fallen branches
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials
- Edge all garden beds
- Light lawn raking
- Haul away all debris
- Property looks pristine in one day
📞 Book spring cleanup: (203) 588-0038
Early April: First Mowing & Prep (Weeks 1-2)
What to Do:
- First mow: When grass reaches 3-4 inches (usually early April in Fairfield County)
- Mow high: Set blade to 3-3.5 inches (DON’T scalp lawn)
- Sharpen mower blades: Clean cuts prevent disease
- Seed bare spots: Cool-season grass germinates best 50-65°F
- Check soil temperature: Use soil thermometer at 4-inch depth
Soil Temperature Guide:
- Below 50°F: Wait on fertilizer and crabgrass control
- 50-55°F: Time for pre-emergent crabgrass control
- 55-65°F: Ideal for cool-season grass seeding
- Above 70°F: Too late for pre-emergent (switch to post-emergent)
Professional Service:
Weekly Lawn Maintenance starts: $75-200 per visit for Greenwich/Darien/New Canaan properties depending on size.
Includes professional mowing, edging, trimming, blowing, and debris removal. Same reliable crew, same day every week.
📞 Start weekly service: (203) 588-0038
Mid-April: Critical Timing Window (Weeks 3-4)
What to Do:
- Pre-emergent crabgrass control: MOST CRITICAL APPLICATION
- First fertilization: 20-5-10 or similar slow-release formula
- Broadleaf weed control: Target dandelions before they flower
- Core aeration (if needed): For compacted lawns (better in fall, but works now)
- Lime application: If soil test shows pH below 6.0
🚨 Critical: Pre-Emergent Timing
Pre-emergent MUST go down before crabgrass germinates (soil temp 55°F for 3+ consecutive days).
In Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan, this typically occurs:
- Early April: Warm springs
- Mid-April: Average springs (most common)
- Late April: Cold springs
Miss this window = crabgrass all summer. Pre-emergent doesn’t work once crabgrass sprouts.
DIY vs. Professional:
DIY Pre-Emergent: $50-100 in materials + equipment rental/purchase + your time. Risk: Wrong timing, uneven application, missing spots.
Professional Application: Included in our 5-step fertilization program ($450-700/season). Benefits: Perfect timing, even coverage, licensed applicators, guaranteed results.
Professional Service:
5-Step Fertilization Program:
- Step 1 (Mid-April): Pre-emergent + fertilizer + broadleaf weed control
- Step 2 (Late May): Fertilizer + crabgrass control + weed control
- Step 3 (July): Summer feeding + grub control + insect monitoring
- Step 4 (September): Fall fertilizer (most important!) + weed control
- Step 5 (November): Winterizer + final weed control
Pricing: $450-700/season for typical Greenwich/Darien properties (5,000-10,000 sq ft lawns)
All applications by Connecticut-licensed pesticide applicators. Free service calls between applications for any lawn issues.
📞 Start fertilization program: (203) 588-0038
Late April/Early May: Planting Season (Weeks 1-2)
What to Do:
- Overseed thin areas: Last good window until fall
- Mulch installation: Fresh mulch for all garden beds (2-3 inches deep)
- Plant cool-season flowers: Pansies, snapdragons, dianthus
- Divide perennials: Hostas, daylilies (or wait until fall)
- Check irrigation: Test sprinkler systems, repair leaks
Mulching Tips:
- Remove old mulch? Only if over 4 inches deep or matted
- Edge beds first: Creates clean definition
- Pull weeds before mulching: Mulch won’t stop existing weeds
- Keep away from plant stems: Volcano mulching causes rot
Professional Service:
Spring Refresh Package ($400-900):
- Edge all garden beds
- Weed beds thoroughly
- Install 2-3 inches premium hardwood mulch
- Includes delivery and installation
- Property looks magazine-ready
Mulch pricing: $30-45 per cubic yard installed. Typical Greenwich/Darien property needs 5-10 yards ($150-450).
📞 Schedule mulch installation: (203) 588-0038
May: Maintain Momentum (All Month)
What to Do:
- Mow weekly: Growth accelerates in May
- Water as needed: 1-1.5 inches per week (including rain)
- Monitor for pests: Grubs, chinch bugs, webworms
- Spot-treat weeds: Hand-pull or spot spray
- Second fertilization: Late May (if on fertilization program)
Watering Guide:
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week (deep watering better than daily)
- Timing: Early morning (5-9 AM) to minimize disease
- Amount: 1-1.5 inches per week total
- Test: Place tuna cans on lawn, water until 1 inch collected
Spring Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake #1: Fertilizing Too Early
Problem: Grass isn’t growing yet, fertilizer washes away, you waste money.
Solution: Wait until consistent 50°F+ temps and grass is actively growing.
❌ Mistake #2: Cutting Grass Too Short
Problem: Scalping stresses grass, allows weeds, causes brown patches.
Solution: Maintain 3-3.5 inch height all spring. Never remove more than 1/3 blade length.
❌ Mistake #3: Missing Pre-Emergent Window
Problem: Once crabgrass germinates, pre-emergent doesn’t work.
Solution: Apply when forsythia blooms or soil hits 55°F (usually mid-April in Fairfield County).
❌ Mistake #4: Over-Watering New Seed
Problem: Too much water causes fungus, washes away seed.
Solution: Light watering 2-3x daily until germination, then deep watering 2-3x weekly.
❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring Soil Test
Problem: Acidic soil (common in CT) prevents grass from using fertilizer.
Solution: Test pH every 2-3 years. Apply lime if below 6.0.
DIY vs. Professional Spring Lawn Care
DIY Costs & Time:
- Equipment: $300-800 (mower, spreader, sprayer)
- Materials: $200-400 per season
- Time: 3-5 hours per week (mowing, treatments, maintenance)
- Knowledge: Learning curve, trial and error
- Results: Variable (timing and application critical)
Professional Service Costs & Benefits:
- Weekly maintenance: $75-200/week = $2,400-6,400/season
- Fertilization program: $450-700/season
- Spring cleanup: $500-800
- Total investment: $3,350-7,900 for complete care
Benefits:
- Perfect timing on all applications
- Licensed professionals (arborist, pesticide applicator)
- Professional equipment and expertise
- Same crew, consistent results
- Zero time investment
- Guaranteed results
Many Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan homeowners find professional service offers better value when factoring in their time, equipment costs, and results quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start spring lawn care in Greenwich/Darien?
Spring cleanup can start in early March. First fertilization and pre-emergent crabgrass control should wait until mid-April when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F consistently.
Can I fertilize and seed at the same time in spring?
Not with pre-emergent crabgrass control – it prevents ALL grass seed from germinating. If overseeding bare spots in spring, skip pre-emergent in those areas or use a “seed-safe” pre-emergent (less effective). Best option: overseed in fall instead.
How often should I mow in spring?
Weekly mowing is essential in April and May when grass grows fastest. Some weeks may require mowing twice. Never remove more than 1/3 of blade height per mowing.
When is it too late to apply pre-emergent?
Once crabgrass has germinated (visible), pre-emergent won’t work. In Fairfield County, late April is typically the deadline. After that, switch to post-emergent crabgrass control (less effective, multiple applications needed).
Should I bag or mulch grass clippings?
Mulching clippings returns nutrients to soil (equivalent to one fertilization). Bag only if grass is extremely long, wet, or diseased. For best results, mow when grass is dry and never remove more than 1/3 height.
Ready for a Perfect Spring Lawn?
Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan lawns require precise timing and expert care for optimal results. Whether you tackle spring lawn care yourself or hire professionals, following this timeline ensures your lawn is healthy, thick, and weed-free all season.
Richard Jones Landscaping provides complete spring lawn care services:
- ✓ FREE spring consultation and custom care plan
- ✓ Professional spring cleanup ($500-800)
- ✓ 5-step fertilization program ($450-700)
- ✓ Weekly maintenance ($75-200/visit)
- ✓ Mulch installation and bed refresh ($400-900)
- ✓ 40+ years serving Fairfield County
- ✓ Licensed arborist & pesticide applicator
- ✓ Same professional crew every visit
Our spring schedule fills by late March. Book now for priority service.
📞 Call (203) 588-0038 for FREE spring lawn care estimate
📧 Email: rjoneslandscapingllc@gmail.com
📍 Serving Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Norwalk, Wilton & Lower Fairfield County since 1985