Spring Lawn Care Guide for Bay Area Homeowners

Spring in the Bay Area means your landscape is waking up. Here's your checklist to make sure it thrives all season.

Week 1-2: Assessment & Cleanup

Before you do anything else, take a walk around your property and note what survived winter:

• Remove dead foliage and fallen branches
• Check irrigation lines for leaks or damage
• Look for signs of pest activity or disease
• Clear debris from drainage areas

Week 3-4: Soil & Aeration

Bay Area clay soils compact over winter. Aeration is critical:

1. Core aerate your lawn to improve water and nutrient penetration
2. Test your soil — Bay Area soils often need pH adjustment
3. Add compost — a thin layer of quality compost works wonders

Pro tip: Aerate when the soil is moist but not wet. Early morning after a light rain is ideal.

Month 2: Planting & Feeding

Spring is prime planting season for:

• Cool-season grasses: Overseed any thin or bare spots
• Native perennials: California poppies, salvias, and ceanothus
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs after last frost (typically mid-March in the valley)

Irrigation Tune-Up

Your irrigation system needs a spring checkup:

• Run each zone and check for broken heads or misaligned sprayers
• Clean filters and flush drip lines
• Update your smart controller's seasonal schedule
• Check rain sensors are functioning

When to Call a Pro

DIY lawn care works for basic maintenance, but call a professional if you notice:

• Large dead patches that don't respond to watering — often a sign the lawn is due for artificial turf
• Persistent drainage issues after rain, which usually need proper drainage work
• Irrigation system problems beyond simple head replacement
• Major pest or disease outbreaks

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Need help getting your yard spring-ready? Get a free consultation — we'll assess your landscape and create a care plan.