Preparing Your Colorado Yard for Spring

After a Colorado winter, your yard needs some attention to bounce back strong. Spring is the perfect time to address winter damage, prep your lawn, and plan your landscaping projects. Here's what Douglas County homeowners should know about spring yard prep.

When to Start Spring Yard Work in Colorado

In Douglas County, timing is everything. Our unpredictable spring weather means you shouldn't rush outdoor projects. Generally, wait until:

• Soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F (usually mid-April)
• Risk of hard frost has passed (typically late April/early May)
• Ground is no longer saturated from snowmelt

Castle Rock, Parker, and the surrounding areas typically see their last frost around mid-May, though it can vary year to year.

Spring Lawn Care Checklist

1. Clean Up Winter Debris

Start by raking up leaves, twigs, and any debris that accumulated over winter. This allows sunlight and air to reach your grass and prevents disease.

2. Assess Winter Damage

Look for bare spots, snow mold (gray or pink patches), and areas affected by salt or ice melt. Note these areas for reseeding or treatment.

3. Core Aeration

Spring is an excellent time to aerate your lawn, especially in Douglas County where clay soils are common. Aeration:

• Reduces soil compaction
• Improves water and nutrient absorption
• Promotes deeper root growth
• Helps your lawn recover from winter stress

4. Overseeding Bare Spots

After aerating, overseed any thin or bare areas. Choose grass seed suited for Colorado's climate:

• Kentucky Bluegrass - Most common in Douglas County
• Tall Fescue - More drought-tolerant option
• Buffalo Grass - Native, requires less water

5. First Fertilizer Application

Apply a slow-release fertilizer when your grass starts actively growing (usually when you've mowed 2-3 times). Don't fertilize too early - you'll just feed the weeds.

6. Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55°F to prevent crabgrass and other weeds. Timing is critical - too late and it won't work.

Spring Irrigation System Startup

If you have an irrigation system, spring startup typically happens in late April or early May in Douglas County:

• Turn on the water slowly to prevent pipe damage
• Check each zone for proper operation
• Inspect heads for damage from winter or snow removal
• Adjust spray patterns and timing for spring needs
• Check for leaks around valves and connections

Spring Planting Guide

Trees and Shrubs

Early spring (before they leaf out) is ideal for planting trees and shrubs. They'll have time to establish roots before summer heat arrives.

Perennials

Wait until after the last frost to plant most perennials. Colorado-native plants like:

• Blue Flax
• Penstemon
• Black-eyed Susan
• Coneflower

These establish well when planted in spring and are adapted to our climate.

Annuals

Don't plant frost-sensitive annuals until mid-May at the earliest. Douglas County can get surprise late-season snow through Mother's Day.

Mulching in Spring

Spring is a great time to refresh mulch in garden beds:

• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around trees and shrubs
• Keep mulch away from tree trunks (creates a "donut," not a "volcano")
• Mulch helps retain moisture as temperatures warm
• Choose organic mulch that will break down and improve soil

Common Spring Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting too early - Patience prevents setbacks
• Scalping the lawn - Don't cut more than 1/3 of blade height
• Overwatering - Let the soil dry between waterings
• Ignoring soil health - Test and amend soil as needed
• Planting without a plan - Consider sun exposure and water needs