It's time to get your grass in gear!

 So you've picked up loose clutter, tree branches, leaves, etc. You've raked lightly to get rid of any thatch. You've decided to push both seeding and core aeration off to the fall in order to cut down on weeds, and you've given your lawn an initial kick with some slow-release spring fertilizer.

What now?

After all the rain, your grass should be getting long and in need of its first hair cut.

The most important consideration is the height of your mower. It should be at 3 1/2 inches, (the distance from the blade to the soil.)  Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade as it will stress the lawn, and weaken it to the elements.

I always make sure, once finished, the grass is ankle-high. This is an excellent benchmark to know whether to raise or lower the mower deck.  

Leave the clippings on the lawn if there is not excessive mounds. This is known as grass-cycling, and returns nitrogen back into your lawn. Frequent mowing may be necessary in the early months but the results will be worth the labour.

It is the small things that will keep you happy with the grass more resistant to weed infestation, and a healthier, thicker, more robust lawn.