Walk the lawn to assess winter damage and compaction

Do a slow walkthrough of the entire lawn once the snow melts. Note bare patches, areas where water pools, vole runs, and spots where the ground feels spongy or rock-hard.

Why It Works

A spring assessment lets you prioritize repairs and plan your approach. Catching problems early — like drainage issues or dead patches — prevents them from worsening through the growing season.

Tips

• Bring a notebook or phone to map problem areas.
• Push a screwdriver into the soil in several spots. If it won't penetrate 4-6 inches easily, the soil is compacted and may benefit from fall aeration.