For homeowners in West Virginia and Virginia, the third week of March marks a crucial turning point for your lawn. As temperatures begin to rise and the last frost dates approach, this is the ideal time to secure professional lawn care services. Here's why getting ahead of the season can make all the difference for your yard.
🌱 Pro Tip: In the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and Northern Virginia, the average last frost date falls between mid-April and early May. Starting lawn care in mid-March gives your lawn a 4-6 week head start!
1. Beat the Rush and Secure Your Spot
Every lawn care company experiences a surge in demand once warm weather arrives. By booking in the third week of March, you'll:
- Lock in your preferred service schedule before the calendar fills up
- Avoid waiting weeks for your first service
- Get priority scheduling for the entire season
- Often secure better rates before peak-season pricing kicks in
2. Address Winter Damage Before It Gets Worse
West Virginia and Virginia winters can be harsh on lawns. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures often leave behind:
- Snow mold: Fungal patches that appear as matted, gray or pink areas
- Dead patches: Areas killed by salt, ice, or frost heaving
- Compacted soil: Heavy snow compresses the ground, reducing air flow to roots
- Debris accumulation: Fallen branches, leaves, and other organic matter that can smother grass
A professional lawn care company can assess this damage early and create a recovery plan before problems spread or worsen.
3. Get Ahead of Weeds
Weeds don't wait—and neither should you. Crabgrass, dandelions, and other invasive plants begin germinating as soon as soil temperatures reach 55°F, which typically happens in late March to early April in our region.
Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before weed seeds germinate to be effective. By hiring a lawn care company in mid-March, you ensure these preventative treatments are applied at the optimal time, saving you from battling weeds all summer long.
4. Prepare Your Lawn for the Growing Season
Early spring is the perfect time for essential lawn preparation services:
- Spring cleanup: Removing winter debris, dead grass, and leftover leaves
- Dethatching: Removing the layer of dead grass that blocks water and nutrients
- Aeration: Creating holes in compacted soil to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration
- Overseeding: Filling in bare spots before summer heat arrives
- First mowing: Setting the right cutting height for the season
5. Establish a Consistent Care Schedule
A healthy lawn requires consistent maintenance throughout the growing season. When you hire a lawn care company early, you can establish a regular mowing and maintenance schedule that keeps your lawn looking its best from the first signs of green through the fall.
Consistent care means:
- Regular mowing at the proper height (never removing more than ⅓ of the blade)
- Timely fertilization applications
- Ongoing weed and pest monitoring
- Seasonal adjustments as your lawn's needs change
6. Save Time for What Matters
Spring in West Virginia and Virginia is beautiful—don't spend it all doing yard work! By hiring professionals early in the season, you free up your weekends to enjoy:
- Local festivals and events
- Hiking in the Blue Ridge or Appalachian trails
- Time with family and friends
- Simply relaxing in your beautiful, professionally maintained yard
The Bottom Line
The third week of March is the sweet spot for hiring a lawn care company in West Virginia and Virginia. You'll beat the rush, address winter damage early, prevent weeds before they start, and set your lawn up for a successful growing season—all while freeing up your time to enjoy spring.
Ready to Get Your Lawn Spring-Ready?
Lawn Legend provides professional lawn care services throughout Martinsburg, Ranson, Charles Town, Hedgesville, Berkeley Springs, Spring Mills, Inwood, and surrounding areas in West Virginia. Contact us today to schedule your early spring service and get ahead of the season!
Request a Free Quote Call (877) 741-2131