Your yard probably needs some TLC after the drought
Why it matters: Last year's drought, the worst Ohio has experienced since 1988, left yards across the state looking rough.
Spring begins Thursday and the recent warm weather is waking them up, meaning now is the perfect time to enter recovery mode.
Driving the news: We asked Matthew Koch, director of biotechnology and genetics at ScottsMiracle-Gro in Marysville, what you should be doing to get your lawn back on track.
His tips:
😬 Check for signs of life.
If grass is brown on top, but green near the soil surface, you're in luck — it's still alive.
🍴 Feed it.
"They've been hibernating. They're like bears. And when they wake up, they're really hungry," Koch says. " Fertilizers are your friend," and will help lawns self-repair.
🌱 Seed it.
It's best to start now, before summer heat strikes. Remove dead patches to ensure seeds reach the soil and keep the top layer moist.
🚫 Weed it.
A pre-emergent weed controller curbs problems like crabgrass before they start.
Yes, but: New grass seeds won't grow either unless you make sure it's seed-safe. Ultimately, the best defense is a thick, healthy lawn.
✂️ Don't cut it close.
Mowing too short causes shallow root systems. Raise your mower height a bit.
The other side: Landscaping plants and trees likely won't have as difficult a time recovering from the drought if they're healthy and established, senior Scotts horticulturist Amy Enfield tells Axios.
Now is a good time for prep work like pruning and removing debris.
Planting is recommended around Mother's Day, when there's less risk of damaging frost.
What's next: The Climate Prediction Center's latest seasonal outlooks forecast above-normal precipitation for most of Ohio through May and around-normal temperatures.
What we're watching: So far in 2025, Columbus' total precipitation is just an inch or so below normal, National Weather Service data shows.
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