How to Bring Life Back to Your Lawn After a Dry Colorado Winter

Struggling with a Brown Lawn After Winter in Colorado Springs? Here’s What to Do

Colorado winters can be harsh—especially on your lawn. With dry conditions, freeze-thaw cycle, and heavy snow cover, many lawns in Colorado Springs emerge from winter looking patchy, brown or even dead.

But don’t worry—with the right spring lawn care steps, you can bring your lawn back to life and set it up for a lush, healthy growing season.

1. Clear Winter Debris to Jumpstart Spring Lawn Growth

Start by removing leaves, branches and debris that may have collected over winter. Dead grass and thatch buildup can suffocate new growth and harbor pests or mold. A clean lawn is the first step to healthy spring recovery.

2. Rake and Loosen Compacted Lawn Areas

Use a spring rake to fluff matted grass and gently loosen the topsoil. This allows sunlight, oxygen and moisture to reach the grass roots—key ingredients for a thriving spring lawn in Colorado Springs’ dry climate.

3. Core Aeration: A Must for Colorado Lawns in Spring

Due to our region’s clay-heavy soils, spring aeration is essential. Aerating your lawn creates pathways for air, nutrients and water to penetrate deep into the root zone.

Tip: Aerate in mid to late spring once the soil has thawed and your grass is starting to green up.

4. Overseed Thin or Bare Patches with Drought-Tolerant Grass

After aerating, overseed your lawn with cool-season, drought-tolerant grass varieties like:

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Turf-Type Tall Fescue
• Perennial Ryegrass (for quick cover)

Make sure the seed gets good soil contact—this is where aeration pays off again!

5. Apply Spring Lawn Fertilizer (But Not Too Early)

A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer supports healthy green growth without burning your grass. Apply fertilizer once your lawn is actively growing—usually late April through early May in Colorado Springs.

Avoid fertilizing too early or during a late cold snap.

6. Inspect and Adjust Your Irrigation System

Colorado’s dry spring air and sporadic rain make efficient watering critical.

• Check for broken sprinkler heads
• Adjust zones for deep, infrequent watering
• Consider upgrading to a smart irrigation controller
• Follow Colorado Springs Utilities watering guidelines

Bonus: Drip irrigation for gardens and beds reduces waste and targets roots more effectively.

7. Prevent Weeds Before They Start

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to block crabgrass, dandelions and other common lawn weeds. The healthier and denser your lawn is, the fewer weeds you’ll see.

8. Be Consistent—and Give It Time

Lawn recovery in spring doesn’t happen overnight, especially at Colorado’s elevation. But with regular care, watering, and mowing your lawn will respond and fill in beautifully by early summer.

Get Professional Spring Lawn Care in Colorado Springs

At Genesis Group, we specialize in helping homeowners across Colorado Springs revive their lawns after winter. We’ve got your custom landscape covered. 

Schedule your free estimate today and give your yard the head start it deserves.