Rake up leaves and debris (but wait until the ground is dry to avoid making it uneven).

If you have alkaline soil, increase absorption and percolation by treating your soil with exiGrow to liberate the hardened mineral salts. If you have more acidic soil, consider traditional core aeration.

Prevent weeds by applying a pre-emergent herbicide (you’ll want to reapply in about 3 months).

Apply slow-release fertilizers every 6-8 weeks beginning in late spring when the soil temperature is above 55°. Consider 20-5-10 (20% nitrogen, 5% phosphate, 10% potassium), but check with your local garden center.

Seed to fill in those bare areas. Hard rake the area to loosen the soil, evenly spread the seed, cover with hay to prevent wind or creatures disturbing the seeds and new sprouts, and water daily for at least a week.

Give your lawn a trim — but only the top 1/3. Leaving the grass longer encourages deeper root growth and requires less water.