DOWAGIAC — Spring can bring all sorts of feelings of rejuvenation, relief and renewal. From the first buds on the trees to the first spots of green on the ground, the early signs of spring for Michiganders is like a sigh of fresh air and the promise of returning comfort.

Spring is also a reminder of the damage harsh winters can wreak on lawns. Fortunately for Dowagiac and greater southwest Michigan locals, businesses like Sharp Cut Landcare LLC have advice and services for early spring lawn care.

Shane Wallace is the owner of Sharp Cut Landcare and a member of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. For four years his side business has serviced area residents who struggle with repairing and maintaining lawns kissed by Jack Frost and unrelenting lake effect snow. The Sharp Cut specialty is grass, soil and fertilizer maintenance with an emphasis on organic methods and clean-cut look.

“Organic is a lot of what I do,” Wallace said. “[Organic] is better for a lawn and the environment. … It’s a little more expensive with organic fertilizer, like most organic labels are, but [organic] has a natural, slow release that lasts long on your lawn and is a lot better looking long-term. It’s also better than man-made fertilizers, which applied more often can do a lot of damage to soil itself.”

Soil and environmental damage are not Wallace’s only concern. He is also concerned about how lawn care affects the health of lawn users.

“We get a lot of nutrients from soils,” Wallace said. “Using organic fertilizers and soils, you get those nutrients absorbed through the skin, if you’re barefoot.”

Wallace recommends marl fertilizer, which is a more natural form of lime that can restore soil to a healthy pH balance and ultimately foster healthier grass.

The condition and look of grass comes back to the roots, according to Wallace, and he believes the look and feel is a vital part of any lawn.

“A nice-looking lawn feels less uncluttered,” he said. “A bad lawn can affect mood and attitude.”

Wallace operates Sharp Cut not only on the premise of cultivating healthy lawns, but also on creating lawns that are aesthetically pleasant, recreational and easier to maintain.

“I like to go in with someone who doesn’t have a good lawn, turn around and make it look nice,” Wallace said.

For beautiful lawns, Wallace likes to use Kentucky bluegrass, which is both durable and pleasing to the eye.

For the do-it-yourselfers, Wallace recommends thoroughly dethatching and aerating the lawns in the spring months. Dethatching (gathering up old grass clippings) and aerating (churning soil for better absorbance) will allow oxygen and water to reach grass roots, and keeping the soil itself healthy.

Wallace has his own methods for dethatching and aerating and happily prepares customers’ lawns as spring arrives.

“My busiest time is spring with getting lawns rolling,” Wallace said. “I mainly work on getting a lawn back up to where it should be and letting [customers] know what they can do to keep their lawn at optimal growth and look.”

For more information on Sharp Cut Landcare LLC’s services, readers can visit the Sharp Cut Landcare LLC Facebook page, or find Sharp Cut at dowagiacchamber.com under the “Find a Member” tab.