Here are my suggestions to get your lawn and garden off to a good start. Plan ahead and complete the work discussed below by the middle of April. Timing is everything and can be the difference between a great looking yard and mediocre one. Rake the lawn well enough to remove most of the dead grass, known as thatch. Thatch is the layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface, it becomes a problem when it becomes too thick.
Bluegrass produces thatch quickly, while tall fescue produces little or none.
Power rakes have gas engines like a lawn mower but unlike a mower they have a row of blades that spin vertically. These blades cut into the thatch layer and pull it out. Usually this cultural practice is necessary every 2 - 3 years for bluegrass lawns. Mulch should be maintained to a depth of 2 - 3 inches. Remove enough of the existing mulch so that if you plan on adding new mulch this season the depth will not exceed three inches.