ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - On days where the sun shines and temperatures rise, homeowners often feel the urge to head outdoors and get going on their lawns. However, with Western New York’s unpredictable early spring weather, many may not want to prep their lawns just yet. “You're going to want to just watch your lawn for signs of it greening up. It's really going to be dependent on the nighttime temperatures. And daytime temperatures. But the nighttime temperatures are really what's going to impact when things start to grow. So just keep an eye on it once it starts to green up. That's when you know that it's growing again,” said Challis Mathes, the horticulture resource educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension for Monroe County. This is the perfect time of year to stay vigilant for any potential diseases your lawn may have picked up over the winter. A simple soil sample could help identify and resolve any issues. “If you notice any really spongy areas or brown patches that are very clearly dead, that is an indication that there are some issues. Probably grubs, but you definitely want to make sure that it actually is grubs before you do any treatments. You know, doing a soil sample in the springtime is really beneficial,” Mathes said. Manchester Roundhouse project seeks developer For those eager to get a head start on outdoor preparations, Mathes advises keeping a close eye on the weather. “Be mindful. Go slow. Don't overdo it,” said Mathes. “Make sure you're following what the labels say and watch the weather. If it's going to rain. Don't apply chemicals to your lawn because you're wasting your money and they're just going to wash off. So really pay attention to what the weather's doing.” ...read more read less