Wayne Bowman, Hunt County Master Gardener, advocates "scalping" your grass (cutting it very close) when you mow it early in the spring to eliminate dead growth. He says be patient with plants that may have been damaged by the severe cold in February, becuase they may eventually grow back from the roots. Wayne also provides advice on using mulch and compost in the garden.
Master Gardener Says Scalp That Spring Lawn; Be Patient With Freeze-Damaged Plants

Freshly mowed lawn,super-structure, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0