Guides

Spring is the perfect time to set the stage for a healthy lawn all year round. Start by raking up any leaves and debris, even if your yard looks clean. This helps control thatch, which consists of dead grass, stems, leaves, and roots. Removing dead grass will promote a lush, green appearance.

Give your lawn a thorough inspection. Are there any matted patches or bald spots? Consider a partial sod installation to address these areas. Applying fertilizer as the grass enters its most active growth phase will also benefit your lawn. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer and water it thoroughly. If you’ve had issues with weeds, this is a good time to apply herbicide as well. Aerating your lawn by creating small holes allows water, oxygen, and fertilizer to penetrate deep into the grass roots.

Maintaining a consistent lawn watering schedule is key to keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated. Avoid overwatering, as this can damage your lawn. Tune up your lawn mower to keep your grass healthy well into the summer months!

Keeping your lawn vibrant during the summer requires extra attention. The most important factor is water. June through September are typically hot and dry months, so it’s important to water your lawn early in the morning and around midday to prevent it from drying out. Avoid nighttime watering, as it can promote fungus growth.

Lawns generally need about an inch of water per week, though you may need to increase that amount during extreme heat. Be mindful not to overwater, as puddles can damage the grass by "cooking" it. Using a rain gauge can help monitor your watering. If your grass turns brown and dormant, excessive watering won’t bring it back. Stick to a steady lawn watering schedule to avoid browning in the first place.

Mowing a little less frequently can also help maintain a lush, green appearance. Taller grass develops deeper roots, making it more resistant to drought and helping shade the ground to prevent weeds. The warm-weather grasses in our sod can be mowed to 2-3 inches high during the summer. Regular mowing prevents clippings from smothering the lawn.

You can still apply fertilizer and herbicides during summer, but it’s best to wait for cooler days. Be sure to read the product labels carefully. If fungal disease or grubs become an issue, summer is also a good time to address them.

Watering is just as crucial in the fall as in any other season. Maintain your regular watering routine to prevent the lawn from drying out. You may not need to mow as often since growth slows, but when you do mow, lower the grass height to allow more sunlight to reach the crown. Fall is also a great time to aerate your lawn.

Rake leaves regularly to prevent them from forming mats over your grass, which can lead to fungal disease. Fall is the ideal time to prepare your lawn for its spring growing season. Grass works hard to store energy, nutrients, and moisture during the fall to survive the winter. Fertilizing now will feed the deepest parts of the roots, helping the grass store nutrients for spring.

If you notice bald spots, you can either seed the areas (water every other day) or patch them with sod. Follow proper sod care and maintenance instructions to ensure the new patches blend seamlessly into your existing lawn.

Winter lawn care is usually low maintenance since natural precipitation generally takes care of watering. However, in particularly dry winters, you may need to add water to your lawn. Keep the lawn free of debris to prevent damage when colder weather sets in. Objects left on the grass can create dead spots by spring.

To avoid compacting, which can stunt spring growth, limit heavy foot traffic across your lawn. A compacted lawn struggles to thrive when the weather warms up again. Incorporating drought-tolerant grass maintenance practices will also help protect your lawn during dry winters. For year-round success, follow this year-round lawn care guide to keep your lawn healthy and green through every season.

Best lawn care practices ensure your lawn remains lush, green, and resilient against seasonal changes and drought.