Spring

Maintaining Your Mower

Before working on your lawn, service your mower. Get this done early in spring to ensure it is ready when needed. Sharpen the mower blades so they cut grass evenly and efficiently.

Starting Your Lawn from Seed

While fall is the best time to start a new lawn from seed, early spring also works. This gives grass time to establish before summer heat. Begin seeding when daytime temperatures are consistently in the 60s.

Aerating

Compacted soil can prevent grass from thickening. If the soil is difficult to penetrate and you notice bare patches, aeration may help. Removing small plugs of soil while grass is actively growing allows roots to grow deeper and improves moisture absorption.

Mowing

Start mowing when grass reaches about 3 inches tall. Maintain most grass types at a height of at least 2 inches to help resist weeds and tolerate summer drought.

Fertilizing

Apply a light layer of lawn fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth. Use a slow-release or organic fertilizer. Wait until the lawn needs its first mowing before fertilizing.

Summer

Fighting Grubs

If grubs are a problem, use a grub-control product that remains effective throughout the season. Apply it in early June for best results.

Keep Mowing

Summer heat usually slows grass growth. During hot, dry periods, mow every two to three weeks when grass reaches about 3 inches. During cooler, wetter periods, mow as needed to keep grass under 3 inches, which may mean once a week or more often.

Watering

During drought, you can allow grass to go dormant. It may turn brown but will remain alive and green up again when rain returns. If you prefer a green lawn throughout summer, choose drought-tolerant varieties such as buffalo grass or provide about 1 inch of water per week.

Fall

Fertilizing

If you fertilize only once a year, autumn is the best time. Apply a light amount of fertilizer in early fall and again later in the season.

More Mowing

As temperatures drop, grass growth increases again, requiring regular mowing through the end of the season.

Cleaning Up

Fall leaf cleanup is essential. A thick layer of leaves can smother grass. Use a mulching mower to finely chop leaves if you prefer not to rake. Repeat every few weeks as needed.

Overseeding

Fall is an ideal time for overseeding because most grass types thrive in cooler temperatures. Sow new seed about a month before the area's first frost, giving the grass time to establish before winter.

Aerating

Cooler autumn temperatures encourage active grass growth, making fall an ideal time to aerate and relieve compacted soil.

Targeting Perennial Weeds

Target perennial weeds in fall when they are most vulnerable as they prepare for winter. Use an organic herbicide or remove them by hand.

At the end of the year, winterize your lawn and mower to prepare for the next spring. Following a seasonal lawn-care schedule can help maintain a healthy, lush lawn that becomes easier to manage each year.