what lawn treatment should i do now

^{Spring Lawn Care Plan}

1. Clean Up. Kick off the growing and mowing season with a quick spring cleaning. ...
2. Mow High. Double-check your mower deck height, and position it to cut grass at the highest possible setting for your grass type.
3. Apply Fertilizer. Lawns wake up from winter dormancy with an appetite. In the North, apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action.
4. Beat Weeds. Spot-treat dandelions or wild violets using Scotts® Spot Weed Control For Lawns. This weed killer controls weeds without harming grass.
5. Patch and Thicken. Repair bare spots in both cool- and warm-season turf using Scotts® Bare Spot Repair Products. ...

How to get the best lawn possible?

To get the most fertile soil, it needs to have the right nutrients for your grass to thrive:

• A 7 on the pH scale is neutral.
• Lawns generally like a range of 5.8-7.2 pH.
• On the whole, cold season grass likes a higher soil pH.
• Warm-season grass does better with more acidic soil.

What is the best lawn care product?

What’s the best type of fertilizer for my grass?

• Zoysia Grass
• Bermuda Grass
• St Augustine Grass
• Rye grass

What are your best lawn maintenance tips?

• Mow Regularly: It’s best to mow during the cooler part of the day. ...
• Remove weeds, thatch, and moss before you have an infestation.
• Have proper lawn drainage to avoid waterlogging.
• Feed and water your lawn. ...
• Don’t hesitate to consult professionals if things get a bit too much for yo

What is the best edging tool for a lawn?

• Top 5 Lawn Edging Tools ​#1. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger #2. BLACK+DECKER LE750 2-in-1 Landscape Edger and Trencher #3. Toro 51480 Corded Electric Trimmer/Edger #4. ...
• How To Choose The Best Lawn Edging Tool? Power Source Your Lawn Size Type Of Blade Price Built Versatility Weight Maintenance
• CONCLUSION

What should I be putting on my lawn now?

Spring Lawn Care PlanClean Up. Kick off the growing and mowing season with a quick spring cleaning. ... Mow High. Double-check your mower deck height, and position it to cut grass at the highest possible setting for your grass type. ... Apply Fertilizer. ... Beat Weeds. ... Patch and Thicken.

What months do I treat my lawn?

You should fertilize your cool-season lawn in fall and/or spring, and fertilize your warm-season lawn in mid-to-late spring and/or summer.

When should I start treating my lawn?

Aim for early spring for cool-season grasses and late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses. Learn more about dethatching. If Crabgrass is a problem in your lawn, apply pre-emergent herbicides to keep seeds that dropped last summer from germinating. Timing is critical for this application.

What are the most important lawn treatments?

A comprehensive lawn care service should customize the use of these treatments together for your lawn's needs as they change throughout the seasons.Lawn Fertilizer Treatment. Soil naturally provides nutrients needed by grass to grow. ... Lawn Weed Control Treatment. ... Lawn Pest Control. ... Lawn Disease and Fungus Treatment.

When should I start my lawn after winter?

Groom the Grass at the Beginning of the Season. As soon as the soil dries out a bit, carefully clear away leaves and dead grass using a regular leaf rake. This will break up any matted areas and improve airflow the surface of the blades. Wait to begin raking until the ground has dried out and firmed up in the spring.

How late can I fertilize lawn?

Timing: Apply late spring lawn fertilizer once between April and June, 6 to 8 weeks after the early spring feeding.

What month Should I fertilize lawn?

Ideally, the ground should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, March to April is the best time to fertilize your lawn. It's also best if your yard is watered a few days before you want to apply the fertilizer, whether that's from rain or a sprinkler.

What should I put on my lawn in February?

January/ February Start your lawn off right by giving a light dose of fertilizer including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition, early spring is the time to do your first application of pre-emergent herbicide.

Should I spray for weeds or fertilize first?

Once you have sprayed the weeds with a herbicide, it is time to add fertilizer to your yard. In most cases, you need to apply fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Many people choose May or June to implement their first application of the fertilizer.

When should I use crabgrass preventer?

You can apply a crabgrass preventer when the soil temperature reaches 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days in a row because that's when the majority of crabgrass seeds begin to germinate. Use a soil temperature map by typing in your exact location to get data on soil temperatures in your area.

How do I make my lawn amazing?

Here's what to do!Aerate your lawn. ... Water your lawn deeply and less often. ... Use natural lawn fertilizers. ... “Grass-cycle” your grass clippings. ... Cut your grass correctly and to the recommended cutting height. ... Compost your kitchen and garden waste for greener grass.More items...

What fertilizer should I put on my lawn in the spring?

By the way, a 20-5-10 lawn fertilizer is a good basic mix to use in spring. Slow-release lawn fertilizers break down their nutrients over a longer period of time, so you can wait longer between applications.

How to repair bare spots in lawn?

Repair bare spots in both cool- and warm-season turf using Scotts® Bare Spot Repair Products . Timing is crucial for success: Aim for an early spring sowing for cool-season grass and a late spring sowing for warm-season grass. If your lawn is worn and thin, thicken it by overseeding. In the north, overseed with Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™ , a product specially designed for thickening up thin lawns that combines grass seed, fertilizer, and a soil improver into an easy-to-use product that is applied with a Scotts® spreader. In the south, use the appropriate Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed product for your grass type, and get your new grass off to a good start by using Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass.

How to keep grass green and healthy?

3. Water. To keep grass green, healthy, and growing, provide at least 1 inch of water per week, either through irrigation or rainfall. Time irrigation for early morning (between 6 and 10 a.m.) to minimize water loss to evaporation. 4.

How to prevent snow mold on grass?

In areas with falling leaves, a shorter lawn prevents leaves from matting down the grass. In snow-prone regions, a final fall mowing on the short side helps prevent snow mold on grass come spring .

How to get rid of dime size leaves?

Chop leaves with your lawn mower to create roughly dime-size pieces. Leaves this size can lie on the lawn without harming grass and will eventually decompose. If you dislike vacuuming leaves from under shrubs or along walkways, rake them into grassy areas and mow over them.

How to cut grass at the highest level?

2. Mow High. Double-check your mower deck height, and position it to cut grass at the highest possible setting for your grass type. Cutting high encourages grass plants to grow thicker with deeper roots, which creates a lawn of healthy grass that will help to crowd out weeds. 3.

How to get deep roots in grass?

Gorgeous summer lawns start with long, deep, healthy roots that snake through soil to find moisture. The surest way to encourage deep roots is by mowing high —as high as you can for your type of grass. Sharpen mower blades at least once a season to ensure a clean cut on individual blades of grass, which helps reduce moisture loss.

Can you use ice melt on lawns?

Choose ice melt products that are designed to be used around the lawn. Rock salt (sodium chloride) can damage plant roots when used excessively.

When is the best time to take care of lawns?

Autumn is often the busiest time in the lawn care calendar as you help your lawn recover from the heat of summer and prepare it for the extremes of winter.

What to do after scarifying a lawn?

Make sure you employ a good recovery program after scarifying. You should also overseed to fill in bare patches left by these invasive treatments. Serious gardeners should top dress their lawns. Also, if you want to sow a new lawn or lay turf, now is the time.

How to keep mower from cutting off too much?

Keep lowering the cutting height of your lawn mower if you like a closer cut. Only lower the height of the mower by one setting each time you mow to avoid cutting off too much.

How to keep grass from drying out?

Keep mowing the lawn but if the weather starts to dry, raise the height of the mower and mow a little less frequently. If you can, leave the clippings on the lawn. They will degrade and put the goodness and moisture back onto the soil.

When is the best time to cut worm casts?

November marks the winding down of the lawn care calendar. Keep on top of worm casts by brushing them back into the lawn and removing fallen leaves to reduce their surface activity. If the weather is still good (neither frosty or wet) then set the lawn mower high and give your lawn its last cut of the year.

What to do if there is no frost?

If there’s no frost, keep brushing the leaves off the lawn to avoid the onset of disease.

What is summer lawn maintenance?

Summer lawn maintenance is about keeping on top of the work you did during spring and is really a time to enjoy the longer days in your garden as you relax, with friends and family.

Which states have warm season lawns?

States with warm season lawns include: South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas.

What is the best temperature for grass?

Cool season grasses thrive in cool humid and cool arid areas of the country where the temperatures stay around 65 to 75 degrees during the majority of the growing season.

What is transition grass?

Transition Grasses (Blend) States with climates that fall between the cool and warm season zones are in what is called the "transition zone". Here, many people have a blend of both warm and cool season lawns to maintain a green and healthy lawn year round.

What do you need to wear to use insecticide?

In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

What to do about weeds in my lawn?

You can help avoid the issue in the first place by maintaining the overall health of your grass. To do that, follow these mowing tips, give your lawn just the right amount of water, and fertilize your grass regularly. If weed problems show up anyway, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Weed & Feed3 * to feed grass while controlling weeds, or use Scotts® Spot Weed Control for Lawns if you have just a few to manage.

Why is there brown stuff on my lawn?

There are ugly brown spots on my lawn. Okay, to be honest, this one’s a little more complicated, because there are several things that could be causing the spots. Possible culprits range from grubs or fungus to foot traffic, weed dieback, and dog urine.

What does it mean when your lawn is yellow?

(Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us.) When you walk back and forth with your spreader, be sure to slightly overlap each pass to ensure full coverage. Strips of grass that don’t receive fertilizer can appear yellow in contrast to all of the lush, new, green grass growth next to it. So, you’ll just need to tune up your application technique to make sure all of your lawn is green and growing.

What is the best spreader for small lawns?

Need a spreader? The easy-to-use Scotts® Whirl™ Hand-Powered Spread er is ideal for small lawns, while the Scotts® Elite Spreader is an excellent choice for large yards.

Do you have to work to have a beautiful lawn?

A gorgeous lawn doesn’t have to require tons of work. Take care of your lawn the best you can, identify problems before they get out of hand, and apply one of these easy fixes when you need to. The result? A lush green oasis you’re going to love spending time in.

Is it important to have a perfect lawn?

While, admittedly, there are more important things in life than having the perfect lawn, working toward that goal can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction—and provide a personal oasis for you and your family. To get there, you may need to face down a few common lawn problems. Don’t sweat it. Chances are, there’s an easy fix.

How to help grass grow in drought?

Giving the grass a good long soak is another way to encourage roots to grow deeply into the soil, which strengthens the lawn and helps it survive during times of drought. When the grass has started to look a little grayish and the blades don’t bounce back when you walk on them, it’s time to water.

What is the best fertilizer for southern lawns?

For Southern lawns: For Southern lawns: In early spring, fertilize your lawn with Scotts® Turf Builder® Bonus® S Southern Weed & Feed, which kills weeds like dollarweed and clover while helping grass to grow thick to crowd out future weeds. Then, protect your lawn from the coming heat and drought by feeding with Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Lawn Food to help it grow strong and thick. Finish up in the fall with another round of Scotts® Turf Builder® Bonus® S Southern Weed & Feed. Again, it’s important to follow all label directions.

What is Scotts turf builder?

There’s a saying, “You get what you pay for,” and that is certainly true when it comes to grass seed. When you use premium grass seed like Scotts® Turf Builder® grass seed, you’ll know that it will sprout fast, provide even coverage, and stay in place. Coated with WaterSmart® PLUS coating that absorbs 2X more water than uncoated seed, Turf Builder® grass seed feeds to jump-start growth and protects seedlings against disease. Lawn pros know that planting a lawn with premium grass seed allows you to start with a thicker lawn so it’s easier to keep it looking lush and full.

How to keep grubs from growing in lawn?

To keep grubs from growing in your lawn for up to 4 months, apply Scotts® GrubEx® as directed from spring to early summer. Bonus: Grubs are a food source for moles, which are a close second to grubs when it comes to lawn destruction. Take away the grubs and the moles will have less reason to hang out in your yard.

How to discourage weeds from sprouting?

By letting the grass grow to its optimum height, you ’ll encourage it to establish a deeper root system while shading the soil to help discourage weed seeds from sprouting. It’s also important to mow frequently enough that you’re never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at a time.

Do you have to print out a Scotts lawn care list?

There’s no need to print out a list and make multiple trips to the store, either. Wherever you live, the right Scotts® Lawn Care Program for your region can be delivered directly to your doorstep. That way, you’ll have everything you need to care for your lawn for the entire year, all ready to go when you are.

Can lawn pros do anything?

After all, lawn pros don’t do anything to your grass that you can’t do yourself—they just know precisely what to use on your lawn, plus how and when to use it. While they may not want to share their secrets, we’re happy to do just that. Read on to discover the 6 things you can do to create a gorgeous lawn that will have your neighbors clamoring ...

How to control weeds in lawn?

Control weeds: This is the time to tackle any annual and perennial weeds that have sprung up with a post-emergent herbicide. Depending on the type of weed you’re dealing with, use either a selective or non-selective herbicide. Selective herbicides will target the weed, while non-selective herbicide can harm the grass around it—always read the directions and follow them exactly.

What is the best time to take care of your lawn in spring?

Months Included: March, April, May. Lawn care in spring is particularly busy, as your lawn transitions from winter dormancy to greening up. Here are the crucial steps to take when caring for your lawn from March through May. Clean up your yard: Rake up any fallen leaves, dead grass, and debris and dispose of it.

What is Trugreen warranty?

TruGreen takes care of the major tasks to keep your lawn healthy, from aeration and fertilization to weed control and grub control. To get a free quote, call 866-817-2287 or fill out this simple form. TOH Brand CTA TruGreen – Best Warranty. Our Rating:

What is Trugreen lawn care?

This Old House Reviews Team recommends TruGreen, an industry leader that offers five separate annual plans in addition to a la carte services. With a broad range of plans, you can decide how much you’d like TruGreen to care for, and how much you’d like to take on yourself.

How to check if your thatch is thick?

In spring, check to see if your thatch layer is over ½ an inch thick by digging up a patch of grass with a sharp spade. If it is, use a dethatching rake to lift and break up the thatch. Fertilize: If you have cool-season grass in your lawn, aim to fertilize in early spring.

What is the layer of living and decomposing organic matter that builds up between the soil and growing grass?

Dethatch: Thatch is the layer of living and decomposing organic matter that builds up between the soil and growing grass. A thin layer of thatch is beneficial, insulating the grassroots from extreme fluctuations in temperature and helping retain moisture. But a layer greater than ½ thick can impede your grassroots’ ability to access the air, water, and nutrients they need. In spring, check to see if your thatch layer is over ½ an inch thick by digging up a patch of grass with a sharp spade. If it is, use a dethatching rake to lift and break up the thatch .

Why is tall grass better than weeds?

Tall grass leads to stronger, deeper, healthier grassroots. This will help your grass compete more effectively with weeds. Mow as high as you can for your particular type of grass. As always, do not cut more than the top ⅓ of the grass blade each time you mow.

Why do you feed your lawn in the summer?

Feeding in the early summer helps strengthen the lawn so it can better withstand the heat and drought conditions that summer is famous for. Scotts® Turf Builder® releases its nutrients slowly over time, making it the go-to fertilizer for all grass types.

Why do you need to mow high all summer?

Mow high. Taller blades help grass develop deeper roots that are better at seeking out water underground. Tall grass also helps to shade soil and cool it , which means you’ll need to water less. (Score!) Continue to mow high all summer long.

What does it mean when your lawn is dog days?

The dog days are a signal that it’s time for a little turf TLC to keep your lawn looking fine. Just put these summer lawn care tips into action and you'll be sitting pretty. (Literally. On your lawn. With a frosty drink in hand.)

What happens if your mower blade is dull?

Sharpen your mower blade. A dull blade tears grass, creating a ragged edge that loses moisture more readily than a clean cut . That's not your style.

What is the best way to fertilize a lawn?

To fertilize your lawn and control existing broadleaf weeds at the same time, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action or Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action (if you live in the Southeast). Both formulas save you time and effort by killing stubborn weeds like dandelion and clover while feeding and strengthening your lawn.

What is weed in lawn?

Simply put, a weed is any plant that’s growing where it is not wanted. Lawn weeds belong to one of three categories: broadleaf, grassy, or grass-like.

Can you hand pull weeds?

Of course, if your lawn only has a few weeds here and there, you can try hand-pulling them. Annual weeds, like crabgrass and chickweed, tend to have shallow roots and are usually easily controlled with hand-pulling. On the other hand, perennial weeds, like dandelion and thistle, have deep, extensive roots and are harder to control by hand-pulling because if even a small piece of root is left in the ground, the weed will grow back. It’s easiest to hand-pull weeds when they are young and your soil is moist.

How to keep grass from getting wet?

Spray a nonselective herbicide like glyphosate over areas of the lawn containing weeds or grass. Be sure to cover all areas of the vegetation with the herbicide and keep children and pets off the area until the product dries, which generally takes a couple of hours. Depending on the brand, most herbicides are rainproof after two hours. When treating the area with the herbicide, use it on a sunny and warm day without any wind and where rain isn’t expected. Allow a week for the herbicide to completely kill the unwanted vegetation.

How to keep grass roots moist after planting?

Unruh lists irrigation as the most crucial step after planting the seed or sod. “Apply only enough irrigation to keep the soil layer moist but not wet,” he says. “Gradually reduce the frequency of irrigation while also increasing the quantity of applied water.” Giving the grass a deep watering is better, as the grass develops deeper roots, than continuing to apply light applications, which keeps the roots closer to the soil’s surface.

Why do you roll sod after planting?

“One step that is often omitted is rolling the sod after it has been laid,” Unruh says. “Rolling ensures good sod-to-soil contact and helps aid in establishment.” Clemson University also notes the importance of rolling the area after planting grass seed, so the seed makes good contact with the soil, as well as helping firm the soil. Many home equipment rental stores have lawn rollers for use.

What are cultural practices in lawn care?

Cultural Practices: Keeping your lawn green and happy involves properly watering, feeding and mowing at the proper height for the particular grass you are growing. In the turfgrass industry, these are called “cultural practices.”. When not correctly carried out, any of them can lead to your turf’s demise.

What causes dead grass?

Below are the major causes of dead grass: 1 Poor preparation and installation: Properly preparing the area and installing new grass is much more than spreading seed or laying sod over the area and if done incorrectly, seed and sod won’t properly grow and can eventually die. 2 Cultural Practices: Keeping your lawn green and happy involves properly watering, feeding and mowing at the proper height for the particular grass you are growing. In the turfgrass industry, these are called “cultural practices.” When not correctly carried out, any of them can lead to your turf’s demise. 3 Grass Type: Make sure the grass you are growing is hardy in your particular climate and grows in the light conditions present in your yard. Planting grass that prefers a sunny location in the shade, or using grass not hardy in your area of the country leads to its eventual death. 4 Pests and Diseases: Various pests and diseases affect turfgrass, leading to a weakened state and possible death. You can take a sample of the affected turf to your local garden store for diagnosis or contact your local county Extension Office. It’s imperative to treat the pest or disease problem before installing new grass in the area.

Why is my lawn dying?

There are several reasons your lawn might bite the dust, including pests, disease, poor preparation and installation techniques, improper watering and feeding, or the wrong type of grass for the environment. Of course, figuring out what caused your grass to die is the first and most important step in reviving a dead lawn ...

What happens if you plant grass in the shade?

Planting grass that prefers a sunny location in the shade, or using grass not hardy in your area of the country leads to its eventual death. Pests and Diseases: Various pests and diseases affect turfgrass, leading to a weakened state and possible death.