Year-Round Lawn Care Guide for a Luscious Lawn

Maintaining a beautiful lawn isn't just about mowing the grass now and then; it's a year-round commitment. With the right care at the right time, you can transform your yard into a lush paradise that stands out in the neighborhood. Let's break down the essential steps for each season to ensure your lawn thrives throughout the year.

Spring: The Awakening

1. Clean Up: Kickstart the growing season with a thorough spring cleaning. Use a lawn rake to remove dead grass and remnants of annual grassy weeds. Clear away sticks and debris that accumulated over winter.

2. Mow High: Set your mower deck to the highest possible setting for your grass type. Cutting high promotes thicker growth with deeper roots, crowding out weeds.

3. Apply Fertilizer: Jumpstart your lawn with a feeding. In the North, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action for feeding and weed control. In the South, opt for Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action to tackle specific Southern lawn needs.

4. Beat Weeds: Spot-treat pesky weeds with Scotts® Liquid Turf Builder® with Plus 2 Weed Control, avoiding disruption to grass roots.

5. Patch and Thicken: Repair bare spots with Scotts® Bare Spot Repair Products and overseed as needed for thicker, healthier grass.

Summer: Nourishment and Protection

1. Mow High: Maintain a higher mowing height for deep, healthy roots. Sharpen mower blades for a clean cut that reduces moisture loss.

2. Treat for Grubs: Apply Scotts® GrubEx® if needed to prevent grub damage to grass roots.

3. Water: Ensure at least 1 inch of water per week, preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation.

4. Feed: Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Summerguard® to support warm-season grasses and protect cool-season grasses from heat and drought.

Fall: Prep for Winter and Promote Growth

1. Fertilize: Feed cool-season grass twice with Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food, and once for warm-season grass.

2. Seed: Overseed bare areas with Scotts® EZ Seed®. In the North, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick'R Lawn™ to thicken lawns.

3. Mulch Leaves: Chop leaves with a mower for easy decomposition.

4. Mow Short: Trim the lawn shorter than usual in late fall to prevent matting from fallen leaves.

Winter: Dormancy and Planning

1. Limit Lawn Traffic: Protect dormant grass by minimizing foot traffic and avoiding parking on the lawn.

2. Melt Ice Carefully: Choose lawn-friendly ice melt products to prevent damage to plant roots.

3. Make Plans: Reflect on the past year's challenges and plan for solutions. Sharpen mower blades and schedule lawn feedings.

As you navigate each season, consider subscribing to Baker's Ace Hardware's personalized Scotts® Lawn Care Program. Answer a few questions, and receive the exact fertilizers your lawn needs at the right time. For additional questions, reach out to Baker's Ace Hardware for expert advice on maintaining a vibrant and healthy lawn!