Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist: What Your Landscape Needs in Every Season

Spring: Rejuvenation and Preparation

Spring is all about waking your lawn up after the winter dormancy. This is the season to repair any damage from harsh winter conditions and prepare the soil for the warmer months ahead.

Key Tasks:

• Aeration: Break up compacted soil by aerating your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
• Dethatching: Remove any buildup of thatch (dead grass) to encourage healthy new growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients that will promote strong root development.
• Seeding: Reseed bare patches or overseed your entire lawn to encourage thicker, fuller grass.
• Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds like crabgrass from taking hold.

Summer: Maintain and Protect

Summer heat can stress your lawn, so maintaining proper care is essential. Keep your grass healthy by adjusting your mowing and watering habits during the hottest months.

Key Tasks:

• Mowing: Keep your grass a bit longer (around 3 inches) to help retain moisture and shade the soil. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for signs of lawn pests, such as grubs and chinch bugs, and treat them promptly.
• Weeding: Continue weed control with post-emergent herbicides as needed.

Fall: Repair and Strengthen

Fall is the ideal time to repair damage from summer and strengthen your lawn for the winter ahead. It’s also a prime season for seeding and fertilizing.

Key Tasks:

• Aeration: Core aerate your lawn to alleviate soil compaction from summer activities and improve nutrient absorption.
• Overseeding: Fill in any thin or bare spots by overseeding, and give your lawn a boost for spring growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a fall fertilizer rich in potassium to help your lawn develop stronger roots and prepare for winter dormancy.
• Leaf Removal: Regularly rake or mulch fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering your grass.
• Weeding: Apply post-emergent weed control to tackle any lingering weeds before winter sets in.

Winter: Protect and Prepare

While your lawn won’t need as much attention during the winter, there are steps you can take to protect it from damage and prepare for the next growing season.

Key Tasks:

• Limit Foot Traffic: Avoid walking on your lawn during frosty conditions to prevent damaging the dormant grass.
• Snow Management: Be mindful of where you pile snow when shoveling, as large piles can smother the grass.
• Tool Maintenance: Take the time to clean, sharpen, and store your lawn care tools so they’re ready for spring.

By following this seasonal lawn care checklist, you can keep your lawn healthy and vibrant all year long. If you’re looking for expert help with your lawn care, a landscaper in Stoughton, MA, a landscaper in Wellesley, MA, a landscaper in Dover, MA or a landscaper in Canton, MA – contact Provost Companies for professional landscaping services tailored to your property’s needs.