The 6 Step Lawn Care Program.

Step 1 · Early spring

Pre-emergent crabgrass prevention

Applying a granular fertilizer promotes a spring green-up and helps lawns recover from winter damage. A fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide is recommended to prevent annual summer weeds like crabgrass.

Application of the pre-emergent is weather dependent and the timing is essential. Be careful not to apply too early so it will still be effective in approx. 14–16 weeks (depending on rainfall). Peak crabgrass germination season is around July 1 depending on weather in the Upper Midwest Region.

Note: pre-emergent fertilizer products do not prevent spring dandelions, and putting weed & feed down early does not stop spring dandelions.

Step 2 · Spring

Spring feeding or weed & feed

Applying a granular fertilizer (straight fertilizer or weed & feed) containing time-released nitrogen improves the lawn’s color and density.

A blanket application of a liquid or granular herbicide (or use of weed & feed) is recommended to help control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions.

Step 3 · Summer · June 15 – August 1

Summer fertilizer & grub prevention

A slow-release granular fertilizer containing a preventative systemic insecticide is recommended for grub prevention while aiding lawn growth.

Every lawn looks great in April/May but keeping it looking good in the summer can be a challenge. Applying a fertilizer combined with preventative insecticide is vital for preventing pests later. However the timing of this application is essential: apply from June 15th through August 1st to achieve the best results.

If opting not to apply a grub preventer, straight summer fertilization is still recommended. Fertilizer is important during the heat and stress of the summer to help maintain the lawn’s color and vigor. Our summer straight fertilizer recommendation for reduced lawn burn and increased green color is Organic 5-5-0 MinneGrow Biosolid, which is low in nitrogen and high in iron.

To maintain a healthy, dense, green, actively growing turf, it is essential to water a lawn during dry periods. While most people think a lack of water will damage the lawn, overwatering may cause more damage. Water only as needed when the lawn first shows signs of stress (a bluish-gray color of the grass and/or depressed footprints that remain visible after walking across the lawn). If you do not regularly irrigate your turf, apply 1/2 inch of water every 3 to 4 weeks after the lawn has gone dormant (turned brown) to prevent significant thinning of the lawn. Once rains return, the lawn will slowly regain its green color. You can also use products like Hydretain to help reduce watering efforts by up to 50%.

Peak crabgrass germination season is around July 1 depending on weather in the Upper Midwest Region. While our recommendation is to treat these 14–16 weeks earlier with pre-emergent, there are other products you can apply to treat and contain the spread of crabgrass intrusion.

Step 4 · Summer

Weed & feed

A blanket application of a liquid (weed & feed) is recommended to help control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions.

Step 5 · Late summer

Late summer feeding or weed & feed

Apply a granular fertilizer (straight fertilizer or weed & feed fertilizer) containing time-released nitrogen to promote root growth and repair summer stress.

A second blanket application of a liquid or granular herbicide (or use of weed & feed) is recommended to control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions.

The second half of summer is when we see grub worms start to emerge (the result of the eggs laid by beetles in June/July). For fast and effective control of these grub worms, we recommend insecticide products: Duocide or Dylox.

Step 6 · Late fall

Winterize

The last and most important application. Apply a granular fertilizer with a high nitrogen content and a low, slow release content.

This application will provide winter hardiness & durability, important to winter survival and an early spring green-up.