Lawn Care Calendar

Here's a handy checklist to keep your Greenscape looking great!  Follow the links to learn more about each recommendation.  

Click here for shortcuts to Mid-Spring, Late Spring, Summer and Fall.

Mid-Spring (April)

• Test soil
• Topdress with compost, lime and other soil amendments if soil test indicates they are needed
• Rake to remove thatch buildup, add old grass to compost bin/pile
• Apply corn gluten for crabgrass control before the forsythia blooms (NOT at same time as overseeding)
• Tune mower and set blade height to 3" high (learn more)
• Conduct Thumb Test and sharpen mower blade at least every 10 hours of mowing
• Leave clippings on the lawn for free fertilizer 
• Aerate and water compost pile
• No need to water lawn in average years

Late Spring (May-June)

• Overseed to crowd out weeds (if you used corn gluten earlier in the spring, wait 6 weeks after you applied it)
• Continue to conduct Thumb Test and sharpen mower blade at least every 10 hours of mowing
• Treat weeds organically or pull them by hand
• Continue to leave clippings on the lawn for free fertilizer 
• Before Memorial Day, no need to water in average years
• Conduct Shovel Test around Memorial Day to determine watering durations 
• After Memorial Day, conduct Walk Test and water if thirsty, but only if no watering restrictions in effect
• Aerate and water compost pile

Summer (July-August)

• Redo Shovel Test around July 4th & mid-August
• Until Labor Day, continue to conduct Walk Test and water if thirsty (but only if no watering restrictions in effect)
• Continue to conduct Thumb Test and sharpen mower blade at least every 10 hours of mowing
• Continue to leave clippings on the lawn for free fertilizer 
• If grubs, treat with milky spore or beneficial nematodes
• Routinely conduct Walk Test and water if thirsty (but only if no watering restrictions in effect)
• Continue to treat weeds organically or pull them by hand
• Aerate and water compost pile

Fall (September)

• After Labor Day, no need to irrigate in average years
• Early fall is the best time to renovate or start a new lawn
• Overseed with drought-tolerant grass seed to crowd out next year's weeds.
• Continue to conduct Thumb Test and sharpen mower blade at least every 10 hours of mowing
• Continue to leave clippings on the lawn for free fertilizer
• Fertilize in the fall if at all (learn more)
• Rake leaves; use as mulch and/or add to compost bin/pile
• Aerate and water compost pile
• Contact your Community Partner to thank them for supporting this year's Greenscapes program!