Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds, pests, and the elements. Many homeowners dream of a beautiful yard but are unsure where to start. The secret isn’t endless hours of yard work, but rather a strategic and consistent approach. Green Velvet understands this, and that’s why we’ve developed an easy-to-follow 5 step program for lawn care designed to give you a healthy, vibrant lawn all year round. This guide will walk you through each step of our program, ensuring you understand not just what to do, but why it’s important for a thriving lawn.
Understanding the 5 Step Lawn Care Approach
A 5 step lawn care program provides a structured approach to lawn maintenance, distributing essential treatments throughout the year to address seasonal needs. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, this proactive method focuses on prevention and consistent nourishment. Green Velvet’s program utilizes professional-grade turf care products, making it simpler than ever for homeowners to achieve professional-looking results. Let’s break down each step to see how it contributes to a healthier, more beautiful lawn.
Step 1: Spring Crabgrass Control (March-April)
The first step, applied in early spring (March-April), is crucial for preventing one of the most frustrating lawn weeds: crabgrass.
This application uses a Spring Crabgrass Control product, such as a 10-3-4 fertilizer with Barricade, to create a barrier against crabgrass and other grassy weeds before they germinate. Simultaneously, it provides a boost of nutrients to kickstart your lawn’s spring green-up. It’s important to note that this step, using Barricade, is not suitable for newly seeded lawns. For those, Green Velvet recommends a 21-22-4 Mesotrione product which is safe for new seedlings while still providing weed prevention. Starting with effective pre-emergent weed control sets the stage for a weed-free lawn throughout the growing season.
Step 2: Spring Weed & Feed (April-June)
As spring progresses into early summer (April-June), existing weeds like dandelions become more prominent. Step 2 of the 5 step program addresses these with a Spring Weed & Feed application.
Products like 15-0-2 Viper with Regain are used to target actively growing broadleaf weeds while simultaneously feeding and strengthening the grass. For optimal weed control, this application should be applied to a wet lawn, allowing the weed control components to adhere to the weed leaves effectively. This dual-action approach not only eliminates unsightly weeds but also provides essential nutrients to encourage healthy grass growth.
Step 3: Summer Insect Protection (June-August)
Summer (June-August) brings with it the threat of lawn damaging insects, particularly grubs. Step 3 focuses on Summer Insect Protection to safeguard your lawn from these pests.
Using products such as 15-0-4 with Grubout & Fortify, this step protects against grubs and other soil-dwelling insects that can damage roots and weaken the turf. For Grubout to be most effective, it’s crucial to water the application into the lawn after spreading. This ensures the insecticide reaches the root zone where grubs are active, providing long-lasting protection and strengthening the lawn against summer stress.
Step 4: Fall Fertilization (September-October)
As summer fades and fall arrives (September-October), lawn care needs shift towards recovery and preparation for winter. Step 4 involves Fall Fertilization to promote continued health and growth.
A slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 30-0-6 blend with 50% slow-release nitrogen, is ideal for fall application. This provides a steady supply of nutrients throughout the fall months, encouraging healthy growth, improving root development, and enhancing the lawn’s ability to withstand winter conditions. Fall fertilization is key for ensuring your lawn recovers from summer stress and enters winter in a strong, healthy state.
Step 5: Winter Feeding (November-December)
Many homeowners mistakenly believe lawn care ends with fall. However, Winter Feeding (November-December), step 5, is arguably the most important fertilization of the year in Green Velvet’s 5 step program.
Applying a high-quality mineral fertilizer like 32-3-5 All Mineral in late fall provides essential nutrients that the lawn will slowly absorb throughout the winter and into early spring. This “winterizer” application promotes strong root systems, improves spring green-up, and increases the lawn’s overall resilience. Green Velvet also recommends Core Aeration in conjunction with Step 5. Aeration reduces soil compaction, allowing for better nutrient and water absorption, and promoting deeper root growth, leading to a healthier and more robust lawn. Dormant seeding can also be effectively done at this time, taking advantage of the freeze-thaw cycles of winter to improve seed-to-soil contact for spring germination.
5 Essential Tips for Lawn Maintenance Beyond the Program
While the 5 step program provides a solid foundation for lawn care, incorporating these additional tips will further enhance your lawn’s health and beauty:
- Consistency is Key: Stick to the 5 step program year-round. Consistent application at the right times is more effective than sporadic treatments.
- Water Wisely: Water deeply and infrequently, ideally in the early morning. Avoid nighttime watering, which can encourage turf diseases.
- Mow Properly: Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. This reduces stress and keeps your lawn looking its best.
- Seed at the Right Time: Late summer to early fall (August-September) is the best time for seeding. Dormant seeding in winter or early spring are secondary options, while summer seeding is least effective.
- Always Read the Label: Before applying any lawn care product, carefully read and understand the product label for proper application and safety precautions.
5 Quick Tips for Sodding Your Yard
If seeding isn’t the right solution for you, sodding offers an instant lush lawn. Here are 5 quick tips for successful sod installation:
- Source Quality Sod: Green Velvet provides high-quality sod for projects of all sizes. Visit our sod page for details and specifications.
- Prepare the Soil: Start with loosely raked, level, and non-compacted soil. Remove about ½ inch of existing soil if sodding into an established yard to ensure level blending.
- Install Sod Immediately: Lay sod on the same day it arrives. Stagger seams when laying multiple rows for a seamless look.
- Water Deeply and Frequently: Water is crucial for new sod. Water multiple times a day to keep it consistently moist, avoiding late evening watering.
- Consider Hydretain: Use a water management tool like Hydretain to reduce watering needs by up to 50%. Apply Hydretain after laying sod and water it in to help retain moisture and reduce stress.
By following Green Velvet’s 5 step program for lawn care and incorporating these helpful tips, you can achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn that enhances your home’s curb appeal and provides a wonderful outdoor space for your family to enjoy. Contact Green Velvet today to learn more about our products and how we can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams.
