Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds and bare patches. Luckily, achieving a beautiful yard doesn’t have to be a struggle. The Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program is a popular and straightforward approach to lawn care, designed to provide your lawn with the right nutrients and protection throughout the year. This guide will walk you through each step of the Scotts 4-Step program, ensuring you know exactly when and how to apply each product for a healthy, vibrant lawn.
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
The first step in the Scotts 4-Step program is Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food. This is applied in early spring, specifically between February and April, when temperatures are still cool – ideally under 80°F. The crucial element here is crabgrass prevention. This application works to stop crabgrass from germinating, preventing it from becoming a problem later in the season. Simultaneously, it acts as a lawn food, providing essential nutrients to help your lawn recover from winter and green up as spring arrives.
- Timing is Key: Apply Step 1 in early spring, and aim to complete this step on or before Easter for optimal results.
- Plan Ahead: Consider purchasing all four steps of the program at once to ensure you’re prepared for the entire year’s lawn care schedule. Available in sizes for 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft. lawns.
- Boost Soil Health: For enhanced results, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application to improve soil conditions before the active growing season.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
Step two is Weed Control Plus Lawn Food, applied in late spring, typically between April and June. It’s important to wait 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application before moving on to Step 2. This step focuses on tackling existing broadleaf weeds like dandelions while continuing to nourish your lawn. Step 2 is formulated to kill many common weeds while simultaneously feeding your lawn, promoting thick, green turf growth from the roots up.
- Memorial Day Target: Aim to apply Step 2 around Memorial Day as a helpful reminder for timing.
- Ideal Application Conditions: Apply Step 2 on a calm day to prevent drift, ideally onto a damp lawn. Check the weather forecast and ensure no rain is expected for at least 24 hours after application to allow the weed control to effectively work.
Step 3: Lawn Food With 2% Iron
In the heat of summer, your lawn needs a mid-season boost, which is where Lawn Food With 2% Iron (Step 3) comes in. Apply this step during the summer months, between June and August. Step 3 is designed to feed and strengthen your lawn, making it more resilient against the stresses of summer heat and potential drought conditions. The added iron also helps to enhance the green color of your lawn.
- Independence Day Reminder: Think of applying Step 3 around Independence Day to keep your lawn healthy throughout the summer.
- Watering After Application: If rain is not expected shortly after application, water your lawn immediately. This helps to activate the lawn food and ensures it reaches the roots effectively.
- Spot Treat Weeds: While Step 2 addresses broadleaf weeds, summer can sometimes bring new weed growth. Spot treat any persistent weeds as needed during this period to maintain a weed-free lawn.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food
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The final step in the annual Scotts 4-Step program is Fall Lawn Food. This is applied in the late summer to early fall, 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, typically between August and November. Step 4 serves a dual purpose: it greens up your lawn as you head into fall and, more importantly, strengthens and protects it over the winter months, setting the stage for a healthier and greener lawn next spring.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Window: Aim to apply Step 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October. This timing allows the lawn food to provide the necessary nutrients before winter dormancy sets in.
- Watering for Greening: Watering in Step 4 after application is recommended, especially if you want to speed up the greening effect as fall approaches.
By following these four steps of the Scotts Lawn Care Program, you can provide your lawn with the targeted care it needs throughout the year. This program simplifies lawn maintenance and helps you achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn that you can be proud of, season after season.
