Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds and the elements. Ace Hardware offers a convenient solution with its 4-Step Lawn Care Program, designed to provide your lawn with the right nutrients and protection throughout the year. Knowing precisely when to apply Ace Hardware 4-Step Lawn Care Program is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and achieving that enviable yard. This guide breaks down the optimal timing for each step, ensuring your lawn stays healthy and vibrant in every season.
Step 1: Early Spring – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
The first step in the Ace Hardware 4-Step program is all about spring preparation. Apply Step 1, the Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food, in early spring, specifically between February and April. The key is to apply it when soil temperatures are still cool, ideally when temperatures are consistently below 80°F. This timing is critical because Step 1 is designed to prevent crabgrass from germinating. Crabgrass is a notorious summer weed, and pre-emergent herbicides like those in Step 1 are most effective before crabgrass seeds sprout.
Beyond weed prevention, Step 1 also acts as a lawn food. It provides essential nutrients to help your lawn recover from winter dormancy and encourages early green-up. This early feeding sets the stage for a healthier and more resilient lawn throughout the growing season.
Key Timing Reminders for Step 1:
- Timeframe: February to April
- Temperature: Apply when temperatures are consistently below 80°F.
- Seasonal Cue: Aim to apply Step 1 on or before Easter as a helpful reminder.
- Soil Improvement: For enhanced soil health, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application.
Step 2: Late Spring – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
As spring transitions into late spring, it’s time for Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Apply this step in late spring, between April and June. It’s important to wait 4 to 6 weeks after your Step 1 application before applying Step 2. This waiting period ensures that the pre-emergent herbicide from Step 1 has had time to work effectively before you introduce the weed control elements of Step 2.
Step 2 targets broadleaf weeds that are actively growing in late spring, such as dandelions and clover. It contains herbicides to kill existing weeds while simultaneously feeding your lawn to promote thick, green growth. This dual action is vital for a weed-free and healthy lawn as you move into the summer months.
Application Tips for Step 2:
- Timeframe: April to June, 4-6 weeks after Step 1.
- Seasonal Cue: Memorial Day is a good target timeframe for Step 2 application.
- Application Conditions: Apply on a calm day to prevent drift, ideally on a damp lawn to help the granules adhere, and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours to allow the weed control to be absorbed.
Step 3: Summer – Lawn Food With 2% Iron
Summer heat and potential drought can stress your lawn. Step 3, Lawn Food With 2% Iron, is designed to give your lawn a mid-season boost during the summer months, between June and August. This application helps to strengthen your lawn against the stresses of summer, making it more resistant to heat and drought conditions.
The added iron in Step 3 contributes to a deeper green color and further enhances the lawn’s resilience. While Step 3 primarily focuses on feeding and strengthening, it’s also the time to address any persistent weeds through spot treatments.
Summer Application Guidelines for Step 3:
- Timeframe: June to August
- Seasonal Cue: Aim for application around Independence Day.
- Watering: If rain is not anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step 3 to help the fertilizer granules reach the soil and activate.
- Weed Management: Summer is a good time to spot treat any weeds that have emerged since Step 2 to maintain a clean lawn.
Step 4: Fall – Fall Lawn Food
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The final step in the Ace Hardware 4-Step program is crucial for preparing your lawn for winter and ensuring a healthy start in the spring. Apply Step 4, Fall Lawn Food, between August and November, specifically 4 to 6 weeks after your Step 3 application. This fall feeding provides essential nutrients that help your lawn green up before winter and, more importantly, strengthens its root system. A strong root system is vital for winter survival and for vigorous growth when spring returns.
Step 4 sets the stage for a healthier and greener lawn the following spring by providing the nutrients needed for winter hardiness and spring recovery.
Optimal Timing for Fall Lawn Food (Step 4):
- Timeframe: August to November, 4-6 weeks after Step 3.
- Seasonal Cue: Labor Day until mid-October is an ideal window for Step 4 application.
- Watering (Optional): Watering in Step 4 after application can speed up greening, but it’s not always necessary, especially if fall rains are expected.
By following this seasonal guide and understanding when to apply Ace Hardware 4-Step Lawn Care Program, you can take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance. Consistent application at the right times will contribute to a healthier, greener, and more weed-free lawn throughout the year, making your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
