Think your lawn just needs mowing and a little water now and then? Not quite.
Every season affects your yard differently and ignoring these changes can lead to weeds, bare patches, or worse.
If you want a lawn that looks good year-round, you’ve got to work with the weather, not against it. This seasonal lawn care guide walks you through what your lawn needs in spring, summer, fall, and winter, so you’re always one step ahead.
Spring: Time to Wake Up Your Lawn
As the weather warms up, your lawn comes out of dormancy and starts to grow again. This is the time to repair winter damage, improve soil health, and set a strong foundation for the rest of the year.
Tip #1: Clean and Clear the Surface
Start by removing dead leaves, twigs, and any leftover debris from winter. Use a rake to dethatch areas where old grass has built up and is blocking air or sunlight.
Clearing your lawn allows new grass blades to grow freely and improves water and nutrient absorption. It also helps you spot any damage or bare areas early.
Tip #2: Test and Balance Your Soil
Grab a basic soil test kit from your local garden center or hardware store. Check the pH and nutrient levels, as both affect how well your grass absorbs fertilizer.
If your soil is too acidic, apply lime. If it’s too alkaline, apply sulfur. Fixing pH issues now improves your fertilizer’s effectiveness later.
Tip #3: Fertilize With Purpose
Once grass starts growing, apply a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen. Be careful not to fertilize too early. Wait until the grass is actively growing to avoid feeding weeds.
Use a broadcast spreader to apply evenly, and water the area lightly after application to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
Tip #4: Patch Up Bare Spots
Bare or thin spots? Spring is the time to fix them. Loosen the soil, scatter grass seed evenly, and cover with a thin layer of compost or soil. Water lightly every day until you see new growth.
For best results, choose seed that matches your lawn type—sun or shade, cool or warm season.
Tip #5: Mow Smart From the Start
Sharpen your mower blades before your first cut. Set the mower to a height of about 3 inches. Don’t cut more than one-third of the blade at a time.
Early spring mowing helps control weeds and encourages denser grass growth.
Summer: Protect Your Lawn From Heat Stress
Summer brings heat, drought, and more foot traffic. Your goal isn’t to push growth; it’s to help your lawn survive the toughest conditions of the year.
Tip #1: Water Deep, Not Often
Instead of watering every day, give your lawn 1–1.5 inches of water per week, ideally in one or two sessions. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. This encourages deeper root growth and keeps grass more resilient during dry spells.
Tip #2: Raise Your Mower Height
Let your grass grow taller in summer; 3.5 to 4 inches is ideal. Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and retaining moisture.
Also, leave clippings on the lawn unless they clump. They return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for extra fertilizer.
Tip #3: Keep Weeds in Check
Weeds thrive in heat and can quickly take over weak spots. Spot-treat trouble areas with post-emergent herbicide, but don’t overdo it in the heat, as chemical treatments can damage stressed grass.
Consider hand-pulling weeds in the early morning when soil is softer and roots come out easier.
Tip #4: Hold Off on Fertilizing
Heavy feeding during high heat can do more harm than good. If your lawn is already healthy, skip summer fertilizer entirely. If it’s struggling, use a low-nitrogen, slow-release option and water deeply after applying.
Tip #5: Watch for Pest Damage
Look for signs like yellowing patches, soft spots, or grass that lifts up easily. These could point to grubs or other pests.
If needed, apply an appropriate treatment based on the type of pest. Organic and biological options are available if you prefer to avoid chemicals.
Fall: Repair, Strengthen, and Prepare
Fall is the best season to fix summer damage and prepare your lawn for winter. Cooler temps and occasional rain create perfect conditions for regrowth.
Tip #1: Aerate the Soil
Core aeration loosens compacted soil and improves water, air, and nutrient movement. Rent an aerator or hire a service to pull plugs from the ground and open up the root zone.
Aeration is especially helpful in high-traffic or clay-heavy lawns.
Tip #2: Fertilize for Root Growth
Apply a fall fertilizer rich in potassium. This strengthens roots, boosts cold resistance, and prepares grass to store energy for winter.
Apply in early fall, then again 6–8 weeks later if needed. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers this time of year.
Tip #3: Overseed Thin or Bare Areas
Fall overseeding helps grass thicken up before winter. After aerating, spread seed evenly over bare or thin spots. Rake lightly and water daily for 2–3 weeks.
Choose cool-season seed varieties like fescue, ryegrass, or bluegrass for better results in northern climates.
Tip #4: Keep Leaves Off the Lawn
Don’t let leaves pile up. They block sunlight and hold in moisture, which promotes mold.
Use a mulching mower to shred leaves into the soil or rake them off weekly. Composting is another smart way to reuse them.
Tip #5: Mow Until It Stops Growing
Grass keeps growing until the first hard frost. Keep mowing regularly, lowering the height gradually with each cut. Stop mowing when growth stops.
Winter: Prevent Damage While Grass Rests
Winter is a quiet season for lawn care, but there are a few steps that keep your grass healthy while it’s dormant.
Tip #1: Keep Off Frozen Grass
Avoid walking or driving over frozen grass. It can crush the blades and damage roots, especially if you have heavy foot traffic in one area.
Use paths or stepping stones to avoid wear patterns.
Tip #2: Remove Debris Before Snow
Before snow falls, clean up sticks, toys, or furniture left on the lawn. These can trap moisture or create dead spots in the spring.
Tip #3: Store and Maintain Tools
Drain hoses, clean tools, and winterize your mower. Sharpen blades and replace spark plugs or oil if needed.
Well-maintained tools save time and hassle when spring returns.
Tip #4: Apply Winter Fertilizer (Optional)
If your lawn stays semi-active during winter—common in southern climates—apply a winterizing fertilizer before the ground freezes. Look for high-potassium blends to support roots.
Want a Lawn That Thrives All Year?
Following a seasonal lawn care plan gives your lawn the best shot at staying green, healthy, and weed-free. But not everyone has time to manage it all.
GreenTurf offers custom lawn care programs tailored to your yard and local climate.
- We test your soil.
- We schedule each treatment based on the season.
- We handle mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and more.
Let us take the guesswork out of lawn care. You enjoy the results. Request your lawn evaluation today.
