Your lawn requires care throughout the year, including during winter when it lays dormant. If you work with a professional landscaper, you can schedule year-round maintenance to keep your lawn in the best condition. Hiring a professional lawn care service allows you to delegate the tasks of fertilization, weed control, aeration, mowing, and other seasonal maintenance requirements. Here are a few lawn care tips for different seasons:
1. Prepare for the Growing Season in Early Spring
Year-round lawn care begins in early spring when you prepare your yard for the growing season. Schedule a professional lawn care service when the snow starts to melt to encourage grass growth. Early spring care involves raking off leaves, branches, twigs, and litter to allow your lawn to receive the little sunlight available.
If your lawn has become compacted, the landscaper can use an aerator to place holes into the ground. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Spring care also involves applying fertilizer to provide enough nutrients for early growth. Your landscaper can help you determine the suitable fertilizer and nutrients for your lawn. Other services include applying pre-emergent herbicides to kill crabgrass and other unwanted weeds. You can also start mowing when the grass reaches the appropriate mowing height.
2. Control Weeds During the Summer
The increased sunlight hours during summer allow your lawn to thrive, but this also may result in weed problems. Mouse ears, nutgrass, and other aggressive weeds are common during this time. Use post-emergent herbicides to kill off these weeds before they start producing seeds. Summer is also a time when grubs come closer to the surface to feed on grass roots. Schedule grub control services to protect your lawn from yellowing and browning.
Mow the lawn continuously during the summer to prevent the lawn grass from overgrowing. Your landscaper can schedule regular mowing depending on the grass height you want to maintain. Summer also increases the need for watering. Excess humidity can cause fungal issues, so consult with your landscaper to identify the optimal watering routine.
3. Prioritize Recovery During Autumn
Autumn is the time to assess the damage of summer and correct it before temperatures fall. As days become shorter and cooler in Autumn, your lawn’s requirement for mowing and watering reduces. You will still need to water the lawn because colder weather has a drying effect. Hire a landscaper to remove the dead patches, aerate the lawn, and re-seed. If your lawn requires fertilizer twice a year, schedule the second application in Autumn.
Clear unwanted debris, twigs, and litter to protect the grass blades from being damaged. Add compost to your lawn and cover the surface with grass clippings to protect against snow and hail. Edge your lawn and asses drainage channels to prepare them for the coming snow.
4. Focus on Moisture and Weed Control During the Winter
Your lawn goes dormant during winter, but some weed species remain active during this time. Dry, compacted soil can present problems, so check the dryness level beneath the grass to determine if your lawn needs watering. Consult with your landscaper to identify the ideal watering schedule. Excess water can cause your lawn to rot, and frozen water will damage it. If you use ice-melting products, choose eco-friendly options that won’t damage the grass below. Fertilization isn’t required because the lawn doesn’t take up nutrients or grow during this time.
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service Today
Hire experienced landscapers who know how to achieve your lawn goals. Working with a professional gives you access to year-round programs that handle all aspects of lawn care. Hire a professional lawn care service today to grow and maintain a healthy law