For more on lawns click on the links below:
March to May & September to November
  • Apply corn gluten to kill germinating weed seeds when the forsythia blooms (March/April). Don't apply with lawn seed as it will kill them too!
  • When lawn is not sodden, rake with a leaf rake removing debris.
  • Lime with slow release lime such as Dolopril, not rapid lime.
  • Aerate with a core aerator, rent a machine or hire someone.
  • Optional: Topdress with an inch of compost or good garden loam then work in with a leaf rake.
  • Sow lawn seed in sparse areas. 
  • Apply fertilizer high in phosphorus and water.
  • Apply moss killer, ferrous sulfate to kill moss and to feed the grass plants as iron is a trace nutrients. Only apply once a year according to package directions. For more on moss control click here.
 
May to June and late August to September
  • Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer.
  • Keep mower set at 3 to 4 inches.
  • Cut only 1/3rd of the grass blade at each mowing. When the grass is actively growing, especially in spring and fall, it must be cut at least once a week.
  • Leave clippings on the lawn if they are 1 inch long or less, therefore mow frequently.
  • Water weekly, don’t allow the grass to die due to drought.

Prepping the Lawn for Winter
  • Rake or mow fallen leaves on grass and place on garden beds. 
  • Aerate with core aerator, especially if you didn't do it in spring. 
  • Apply Dolopril lime, especially if you did not do so in spring. 

Optional:
  • Spread up to an inch of compost or garden or turf mix as a topdressing and work in with a leaf rake. 
  • In October or November fertilize with a winterizer fertilizer high in potash (last number the highest).
  • Rake any bare spots, apply compost or good garden soil and reseed. Keep seeds moist until they germinate.