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.

 
May to June and late August to September

• Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer.
• Keep mower set at 2.5 to 3 inches.
• Mow weekly when grass is actively growing.
• Only cut 1/3 off the leaf blades at each mowing.
• 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.