Tired of battling weeds and lackluster grass? Achieving a vibrant, healthy lawn doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. The Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program offers a simple, year-long approach to nourish your lawn through every season. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you apply the right product at the right time for a lawn you’ll love.
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Start strong in early spring with Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food. Apply this between February and April when temperatures are still cool, ideally below 80°F. This crucial first step prevents crabgrass from germinating, stopping this common weed before it even appears. Beyond weed prevention, Step 1 also provides essential nutrients to green up your lawn after winter dormancy, giving it a healthy boost as the growing season begins.
- For seasonal preparedness, consider purchasing all four steps now to have them ready when you need them.
- Choose the bag size that suits your lawn – available in 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. options.
- Aim to apply Step 1 around or before Easter for optimal results.
- To further enhance your soil quality before the active growing season, consider using Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
Transition into late spring with Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Apply this step between April and June, waiting 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application. Step 2 is designed to tackle existing broadleaf weeds like dandelions while simultaneously feeding your lawn. This dual-action formula kills weeds and nourishes your grass, promoting thick, green turf from the roots up.
- A good guideline is to apply Step 2 around Memorial Day.
- For effective application, choose a calm day when the lawn is damp, and avoid application if rain is expected within 24 hours to allow the weed control to properly absorb.
Step 3: Lawn Food With 2% Iron
Give your lawn a vital mid-season boost with Step 3: Lawn Food With 2% Iron. Apply this during the summer months, between June and August. Step 3 is formulated to strengthen your lawn against the stresses of summer heat and drought. The added iron helps to deepen the green color and enhance the lawn’s resilience during these challenging months.
- Apply Step 3 around Independence Day as a helpful reminder.
- If rainfall is not anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step 3 to ensure the nutrients are effectively absorbed into the soil.
- Address any persistent weeds by spot treating them as needed during this phase.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for a strong spring with Step 4: Fall Lawn Food. Apply this final step 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, between August and November. Step 4 is crucial for fall lawn care, greening up your lawn as autumn progresses and, more importantly, strengthening and protecting it throughout the winter months. This fall feeding provides the necessary nutrients for robust root development, leading to a healthier and greener lawn when spring returns.
- Apply Step 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal winter preparation.
- Watering in Step 4 after application can speed up the greening process if desired, helping your lawn look its best as fall progresses.
By following the Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program, you can take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all year round. Each step is designed to work in harmony with the seasons, providing your lawn with exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
