Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds and neglect. Luckily, achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn is simpler than you might think with the Scotts® 4 Step® Lawn Care Program. This comprehensive plan provides your lawn with the essential nutrients and protection it needs throughout the year, from the first signs of spring to the chill of winter. Let’s break down each step to ensure your lawn thrives in every season.
Step 1: Scotts® Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food – Early Spring
Kickstart your lawn care in early spring, between February and April, when temperatures are still cool (below 80°F). Scotts® Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food is designed to prevent crabgrass from germinating, stopping this common weed before it even starts. Simultaneously, it delivers vital lawn food to invigorate your grass after the winter months, promoting early green-up and stronger growth.
- Seasonal Preparation: Purchasing all four steps at once ensures you’re ready for the entire year’s lawn care schedule.
- Size Options: Choose the bag size that best suits your lawn, available in 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft. coverage.
- Timing is Key: Apply Step 1 on or before Easter for optimal crabgrass prevention.
- Boost Soil Health: Consider using Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application to enhance soil conditions before the active growing season.
Step 2: Scotts® Weed Control Plus Lawn Food – Late Spring
Transition to Step 2 in late spring, typically from April to June, ensuring 4-6 weeks have passed since your Step 1 application. Scotts® Step 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food targets and eliminates broadleaf weeds like dandelions, a common lawn nuisance, while continuing to feed your lawn. This step focuses on building thick, robust turf from the roots up, creating a weed-resistant and vibrant lawn.
- Memorial Day Timing: Aim to apply Step 2 around Memorial Day as a helpful reminder.
- Ideal Application Conditions: Apply on a calm day to prevent drift, to a damp lawn for better granule adhesion, and when no rain is expected for at least 24 hours to allow for proper absorption.
Step 3: Scotts® Lawn Food With 2% Iron – Summer
During the summer months, between June and August, your lawn needs extra support to withstand heat and potential drought. Scotts® Step 3 Lawn Food With 2% Iron provides a mid-season boost, feeding and strengthening your lawn to resist summer stresses. The added iron enhances the green color and overall health of your grass, guaranteed.
- Independence Day Application: Apply Step 3 around Independence Day as an easy-to-remember timeframe.
- Watering Recommendation: If rain isn’t anticipated, water your lawn immediately after application to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
- Spot Weed Control: Address any persistent weeds with targeted spot treatments as needed during the summer.
Step 4: Scotts® Fall Lawn Food – Fall
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set the stage for a beautiful spring with Scotts® Step 4 Fall Lawn Food. Apply this step 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, between August and November. Step 4 focuses on strengthening your lawn’s root system, improving its ability to absorb nutrients and water, and enhancing its winter hardiness. This application ensures a greener lawn now and a healthier, more vibrant lawn when spring returns.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Window: Apply Step 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal fall lawn preparation.
- Watering to Enhance Greening: Watering after application is recommended to speed up greening and help the lawn food reach the roots.
By following the Scotts® 4 Step® Lawn Care Program, you can achieve a consistently healthy, green, and weed-free lawn throughout the entire year. Each step is specifically formulated to address your lawn’s needs during each season, making lawn care straightforward and effective.
