Is your lawn looking more like a weed patch than a welcoming green space? Don’t let weeds win the battle for your backyard. The Scotts® 4 Step® Lawn Care Program is your straightforward solution to achieving a healthy, vibrant, and weed-free lawn all year round. This popular, annual lawn care plan simplifies lawn maintenance, providing the right nutrients and weed control at just the right times of the year. Let’s break down exactly how and when to apply each step of the Scotts 4 Step program for a beautiful lawn in spring, summer, fall, and even winter.
Step 1: Early Spring – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Kickstart your lawn care in early spring with Scotts® Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food. Apply this first step between February and April, ideally when temperatures are still cool, consistently below 80°F. The crucial action of Step 1 is preventing crabgrass from ever sprouting, tackling this common lawn weed before it becomes a problem. Beyond weed prevention, Step 1 also acts as a lawn food, delivering essential nutrients to green up your lawn after the dormancy of winter.
- Seasonal Preparation: Consider purchasing all four steps of the Scotts 4-Step program now to ensure you’re ready for the entire year’s lawn care schedule.
- Choose the Right Size: Scotts® Step 1 is available in sizes to cover either 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft., allowing you to select the perfect size for your lawn.
- Easter Application Target: Aim to apply Step 1 on or before Easter for optimal early spring lawn care timing.
- Boost Soil Health: For enhanced soil conditions before the main growing season, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application to further improve your lawn’s foundation.
Step 2: Late Spring – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
As spring progresses, it’s time for Scotts® Step 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Apply Step 2 in late spring, from April to June. It’s important to wait 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application to ensure proper timing within the Scotts Lawn Care 4 Step Program. Step 2 is designed to actively kill many common broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions and clover, that emerge in the spring. Simultaneously, it feeds your lawn, providing nourishment for thicker, greener turf. Step 2 works from the roots up, strengthening your lawn and promoting healthy growth.
- Memorial Day Timing: A helpful guideline is to apply Step 2 around Memorial Day, aligning with late spring lawn care schedules.
- Optimal Application Conditions: Apply Step 2 on a calm day to prevent drift, and ideally onto a damp lawn to help the granules adhere. Check the weather forecast and ensure no rain is expected for at least 24 hours after application to allow the weed control to effectively work.
Step 3: Summer – Lawn Food With 2% Iron
During the heat of summer, your lawn needs extra support to withstand stress. Scotts® Step 3 Lawn Food With 2% Iron is formulated to provide a mid-season boost. Apply Step 3 in the summer months, between June and August. This step is crucial for feeding and strengthening your lawn, making it more resilient to heat and drought conditions that are common in the summer. The added iron in Step 3 also helps to enhance the green color of your lawn.
- Independence Day Application: Think of applying Step 3 close to Independence Day as a reminder for your mid-summer lawn feeding.
- Watering After Application: If rain is not anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step 3. Watering helps to activate the lawn food and move it into the soil.
- Spot Weed Treatment: While Step 2 targets spring weeds, summer can bring new weed challenges. Spot treat any weeds that appear as needed throughout the summer to maintain a weed-free lawn.
Step 4: Fall – Fall Lawn Food
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for a strong spring with Scotts® Step 4 Fall Lawn Food. Apply Step 4 between August and November, typically 4 to 6 weeks after your Step 3 application. Fall Lawn Food is designed to green up your lawn as you head into the cooler months, but more importantly, it strengthens the root system. This late-season feeding provides essential nutrients that help your lawn recover from summer stress and build resilience to survive winter conditions, resulting in a healthier and greener lawn when spring returns.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Window: Aim to apply Step 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal fall lawn care timing.
- Watering for Greening: Watering in Step 4 after application is recommended, especially if you desire faster greening of your lawn in the fall. This helps the nutrients reach the roots quickly and start working.
By following the Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program, you can confidently manage your lawn care throughout the year. Each step is strategically timed to address seasonal lawn needs, from preventing weeds and promoting growth to strengthening your lawn for the changing seasons. Embrace this simple yet effective program and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
