If you’re like most people, you’ve probably started getting your lawn ready for the summer and its relenting heat. Having a lush, dark lawn takes some work, and now is the perfect time to get it prepared with the following four easy DIY steps to a beautiful Utah lawn.
1. Start Now
If you haven’t aerated, fertilized, and put down weed preventer yet, start now. In most areas of Utah, lawn preparation typically begins from mid-March to Mid April, so the window is closing to get your lawn prepped. The first step should include aerating your lawn, which is a useful practice, as it enhances fertilizer and water uptake, grows more robust roots, and improves the air exchange between the soil and atmosphere to reduce soil compaction.
Liquid aeration works best, as it helps create channels through which oxygen, water, and nutrients can penetrate the soil easier. It also reduces the spread of diseases like Necrotic Ring, which is a primary concern with core aeration. This needs to be done before fertilization.
An early application of a crabgrass and spurge preventer that also contains a fertilizer is the first step to getting a weed-free beautiful lawn. The pre-emergent fertilizer provides a weed barrier that kills weeds as they germinate from the dormant seeds in your lawn all winter. Killing them now prevents problems later this summer.
2. Weed & Feed
About 6 to 7 weeks after your first application of crabgrass and spurge preventer (around Mother’s Day) is the optimal time to apply step two of your lawn care: weed and feed. Your lawn is now ready for its next feeding, and the herbicide on the fertilizer will kill any emerging dandelions in your lawn. For an increase of iron and other trace minerals, consider using an organic product that helps contribute to a darker green lawn.
3. Spring and Summer Fertilizing
About Six to Eight weeks later, in the middle of June to around the Fourth of July is when you should apply step three: spring and summer fertilizer. This step is crucial to ensuring you have a healthy lawn. Using fertilizer during this time helps keep the lawn a deep green under the stress of the summer heat. Get a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, and an application of Omnicote iron, manganese, and zinc that helps provide important micronutrients and iron. IFA carries these products, enabling for maximum nutrient absorption.
4. Fall and Winter Fertilizer
Starting from Labor Day until late October, step four should be initiated. This is the final step to your lawn care program and is the most important feeding of the year. It allows the grass to produce extra greening and little top growth, as it begins its dormant season. Most of the lawn’s food energy that is supplied by the fertilizer is then stored in the roots to be used over the winter. It provides next year’s early spring green-up power as well. This is also an excellent time to apply another round of iron, containing Omnicite iron, which will give you a nice green lawn up to Halloween and even beyond.
Considering New Sod? Call Monarch Sod
We are taking orders for new sod delivery and installation along the Wasatch Front, and partner with contractors, farms, cities, and homeowners to provide high-quality sod. Please get in touch with us, or fill out the form here to get a quick quote. See the difference with our fast and friendly crew who take extra precautions to ensure your and their safety during this time. Contact us today!
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