Lawn Care Schedule for Your New Home: A Month-by-Month Guide
Moving into a new home can come with a long to-do list—but don’t forget about your lawn! A well-maintained yard not only boosts curb appeal but also creates a welcoming outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying your property to the fullest.
Following a lawn care schedule is key to keeping your yard healthy all year long. Here’s a simple, month-by-month breakdown to help you get started:
Spring (March – May): Wake Up the Lawn
March
- Clean Up: Rake away leaves, sticks, and debris.
- Test Soil: Pick up a soil test kit from your local garden center to check pH and nutrients.
- Sharpen Mower Blades: Start the season with sharp blades for clean cuts.
April
- Fertilize: Apply a spring fertilizer to jumpstart growth.
- Aerate (if needed): Helps reduce soil compaction and improves root development.
- Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent weed control before weeds sprout.
May
- Mow Regularly: Keep grass about 2.5–3 inches high.
- Edge Beds and Walkways: Tidy up the borders of your lawn.
- Spot Treat Weeds: Handle any stubborn weeds that broke through.
Summer (June – August): Maintain & Protect
June
- Water Wisely: Deep water 1–1.5 inches per week (early morning is best).
- Fertilize Lightly: Use a slow-release fertilizer if your lawn is actively growing.
- Mow Often: Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
July
- Watch for Pests: Brown patches might mean grubs or other bugs—treat accordingly.
- Stay Sharp: Continue to mow with sharpened blades and raise the blade height slightly during hot spells.
August
- Spot-Seed Bare Areas: If you have cool-season grass, you can start preparing for fall seeding.
- Limit Fertilizer: Don’t overstimulate growth during heat stress periods.
Fall (September – November): Strengthen for Winter
September
- Aerate & Overseed: Cool-season grasses benefit from fall aeration and seeding.
- Fertilize: Apply a high-nitrogen fall fertilizer to support root growth.
October
- Keep Mowing: Grass will still grow until the first frost—maintain mowing height.
- Rake Leaves: Prevent smothering and disease by clearing fallen leaves.
November
- Final Fertilization: Use a winterizing fertilizer before the ground freezes.
- Store Tools: Clean and store your mower and garden tools.
Winter (December – February): Rest & Plan
December – February
- Avoid Lawn Traffic: Frozen grass is fragile—limit walking or parking on it.
- Plan Ahead: Order seed, fertilizer, and other supplies for spring.
- Sharpen Tools: Prep mowers and trimmers for the next growing season.
Tips for Success in Your New Yard
- Know Your Grass Type: Cool-season vs. warm-season grasses have different needs.
- Check Local Guidelines: Your region’s climate affects watering schedules, fertilization, and seeding times.
- Be Patient: A healthy lawn takes time—consistent care will pay off!
Starting fresh in a new home is the perfect opportunity to build a lawn you’re proud of. Stick to a simple schedule, learn as you go, and don’t hesitate to ask local experts for help. Soon, you’ll have a yard that’s not only beautiful but also a source of pride and relaxation.