Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds and neglect. Fortunately, the Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program offers a straightforward approach to achieve a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the year. This guide will break down What Are The Steps For Scotts Lawn Care Program, providing you with a clear timeline and understanding of each application.
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food (Early Spring)
The first step in the Scotts 4-Step program is Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food, applied in early spring. Timing is crucial for this initial application; aim for anytime between February and April when temperatures are still cool, ideally under 80°F. This pre-emergent treatment is designed to prevent crabgrass from germinating, stopping this common lawn weed before it even starts to grow. Beyond weed prevention, Step 1 also provides essential nutrients to your lawn, helping it to green up and recover from the winter months, setting the stage for a healthy growing season. For optimal soil health, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application to enhance soil conditions before the active growing period.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food (Late Spring)
Moving into late spring, typically between April and June, it’s time for Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Ensure you wait 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application before applying Step 2. This step focuses on tackling existing broadleaf weeds such as dandelions while simultaneously feeding your lawn. Step 2 not only kills visible weeds but also nourishes the grass, promoting thick, green turf growth from the roots up. For best results, apply Step 2 on a calm day when the lawn is damp, and avoid application if rain is expected within 24 hours to allow the weed control to effectively absorb into the weeds.
Step 3: Lawn Food With 2% Iron (Summer)
As summer arrives, your lawn needs a mid-season boost to withstand heat and potential drought. Step 3, Lawn Food With 2% Iron, is applied during the summer months, between June and August. This application is designed to feed and strengthen your lawn, enhancing its resilience against summer stressors. The added iron in Step 3 contributes to a deeper green color and overall lawn health during the hotter months. If rainfall is not anticipated, watering your lawn immediately after applying Step 3 will help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively. Address any persistent weeds with spot treatments as needed throughout the summer to maintain a weed-free lawn.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food (Fall)
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The final step in the annual Scotts 4-Step program is Fall Lawn Food, applied in the fall, 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, generally between August and November. This crucial fall application serves a dual purpose: it greens up your lawn as you head into the cooler months and, more importantly, strengthens and protects it over the winter, setting the foundation for a healthier and greener lawn the following spring. Applying Step 4 from late summer into mid-fall, often around Labor Day to mid-October, provides the necessary nutrients for winterization. Watering in the application can speed up the greening process if desired, ensuring your lawn looks its best as the season changes and prepares for dormancy.
By following these four simple steps of the Scotts Lawn Care Program, you can proactively manage weeds and nourish your lawn throughout the entire year, leading to a beautiful, healthy, and resilient outdoor space.
