Step 2: Your Do-It-Yourself Lawn Care Program – Spring Fertilization and Weed Control

Spring is a crucial time for lawn care, and Step 2 of a do-it-yourself lawn care program focuses on setting your lawn up for healthy growth throughout the season. Typically applied in April or May after mowing your lawn twice (excluding early weed mowing), this step ensures your grass is actively growing and ready to benefit from fertilization. Proper watering is essential during this phase to help the lawn absorb treatments effectively. Always consult product directions for specific watering instructions.

This step primarily involves using “weed & feed” products to tackle both fertilization and weed control simultaneously. However, product selection and application vary based on your grass type. Here’s a guide tailored for common lawn grasses:

Lawn Care for St. Augustine Grass

For St. Augustine lawns, ferti-lome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 is the recommended product.

• Application: If the soil is dry, water your lawn thoroughly the day before applying the treatment. Immediately after application, water again to wash the fertilizer particles off the grass blades and into the soil.
• Weed Control: This weed & feed product is effective against most common broadleaf weeds while providing essential nutrients for your St. Augustine grass. For more comprehensive weed control, consider a follow-up spray with ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone approximately 10 to 14 days later.
• Chamberbitter Control: To prevent chamberbitter weed, apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery between mid-April and May 1st, before weed seeds germinate.
• Key Maintenance:
  • Mowing Height: Maintain a mowing height of 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Watering: Aim for 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
  • Ideal pH: Strive for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

Lawn Care for Centipede and Zoysia Grass

For Centipede and Zoysia lawns, use ferti-lome Centipede Weed & Feed 15-0-15.

• Application: Pre-wet your lawn before applying this product. Wait 48 hours after application before watering thoroughly.
• Weed Control: This weed & feed formulation controls common broadleaf weeds and feeds your lawn. For enhanced weed control, use ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone as a spot treatment or follow-up spray 10 to 14 days later.
• Chamberbitter Control: For chamberbitter prevention, apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery in mid-April to early May to stop seed germination.
• Key Maintenance:
  • Centipede:
    • Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches.
    • Watering: 1 inch per week.
    • Ideal pH: 5.0 to 6.5.
  • Zoysia:
    • Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches.
    • Watering: 1 inch per week.
    • Ideal pH: 5.5 to 6.5.

Lawn Care for Bermuda Grass

For Bermuda lawns, ferti-lome Weed-Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer 25-0-4 is recommended.

• Application: Wet your Bermuda lawn before applying. Wait 24 hours, then water thoroughly.
• Weed Control: This weed & feed product manages broadleaf weeds while fertilizing your Bermuda grass. For more thorough weed control, use ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone 10-14 days after the initial application.
• Chamberbitter Control: Apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery from mid-April to May 1st to prevent chamberbitter from emerging.
• Key Maintenance:
  • Bermuda:
    • Mowing Height: 1 to 2 inches.
    • Watering: 1 inch per week.
    • Ideal pH: 5.5 to 6.5.
  • Hybrid Bermuda:
    • Mowing Height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
    • Watering: 1 inch per week.
    • Ideal pH: 5.5 to 6.5.

By following these guidelines for Step 2 of your do-it-yourself lawn care program, you can ensure a healthy, weed-free lawn throughout the growing season. Remember to always check product labels for specific instructions and safety precautions.