As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, many homeowners dream of having a vibrant, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. After a long winter, your lawn needs the right care to recover and thrive. Our Lawn Care 4 Step Program offers an easy-to-follow approach to ensure your yard becomes a lush, green oasis. This comprehensive program combines seasonally optimized treatments to nourish your lawn, prevent weeds, and improve soil health, setting you up for success all season long.
Step 1: Early Spring – Weed Prevention and Nourishment
Early spring, typically from March to mid-April in many regions, is the crucial starting point for your lawn care 4 step program. (For warmer climates, like Southern Utah, you can begin as early as late January to mid-February). This initial step focuses on preventing weeds before they emerge and providing your lawn with its first essential feeding of the year.
Applying a pre-emergent fertilizer is key during this phase. Products like IFA Crabgrass Preventer + Lawn Food are specifically designed for this purpose. This type of fertilizer creates a barrier that stops weed seeds from germinating, effectively eliminating potential weed problems before they even begin. By tackling weeds early, you prevent them from competing with your grass for nutrients and space throughout the spring and summer months.
Boost Soil Health with Humic Acid
To further enhance your lawn’s health right from the start, consider adding a soil amendment like humic acid. IFA Bountiful Earth Humate, derived from Utah mountains, is an excellent organic option. Humic acid is known to improve soil structure, increase nutrient uptake, and enhance water retention. It also contributes to a richer green color in your lawn due to its iron and trace mineral content. By improving your soil’s ability to hold nitrogen and water, humic acid not only promotes a healthier, greener lawn but also helps you conserve water – a significant benefit in drier climates.
Step 2: Spring – Weed Control and Grub Prevention
As spring progresses, typically around Mother’s Day in early May, it’s time for the second step in your lawn care 4 step program, approximately 4-6 weeks after your initial application. This phase focuses on feeding your lawn again while also targeting any broadleaf weeds that may have emerged.
IFA Step 2 Weed & Feed is an ideal product for this stage. Formulated specifically for the needs of lawns in regions like the Intermountain West, this weed and feed fertilizer provides a balanced blend of nutrients along with an herbicide to control common broadleaf weeds like dandelions. A key aspect of applying weed & feed is to water your lawn first, then apply the product while the grass blades are still damp. This allows the herbicide to stick to the weed leaves for better absorption. Wait 24 to 48 hours after application before watering again to allow the fertilizer to soak into the soil.
Preemptive Grub Control
Spring is also the optimal time to take preventative measures against lawn pests, particularly grub worms. In many areas, grub worms typically hatch in June or July, and their larvae can cause significant damage by feeding on grass roots. Applying a grub control product now, such as Bonide Insect & Grub Control, can prevent infestations before they start. This product effectively eliminates both surface and subsurface insects and provides protection for up to three months, safeguarding your lawn from grub damage throughout the critical summer months. Don’t wait for brown patches to appear; proactive grub control is a key element of a healthy lawn care 4 step program.
Step 3: Spring & Summer – Sustained Feeding and Water Efficiency
Moving into late spring and summer, from mid-June to the end of July, step three of your lawn care 4 step program becomes essential. This application is critical for maintaining a healthy, green lawn throughout the heat of the summer. During this period, your lawn faces stress from high temperatures and potentially drier conditions.
IFA Step 3 Spring & Summer Lawn Food is specifically formulated to meet these challenges. This slow-release fertilizer, featuring Omnicote technology, provides a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period. This slow and consistent feeding is ideal for the summer months, helping your lawn maintain its color and vigor even under heat stress. It’s designed to work with the specific soil conditions and climate challenges of regions with hot summers.
Enhance Water Penetration with Soil Treatment
To maximize water use and further support your lawn through the summer heat, consider using a soil treatment alongside your Step 3 fertilizer. Products like Revive or Aqua-Drive are designed to improve soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. These soil treatments help water and nutrients penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching the root zone more effectively. This leads to healthier, more drought-resistant grass that can thrive even during hot, dry periods. Using a soil treatment as part of your lawn care 4 step program is a smart strategy for water conservation and lawn health.
Step 4: Fall & Winter – Root Strengthening for Next Spring
The final step in your lawn care 4 step program occurs from Labor Day until late October. While it might seem counterintuitive to fertilize as the growing season ends, this fall application is arguably the most important of the year.
IFA Step 4 Fall & Winter Lawn Food is formulated to provide a final feeding that focuses on root development rather than top growth. While you will see some greening, most of the fertilizer’s energy is directed towards strengthening the root system. These stored nutrients will be crucial for your lawn’s health over the winter and will fuel a strong, early green-up in the following spring. The root system remains active until the ground freezes, allowing your lawn to recover from summer stress in the cooler fall soil.
Fall Humic Acid Application
Just as in early spring, fall is also an excellent time to reapply humic acid. A second application of IFA Bountiful Earth Humate in the fall will further enhance soil quality and fortify your lawn for the winter months. This dual application approach – spring and fall – ensures continuous soil improvement, leading to consistently lush and healthy lawns year after year. This final step in the lawn care 4 step program sets the stage for a beautiful lawn in the coming year.
Additional Lawn Care Tips for a Perfect Lawn
Beyond the core lawn care 4 step program, incorporating these additional lawn care practices will further enhance the health and beauty of your yard.
Aeration – Improve Soil and Nutrient Uptake
Annual core aeration is a highly beneficial practice for any lawn. Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from your lawn, which helps to alleviate soil compaction, improve air exchange, and enhance water and fertilizer penetration. For best results, aerate either before your first spring fertilizer application or in the late fall to avoid lawn plugs during peak season.
Watering Wisely – Deep and Infrequent
Proper watering is crucial, but overwatering is a common mistake. Turf studies show that most lawns thrive with less frequent but deeper watering. Aim to water thoroughly every three to four days, allowing the water to soak deep into the soil. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which encourages shallow root growth and can lead to disease. Water according to your lawn’s needs, not just a set schedule. Often, natural spring rainfall and late snow may eliminate the need to water until late April or even later.
Mow Properly – Maintain Ideal Height
Mowing significantly impacts lawn health and appearance. For most lawns, a mowing height of 2.5 to 3 inches is recommended, with the higher end preferable during summer. Taller grass promotes deeper root growth, reduces weed problems, conserves water, and simply looks better. While a 2-inch height is acceptable during rapid spring growth, raise the mowing height as growth slows, during periods of stress, or in shady areas. Always use a sharp mower blade for a clean cut, and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This may mean mowing twice a week during periods of rapid growth.
Revive Dry Spots – Summer Solution
Despite your best efforts, dry spots can sometimes appear during the summer months due to sprinkler issues, compacted soil, pet urine, or neglect. These areas can be difficult to recover. Applying a product like Revive to these dry patches can work wonders. Revive contains special surfactants that help re-wet hard, dry soil and organic nutrients to revitalize stressed grass, bringing those brown spots back to lush green.
With this comprehensive lawn care 4 step program and these additional tips, achieving your dream lawn is within reach. Visit your local IFA Country Store to find all the products you need and get expert advice from our knowledgeable team. Our program is designed to give you a beautiful, weed-free, deep green lawn with healthy, insect-free soil and strong roots, all while using water efficiently. With convenient locations ready to serve you, a stunning lawn is just a few simple steps away. Let us help you make your lawn the best on the block.
