When should you treat for crabgrass? What about grubs? Is your lawn looking patchy?A thriving lawn requires the right care at the right time. We’ve carefully developed a schedule to improve and maintain our clients’ turf, trees, and shrubs—and now we’re sharing it with you! Whether you choose to follow this guide yourself or let our team handle it for you, this plan will help keep your landscape in top shape all year long.
Winter/Early SpringStart with a soil test. A healthy lawn begins with understanding its soil. We take a science-backed approach by testing soil to determine nutrient levels, organic matter, and pH balance. If you’d like to test your own soil, your local extension service can help. Montgomery County residents can visit Virginia Tech Extension for more information.
Turf Application 1: Early Spring (February – March)
We apply a selective granular pre-emergent coated fertilizer to encourage early green-up while preventing crabgrass and broadleaf weeds from sprouting. Homeowners can find pre-emergent treatments at garden centers. Timing is key—crabgrass is best controlled before it germinates!
Turf Application 2: Late Spring (April – May)
A second pre-emergent weed control application, along with broadleaf post-emergent weed control and organic fertilizer, helps prepare your lawn for the growing season. If you’re handling fertilization yourself, use your soil test results to determine the correct application rate.
Turf Application 3: Early Summer (June – July)
We apply organic fertilizer to strengthen turf and maintain a rich green color as summer temperatures rise.
Turf Application 4: Mid-Summer (July – August)
By this time, weeds that escaped earlier treatments may need additional broadleaf weed and crabgrass post-emergent control. Fertilization during this period also helps turf withstand summer stress. Raise your mowing height to 4-4.5” during hot, dry months to reduce stress on the grass.
Turf Application 5: Early Fall (September – October)
A high-nitrogen organic fertilizer is applied to promote strong root growth and recovery from summer stress, setting the stage for a lush lawn in spring.
Turf Application 6: Late Fall/Early Winter (November – December)
A final organic fertilizer application helps grass store energy for the winter, keeping it greener longer and ensuring a healthier return in spring.
✔ Grub Control (June): Preventative treatments stop grubs before they damage turf roots, reducing mole and vole activity. If grubs are already present, a post-treatment may be needed.✔ Fungicide Treatments (Spring & Summer): Protect against common lawn diseases like red thread, mildew, and blights, which can weaken turf.
✔ Turf Aeration & Overseeding (Fall): Aeration relieves soil compaction and enhances root growth. We use a premium, coated seed blend for better germination. Watering is recommended to ensure success! If you prefer a DIY approach, aeration machines can often be rented locally.
✔ Slit Seeding (Fall): Ideal for patchy or compacted lawns, slit seeding ensures better seed-to-soil contact for improved germination. This method reduces seed loss and enhances moisture retention.
🌿 Granular Fertilization (Winter & Spring): We fertilize ornamental trees and shrubs with a high-quality organic formula to enhance root development, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Homeowners can find similar products at garden centers—just follow the label instructions.🌳 Tree & Shrub Pest & Disease Control (Summer): Preventative foliar sprays help protect landscape plants from common pests and fungal diseases.
🦌 Deer Repellent (Every 6 Weeks): Our topical and foliar applications deter deer and other small animals from damaging plants. If applying your own, remember consistency is key for effectiveness.
