New York Lawn Care Schedule for a Healthy Lawn Year Round

Summers in New York are hot and humid, while winters are cold and harsh. The diverse climate provides an obstacle for homeowners to maintain a healthy lawn. With nearly four decades in business Lehigh Lawns and Landscaping knows how to keep a lawn looking its best no matter the season.

March to April

Early Spring is the ideal time to start laying the groundwork for a lush and healthy lawn year-round.

Clear Up Debris

Take the time to walk your property and pick up any debris- such as twigs, small rocks, or leaves- that may have accumulated during the winter months.

Rake

Even if you raked last fall, raking during the spring is still one of the best things you can do for your lawn. Raking in the spring is important because it breaks up the layer of thatch- for those new to lawn care thatch is the layer of dead leaves and grass cuttings that fall below the layer of grass you see every day and settle right above the root system- that has been compressed into your lawn under the weight or ice and snow during the winter. When a layer of thatch becomes too thick it can block water, fertilizer and even oxygen from getting to the root system, suffocating the grass.

Test Your Soil

Testing your soil determines its nutrient levels, pH balance, and other key properties. Understanding your lawn’s specific needs, you are able to make informed decisions about which plants to grow, how much fertilizer to add, and avoid unnecessary treatments.

April to May

Fertilization

Starting a six-step fertilization & weed control program in late spring is a great way to ensure your lawn stays lush during the growing season. Fertilizing provides the essential nutrients that grass needs to grow and thrive.

Mow

Now that your grass is growing again it’s time to break out the lawn mower. Start with an increased mower height and leave the grass to grow longer to support deep root growth.

Water

Don’t forget to hydrate your lawn! As temperatures warm proper lawn irrigation is essential for root growth. To best stimulate grass growth water your lawn in long intervals before 10 a.m. so the water has time to soak into the soil making it more drought resistant.

June to August

As temperatures in New York begin to rise subjecting your lawn to heat and humidity you may start to see changes in your grass. Don’t let dead grass ruin your summer fun, follow these recommendations to keep your grass looking lush and healthy.

Weed Control

Weeds flourish in the summer months. With shallow root systems that do little to hold soil in place weeds contribute to soil erosion, leading to losing valuable topsoil that makes it possible for desired plants to grow. Weeds also compete with your grass and other plants for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. Proper weed control ensures your desired plants can access all the resources they need for optimal growth.

Keep Pests at Bay

While proper weed control removes the ideal breeding ground, and shelter for pests it is still important you watch for creatures, such as grubs, that might wreak havoc on your lawn.

Lehigh Lawns and Landscaping offers grub control with our six-step lawn fertilization program.

Mow Smartly

Mowing your grass too short makes it liable to heat damage and drought stress. To avoid this, increase the cutting height on your mower, taller grass retains moisture better and allows for a lush full look to your grass. Be sure to give consideration to the heat as well, if it is too hot outside mowing can be stressful to your grass.

September to October

Early fall is the time of year when the air becomes crisper, and cool-season grasses are growing more actively. This makes it the best time to establish a new lawn.

Aeration

Most lawns will only need to be aerated every two to three years. However, if your lawns soil is especially compacted it may benefit from being aerated every fall. Since cool-season grass is in an active period during the fall it is the perfect time for it to handle the stress caused by aeration. Aeration works by puncturing holes in the soil making it easier for oxygen, water and nutrients to reach the roots.

Overseeding

Typically performed after aeration, overseeding is the process of adding new grass seed over an already existing turf. Target the bare or thin patches of grass to fill in the gaps and give your lawn and lush consistent texture.

Plantings

Give your plants a head start for the Spring. By planting during the cool months of fall you reduce stress on your plants. The lower temperatures, increased rainfall, and fewer weeds allow for plants to focus on developing a strong root system. This is especially true for trees, shrubs and perennials.

October to November

Now is the time to start preparing your lawn for the winter season.

Keep Mowing

As grass growth starts to slow, it is time to gradually lower the height of your mower. Mow the grass slightly shorter than usual but be careful not to scalp the lawn as scalping can make the grass more susceptible to winter stress.

Remove Leaves

Autumn is known for bringing an abundance of fallen leaves in its wake. To avoid soil congestion be sure to keep on top of leaves by regularly raking or leaf blowing.

Reduce Watering

As it gets closer to winter your grass begins to go dormant. Reduce the amount you water your lawn to help avoid disease and pest infestation.

Reduce Foot Traffic

Try to minimize walking or driving on the lawn during the colder months. Heavy foot traffic can cause soil compaction and stress on the grass, leading to potential turf injury or thinning. By lowering the stress on your grass, you are allowing it to grow strong and healthy in preparation for the winer.

December to February

Once you have had all of the necessary preparations done to ensure a vigorous spring lawn, you can relax and enjoy the holidays and the snow. Your biggest and only outdoor chore could involve hanging up holiday lights.