Lawn Care Guide

Month by Month Lawn Care Guide

April – Spring clean up of debris
Aeriate when lawn is actively growing
Overseed (late in month; late summer is better)
Preemergence annual weed (crabgrass) control (or early May)

May – Aeriate when lawn is actively growing
Seeding and overseeding (early in month; late summer is better)
Preemergence annual weed (crabgrass) control (or late April)
Fertilization (1 pound of nitrogen/1,000 sq feet)
Postemergence broadleaf weed (dandelions) control to actively growing weeds

June – Postemergence broadleaf weed control
Light fertilization with irrigation (controlled release nitrogen suggested
Monitor for pests and problems

July – Irrigate as needed or allow lawn to go dormant (1/4” of water every 3 weeks
will not green, but keeps crown alive)
Monitor for pests or problems

August – Monitor for pests (annual white grubs mid-Aug – Sep)
Irrigate as needed
Prepare for seeding and overseeding
Seeding and overseeding – optimum time last 2 weeks

September – Overseeding and seeding – first week is optimum time
Fertilize during first 2 weeks
Aeriate when lawn is actively growing
Postemergence broadleaf weed (dandelions) control to actively growing weeds

October – Aeriate when lawn is actively growing
Postemergence broadleaf weed control –early in month –if weeds are growing

November – Mow until dormant
Fertilize within one week of final mowing

These lawn care suggestions from the University of Illinois Extension should be used as a guide when planning lawn care. Practices should be based on the needs and problems of a specific lawn. Some practices cannot be done in conjunction with another; such as reseeding and applying most herbicides, or fertilizing new seedings at rates for established lawns.