Northeast Lawn Care Calendar: Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Spring

Mower Prep: Service mower early spring to beat the rush. Sharpen blade annually.

Seeding: Fall is ideal, but spring works if done early — grass must establish before summer heat.

Crabgrass Prevention: Apply pre-emergent as forsythia blooms drop.

Aeration: Spring (active growth) is great for loosening compacted soil.

Mowing: Start at 3 inches. Keep turf at 2+ inches to deter weeds and survive drought.

Fertilizing: Light, slow-release/organic feed in early spring after first mow.

Summer

Grub Control: Apply season-long product in early June.

Mowing: Hot/dry: every 2–3 weeks at 3 inches. Cool/moist: up to twice weekly.

Watering: Let grass go dormant (brown but alive) or water 1 inch weekly. Drought-tolerant types like buffalo grass stay greener.

Fall

Fertilizing: Once-a-year feeding? Do it in fall. Light applications early and late fall work well.

Mowing: Cool temps = faster growth. Mow regularly through season's end.

Leaf Cleanup: Mulch leaves with 2–3 mower passes to decompose into soil, or rake and compost.

Overseeding: Cool temps make autumn ideal. Seed at least a month before average first frost.

Perennial Weeds: Fall is when dandelion, creeping Charlie are most vulnerable to herbicide.

Aeration: Cool fall weather restarts growth — perfect time to aerate compacted soil.