New Lawn Care in NJ: Skip Crabgrass Preventer, Target Grubs in June

After grub devastation forced a full lawn renovation—thatching and power seeding—you're wondering about standard treatments. Here's the strategic approach for New Jersey:

Crabgrass Preventer? Not This Year

Skip the combo fertilizer/crabgrass preventer. Newly seeded lawns are sensitive to pre-emergents, which can inhibit desirable grass germination. Crabgrass is an annual—it dies each winter. If it appears this summer, treat next spring. One missed year won't ruin the lawn.

Fertilize Three Times

Target these windows for cool-season grasses in NJ:

• Late May
• Early September
• First week of November

Avoid summer fertilization—heat stresses grass and wastes nutrients.

Grub Control: June Application Is Critical

Apply a preventive grub control containing imidacloprid (Merit) in June. Products like Scotts GrubEx or Bayer Advanced Season-Long Grub Control target beetle eggs before they hatch. Merit is safer for earthworms and beneficials than older organophosphates. Check the label for "imidacloprid" as the active ingredient.

This schedule builds a resilient lawn without over-treating. Patience with the crabgrass preventer pays off.