Question
Hello,
I live in Northern Ohio.  My lawn is in the shade of two big trees, one elm and a maple.  Last fall, I aerated, spread lime, starter fertilizer and seed.  The lawn was looking pretty bad before I did this.  I was wondering what I should do this spring to keep the lawn looking good and to keep it healthy.  While I have you, what should I do in the summer and fall as well.  Thank you for your help.  BTW, the seed I used was a shade mix, if that makes your assesment easier.  Thanks again.  

Answer
Fertilize one time in late spring (May) using a slow release fertilizer such as milorganite, ringer, or espoma. Don't add too much.

Keep the lawn mowed high and water regularily so that the lawn does not go brown (dormant). This may require watering every 5-7 days during hot, dry periods. When you water, water deeply to thoroughly wet the root zone (not just a few minutes). A 1.5-2 hour run with the spinkler will be needed to thoroughly wet the root zone.

Try to avoid excessive traffic and wear/tear on the lawn especially in summer (shade mixes contain fine fescues which are not very durable in this respect).

Fertilize again in early september when temperatures are starting to go down. Use a quick release type of fertilizer then (scott's turfbuilder for example).

Make sure you blow (not rake) leaves off immediately in late fall. Blowing leaves off immediately allow sunlight to get to the lawn and continue to support it through fall. Fertilize one last time in late fall (Late october). Again use a quick release fertilizer, like Scott's turfbuilder for example. If you rake leaves, rake them with plastic rake and avoid tearing the lawn too much.

In short:
- keep the lawn actively growing by fertilizing primarily in fall (in late spring using slow release fertilizer) and by watering adequately. Do not allow the lawn to go into draught induced dormancy (turn brown).
- keep leaves off the lawn as much as possible and blow/rake leaves promptly. Make one last cleaning in early winter so no leaves are left over winter.
- avoid excessive traffic and/or wear/tear, but mow regularily on a "high" setting (2.5-3.5" tall).

Good luck.