Your 12 Month Lawn Care Calendar

A vibrant lawn is more than just grass; it's a reflection of care and dedication. With the changing seasons, different tasks arise that can make or break a healthy lawn. GK Lawn Care Services 12-month lawn care calendar will guide you through each month with specific tasks, helping you maintain a lush landscape that you can be proud of.

January: Planning and Preparation

January is all about laying the groundwork for your lawn care strategy. Despite the cold, this month is an excellent time to evaluate your lawn's health. Look for bare patches or signs of winter damage.

• Get your lawnmower serviced, blunt blades will slow you down in spring and can dmage your grass.

• If your mower cant be repaired then January sales are an excellent time to pick one up.

• If your lawn is dormant do not apply fertiliser or attempt to mow the lawn.

February:

February focuses on the backbone of your lawn: the soil. Conduct a soil test to check pH levels and nutrient content. Did you know that lawns thrive best at a pH of 6.0 to 7.0? Reach out to local garden centre to obtain a kit for accurate testing.

• Frost and Snow Warning - Keep traffic on your lawn to a minimum to prevent any damage.

• If it was a wet Winter then Moss may have made an appearance, but dont treat it until the temperature warms up, or you may have to repeat the process.

• Your lawn is dormant, so do not apply any fertiliser.

As you plan for spring planting, note that early preparation can lead to a healthier lawn.

March: Spring Cleanup

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, March calls for a spring cleanup. Start by removing debris, leaves, and old mulch—having a clean surface helps your lawn breathe.

• During this cleanup, inspect for winter damage.

• Remove weeds, moss, aerate and fertilise your lawn. GK Lawn Care Services can apply a selective feed, weed & moss killer for you, along with Aerating your lawn.

• Once temperatures begin to go over 10 degrees consistently then it is safe to over seed your lawn.

  
  

Spring cleanup of a green lawn after winter

April: Fertilisation and Aeration

April is prime time for fertilisation—necessary for jump-starting growth. A slow-release nitrogen fertiliser can promote lush growth; applying approximately 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet can yield impressive results.

Aeration in April is equally important. This process alleviates soil compaction and allows air, nutrients, and water to reach the roots. Follow up with over seeding if patches look thin, ensuring a full and green lawn.

• Red Thread warning - This occurs in warm and wet conditions, make sure your lawn is fed with a rich nitrogen fertiliser.

May: Mowing and Pest Control

By May, your lawn should be vibrant and healthy. Start a regular mowing schedule, cutting at a height of about 3 inches. This height encourages deep root growth and helps reduce weeds, potentially decreasing weed presence by up to 80%.

Pest control is crucial this month—monitor for signs of insects like grubs or diseases. Timely intervention can save you from bigger problems in the summer, ensuring strong grass growth and health.

• Apply a slow release spring/summer fertiliser to your lawn.

June: Watering and Weeding

June's heat requires diligent watering. Aim for one to two inches of water a week, preferably in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Weed removal is critical at this stage. A recent study showed that regular weeding can increase grass growth rates by up to 50% by ensuring grass has optimal access to nutrients. Use mulch in garden beds to inhibit weed growth.

• Over seed again if necessary as conditions are favourable. If drought occurs water twice daily.

Vibrant green grass in a well-kept lawn during summer

July: Summer Maintenance

July demands a proactive approach to lawn health. Keep a consistent watering and mowing schedule. Late in the month, apply a summer fertiliser to sustain growth during high temperature.

Mow your lawn once a wee and ensure your mower blades are sharp. A clean cut reduces stress on the grass, which can become more vulnerable to heat and pests. Consider mowing slightly less frequently to protect your lawn from the scorching summer sun.

August: Preparing for Autumn

As summer ends, August is about preparing for Autumn. De-thatching helps improve air and nutrient access; consider doing this if you notice thatch buildup of more than 1/2 inch.

Start planning for over-seeding in September. If your lawn is warm-season grass, applying a quick release feed it in August will help maintain its health through the Autumn.

September: Over-seeding and Fertilisation

September is key for cool-season grass. This is the ideal time for over-seeding; reseed bare areas and apply a slow release Autumn/Winter fertiliser to help your lawn prepare for winter conditions.

Aerate your lawn during this time to improve seed-soil contact. Newly sown seeds need consistent moisture to thrive, so be sure to keep them adequately watered until they germinate.

New grass seedlings sprouting in a freshly overseeded lawn

October: Autumn Preparation

October is the month for Autumn preparation. Continue mowing until growth slows, and start raking leaves, as they can suffocate your lawn if left untouched.

Apply a Autumn/Winter fertiliser to provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to endure the winter months. A healthy lawn can survive winter up to 50% better with adequate fertilisation during this time.

November: Winter Preparation

With winter approaching, finalise your Autumn preparations in November. Give the lawn a final mow, ensuring the height is lower to avoid potential mould issues.

• Apply a quick release fertiliser

Clear away debris that may accumulate over the winter. This practice is essential for healthy grass in the spring, allowing your lawn to rebound after the cold.

December: Rest and Reflection

December is quiet in terms of lawn care, making it a good time for reflection. Evaluate your past lawn care practices; consider what strategies worked and which did not.

Use this time to browse gardening catalogs for new grass seeds, fertilisers, and techniques. An informed approach can set the stage for success in the upcoming year.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of a lawn calls for dedication and thoughtful actions year-round. By following this 12-month calendar, you'll not only maintain lush grass but also enjoy the journey of caring for your outdoor space. Stay engaged and proactive, and your efforts will pay off come spring. Remember, a bit of planning now leads to a picture-perfect lawn later.