Spring has sprung, and it's time to get your lawn in tip-top shape. One of the most crucial aspects of lawn care is applying the right fertilizers and herbicides at the right time. This is where the Lesco lawn application schedule comes into play. Let's dive into the details of this schedule to ensure your lawn stays lush and green all season long.
Before we delve into the specifics, it's essential to understand that the Lesco lawn application schedule is designed for cool-season grasses, which are prevalent in the northern regions of the United States. These grasses thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and go dormant during the summer heat. With that in mind, let's explore the two main topics of this schedule: early season and late season applications.
Early Season Applications
The early season applications, typically from spring to early summer, focus on promoting grass growth and preventing weeds. Let's explore two critical sub-topics during this period.
Spring Fertilization
Spring fertilization is the cornerstone of the Lesco lawn application schedule. The ideal time to fertilize your lawn is when the soil temperature reaches a consistent 55°F. This usually occurs in late March to early April in the northern regions. Lesco recommends using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like Lesco's Spring Lawn Food. This fertilizer provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy grass growth.
Applying fertilizer at this time stimulates grass growth and helps the lawn recover from winter stress. It's crucial to follow the package instructions for the correct application rate to avoid overfertilizing, which can damage your lawn.
Pre-emergent Herbicide Application
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Lesco's Weed Preventer Plus is an excellent choice for this task. The ideal time to apply this herbicide is when soil temperatures reach 50°F to 55°F, usually around late March to early April.
Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. However, they do not kill existing weeds. Therefore, it's essential to combine this application with regular lawn maintenance, such as mowing and spot-treating weeds with a post-emergent herbicide.
Late Season Applications
The late season applications, from late summer to fall, aim to strengthen the lawn and prepare it for winter. Let's explore two vital sub-topics during this period.
Summer Fertilization
In the late summer, it's essential to provide your lawn with another dose of nutrients to maintain its health and vigor. Lesco recommends applying Lesco's Summer Lawn Food, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, when the soil temperature remains consistently above 65°F, typically in late July to early August.
Summer fertilization helps your lawn withstand the heat and stress of summer, promoting green growth and preventing weeds from invading your lawn. As with spring fertilization, it's crucial to follow the package instructions for the correct application rate.
Fall Lawn Care
Fall is an excellent time to prepare your lawn for winter and promote healthy growth in the spring. The first step in fall lawn care is applying a layer of Lesco's Winter Lawn Food, a high-phosphorus fertilizer, in late September to early October. This fertilizer promotes root growth and strengthens the lawn, helping it withstand winter's harsh conditions.
After applying the fertilizer, it's essential to aerate and seed your lawn. Aeration helps improve soil compaction and promotes better water and nutrient absorption. Seeding fills in bare spots and thickens the lawn, making it more resistant to weeds and disease. Completing these tasks in the fall ensures a lush, green lawn in the spring.
In conclusion, following the Lesco lawn application schedule ensures your lawn receives the nutrients and care it needs to stay healthy and green throughout the year. By understanding and adhering to this schedule, you'll enjoy a beautiful, envy-worthy lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. So, grab your lawn care tools and let's get started on creating the perfect lawn!