Maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like a constant battle against weeds and patchy grass. Fortunately, achieving a beautiful yard is easier than you think with the Scotts® 4 Step® Lawn Care Program. This comprehensive plan provides your lawn with the nutrients and protection it needs throughout the year, from the first signs of spring to the cold of winter. Let’s break down each step to ensure you get the most out of this popular lawn care solution.
Mastering the Scotts 4-Step Program for a Greener Lawn
The Scotts 4-Step Program is designed to simplify lawn care by providing timely treatments throughout the growing season. Each step is formulated to address specific needs of your lawn at different times of the year, ensuring optimal health and appearance. Here’s a detailed look at each step:
Step® 1 – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Kick off your lawn care in early spring with Step® 1, Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food. Apply this step between February and April when temperatures are still cool, ideally below 80ËšF. This crucial first step serves two primary purposes: preventing crabgrass germination and providing essential nutrients to your lawn after winter dormancy.
- Seasonal Preparation: Purchasing all four steps at once prepares you for the entire year of lawn care, ensuring you’re ready for each application window.
- Choose the Right Size: Step® 1 is available in sizes to cover either 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft., so select the bag that best suits your lawn size.
- Easter Application Target: Aim to apply Step® 1 on or before Easter to stay on schedule.
- Soil Improvement: For enhanced soil health, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step® 1 application. This will improve the soil structure before the growing season truly begins.
Step 2® – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
As spring transitions into late spring, it’s time for Step® 2, Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Apply this step between April and June, waiting 4-6 weeks after your Step® 1 application. Step® 2 is designed to tackle broadleaf weeds like dandelions while simultaneously feeding your lawn to promote thickness and greenness from the roots up.
- Memorial Day Application Target: A good reminder for application is around Memorial Day.
- Optimal Application Conditions: Apply Step® 2 on a calm day, preferably to a damp lawn, and when there’s no rain expected for at least 24 hours. This ensures the weed control is effective and the lawn food properly absorbs into the soil.
Step® 3 – Lawn Food With 2% Iron
Mid-summer calls for a boost to keep your lawn thriving through the heat and potential drought. Step® 3, Lawn Food With 2% Iron, is your solution. Apply this step during the summer months, between June and August. This application feeds and strengthens your lawn, making it more resilient to summer stressors.
- Independence Day Application Target: Think of applying Step® 3 around Independence Day as a mid-season feeding for your lawn.
- Watering Recommendation: If rain isn’t anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step® 3 to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and prevent fertilizer burn.
- Spot Weed Treatment: Assess your lawn for any persistent weeds and spot treat them as needed during this phase to maintain a weed-free lawn.
Step® 4 – Fall Lawn Food
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for a strong spring with Step® 4, Fall Lawn Food. Apply this final step 4 to 6 weeks after Step® 3, typically between August and November. Step® 4 focuses on greening up your lawn now and, more importantly, strengthening and protecting it over the winter months for a healthier, greener lawn when spring returns.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Application Window: Aim to apply Step® 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October to ensure your lawn benefits from the fall feeding.
- Watering for Greening: Watering in Step® 4 after application can speed up the greening process, giving you immediate visual satisfaction while the long-term benefits work beneath the surface.
By following the Scotts® 4 Step® Lawn Care Program, you can take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round. Each step is designed to work in harmony with the others, providing your lawn with exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
