Having a beautiful, green lawn can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and provide a wonderful space for relaxation and recreation. However, achieving that perfect lawn often feels like a daunting task, fraught with weeds and patchy grass. Fortunately, the Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program simplifies lawn maintenance, providing a clear path to a healthier, more vibrant lawn throughout the year. This guide will walk you through each step of the Scotts program, ensuring you know exactly what to do and when to do it to achieve a lawn you can be proud of.
Understanding the Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program
The Scotts 4-Step program is designed to provide your lawn with the nutrients and protection it needs at key times of the year. By following these four simple steps, you can proactively prevent weeds, feed your grass, and strengthen it against the stresses of each season. Let’s break down each step:
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
The first step is crucial for setting the stage for a weed-free lawn. Apply Scotts® Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food in early spring, specifically between February and April, when temperatures are still cool, ideally below 80°F. This timing is critical because it prevents crabgrass from germinating, stopping this common lawn weed before it even starts to grow. Simultaneously, this step also nourishes your lawn, helping it to green up after the dormancy of winter.
- Timing is Key: Apply Step 1 in early spring, before crabgrass starts to sprout. Aim for application on or before Easter for optimal results.
- Pre-Season Preparation: Consider using Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step 1 application to enhance your soil quality before the active growing season begins.
- Convenience: Plan ahead and purchase all four steps at once to be prepared for the entire year’s lawn care schedule. Available in sizes for 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft. lawns.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
As spring progresses, it’s time to tackle existing broadleaf weeds. Apply Scotts® Step 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food in late spring, between April and June. It’s important to wait 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application before proceeding with Step 2. This step is designed to kill common broadleaf weeds like dandelions while continuing to feed and strengthen your lawn. Step 2 promotes thick, green turf by nourishing the grass from the roots up.
- Ideal Application Time: Apply Step 2 around Memorial Day as a helpful reminder.
- Application Conditions: Choose a calm day to apply Step 2. For best results, apply to a damp lawn and ensure no rain is expected for at least 24 hours after application. This allows the weed control to effectively adhere to weed leaves.
Step 3: Lawn Food With 2% Iron
Summer heat and drought can stress your lawn. Scotts® Step 3 Lawn Food with 2% Iron is formulated to provide a mid-season boost and help your lawn withstand these challenges. Apply Step 3 during the summer months, between June and August. This step feeds and fortifies your lawn, making it more resilient to heat and drought conditions. The added iron also helps to enhance the green color of your lawn.
- Mid-Season Strengthening: Apply Step 3 around Independence Day to easily remember application timing.
- Watering Recommendation: If rain is not anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step 3 to help the nutrients reach the soil and roots effectively.
- Spot Weed Control: Evaluate your lawn for any remaining weeds and spot treat as needed during this step to maintain a weed-free appearance.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food
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Preparing your lawn for winter and ensuring a strong start in the spring is the focus of Step 4. Apply Scotts® Step 4 Fall Lawn Food 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, typically between August and November. This fall application greens up your lawn as you head into the cooler months and, more importantly, strengthens and protects it throughout the winter, leading to a healthier and greener lawn the following spring.
- Fall Preparation: Apply Step 4 from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal winterization and spring readiness.
- Optional Watering: Watering in Step 4 after application can speed up the greening process, if desired, but is not strictly necessary.
By following these four steps of the Scotts 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 address specific seasonal needs, ensuring your lawn receives the right care at the right time.
