Spread granular, slow-acting fertilizer (this is optional if you fertilized in the fall or winter)
Aerate the lawn to treat compacted soil
Mulch with organic matter, if necessary
Sharpen your mower blades at the start of the season
Summer Lawn Care Tips
Learn the signs of bug infestation, and head them off before they get settled in
Water your lawn weekly if rain is scarce or your soil is poor. Otherwise, water only when rainfall is delayed more than 10 days
Treat weeds and bare spots as soon as you see them
Sharpen your mower blade again halfway through the season
October-February
Autumn Lawn & Landscape Tips
Mulch before the first frost and water trees and shrubs thoroughly
But don't over water! Plants and shrubs should be expected to look a little brown in September and October
Mulch with organic material, or mow a layer of fallen leaves into the lawn
Fertilize your lawn around Thanksgiving to promote strong root growth during winter
Cut the grass a bit shorter just before winter to prevent its matting under snow
Winter Lawn & Landscape Tips
Put burlap windscreens around less hardy plants if they're in exposed areas
Use a broom to brush snow away from evergreen trees gently, to keep the weight from breaking the limbs
If ice or snow does break tree limbs, have the limbs removed as soon as weather permits – damaged trees are prone to disease
Putting markers at the edge of your lawn will help you avoid damaging it when you're shoveling snow
Avoid walking on frosted or snow-covered lawns
Use only non-salt de-icers for sidewalks and driveways, so the runoff doesn't harm plants
Salt will damage grass, perennials, and shrubs, and will keep the plants from absorbing much-needed water
Check any perennial plants during periods of thawing soil to see if roots are popping out of the ground. If they have, gently push them back into place, and add mulch
