Is your lawn looking more like a weed patch than a green paradise? Don’t let lawn care be a constant struggle. The Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program, available at Ace Hardware, offers a simple yet effective solution to achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn throughout the year. This annual plan takes the guesswork out of lawn maintenance, providing the right nutrients and protection at the right time. Let’s break down how to use the Scotts 4-Step program to transform your yard into the envy of the neighborhood.
Step® 1 – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food: Early Spring
Kickstart your lawn care in early spring, ideally between February and April, when temperatures are still cool (below 80°F). Scotts® Step® 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food is designed to prevent crabgrass from germinating, stopping this common weed before it even starts. Simultaneously, it provides essential nutrients to revitalize your lawn after winter, promoting early greening and healthy growth.
- For season-long convenience, consider purchasing all four steps of the Scotts program now at Ace Hardware to be fully prepared.
- Available in sizes for 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. lawns to suit your yard size.
- Aim to apply Step® 1 around or before Easter for optimal early spring weed prevention.
- To further enhance your lawn’s foundation, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step® 1 application to improve soil conditions before the active growing season.
Step 2® – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food: Late Spring
Transition to Step® 2 in late spring, typically between April and June, ensuring 4-6 weeks have passed since your Step® 1 application. Scotts® Step® 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food targets and eliminates common broadleaf weeds like dandelions while continuing to nourish your lawn. This step strengthens your turf from the roots up, promoting thick, green growth and effective weed control.
- A good guideline is to apply Step® 2 around Memorial Day.
- For best results, apply on a calm day to ensure even distribution, on a damp lawn to help the granules adhere, and when no rain is expected for at least 24 hours to prevent runoff and allow the product to work effectively.
Step® 3 – Lawn Food With 2% Iron: Summer
Give your lawn a vital mid-season boost during the summer months, between June and August, with Scotts® Step® 3 Lawn Food With 2% Iron. This application is formulated to feed and fortify your lawn, making it more resilient to summer stressors like heat and drought. The added iron enhances the green color and overall health of your lawn, guaranteed to deliver results.
- Time your Step® 3 application around Independence Day.
- If rainfall is not anticipated, water your lawn immediately after applying Step® 3 to help activate the fertilizer and prevent burning.
- Address any persistent weeds with spot treatments as needed throughout the summer to maintain a weed-free lawn.
Step® 4 – Fall Lawn Food: Fall
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for spring success with Scotts® Step® 4 Fall Lawn Food. Apply Step® 4 approximately 4 to 6 weeks after Step® 3, between August and November. This final step provides essential nutrients for fall greening and strengthens the root system, improving winter hardiness and promoting a greener, healthier lawn when spring returns.
- Aim to apply Step® 4 from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal fall lawn preparation.
- Watering in Step® 4 after application is recommended to speed up greening and ensure the nutrients reach the roots effectively.
With the Scotts® 4-Step Lawn Care Program from Ace Hardware, achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn is within easy reach. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a vibrant, weed-free yard all season long. Visit your local Ace Hardware store or shop online today to get started!
