Is your lawn looking less like a lush carpet and more like a weed patch? Don’t worry, achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn is easier than you think with the right plan. Say goodbye to lawn battles with the highly effective Ace 4 Step Lawn Care Program, featuring Scotts® 4 Step®. This straightforward guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your lawn is the envy of the neighborhood throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Mastering the Ace 4-Step Lawn Care Regimen
Step 1: Spring – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Kickstart your lawn care in early spring, ideally between February and April when the ground is still cool (below 80°F). Step 1 is crucial because it stops crabgrass from sprouting, preventing a major weed problem later in the season. Simultaneously, it provides essential nutrients to your lawn, helping it recover from winter and green up beautifully.
- Seasonal Prep: Getting all four steps now ensures you’re ready for the entire year’s lawn care.
- Size Options: Available in sizes for both 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. lawns to suit your yard size.
- Timing is Key: Apply Step 1 ideally on or before Easter to maximize crabgrass prevention.
- Boost Soil Health: Consider using Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as Step 1 to improve soil conditions for better growth.
Step 2: Late Spring – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
Move on to Step 2 in late spring, anytime from April to June. It’s important to wait 4-6 weeks after your Step 1 application to avoid interference. This step targets and eliminates common broadleaf weeds like dandelions while continuing to feed your lawn. Step 2 is designed to promote thick, green turf by nourishing the grass from the roots up, strengthening it against weeds and stress.
- Memorial Day Timing: Aim to apply Step 2 around Memorial Day for optimal weed control and lawn feeding during active growth.
- Application Tips: Apply on a calm day to prevent drift, to a damp lawn for better granule adherence, and when no rain is expected for at least 24 hours to allow the weed control to work effectively.
Step 3: Summer – Lawn Food With 2% Iron
Give your lawn a vital mid-season boost with Step 3 during the summer months, between June and August. Summer heat and potential drought can stress lawns, and Step 3 is formulated to feed and fortify your grass, making it more resilient to these harsh conditions. The added iron enhances the green color, keeping your lawn looking vibrant even in the heat.
- Independence Day Application: Apply Step 3 around Independence Day as a helpful reminder for mid-summer lawn care.
- Watering Advice: If rain isn’t expected, water your lawn immediately after application to help the fertilizer penetrate the soil and prevent burning.
- Spot Weed Control: Address any persistent weeds with targeted spot treatments as needed throughout the summer to maintain a pristine lawn.
Step 4: Fall – Fall Lawn Food
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The final step, Step 4, is applied 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, typically between August and November. Fall Lawn Food is essential for preparing your lawn for winter and ensuring a healthier, greener spring. It greens up your lawn in the fall and, more importantly, strengthens the root system to help it survive winter stresses and emerge stronger in the spring.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Window: Apply Step 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October to optimize winter preparation.
- Watering In (Optional): Watering after application can speed up the greening process if you desire a quicker visual improvement before winter.
By following the Ace 4 Step Lawn Care Program with Scotts® products, you can achieve a beautiful, weed-free lawn all year round. Each step is designed to work in harmony with the seasons, providing exactly what your lawn needs, when it needs it. Enjoy a yard that’s not just grass, but a green, healthy outdoor space for your home.
