Is your lawn looking more like a weed patch than a green oasis? Don’t let weeds win the battle for your backyard! Achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. The Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program is a simple, year-long plan designed to give you the lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted, while effectively preventing weeds and strengthening your turf. This guide will walk you through each step of the Scotts Lawn Care Step Program, showing you exactly when and how to apply each product for optimal results throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Mastering the Scotts® 4-Step® System
The Scotts® 4-Step® program is designed to take the guesswork out of lawn care. Each step is formulated to address the specific needs of your lawn during different seasons. By following this program, you provide your lawn with the right nutrients and protection at the right time, ensuring healthy growth and robust weed control. Let’s break down each step to understand how this system works its magic.
Step® 1 – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food: Spring Awakening
Kick off your lawn care season with Step® 1 – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food. This crucial first step should be applied in early spring, specifically between February and April, when temperatures are still cool, ideally below 80°F. The primary goal of Step® 1 is to prevent crabgrass from ever taking root in your lawn. Crabgrass is a notorious summer annual weed that can quickly take over if not addressed early. Beyond weed prevention, Step® 1 also acts as a lawn food, delivering essential nutrients to help your winter-weary lawn green up and start growing strong.
- Seasonal Prep: Think of Step® 1 as your lawn’s spring awakening. For ultimate convenience and to ensure you’re prepared for the entire year, consider purchasing all four steps of the Scotts lawn care step program at once.
- Size Options: Choose the bag size that best suits your lawn. Step® 1 is available in both 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. sizes.
- Timing is Key: A helpful reminder is to apply Step® 1 on or before Easter. This timeframe generally aligns with the early spring application window.
- Boost Soil Health: To further enhance your lawn’s foundation before the active growing season, consider applying Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as your Step® 1 application. Healthy soil is the secret to a healthy lawn!
Step 2® – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food: Late Spring Weed Warrior
As spring progresses, it’s time for Step 2® – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. Apply this second step in late spring, typically between April and June. It’s important to wait 4-6 weeks after your Step® 1 application to ensure optimal effectiveness. Step® 2 is your weed warrior, specifically formulated to kill many common broadleaf weeds, including dandelions, clover, and plantain. While eliminating unsightly weeds, Step® 2 simultaneously nourishes your lawn with essential lawn food. This dual action promotes thick, green turf growth from the roots up, helping your lawn become more resilient and beautiful.
- Memorial Day Marker: A good rule of thumb for application timing is to apply Step® 2 around Memorial Day.
- Ideal Application Conditions: For best results, apply Step® 2 on a calm day to prevent product drift. Apply to a damp lawn to help the weed control granules adhere to weed leaves. Crucially, ensure that rain is not expected for at least 24 hours after application to allow the weed control to work effectively.
Step® 3 – Lawn Food With 2% Iron: Summer Strength Builder
When summer heat arrives, your lawn needs extra support to withstand stress. Step® 3 – Lawn Food With 2% Iron is designed to provide that mid-season boost. Apply Step® 3 during the summer months, between June and August. This step focuses on feeding and strengthening your lawn to combat the challenges of heat and drought. The added iron helps to deepen the green color of your lawn, making it look vibrant even in the summer heat. Scotts guarantees that Step® 3 will help your lawn withstand summer stresses.
- Independence Day Cue: Think of applying Step® 3 close to Independence Day as a helpful reminder for mid-summer application.
- Watering Wisdom: If rain is not in the forecast, it’s recommended to water your lawn immediately after applying Step® 3. Water helps to activate the lawn food and move it into the soil.
- Targeted Weed Control: While Step 2 addresses many broadleaf weeds, summer can bring new weed challenges. Use a spot weed treatment as needed to tackle any persistent or newly emerged weeds during this step.
Step® 4 – Fall Lawn Food: Winter Prep and Spring Promise
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Prepare your lawn for winter and set the stage for a beautiful spring with Step® 4 – Fall Lawn Food. Apply Step® 4 approximately 4 to 6 weeks after Step® 3, generally between August and November. Step® 4 serves a dual purpose: it greens up your lawn in the fall, providing late-season color, and more importantly, it strengthens and protects your lawn throughout the winter months. This fall feeding is essential for root development and nutrient storage, leading to a healthier, greener lawn when spring arrives.
- Labor Day to Mid-October Window: Aim to apply Step® 4 anytime from Labor Day until mid-October for optimal fall and winter preparation.
- Watering for Greening: While not always necessary, watering in Step® 4 after application can help to speed up the greening process if you desire a quicker color boost before winter.
By following the Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program, you can achieve a lawn that is not only beautiful and green but also healthy and resilient throughout the year. Say goodbye to weed worries and hello to the lawn of your dreams with this simple, effective program!
