Scotts Step by Step Lawn Care Instructions and Tips

To create a lush and healthy lawn, you need to mow it at the right height. For most cool-season grasses, this is 2.5 to 3 inches, while for warm-season grasses, it's 1 to 2 inches.

Mowing your lawn regularly helps it grow thicker and more even. Scotts recommends mowing your lawn once a week during the growing season.

Overwatering can be detrimental to your lawn's health. Scotts suggests watering your lawn deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to encourage deep root growth.

Proper fertilization is essential for a healthy lawn. Scotts recommends applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall, following the product's instructions for application rates and timing.

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Before you start mowing, make sure to remove any debris or obstacles from your lawn to avoid damaging your mower or injuring yourself.

It's essential to mow your lawn at the right height, which is 2.5 to 3 inches, to promote healthy growth and prevent weeds from taking over.

You should also sharpen your mower blade every 10 to 15 hours of use to prevent tearing the grass and promote a clean cut.

To prepare your lawn for the growing season, apply a starter fertilizer in early spring, following the recommended application rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Watering your lawn deeply but infrequently will encourage deep root growth, but be sure to avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow roots and disease.

To achieve a lush and healthy lawn, follow the Scotts 4-Step program, which involves applying four different products at specific times of the year. The program starts with Step 1 - Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food, applied in early spring between February and April.

To apply Step 1, use a Scotts broadcast/rotary spreader or a drop spreader, and make sure to apply it on or before Easter. It's also a good idea to apply Scotts Foundation Soil Improver around the same time to improve your soil before the growing season.

Here's a summary of the Scotts 4-Step program timeline:

Mowing high is a simple yet effective way to promote healthy grass growth. This technique involves raising your mower deck to the highest possible setting for your grass type.

Cutting high encourages grass plants to grow thicker with deeper roots, which creates a lawn of healthy grass that will help to crowd out weeds. This is especially true for grass types that can handle higher mowing heights.

Sharpen your mower blades at least once a season to ensure a clean cut on individual blades of grass, which helps reduce moisture loss. This is crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of your lawn.

By mowing high, you'll be giving your grass the best chance to develop long, deep roots that snake through the soil to find moisture. This is a key factor in creating a gorgeous summer lawn.

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Mowing your lawn 1 to 2 inches shorter than normal in late fall can prevent leaves from matting down the grass in areas with falling leaves.

This helps to promote healthy growth and prevent damage to your lawn.

In snow-prone regions, a final fall mowing on the short side is key to preventing snow mold on grass come spring.

Regular maintenance can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your lawn.

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To get the most out of the Scotts 4-Step Program, it's essential to follow the steps in the right order. You can choose from two sizes, 5,000 or 15,000 square feet, and apply the program to your lawn.

The first step is to apply Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food in early spring, between February and April, when temperatures are still cool. This step prevents crabgrass from germinating and feeds your lawn to green it up.

Here are some key things to remember for Step 1:

After applying Step 1, wait 4-6 weeks before moving on to Step 2, which is Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. This step is best applied in late spring, between April and June, and kills many broadleaf weeds like dandelions while feeding and nourishing your lawn.

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Here are some specific application tips for Step 2:

The third step is to apply Lawn Food With 2% Iron in the summer, between June and August. This step feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought.

Here are some key things to remember for Step 3:

Finally, apply Step 4, Fall Lawn Food, 4 to 6 weeks after Step 3, between August and November. This step helps green up your lawn now and strengthens and protects it for a better lawn next spring.

Here are some specific application tips for Step 4:

To apply the Scotts 4-Step Program, you'll need a Scotts broadcast/rotary spreader or a drop spreader. Here's how to set your spreader:

Remember to follow the safety precautions when handling the product, and dispose of the container properly.

To get the best results from your lawn care, follow these instructions:

First, choose the right spreader for the job. You'll want to use a Scotts broadcast/rotary spreader or a drop spreader, and make sure it's calibrated correctly.

To apply the product, use the longest direction of the lawn and make sure to overlap your passes. If you're using a Scotts broadcast/rotary spreader, set it to 3-1/2 and make sure each pass is within five feet of the other.

Here's a quick guide to help you remember the settings:

If you're using a drop spreader, set it to 5, then to 6-1/2 for subsequent passes. Always follow these settings to get even coverage.

Remember to apply the product in the right conditions – the grass should be moist, and it's best to apply Step 2 when the grass is wet from dew or thoroughly watered.

Weed control is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lawn, and Scotts offers a range of products to help you tackle the problem.

You can stop dandelions in their tracks with Scotts STEP 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food, which kills broadleaf weeds while feeding and nourishing your grass.

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Apply Step 2 in late spring, anytime between April and June, but wait four to six weeks after applying Step 1.

For best results, apply Step 2 near Memorial Day to a damp lawn on a calm day, and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.

If you have a few pesky weeds that need to be spot-treated, Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control is the way to go.

This weed killer controls weeds without harming your grass, and spraying it is a great way to avoid disturbing grass roots and unearthing dormant weed seeds.

Here's a quick rundown of when to apply Scotts Step 2: Weed Control With Lawn Food:

Give your lawn at least 4 to 6 weeks between Step 1 and Step 2, as they both contain fertilizer.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a weed-free lawn that's thick, green, and thriving.

Fertilization is a crucial part of any lawn care routine, and Scotts has made it easy with their 4-Step Program. The best time to fertilize your lawn depends on your location and the type of grass you have, but generally, it's best to fertilize in the spring and fall.

For cool-season grasses, fall is the ideal time to fertilize, with two applications recommended: once around Labor Day and again six to eight weeks later. This will give your grass a head start on strong root growth and help it survive the winter months.

Scotts offers a range of fertilizers, including Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food, which can be applied twice in the fall for optimal results. For warm-season grasses, a single application in early fall is sufficient.

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For cool-season grass, fall provides ideal growing conditions. Apply Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food twice in fall, once around Labor Day and a second time six to eight weeks later.

For warm season grasses, only one application is necessary, in early fall. If you're battling weeds, conquer two tasks at once by using Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed.

Scotts recommends applying Scotts Step 1 before Easter, regardless of your location, to prevent crabgrass. This is the crabgrass prevention treatment that targets this pernicious weed while it's still dormant and weak.

You can also apply Scotts Step 3 in the summer, between June and August, to feed and strengthen the lawn against heat and drought. Apply it close to Independence Day and water immediately after application if rain is not expected.

Scotts Step 4 can be applied four to six weeks after Step 3, between August and November. It greens up the lawn now, and helps strengthen and protect it for a better lawn next spring.

Here's a summary of the fertilization schedule:

Let's talk about seeding your lawn. Consider sowing grass seed in bare areas using Scotts EZ Seed. This is a great way to thicken a thin lawn.

In the north, fall is a great time to overseed with Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn.

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Pest control is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lawn. Apply Scotts GrubEx if you had a grub problem last year, spot an invasion of beetles in early summer, or know that a neighbor is fighting grubs.

Timing is crucial when it comes to treating grubs, as they typically hatch in late spring or early summer. Apply Scotts GrubEx before or just after grubs hatch for optimal results.

Maintenance is key to a lush and healthy lawn. Regular maintenance helps prevent problems from arising in the first place.

For example, mowing your lawn at the right height can make a big difference. According to our previous discussion, mowing at 2.5 to 3 inches promotes deep root growth and prevents weed growth.

It's also essential to maintain your mower properly. As we noted earlier, sharpening your mower blade every 1-2 weeks helps prevent tearing the grass, which can lead to disease and pests.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving lawn all season long.

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Limiting traffic on your lawn is crucial during the winter months. This is because grass goes dormant for winter in all but the warmest regions, and protecting the resting grass plant crowns is essential.

Avoid parking vehicles on your lawn in winter, as this can damage the crowns. It's surprising how much damage a single parking job can do, but it's a common mistake many of us have made at some point.

Limiting foot traffic is also important, as it helps prevent compacting the soil and damaging the roots of the grass. By keeping people and pets off the lawn, you can help prevent this damage and keep your grass healthy.

By taking these simple steps, you can help your lawn recover from the winter months and come back strong in the spring. It's a small price to pay for a lush, green lawn that you'll enjoy all season long.

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When you notice bare spots on your lawn, don't worry, they can be easily repaired. Repair bare spots in both cool- and warm-season turf using Scotts® Bare Spot Repair Products.

Timing is everything when it comes to repairing bare spots. Aim for an early spring sowing for cool-season grass and a late spring sowing for warm-season grass.

If your lawn is worn and thin, it's time to thicken it up. Overseed your lawn to give it a boost.

In the north, I recommend using Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick'R Lawn™, a product that combines grass seed, fertilizer, and a soil improver. It's easy to apply with a Scotts® spreader.

In the south, use the appropriate Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed product for your grass type.

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Spring is a great time to get your lawn in shape. Grab a lawn rake to start raking out dead grass and dead remnants of annual grassy weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, and barnyard grass.

Remove any sticks or other debris that have accumulated on the lawn over winter. This will make it easier to maintain your lawn throughout the growing season.

Chop leaves with your lawn mower to create roughly dime-size pieces. Leaves this size can lie on the lawn without harming grass and will eventually decompose.

Rake leaves into grassy areas and mow over them if you dislike vacuuming leaves from under shrubs or along walkways. This will help them break down naturally and won't damage your lawn.

To start the Scotts 4-Step Program, you'll want to plan ahead and have all four steps in your possession before beginning the first step. This is especially important in case availability changes in the middle of the process.

Almost all lawn treatments and improvements must be timed correctly to actually benefit the lawn. If you apply fertilizer or weed treatments at the wrong time, they'll do nothing or potentially damage the turf.

The program is designed to start before the start of growth, which can be anywhere from February to April depending on your climate. This means you'll need to make a plan a few months ahead of time to ensure everything is in place.

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Fixing bad yard drainage is a crucial part of maintenance, and it's not as hard as you think. Use these tips to help keep your lawn dry and prevent flooding.

First, check your yard's slope. A yard that slopes towards your house can cause water to accumulate and lead to bad drainage. Make sure your yard's slope is away from your house.

Next, inspect your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and damage your yard. Clean them out regularly to keep water flowing freely.

Don't forget to check your yard's elevation. If your yard is lower than the street, water can flow into your yard during heavy rainfall. Consider installing a French drain to redirect water away from your yard.

Finally, use the right materials for your yard's drainage system. Using materials like gravel and sand can help water drain quickly and efficiently.

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Providing enough water is crucial for a healthy lawn. To keep your grass green, healthy, and growing, aim for at least 1 inch of water per week, whether through irrigation or rainfall.

The best time for irrigation is early morning, between 6 and 10 a.m., to minimize water loss to evaporation.

As we enter the fall season, it's essential to make plans for your lawn's care. Consider any lawn problems from the past year and come up with solutions you can tackle in the coming year.

Sharpen your mower blades so they're ready to go in spring, a simple task that will save you time and effort later on. Schedule lawn feedings by creating reminders on your phone or calendar, or make it easy by downloading the Scotts My Lawn app for customized recommendations.

You can also sign up for the Scotts Lawn Care Program, which will send you the exact fertilizers you need, right when it's time to apply them. This will take the guesswork out of lawn care and ensure your lawn gets the right nutrients at the right time.

To keep your lawn looking its best, apply Scotts STEP 4 Fall Lawn Food between Labor Day and mid-October. This will help green up your lawn and strengthen it for a better lawn next spring.

Here's a quick rundown of when to apply Scotts STEP 4:

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a healthy and thriving lawn that will make you proud all year round.

You don't need to water STEP products, but watering during dry periods can speed up the greening process.

To help the particles stick to weed leaves, thoroughly water your lawn or let it get wet from dew before making an application.

No mixing is required when using STEP products.

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Sharpen your mower blades so they're ready to go in spring. This simple task can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your lawn.

Schedule lawn feedings by creating reminders on your phone or calendar. This will help you stay on track and ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs.

Consider using the Scotts My Lawn app, which gives customized recommendations on how and when to care for your lawn. This can be a huge time-saver and help you avoid making costly mistakes.

A great spreader can make all the difference in getting the job done with speed and precision. Choose the right broadcast spreader for your lawn, whether you're putting down fertilizer, seed, or ice melt.

When applying Step 2 product, it's essential to take some special precautions to ensure safe and effective use. Always apply the product using a Scotts broadcast/rotary spreader or a drop spreader, calibrated as stated in the instructions.

To avoid eye irritation, be sure to wear protective gear, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks. This will help prevent skin contact and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

If you do experience eye irritation, flush your eyes with water as soon as possible. It's also crucial to follow the recommended settings for your spreader, which are 3-1/2 for Scotts broadcast/rotary spreaders and 5 for drop spreaders.

If you're using a drop spreader, make sure the spreader wheel completely overlaps the previous wheel marks to ensure even coverage. To achieve this, adjust the spreader to 6-1/2.

Disposal of the product is also important. Non-refillable containers should be placed in the trash or offered for recycling if available. If the container is partly filled, call your solid waste agency for disposal instructions.

You should not place any unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain, as this can cause environmental harm.

To help the particles stick to weed leaves, apply the product to moist grass. This will also speed up the greening process. However, during dry periods, watering will help the process along.