As May brings longer days and warmer temps, your lawn is officially waking up and getting ready for its summer performance. Whether you’ve recently installed sod from Genesis Sod Farms or are caring for an established yard, now’s the time to get your watering, fertilizing, and mowing routines in top shape.
Here’s your late spring/early summer lawn care guide to keep your grass lush, green, and thriving all season long.
Watering: Set the Foundation for Summer
As temperatures rise, consistent watering is key. Sod needs deep, infrequent watering to establish strong roots. Here’s what we recommend:
For New Sod:
Frequency: Water daily for the first 2 weeks after installation.
Timing: Early morning (before 9 AM) is best to reduce evaporation and prevent fungus.
Duration: 15–30 minutes per zone, depending on your sprinkler system, soil type, and weather conditions.
Goal: Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil moist, but not soggy.
For Established Lawns:
Frequency: 2–3 times per week.
Depth: Water deeply to reach 4–6 inches into the soil.
Tip: Watch for signs of drought stress (blue-gray blades, footprints that stay visible). That’s your cue to water.
Fertilizing: Feed for Growth
May is a great time for a spring feeding to help your lawn grow thick and crowd out weeds before the summer heat kicks in.
Fertilizing Tips:
Type: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 20-10-10) or one formulated for spring use with slow-release nitrogen.
When: Apply early to mid-May, when grass is actively growing.
How: Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage and follow up with a light watering to help nutrients soak in.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing—it can burn your lawn and promote shallow roots.
Mowing: Don’t Cut It Too Short
Consistent mowing keeps your lawn looking fresh and encourages thicker growth—but how you mow matters.
Mowing Best Practices:
Height: Keep your grass around 2.5–3 inches tall. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time.
Frequency: Once a week is a good rule of thumb in May. During peak growth, you may need to mow more often.
Blade Check: Always mow with sharp blades! Dull blades tear grass and increase the risk of disease.
Leave Clippings: Mulch clippings back into the lawn for added nutrients and moisture retention.
Bonus Tips:
Watch for Weeds: Spot-treat broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover while they’re actively growing.
Aerate if Needed: If your lawn feels compacted or hasn’t been aerated in over a year, schedule a core aeration to help roots breathe and absorb nutrients.
Soil Test: Not sure what your lawn needs? A simple soil test can help you fine-tune your fertilizing and pH balance.
Let’s Get Growing
Your lawn is in its prime growth season—let’s make the most of it. With a solid plan for watering, fertilizing, and mowing, you’ll set your lawn up for a strong summer.
Need sod, seed, or fertilizer recommendations? Stop by Genesis Sod Farms or give us a call—we’re here to help your lawn look its best from the ground up.
