A well-maintained lawn adds beauty, value, and functionality to your property. But with fluctuating temperatures, varying rainfall, and high humidity, caring for your lawn in the Washington, D.C. area requires some extra attention. If you want lush, green grass all season long, here are the top lawn care tips to follow this May.

1. Mow Smart

Mowing may seem straightforward, but doing it incorrectly can stress your lawn. Keep your mower blade sharp to ensure clean cuts that don’t damage the grass. Set your mower height to about 3 inches to encourage strong roots and shade out weeds. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent lawn stress.

2. Feed Your Lawn the Right Way

Fertilizing in May helps strengthen your lawn before the summer heat sets in. Use a balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Slow-release fertilizers are ideal as they provide consistent nourishment over time. If you’re unsure which type is best for your lawn, Shenandoah Landscape Services can recommend and apply the perfect blend for your yard.

3. Keep Weeds Under Control

Weeds compete with your grass for water and nutrients. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can prevent weeds like crabgrass from taking over. If weeds have already started growing, spot-treat them with a targeted herbicide or pull them manually to keep them from spreading.

4. Water Wisely

Watering your lawn properly is crucial to its health. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, give your lawn about an inch of water once or twice a week. This encourages deep root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant. Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows moisture to soak in before the midday sun causes evaporation.

5. Aerate for Better Growth

Aeration helps break up compacted soil, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. May is a great time to schedule aeration, especially if your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic. Aerating once a year can significantly improve lawn health and resilience.

6. Address Bare Spots

If you notice patchy or thinning grass, overseeding can help fill in those gaps. Use a high-quality seed blend suited for the Washington, D.C. climate. Combining overseeding with aeration can yield even better results by giving new grass the best chance to establish itself.

7. Prepare for Summer Stress

As temperatures rise, your lawn will face heat stress. Keeping up with regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will help maintain its health. Mulching grass clippings can also provide natural nutrients and retain soil moisture.

Let Shenandoah Landscape Services Handle Your Lawn Care

A beautiful lawn requires time and expertise, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shenandoah Landscape Services, we provide professional lawn care solutions tailored to your property’s unique needs. Whether you need regular maintenance, aeration, weed control, or a complete lawn care plan, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your lawn care services and enjoy a vibrant, green lawn all season long!