Main Navigation
- » Soil and Site Preparation
- » Planting a New Lawn
- » Lawn Care Calendar for Northern Illinois
- » Watering Guidelines
- » Guidelines for Mowing Lawns Properly
- » Choosing Fertilizers
- » Fertilizer Schedule
- » Lawn Repair and Renovation
Show Menu
Lawn Care Calendar for Northern Illinois
| Month | Lawn Care Practices to Consider* |
|---|---|
April |
Clean up debris from winter Cultivation (aerifying, spiking, slicing) - lawn should be actively growing Vertical mowing or dethatching (lawn should be actively growing) Overseeding, establishment (late in month; late summer is better) Preemergence annual weed (i.e. crabgrass) control (or early May) |
May |
Cultivation (aerifying, spiking, slicing) - lawn should be actively growing. Preemergence annual weed (i.e. crabgrass) control (or late April) if needed Fertilization (1 pound of nitrogen/1,000 square feet) Postemergence broadleaf weed (i.e.dandelions) control to actively growing weeds Overseeding, establishment (early in month; late summer is better) |
June |
Postemergence broadleaf weed control (avoid hot weather) Late summer or early fall is better Light fertilization (with irrigation); controlled-release nitrogen suggested |
July |
Irrigation (as needed or allow lawn to go dormant) Monitoring for pests/problems (sod webworm) |
August |
Monitor for pests (annual white grubs mid-Aug. thru Sept.) (sod webworm) Irrigation (as needed) Prepare for seeding, overseeding (optimum time) Seeding - latter half of month (optimum time) |
September |
Overseeding & establishment (optimum time) - first week Fertilization (key time) - first 2 weeks Cultivation (aerifying, spiking, slicing) - lawn should be actively growing Postemergence broadleaf weed control to actively growing weeds (optimum time) |
October |
Postemergence broadleaf weed control (early in month) if weeds actively growing Cultivation (aerifying, spiking, slicing) - lawn should be actively growing |
November |
Mowing until dormant Late season fertilization within 1 week of final mowing of year |
* Not all of these practices are suggested for one lawn in one season; this schedule is intended to be a guide when planning lawn care. Practices should be based on needs and problems of a specific lawn.
* Calendar can be adapted to other parts of Illinois
* Some practices cannot be done in conjunction with another; such as reseeding and applying most herbicides, or fertilizing new seedings at rates for established lawns.