The field guide
What does that
lawn advice mean?
Start with the job you’re trying to do. These guides explain why it matters, when it fits, and what you can skip.
Put it all in order with your lawn plan ↗What do the four lawn-care bags actually do?
The numbered bags bundle weed prevention, weed treatment and feeding. Your grass and weather decide which jobs belong on your lawn; buying four bags does not make all four necessary.
02What does core aeration do for my lawn?
Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil out of the lawn. The holes relieve compaction so roots can get air and water.
03When should I overseed my lawn?
Overseed thin cool-season lawns in late summer or early fall, when seedlings have cooler weather ahead. Warm-season repairs belong in warm growing weather.
04Does my lawn need dethatching?
Dethatching removes an excessive layer of stems and roots between soil and green grass. Loose mower clippings are not the same thing.
05How do I test the soil under my lawn?
A soil test tells you whether pH and nutrients need correcting. It can save you from buying lime your lawn never asked for.
06How short should I cut my grass in summer?
Use your grass’s mowing range and keep to the upper end during stress. Cutting everything short makes a tidy lawn briefly and a harder job later.
07How much water does my lawn need?
For many established lawns in active growth, about an inch a week from rain plus irrigation is a starting point. Soil, heat, grass and local restrictions can change that.
08Which weeds are taking over my lawn?
Identify the weed before choosing a treatment. A broadleaf weed, a grass and a sedge can need very different approaches.
09Are grubs causing the brown patches in my lawn?
Grubs eat roots, but brown grass has many possible causes. Check the soil before buying insecticide.
10How do I fix dog spots in my lawn?
Concentrated dog urine can burn grass and leave a greener ring. Diluting fresh spots and changing the dog’s bathroom area help prevent repeats.
11Why will grass not grow under my trees?
Grass needs light, and tree roots compete for water. Deep shade can be a better place for mulch or shade-adapted plants than another bag of seed.
12Should I rent lawn equipment or hire someone?
Rent when you can safely move, operate and return the machine. Hire when weight, slopes or access make the job difficult.
13When should I put down pre-emergent in Ohio?
Apply crabgrass preventer before seeds germinate, often in April in Ohio. Check local soil conditions instead of treating a date as a guarantee.
14When should I fertilize my lawn?
Feed during your grass’s growing season and use a soil test to guide amendments. Cool-season and warm-season lawns do not share one schedule.
15What should I do when my lawn turns brown in summer?
Start by checking moisture, roots and the pattern of damage. Brown grass can be dormant, injured or dead; color alone does not tell you which.
16Should I rake leaves off my lawn?
Remove thick leaf cover, but light dry leaves can be mulched with a mower. The goal is to keep the grass visible and able to get light.
17What should I do for my lawn in winter?
Mostly, leave dormant grass alone. Winter is a good time to service tools and plan repairs without trampling frozen or soggy turf.
18What kind of grass is in my lawn?
Location gives you a shortlist, not a definite identification. Look closely at leaves and how the grass spreads before choosing a treatment.