Lush Green Yard Care Blog

Step-By-Step Guide For A Perfect Lawn In Colorado

Quick Links

We are known for the lush green lawns we create, not only because of our name, but also because of our reputation in the Grand Junction, Colorado area! Since 2003, the lawn care specialists at Lush Green Services have been dazzling customers and neighbors by creating some of the best lawns in Colorado, and everyone always asks the same question—“How do you do it?” So, we decided to devise a guide for you to follow at home to create the lush, green lawn you have always wanted! 

Lawn Care Calendar For Colorado

Step 1: Early Spring

Fertilization & Weed Control 

During this timeframe, we apply a spring pre-emergent in order to keep weeds from germinating. Attacking these weeds early in the growing season, before the plants even emerge, is the best way to prevent the spread of weeds as the temperatures warm up. Fertilizers used early in the season should contain low to moderate amounts of nitrogen in order to avoid overfertilization, which will damage your lawn so early in the year.

Mowing

  • Mowing should begin around early March. 
  • Mowing this early in the season should be done cautiously.
  • Keep the blade height set to mow no lower than 3 inches. 
  • Remove leaves from previous season before mowing begins. 

Watering

  • Start your watering routine in March if conditions are dry.
  • Avoid shallow roots by making sure not to overwater.
  • Consider watering 2-3 times per week early in the season.
  • Water every zone for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Late Spring

Fertilization & Weed Control

Our second fertilizer application takes place during these months, with efforts focused on rejuvenating your turf through the middle of the spring season. The spring fertilizer used at this stage should contain moderate to high amounts of nitrogen, which will stimulate grass growth and help root development. It is important to remember that applying high levels of nitrogen to your turf will cause your grass to grow more rapidly, meaning more mowing and maintenance will be needed. Also, avoid applying excess amounts of fertilizer, as this could lead to turf burn and cause your lawn to develop bare spots.

Aeration & Overseeding

Core aeration is one of the most underutilized lawn care services, but it can work wonders for your grass. Just as lawns and plants begin to bloom, aerate your lawn in order to allow the soil to breathe better and absorb the most nutrients. If you notice any bare spots on your lawn as it starts to return to full strength, overseeding can be combined with core aeration to fill in those areas. The tiny holes created by core aeration are perfect for dropping in grass seed to start turning those bare spots green again.

Mowing

  • Stick to a weekly mowing schedule for deep roots and healthy turf. 
  • Always make sure to clean and sharpen mower blades. 
  • Mowing height should remain around 3-3.5 inches if growth is slow. 
  • Leave grass clippings on your lawn to recycle nutrients and fertilize. 

Watering

  • Continue a watering schedule of at least 2-3 sessions per week.
  • Make sure all sprinkler heads are spaced apart evenly.
  • Water every zone for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Always allow a heavy rainfall to replace a watering session. 

Step 3: Summer

Fertilization & Weed Control

Our third application of the year comes as summer starts to arrive. This treatment features a mix of fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. The fertilizer used should be a slow-release type in order to sustain your lawn through the potentially damaging effects of the summer heat. If you are applying this fertilizer yourself, make sure to pick out a brand that has the highest slow-release percentage you can find. Any weeds that have emerged since our previous two applications will be spot sprayed.

Mowing

  • Continue a weekly mowing schedule for deep roots and healthy turf. 
  • Always make sure to clean and sharpen mower blades. 
  • Mow warm-season turfs near 2-2.5 inches in summer.
  • Only remove the top 1/3 of your lawn’s grass length. 

Watering

  • Start watering every other day in the heat of summer.
  • Make sure all sprinkler heads are spaced apart evenly.
  • Water every zone for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Always allow a heavy rainfall to replace a watering session. 

Step 4: Early Fall

Fertilization & Weed Control

The fourth treatment we give our customers features a slightly altered mixture of fertilizer and weed control that is better suited to typical weather experienced at the end of summer. If you have a warm-season turf, a fall pre-emergent could be applied in order to prevent winter weeds from germinating. If you are purchasing and applying fertilizer by yourself, make sure to ask your salesperson which type of fertilizer is best for this time of year.

Aeration & Overseeding

Late August to early September is the absolute best time to perform core aeration on your turf. If you choose to aerate only once per year, this is the timeframe during which it should occur. This is also the optimal time to apply seed over struggling areas of your lawn. Aerating now will reduce the likelihood of bare patches and weeds reappearing in the following spring. We highly recommend taking advantage of our aeration and overseeding services at this time rather than trying to perform these tasks yourself, as our technicians are regularly trained on the best methods of aerating and seeding.

Mowing

  • Continue a weekly mowing schedule for deep roots and healthy turf. 
  • Always make sure to clean and sharpen mower blades. 
  • Mow warm-season turfs near 2-2.5 inches in summer.
  • Only remove the top 1/3 of your lawn’s grass length. 

Watering

  • Keep top 1/2 an inch of your lawn consistently moist when seeding. 
  • Make sure all sprinkler heads are spaced apart evenly.
  • Water every zone for about 10 minutes, 3 times a day. 
  • Always allow a heavy rainfall to replace a watering session. 

Step 5: Late Fall

Fertilization & Weed Control

For our final visit of the year, efforts will be centered around getting your lawn ready to take on winter. This treatment features a high-nitrogen winterizing fertilizer. The elevated levels of nitrogen used in this fertilizer will provide your turf with a big boost of energy and nutrients, which is a crucial step in making sure your lawn is not destroyed by harsh winter weather.

Mowing

  • Continue mowing the top ⅓ of your lawn until growth slows down.
  • Rake all leaves before every mowing that takes place in autumn.
  • Make your last mowing of the year slightly lower to the ground. 

Watering

  • Watering should be reduced by at least 50% of previous cycles.
  • Water twice per week until turf growth ceases for the season. 
  • Ask us how our irrigation services can protect your sprinklers this winter. 
Lush Green Yard Care

FREE QUOTE

What services are you interested in?

Asking Google, “yard care company near me”? Look no further because here at Lush Green Services we are your full-service yard care experts. We take pride in offering all our Grand Junction properties our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Free Quote

What services are you interested in?