Get your lawn off­ to a healthy start and destroy crabgrass before it has time to take root. This is an essential step in the fertilizing program.

1. Spread 18-0-4 Fertilizer with Dimension. Apply 4.0 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 12,500 ft².

2. If seeding or overseeding, use 21-22-4 Fertilizer with Mesotrione. Apply 4.3 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 11,600 ft².

Apply a weed & feed product. Weed & feed products make the grass stronger and healthier, which helps it fight off weeds. Weed & feed products also contain an herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds. Choose ONE of the following:

1. Spread 18-0-2 Fertilizer with Trimec Broadleaf Herbicide. Apply 4.0 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 12,500 ft².

OR

1. Spread 16-0-9 Fertilizer with Surge Broadleaf Herbicide. Apply 2.5–4.0 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 10,000—16,000 ft².

Grubs can decimate a perfect lawn by destroying grass at the root—and since they live underground, you usually don't know you have them until the damage is done. Put down grub preventative fertilizer in early to mid-summer when it will do the most good. Do not apply fertilizer if grass is dormant due to intense heat or drought.

1. Spread 21-0-4 Fertilizer with Merit Insecticide. Apply at 3.5–4.5 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 11,000–14,300 ft².

OR

1. Spread TS Pro 16-2-4 Fertilizer. Apply at 6.25 lb per 1,000 ft². 8,000 ft² per bag.

Your lawn spends the fall recovering from the dry, hot summer, which is why the fall turf feed is the most important feed of the year. Apply a fertilizer that thickens the grass and strengthens the roots. This is an essential step in the fertilizing program.

1. Spread 29-0-5 25% slow release fertilizer. Apply 3.5 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 14,300 ft².

If you choose to fertilize in the late fall, a slow-release starter is ideal. Slow-release starters build deeper, healthier roots for 45-60 days so that the lawn will be stronger and more lush in the spring. Starters are a good idea for newer lawns, recently overseeded lawns, and lawns with grub damage.

1. Hartville Hardware recommends 18-24-12 Slow Release Fertilizer with Nutrilife. Apply 4.0 lb per 1,000 ft². Each bag will cover 12,500 ft².

2. To maintain optimal pH levels in the soil, use Pelletized Lawn Lime Granulate (40 lb covers~4,000 ft²).