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The Homeowner's Lawn Care Playbook: A Season-by-Season Guide

Writer's picture: jason clarksonjason clarkson


This playbook is designed to help you achieve a lush, healthy lawn throughout the year. Follow these steps, tailored to Kansas City’s unique climate, and watch your lawn thrive.


Spring Playbook (March - May)

Soil Testing: Start your lawn care journey by testing your soil. Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels will guide your fertilization and amendment strategies. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adjust with lime or sulfur based on the test results.

Lawn Clean-Up: Clear away any debris left from winter, including leaves, sticks, and dead grass. This allows your lawn to breathe and absorb sunlight, air, and water.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures hit around 55°F to prevent weeds like crabgrass from germinating.

Overseeding Bare Spots: If your lawn has thin or bare areas, overseed with a grass blend suited to Kansas City (such as Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass). Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to help them take root. (don't recommend but if you absolutely have to)

Fertilization: Feed your lawn with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 mix, following your soil test recommendations.

First Mowing: When your grass starts to grow, give it its first mow. Set your mower blades a couple notches lower than normal, and clean up the lawn, you will see green.


Summer Playbook (June - August)

Mowing: Keep your lawn mowed regularly, maintaining a height of 3-4 inches. This helps shade the soil, reducing evaporation and preventing weeds.

Watering: Water deeply, giving your lawn 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. The best time to water is early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Weed Control: Tackle any weeds that escaped your spring treatment by spot-treating with a post-emergent herbicide.

Insect Monitoring: Keep an eye out for pests like grubs and chinch bugs. Apply a preventative insecticide if you've had issues in the past.

Disease Prevention: Hot, humid weather can lead to lawn diseases like brown patch. Maintain proper mowing and watering practices to minimize the risk, and apply fungicides if necessary.

Light Fertilization: Consider a light application of slow-release fertilizer in late June or early July to sustain steady growth without overstressing your lawn.


Fall Playbook (September - November)

Aeration: Fall is prime time for aeration. Aerate your lawn to relieve compaction and improve root growth.

Overseeding: Overseed your lawn with cool-season grasses to repair summer damage and thicken the turf. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure they settle in well.

Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in September and again in late October or early November to promote strong root growth and prepare your lawn for winter.

Weed Control: Apply a broadleaf herbicide to manage any weeds that appeared during the summer.

Leaf Management: Regularly rake or mulch fallen leaves. Mulching them into the lawn can provide valuable nutrients.

Final Mowing: Gradually lower your mower height as you prepare for the last mow of the season, but avoid cutting the grass shorter than 2 inches.


Winter Playbook (December - February)

Equipment Maintenance: Use the winter months to sharpen mower blades, clean your lawn equipment, and replace any worn-out parts.

Winterizing the Lawn: Avoid heavy foot traffic on your lawn to prevent soil compaction and damage.

Snow Management: If heavy snow accumulates, especially where there's foot traffic, clear it to prevent damage and snow mold.

Spring Planning: Plan for the upcoming season by reviewing your soil test results and stocking up on supplies. Prepare your spring lawn care schedule so you can hit the ground running when the weather warms up.


Bonus Tips for Success

  • Keep Records: Document your lawn care activities throughout the year. This will help you track what works best for your lawn and make improvements over time.

  • Adapt to Weather: Kansas City weather can be unpredictable. Be flexible and adjust your lawn care practices based on current conditions.

  • Stay Informed: Connect with K-State’s extension service for the latest advice and updates on lawn care tailored to our region.


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