A beautiful, well-maintained lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it requires consistent care, especially in the spring. May is a crucial time to prepare your lawn for the summer heat. If you want a lush, green yard that stands out, follow these essential May lawn care tips from Mountain Road Landscaping.
1. Mow Regularly, But at the Right Height
Mowing is one of the simplest ways to keep your lawn healthy, but doing it incorrectly can cause stress to the grass. In May, your grass is growing rapidly, so:
- Mow at least once a week to maintain a clean look.
- Keep your grass 3 to 4 inches tall to promote deep roots and prevent weeds.
- Never cut more than ⅓ of the grass blade at a time to avoid shock.
- Alternate mowing patterns to prevent soil compaction and uneven growth.
2. Feed Your Lawn for Strong Growth
After the winter, your lawn needs a nutrient boost to encourage healthy growth. May is the perfect time to apply a slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients without overwhelming your grass. A well-fed lawn is more resistant to drought, disease, and weeds. Our team can assess your soil and recommend the best fertilizer for your lawn type.
3. Keep Weeds Under Control
Spring is when weeds like crabgrass and dandelions start appearing. If you haven’t already applied a pre-emergent herbicide, now is the time to spot-treat any problem areas. Regular mowing at the right height also helps choke out weeds naturally by giving your grass the competitive edge.
4. Water Wisely to Encourage Deep Roots
Proper watering techniques can make or break your lawn’s health in the summer. Follow these guidelines for effective watering:
- Water deeply and infrequently—about 1 to 1.5 inches per week.
- Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to minimize evaporation.
- Avoid shallow watering, which promotes weak, surface-level roots.
If you’re unsure about your watering schedule, our team can provide a customized plan to keep your lawn hydrated without wasting water.
5. Aerate & Overseed for a Fuller Lawn
If your lawn has compacted soil or thin patches, aeration and overseeding in May can help fill in weak spots. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, while overseeding encourages thick, even grass growth. This is especially helpful if your lawn suffered damage from foot traffic, pets, or winter stress.
6. Check for Pests & Lawn Diseases
A healthy lawn is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, but it’s still important to stay vigilant. In Pennsylvania, common lawn threats include:
- Grubs that eat grassroots, leading to brown patches.
- Fungal diseases like red thread or brown patch, especially in humid conditions.
- Chinch bugs and sod webworms that feed on grass blades.
If you notice signs of damage, we can diagnose and treat the problem before it spreads.
7. Refresh Mulch & Landscape Beds
Your lawn isn’t the only part of your yard that needs attention in May! Replacing or refreshing mulch around trees and flower beds helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve curb appeal. Our team can also handle pruning, weeding, and edging to keep your entire landscape looking its best.
Get Professional Lawn Care with Mountain Road Landscaping
Keeping up with lawn maintenance can be time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it alone! At Mountain Road Landscaping, we provide expert lawn care services, including mowing, weeding, mulching, and more, to keep your yard in top shape. Plus, we offer customized packages with monthly billing so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn without the hassle.
Contact us today to schedule your May lawn care service and get your yard summer-ready!
