Van Wilgen’s Garden Center wants you to have the lawn that you desire. Whether you are happy with, “as long as it is green”, or you want a lawn that is golf course worthy, we can help. Here are some steps to take you through the year.

We have been trained to think of lawn care as a 4-step program. It is true that there are 4 basic lawn fertilization steps but there is a little bit more to consider. Van Wilgen’s has the steps for you!
LET’S GET STARTED – SOIL TEST:
The Connecticut Agricultural Station at 123 Huntington Street in New Haven, CT (203-974-8521) is able to test your soil for you. Once you have your results, come see us and we can help you formulate a plan for your lawn.
STEP ½: LIME – MARCH/APRIL:
Depending on the results of your soil test, you may need to apply Lime. The ideal pH level for your lawn is 6.8 to 7.2. If you fall below this “sweet spot”, apply Lime. Use Fast Acting Lime in the spring for better results. Lime can be applied at the same time as fertilizer. The key to a beautiful lawn is proper pH.
STEP 1: LAWN FOOD + CRABGRASS CONTROL – MARCH/ APRIL:
Mother Nature gives us the best sign. Apply when the Yellow Forsythia is in bloom. Water in or apply before a rainfall. Be sure to focus on “hot” spots. The “hot” spots are sunny spots, slopes, compact areas, and edges of driveways, roads & walkways.
STEP 2: LAWN FOOD + BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL – MAY/JUNE:
Dandelions, violets, and clover, oh my! This is the time of the year that all those unwanted weeds begin to pop up in your lawn. You can control them. Apply granular weed control to a slightly wet lawn. Morning dew is perfect. Do not mow your lawn 2 days before or 2 days after application. Do not water in. Allow 24 hours of drying time.
STEP 2 ½: FAST-ACTING IRON – JUNE/BEGINNING JULY:
Shhh…this is a little trick. Apply Iron and you will see instant green-up of your lawn without stressing it out.
STEP 3: LAWN FOOD – JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER:
So many choices of when to apply. If you do not have a sprinkler system apply before or after the summer heat. It is best applied before rainfall.
STEP 3 1/2: GRUB CONTROL – MID-JUNE/JULY:
Don’t miss this step. Grubs are our #1 damaging turf pest. Apply a season-long grub control at this time to control hungry grubs feeding August-October. Water in well.
STEP 4: FALL LAWN FOOD – SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER:
Yes, apply this as late as November! Apply after your last mow of the season to establish a deep root system for next spring.
STEP 4 ½: LIME – SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER:
Even if you applied Lime in the spring, you may need to lime again depending on your pH level. Remember pH is one of the keys to a beautiful lawn.
This is a basic lawn care guide with a little extra to get you and your lawn through the season. Keep in mind, every lawn and every homeowner’s vision for their lawn is different. That’s ok! Van Wilgen’s has lawn care programs from conventional to organic, granular to liquid, and simple to involved. Whatever type of lawn you desire for your home, we can customize a plan for you.
Van Wilgen’s wants you, your family and your pets to have fun on your lawn.
HAPPY LAWN CARE & LOTS OF FAMILY FUN!