What to Do Now for a Healthier, Greener Summer Lawn

As we move from spring into early summer here in Central Ohio, your lawn is entering one of its most important growth periods.

This is the window where everything starts to take off: grass, weeds, and, unfortunately, pests too.

The good news? A few smart steps now can make the difference between a lawn that struggles through summer… and one that stays thick, green, and healthy.

Here’s what to focus on right now.

🌿 When to Fertilize Your Lawn

Late spring is one of the most important times to fertilize your lawn in Ohio.

Around April through May, your grass is actively growing and ready to absorb nutrients. A proper fertilization at this stage helps:

• Strengthen root systems
• Encourage fuller, thicker growth
• Naturally crowd out weeds

For most Central Ohio lawns, a slow-release fertilizer works best this time of year. It feeds your lawn gradually, rather than creating a quick surge of growth that can stress your grass later.

A light follow-up application in early summer can also help maintain that healthy, consistent color.

If you’re unsure what your lawn needs, this is where a custom approach really makes a difference; every yard responds differently based on soil, sun, and moisture.

🐛 Identify Problem Areas Early (Grubs, Brown Spots & More)

This is the time of year to keep an eye on how your lawn is responding.

Small issues can show up quickly, but catching them early makes them much easier (and more affordable) to fix.

Signs of grubs:

• Irregular brown patches
• Grass that lifts easily like loose carpet
• Increased activity from birds or animals digging

Other things to watch for:

• Fungal issues from excess moisture
• Thin or patchy areas that didn’t bounce back from winter
• Discoloration that doesn’t improve with watering

If something looks off, it’s worth addressing now before summer heat makes it worse.

🌼 Stay Ahead of Weeds

Late spring is prime time for weeds in Central Ohio lawns.

Crabgrass, dandelions, and other fast-growing weeds thrive in the same conditions your grass does—so staying ahead of them is key.

A combination of:

• Pre-emergent treatments (to prevent new weeds)
• Post-emergent treatments (to target what’s already there)

…can make a big difference in keeping your lawn clean and healthy.

Consistency is everything here. Waiting too long often means playing catch-up all summer.

✂️ Mowing the Right Way

Mowing might seem simple, but it plays a big role in your lawn’s overall health.

A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference:

• Don’t cut too short  – taller grass helps shade roots and retain moisture
• Mow regularly – usually weekly during peak growth
• Keep blades sharp – dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly

You can also leave grass clippings behind in most cases; they break down and return nutrients to the soil.

💧 Watering Smart (Not More)

With spring rain still in the mix, it’s easy to overwater without realizing it.

Your lawn does best with:

• Deep, infrequent watering
• About 1-1.5 inches per week, including rainfall
• Watering in the early morning to reduce evaporation

Too much water can actually lead to shallow roots and increase the risk of fungus, especially as temperatures start to rise.

🌸 Refresh Mulch & Landscape Beds

Late spring is also the perfect time to clean up and refresh your landscaping beds.

Adding fresh mulch:

• Helps retain moisture
• Reduces weed growth
• Gives your yard a clean, finished look

It’s one of the quickest ways to boost curb appeal heading into summer.

👋 When It Makes Sense to Call in the Pros

Sometimes your lawn just needs a little extra attention.

If you’re noticing:

• Persistent brown or thinning areas
• Heavy weed growth
• Signs of pests or disease
• Uneven growth across your yard

…it may be time for a more tailored plan.

At Scioto Green Gardens, we help homeowners across Central Ohio stay ahead of seasonal changes with lawn care programs designed for your specific property, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

🌞 Set Your Lawn Up for Summer

What you do in late spring has a direct impact on how your lawn looks in July and August.

A little attention now, fertilizing at the right time, catching issues early, and keeping up with maintenance, goes a long way in creating a lawn you can actually enjoy all summer.

If you’d like help getting your yard on the right track, we’re here when you need us.