A lush, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it takes proper care and attention, especially as the warmer months roll in. May is a crucial time for lawn care maintenance in Pennsylvania, as the temperatures rise and grass growth picks up speed. With the right approach, you can set your lawn up for a season of healthy growth, vibrant color, and strong resilience. Here are some essential May lawn care tips from Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape to keep your yard in top shape.
1. Mow Regularly and at the Right Height
As your lawn starts growing rapidly in May, it’s important to keep up with mowing. However, cutting your grass too short can weaken it, making it more vulnerable to weeds and drought. For most Pennsylvania lawns, a mowing height of 3 to 4 inches is ideal. Regular mowing helps maintain an even, healthy lawn, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent stress on your lawn.
2. Keep Up with Weeding
Spring is prime time for weeds to invade your lawn. Dandelions, crabgrass, and other common Pennsylvania weeds can quickly take over if left unchecked. Applying a pre-emergent weed control treatment early in the season can help prevent weed growth. For weeds that have already sprouted, hand-pulling or spot-treating with a selective herbicide can keep them from spreading.
3. Fertilize for Healthy Growth
Fertilization is key to a lush, green lawn. May is a great time to apply a slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A well-fed lawn grows thicker and stronger, making it more resistant to weeds and disease. If you’re unsure about the right fertilizer for your lawn, Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape can provide expert recommendations tailored to your soil and grass type.
4. Water Wisely
As temperatures rise, proper watering becomes essential. Your lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Watering deeply and infrequently (rather than lightly every day) encourages deep root growth, which helps your lawn withstand summer heat and drought. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows grass blades to dry before nightfall, minimizing the risk of disease.
5. Refresh Mulch in Flower Beds
Mulching is not just for aesthetics—it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. By May, last year’s mulch may be breaking down, so it’s a good time to refresh it. Adding a fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds enhances your landscape while providing essential benefits to your plants.
6. Aerate and Overseed if Needed
If your lawn is looking patchy or compacted, aeration and overseeding can help. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively, while overseeding fills in bare spots and promotes thicker grass growth. Although fall is typically the best time for these tasks, spring aeration and overseeding can still be beneficial, especially if your lawn is struggling.
7. Schedule Professional Lawn Care Services
Keeping up with lawn care can be time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape, we provide expert lawn maintenance services to ensure your yard stays beautiful and healthy all year long. Whether you need one-time lawn care or a customized maintenance plan, our team is here to help.
Let’s Make Your Lawn the Best on the Block!
Taking care of your lawn in May sets the stage for a beautiful summer landscape. Whether you need mowing, weeding, fertilization, or a full-service lawn care plan, Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape is here to take the hassle out of lawn maintenance.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your lawn care service and enjoy a lush, green lawn without the stress!
