Lawn Archives - Five Seasons Landscape Commercial landscape maintenance, construction, and snow removal serving Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area. Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:48:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://www.fiveseasonslandscape.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/favicon-fslm-round-55x55.png Lawn Archives - Five Seasons Landscape 32 32 How to Treat Your Lawn in Spring https://www.fiveseasonslandscape.com/how-to-treat-your-lawn-in-spring/ Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:17:53 +0000 http://fslandscape.wpengine.com/?p=159 Spring Lawn Care in Columbus, Ohio: Timing, Treatments, and What to Do First As commercial landscapers serving the Columbus metro area, one of the most common questions we hear from property managers and facility directors each year is how to treat a lawn in spring. Our answer is always the same: it’s less about how and more about when. Columbus, Ohio throws everything at us — 70-degree days in February followed by snow in April. That weather variability makes spring lawn care timing critical. Move too early and you risk crushing new grass shoots or wasting product on soil that isn’t ready. Wait too long and you’ll miss narrow application windows for pre-emergent weed control and overseeding. This guide walks through the key spring lawn care steps in the right order, with Ohio-specific timing guidance for each one. When Should You Start Spring Lawn Care in Columbus? Resist the urge to start outside work after the first warm weekend. The rule of thumb for Columbus properties is to wait until your lawn is mostly green and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F — typically late April in central Ohio, though warm spells in February can tempt even experienced property managers. A good natural indicator: wait until forsythia bushes finish blooming. That signals soil temperatures are in the right range for most spring treatments. Spring Lawn Care Steps in the Right Order 1. Rake and Dethatch Start by raking out the thatch — dead grass and debris that accumulated over winter. Thatch buildup blocks sunlight, air, and moisture from reaching your turf. Once the ground has dried out and is no longer soft from frost, do a thorough raking before any other treatment. Always dethatch before aerating for better results. 2. Aerate Compacted soil is one of the most common problems on high-traffic commercial properties — parking areas, pathways, and heavily used lawn areas all suffer from compaction over winter. Aeration removes small plugs of soil to loosen the ground and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone. Aeration doesn’t need to happen every year. For most commercial properties, every 2 to 3 years is sufficient depending on traffic levels and soil type. 3. Test Your Soil A basic soil pH test takes the guesswork out of fertilization and weed control. The ideal pH range for most Ohio turf grasses is 6.0 to 7.0. Soil that is too acidic will reduce fertilizer effectiveness and encourage weed and moss growth. If your soil test shows high acidity, apply lime before fertilizing. Many commercial property managers skip this step — it’s one of the most common reasons fertilization programs underperform. 4. Fertilize — Lightly Spring fertilization should be lighter than fall feeding. New grass shoots are tender and can be overwhelmed by heavy nitrogen applications. Once your lawn is actively growing — typically late April to early May in Columbus — apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Key nutrients to balance: Nitrogen — promotes growth and green color Phosphorus — supports root development Potassium — improves stress and drought tolerance Your soil test results will tell you which nutrients your turf actually needs rather than guessing. 5. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control Timing is everything with pre-emergent. It works by preventing weed seeds from germinating — once weeds are actively growing, it’s too late. For Columbus properties, apply pre-emergent as forsythia finishes blooming, typically early to mid-April. Use a spreader for even coverage. The pre-emergent activates with water and remains effective for several weeks after application. Important: you cannot apply pre-emergent and overseed at the same time. Pre-emergent will prevent grass seed from germinating just as effectively as weed seed. Choose one or the other for the season. 6. Overseed Bare or Thin Areas After aerating and correcting soil pH, bare or thin areas of turf are ready for overseeding. Use a broadcast spreader for large areas and hand-seed smaller spots. After seeding, consistent watering and light fertilization are essential — don’t seed and walk away. If you applied pre-emergent earlier in the season, wait a full 12 weeks before overseeding those areas. Mowing Height Matters All Season Once your lawn is actively growing, resist cutting it short to reduce mowing frequency. Cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height at once — known as scalping — depletes the turf’s energy reserves and can cause brown patches, thinning, and stress vulnerability going into summer. Mow more frequently and remove less each time. The result is a thicker, healthier stand of turf through the summer months. Spring Lawn Care for Commercial Properties in Columbus Managing spring grounds care across a corporate campus, HOA community, healthcare facility, or retail property is a different challenge than a residential lawn. Multiple turf zones, high foot traffic areas, irrigation systems coming back online, and the need for consistent presentation across large acreage all require a structured approach and reliable execution. Five Seasons Landscape Management provides commercial landscape maintenance programs for properties throughout Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area — including spring cleanups, fertilization programs, pre-emergent applications, and full-season grounds management. If you manage a commercial property and want to discuss spring grounds care, contact our team to schedule a property assessment. Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Lawn Care in Ohio When is it too early to start lawn care in Columbus, Ohio? Generally, avoid starting spring lawn treatments until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F and your lawn is mostly green. In Columbus this is typically late April, though it varies year to year. Can I apply pre-emergent and grass seed at the same time? No. Pre-emergent prevents all seeds from germinating, including grass seed. Choose one treatment for the season. If you applied pre-emergent, wait 12 weeks before overseeding. How often should I aerate my lawn in Ohio? Most Ohio lawns benefit from aeration every 2 to 3 years. High-traffic commercial properties may need it more frequently. What fertilizer should I use in spring in Ohio? A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once your lawn is actively growing — typically late April to early May. Run a soil test first to identify which nutrients your specific turf needs. When should I apply pre-emergent weed control in Columbus? Apply pre-emergent in early to mid-April as forsythia finishes blooming. Soil temperature should be around 50–55°F at a 2-inch depth.

The post How to Treat Your Lawn in Spring appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

]]> Spring Lawn Care in Columbus, Ohio: Timing, Treatments, and What to Do First

As commercial landscapers serving the Columbus metro area, one of the most common questions we hear from property managers and facility directors each year is how to treat a lawn in spring. Our answer is always the same: it’s less about how and more about when.

Columbus, Ohio throws everything at us — 70-degree days in February followed by snow in April. That weather variability makes spring lawn care timing critical. Move too early and you risk crushing new grass shoots or wasting product on soil that isn’t ready. Wait too long and you’ll miss narrow application windows for pre-emergent weed control and overseeding.

This guide walks through the key spring lawn care steps in the right order, with Ohio-specific timing guidance for each one.

When Should You Start Spring Lawn Care in Columbus?

Resist the urge to start outside work after the first warm weekend. The rule of thumb for Columbus properties is to wait until your lawn is mostly green and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F — typically late April in central Ohio, though warm spells in February can tempt even experienced property managers.

A good natural indicator: wait until forsythia bushes finish blooming. That signals soil temperatures are in the right range for most spring treatments.

Spring Lawn Care Steps in the Right Order

1. Rake and Dethatch

Start by raking out the thatch — dead grass and debris that accumulated over winter. Thatch buildup blocks sunlight, air, and moisture from reaching your turf. Once the ground has dried out and is no longer soft from frost, do a thorough raking before any other treatment.

Always dethatch before aerating for better results.

2. Aerate

Compacted soil is one of the most common problems on high-traffic commercial properties — parking areas, pathways, and heavily used lawn areas all suffer from compaction over winter. Aeration removes small plugs of soil to loosen the ground and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone.

Aeration doesn’t need to happen every year. For most commercial properties, every 2 to 3 years is sufficient depending on traffic levels and soil type.

3. Test Your Soil

A basic soil pH test takes the guesswork out of fertilization and weed control. The ideal pH range for most Ohio turf grasses is 6.0 to 7.0. Soil that is too acidic will reduce fertilizer effectiveness and encourage weed and moss growth.

If your soil test shows high acidity, apply lime before fertilizing. Many commercial property managers skip this step — it’s one of the most common reasons fertilization programs underperform.

4. Fertilize — Lightly

Spring fertilization should be lighter than fall feeding. New grass shoots are tender and can be overwhelmed by heavy nitrogen applications. Once your lawn is actively growing — typically late April to early May in Columbus — apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Key nutrients to balance:

  • Nitrogen — promotes growth and green color
  • Phosphorus — supports root development
  • Potassium — improves stress and drought tolerance

Your soil test results will tell you which nutrients your turf actually needs rather than guessing.

5. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Timing is everything with pre-emergent. It works by preventing weed seeds from germinating — once weeds are actively growing, it’s too late. For Columbus properties, apply pre-emergent as forsythia finishes blooming, typically early to mid-April.

Use a spreader for even coverage. The pre-emergent activates with water and remains effective for several weeks after application.

Important: you cannot apply pre-emergent and overseed at the same time. Pre-emergent will prevent grass seed from germinating just as effectively as weed seed. Choose one or the other for the season.

6. Overseed Bare or Thin Areas

After aerating and correcting soil pH, bare or thin areas of turf are ready for overseeding. Use a broadcast spreader for large areas and hand-seed smaller spots. After seeding, consistent watering and light fertilization are essential — don’t seed and walk away.

If you applied pre-emergent earlier in the season, wait a full 12 weeks before overseeding those areas.

Mowing Height Matters All Season

Once your lawn is actively growing, resist cutting it short to reduce mowing frequency. Cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height at once — known as scalping — depletes the turf’s energy reserves and can cause brown patches, thinning, and stress vulnerability going into summer.

Mow more frequently and remove less each time. The result is a thicker, healthier stand of turf through the summer months.

Spring Lawn Care for Commercial Properties in Columbus

Managing spring grounds care across a corporate campus, HOA community, healthcare facility, or retail property is a different challenge than a residential lawn. Multiple turf zones, high foot traffic areas, irrigation systems coming back online, and the need for consistent presentation across large acreage all require a structured approach and reliable execution.

Five Seasons Landscape Management provides commercial landscape maintenance programs for properties throughout Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area — including spring cleanups, fertilization programs, pre-emergent applications, and full-season grounds management.

If you manage a commercial property and want to discuss spring grounds care, contact our team to schedule a property assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Lawn Care in Ohio

When is it too early to start lawn care in Columbus, Ohio?

Generally, avoid starting spring lawn treatments until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F and your lawn is mostly green. In Columbus this is typically late April, though it varies year to year.

Can I apply pre-emergent and grass seed at the same time?

No. Pre-emergent prevents all seeds from germinating, including grass seed. Choose one treatment for the season. If you applied pre-emergent, wait 12 weeks before overseeding.

How often should I aerate my lawn in Ohio?

Most Ohio lawns benefit from aeration every 2 to 3 years. High-traffic commercial properties may need it more frequently.

What fertilizer should I use in spring in Ohio?

A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once your lawn is actively growing — typically late April to early May. Run a soil test first to identify which nutrients your specific turf needs.

When should I apply pre-emergent weed control in Columbus?

Apply pre-emergent in early to mid-April as forsythia finishes blooming. Soil temperature should be around 50–55°F at a 2-inch depth.

The post How to Treat Your Lawn in Spring appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

]]> Why Fall is the Best Time to Sod & Seed Your Lawn https://www.fiveseasonslandscape.com/why-fall-is-the-best-time-to-sod-and-seed-your-lawn/ Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:54:18 +0000 http://fslandscape.wpengine.com/?p=132 As the back to school bells start ringing and the pools close up, we are faced with the unfortunate reality that the end of summer is near. If you thought that the cooler days, and weaker sunrays meant no more yard work – that’s another unfortunate reality. Fall is actually the best time of year to revisit your landscaping and renovate your lawn. Whether you prefer installing sod or seeding, autumn isn’t just about hitting the books. Instead of getting a new wardrobe this year, you may want to consider a stop at Lowe’s instead. Why You Should Renovate Your Lawn this fall Depending on climate conditions, mid-September is the perfect time to renovate your lawn. The cooler air and sunshine create a more temperate climate for your grass to thrive. Soil stays warm through November, so grass seed won’t dry out as quickly and you don’t need to water as often as in the spring. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about your favorite gardening friends – weeds. By taking advantage of the fall weather and getting an early start on your lawn care routine, your lawn is given more time to soak up all the nutrients from the soil and stay healthy enough to protect itself throughout the harsh winter months so it can shine green, lush, and vibrant in the spring. Should I Sod or Seed My Lawn? There are many choices when it comes to proper lawn care, but laying turf (sod) or seeding your lawn is the most common. There are pros and cons to both lawn care techniques, so we’ll help break down the main ones so that you can be fully educated on what lawn care service works best for you and your home. Pros & Cons of Sod Quick Fix: Installing sod is a gorgeous way to quickly see improvements in your lawn. Once the area is properly prepped for sod, and it’s laid and trimmed to fit the yard, it only takes a few weeks to a month to be able to use the yard. More expensive: sod is pricey compared to seeding. It’s not something you can skimp on either. You must buy high-quality rolls that are dark green in color, about 3/4” thick and still moist. You do not want dried out sod. The sod will not latch on properly to the soil and you’ll end up with a dry, brown lawn in the spring. Small or Large Surfaces: laying sod works well in both small and large spaces. Since it is more expensive, smaller areas will be more conducive to a budget; however, if time is of your concern, than sod is the best way to go. More Labor Intensive: laying sod requires a lot of lawn preparation and heavy lifting. This isn’t a simple Saturday morning job, make sure you have your weekend completely free. Pros/Cons of Seeding Less Expensive: seeding your lawn is about 1/10th the price in comparison to sod, so it’s definitely more budget friendly, especially for larger lawns. However, it also takes several months to fully grow as compared to a few weeks with sod. Easier for the DIY Pro: seeding your lawn is a lot easier for those who wish to tackle their own landscaping as a DIY Weekend Warrior. It’s less time-consuming on the labor side of things and all of your supplies can be found at the nearest home improvement store. More Natural: throwing down seed is a more natural growth process for a lawn than sod. It acclimates a lot better and the same seeds can keep for several years. Longer process: Seeding takes a lot longer to establish a fully-grown lawn as opposed to laying sod. Seeds are planted ideally in the fall, around mid-September for the best results. It takes 2-3 months for a lawn to flourish from seeding. This is why starting early to mid-fall is the best time of year to renovate your lawn. Do I Need a Professional to Renovate My Lawn? Hiring a professional is a great idea for when you want to get the job done quickly and properly the first time. Sure, anyone can research how to sod and seed their lawn online, go to the closest home improvement store and get cracking, but something that could take you an entire month’s worth of weekends to accomplish, takes our lawn care professionals less than a day – and we love doing it! We’re Your Lawn Care Professionals At Five Seasons, our goal is to make your lawn beautifully green and lush so that you and your family can enjoy it all year round. Fall is the best time to sod or seed your lawn, so contact us today! We can’t wait to get started (740) 964-2915.

The post Why Fall is the Best Time to Sod & Seed Your Lawn appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

]]> As the back to school bells start ringing and the pools close up, we are faced with the unfortunate reality that the end of summer is near. If you thought that the cooler days, and weaker sunrays meant no more yard work – that’s another unfortunate reality.

Fall is actually the best time of year to revisit your landscaping and renovate your lawn. Whether you prefer installing sod or seeding, autumn isn’t just about hitting the books. Instead of getting a new wardrobe this year, you may want to consider a stop at Lowe’s instead.

Why You Should Renovate Your Lawn this fall

Depending on climate conditions, mid-September is the perfect time to renovate your lawn. The cooler air and sunshine create a more temperate climate for your grass to thrive. Soil stays warm through November, so grass seed won’t dry out as quickly and you don’t need to water as often as in the spring. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about your favorite gardening friends – weeds.

By taking advantage of the fall weather and getting an early start on your lawn care routine, your lawn is given more time to soak up all the nutrients from the soil and stay healthy enough to protect itself throughout the harsh winter months so it can shine green, lush, and vibrant in the spring.

Should I Sod or Seed My Lawn?

There are many choices when it comes to proper lawn care, but laying turf (sod) or seeding your lawn is the most common. There are pros and cons to both lawn care techniques, so we’ll help break down the main ones so that you can be fully educated on what lawn care service works best for you and your home.

Pros & Cons of Sod

  • Quick Fix: Installing sod is a gorgeous way to quickly see improvements in your lawn. Once the area is properly prepped for sod, and it’s laid and trimmed to fit the yard, it only takes a few weeks to a month to be able to use the yard.
  • More expensive: sod is pricey compared to seeding. It’s not something you can skimp on either. You must buy high-quality rolls that are dark green in color, about 3/4” thick and still moist. You do not want dried out sod. The sod will not latch on properly to the soil and you’ll end up with a dry, brown lawn in the spring.
  • Small or Large Surfaces: laying sod works well in both small and large spaces. Since it is more expensive, smaller areas will be more conducive to a budget; however, if time is of your concern, than sod is the best way to go.
  • More Labor Intensive: laying sod requires a lot of lawn preparation and heavy lifting. This isn’t a simple Saturday morning job, make sure you have your weekend completely free.

Pros/Cons of Seeding

  • Less Expensive: seeding your lawn is about 1/10th the price in comparison to sod, so it’s definitely more budget friendly, especially for larger lawns. However, it also takes several months to fully grow as compared to a few weeks with sod.
  • Easier for the DIY Pro: seeding your lawn is a lot easier for those who wish to tackle their own landscaping as a DIY Weekend Warrior. It’s less time-consuming on the labor side of things and all of your supplies can be found at the nearest home improvement store.
  • More Natural: throwing down seed is a more natural growth process for a lawn than sod. It acclimates a lot better and the same seeds can keep for several years.
  • Longer process: Seeding takes a lot longer to establish a fully-grown lawn as opposed to laying sod. Seeds are planted ideally in the fall, around mid-September for the best results. It takes 2-3 months for a lawn to flourish from seeding. This is why starting early to mid-fall is the best time of year to renovate your lawn.

Do I Need a Professional to Renovate My Lawn?

Hiring a professional is a great idea for when you want to get the job done quickly and properly the first time.

Sure, anyone can research how to sod and seed their lawn online, go to the closest home improvement store and get cracking, but something that could take you an entire month’s worth of weekends to accomplish, takes our lawn care professionals less than a day – and we love doing it!

We’re Your Lawn Care Professionals

At Five Seasons, our goal is to make your lawn beautifully green and lush so that you and your family can enjoy it all year round. Fall is the best time to sod or seed your lawn, so contact us today! We can’t wait to get started (740) 964-2915.

The post Why Fall is the Best Time to Sod & Seed Your Lawn appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

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