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May Lawn Care Guide: From Feeding to Fighting Weeds
Salt Box Nursery’s Tips for a Lush, Green Lawn All Season Long
May marks the true beginning of lawn season. With warmer days and spring rains settling in, your lawn is actively growing—and it’s hungry for attention. At Salt Box Nursery, we know a healthy, vibrant lawn starts with a few essential practices. Whether you’re aiming for the greenest grass on the block or simply want a thick, weed-free lawn for summer barefoot strolls, May is the month to get things right. Here’s your guide:
1. Fertilize for Growth and Color
Your lawn’s root system is waking up from its winter rest and now is the perfect time to feed it. Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer formulated for spring to encourage strong, even growth without pushing excessive top growth that can lead to extra mowing. Look for options with iron or micronutrients to enhance color naturally.
Pro Tip from Salt Box: If you fertilized lightly in early spring, follow up in mid to late May with a balanced fertilizer to maintain momentum into June.
2. Weed Control: Stop the Invaders
Dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf weeds tend to pop up with a vengeance in May. Use a selective broadleaf weed killer on a calm, dry day when temperatures are between 60–85°F. Spot-treat rather than blanket-spraying whenever possible to preserve lawn health.
For crabgrass, if you didn’t apply a pre-emergent in April, it’s not too late! Use a product with both pre-emergent and post-emergent action to catch young seedlings before they spread.
Salt Box Lawn Wisdom: A thick lawn is your best defense against weeds. Feed it well, mow high, and water deeply to create conditions weeds hate.
3. Aerate for Stronger Roots
If your lawn feels compacted or water is pooling, aeration may be the solution. Core aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone—essential for vigorous growth. Early to mid-May is still a good window for cool-season lawns, especially if your lawn sees high foot traffic or heavy soils.
DIY or Hire Out? Rent a core aerator or schedule with a local lawn care professional. Salt Box Nursery can recommend trusted partners if you’d rather not tackle it alone.
4. Mow High and Often
As the lawn grows faster in May, keep your mower blade sharp and raise the deck. Cutting too short (scalping) stresses grass and opens the door for weeds. A mowing height of 3–3.5 inches helps shade the soil, conserve moisture, and encourage deep roots.
Mow regularly so you never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Clippings can be left on the lawn to naturally return nutrients—just avoid heavy clumps.
Final Thought: Consistency is Key
May is a critical time for setting the tone for the entire season. Stay consistent with mowing, watering (early mornings are best), and weed watch. A little attention now pays off with fewer headaches and more barefoot-friendly turf in summer.
Have questions about what products to use or when to apply them? Come talk to us at Salt Box Nursery—we’re here to help you grow better.
