As the days grow longer and your lawn springs to life, May is the month to set the stage for a healthy, lush yard all season long. Whether you’re aiming for a thick carpet of green or simply want to stay ahead of weeds, now is the time to take action. Here’s your essential May lawn care guide to fertilizing, weed control, aeration, and mowing height.
🧪 1. Feed Your Lawn the Right Way
By May, most cool-season grasses (like fescue, bluegrass, and rye) are in an active growth phase. Warm-season grasses (like zoysia and Bermuda) are beginning to green up.
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Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer to promote steady growth without overstimulating the lawn.
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For cool-season grasses: opt for a nitrogen-rich formula to encourage root strength and blade density.
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For warm-season lawns: begin your first major feeding now, especially if your grass has fully greened up.
đź’ˇ Tip: Jonathan Green and Espoma both offer trusted organic and traditional options tailored to different grass types.
🌿 2. Take Control of Weeds
Crabgrass, dandelions, and clover are all waking up now—and fast.
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Spot treat broadleaf weeds with a selective herbicide safe for your grass type.
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Apply a post-emergent crabgrass killer if pre-emergent wasn’t applied in early spring—or wasn’t fully effective.
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If you prefer natural options, corn gluten meal can offer mild control and feed your lawn at the same time.
🌼 Bonus tip: Consider leaving a few dandelions for early pollinators—but keep them in check to avoid spreading.
🌬️ 3. Consider Aeration if Your Soil Is Compacted
If your lawn feels hard underfoot or you see signs of poor drainage:
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Core aeration can relieve soil compaction and improve nutrient and water absorption.
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It’s especially helpful in high-traffic areas or lawns with clay-heavy soils.
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May is a great time to aerate cool-season grasses, but wait until late spring or early summer for warm-season types.
🌧️ Water lightly after aeration to help soil recover and make the most of your next feeding.
✂️ 4. Master Your Mowing Routine
Don’t scalp your lawn—set your mower to the right height to encourage healthy root growth and shade out weeds.
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Cool-season grasses: Keep blades at 2.5–3.5 inches high.
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Warm-season grasses: Maintain 1.5–2.5 inches, depending on the variety.
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Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the lawn.
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Sharpen your mower blades for a clean cut that helps prevent disease.
🛠️ Bonus tip: Leave your grass clippings on the lawn—they return nitrogen and act as a natural mulch.
đź›’ Stop by for Supplies!
Whether you need fertilizer, weed control products, or mower blade sharpeners, we’re stocked and ready to help. We carry:
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Jonathan Green Lawn Products
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Espoma Organic Lawn Solutions
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Coast of Maine Soils & Soil Builders
Plus, don’t forget—our mobile app makes shopping easy with tips, how-to guides, and seasonal reminders right on your phone.
