When we moved into our new home, I immediately noticed two glaring issues: the landscaping and the lawn. Despite my lifelong experience with plants and gardens—a passion I inherited from my father—I realized that these outdoor projects would have to wait. The demands of settling inside our new house took priority. Yet, as I focused on our indoor space, our neighbors maintained their gardens with exceptional care, setting a high standard of horticulture throughout our street.

Determined not to let our yard fall too far behind, I decided to take action before I could fully immerse myself in a landscaping overhaul. I hired a lawn service to tackle the most pressing issues. Their efforts brought our lawn from a state of neglect to something more presentable, though it still fell short of the impeccable standards our neighborhood boasted.

Among our neighbors, Laurie and Mary’s home stood out for its almost perfect lawn. This lawn had no sun damage, no grub-induced patches, and its turf was perfectly even. It became the gold standard I aspired to achieve for our own outdoor space. Their commitment to excellence in lawn care inspired me to envision a future where our landscape and garden could match this benchmark. It was a reminder that, with the right attention and care, our outdoor space could become a source of pride, enhancing the beauty and value of our home in the process.

During the peak of the growing season, the comforting hum of their lawnmower filled the air several times a week. Even when most have packed away their gardening tools for the year in late fall, this family remains outdoors, diligently caring for their lawn. While enlisting the help of a lawn service marks a commendable initial effort, their one-size-fits-all approach often overlooks the unique needs of individual neighborhoods or cities.

In this context, learning from a neighbor who consistently achieves remarkable results becomes invaluable. The best aspect of this exchange is the character of the family itself; Laurie and Mary rank among the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. They have not only mastered the art of lawn care but have also generously shared their successful lawn care regimen with me. Their openness allows me to pass on this knowledge to you, offering insights into a tailored approach that transforms lawn maintenance into a craft, guided by the wisdom of seasoned practitioners. This sharing of expertise not only fosters a sense of community but also elevates the standard of lawn care in our neighborhood, proving the power of collaborative effort and shared knowledge.

Laurie’s General tips to follow throughout the season:

“A healthy lawn requires water, sunlight, nutrients and weed control. Even when using the protocol outlined below, you will still need to do some spot weed treatment throughout the year.”– Laurie

• If you have an in ground lawn sprinkler system, ensure to have it turned on by March/April (remember to have a Water Backflow Test submitted to the city by your provider)
• Remember to mow with your lawn mower blade set on your highest or second highest setting, especially during the heat of the summer and if possible do not bag grass unless necessary (This provides natural nutrients)
• Mow your lawn weekly (preferably not during the extreme heat of the day)
• Alternate mowing directions from week to week.
• Perform your initial edging (Sidewalk and Driveway), with a lawn edger, at the time of first mowing and then maintain with your string trimmer (weedwhacker) weekly.
• Spot spray weeds as necessary throughout the summer. (2, 4-D concentrate pictured below)
• Aerate your lawn and then over-seed grass in early fall. (September)
• Winterize your sprinkler system in late fall. (Late Sept/October)

Fertilizer and Treatment Schedule– Scotts 4 Step Program

• For local Wentzville residents, this can be purchased locally at Charlie’s Farm and Home Center (Rebate Program available)
• Apply each of the four steps individually throughout the year.
• Use a drop spreader to apply fertilizer on a calm day.
• Remember to blow off driveway and sidewalks following fertilizer applications.

Step 1– Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Food

• Apply Step 1 Mid-March
• Follow the application directions on bag

Step 2 – Weed Control plus Lawn Food

• Apply Step 2 Memorial Day
• Follow the application directions on bag

Step 3 – Lawn Food with 2% Iron

• Apply Step 3 Independence Day
• Follow the application directions on bag

Step 4 – Lawn Food

• Apply Step 4 Labor Day
• Follow the application directions on bag

Spot Spraying – Weed Control (as necessary)

The Final Step-

In the journey of transforming our home’s outdoor space, the experience shared by Laurie and Mary has been a beacon, guiding us through the nuanced paths of lawn care and community bonding. This story underscores the importance of community knowledge and the impact of nurturing relationships alongside our gardens.

Their detailed tips and the Scotts 4 Step Program have provided us with a blueprint for success, tailored to our local climate and specific needs. As we apply these insights and watch our lawn flourish, we are reminded that the essence of a vibrant outdoor space extends beyond the green of the grass; it lies in the strength of community ties and the shared joy of beauty.

As we wrap up this chapter of “Whispers of Green: Finding Harmony in Lawn Care and Community,” we look forward to the continued growth of both our lawn and our relationships within the neighborhood. Laurie and Mary’s example has taught us that with dedication, knowledge, and the support of those around us, we can achieve a lush, healthy lawn that is a source of pride and a symbol of community spirit. Let their story inspire us all to reach out, share our knowledge, and build a community that grows together, both in spirit and in the greenery that surrounds our homes.