Lawn FAQ
Monthly Lawn Care Schedule
January
Week 1: Sharpen mower blades and service equipment. Ensure that your mower blades are clean, sharp, and ready for spring. Change the oil, replace spark plugs if needed, and check air filters. This preventative maintenance helps avoid issues once mowing begins.
Week 2: Check soil for compaction; plan aeration if needed. Walk across your lawn—if the soil feels hard or water pools on the surface, you may need to schedule aeration in the spring to improve root growth.
Week 3: Clean up fallen branches and debris. Winter storms can scatter sticks, leaves, and debris across your yard. Clearing these prevents damage to grass and makes spring cleanup easier.
Week 4: Plan fertilization and seeding schedule for the year. Research the right type of fertilizer for your grass variety and create a timeline for when to fertilize, overseed, and apply weed control.
February
Week 1: Apply pre-emergent herbicide if climate allows. Pre-emergents prevent crabgrass and other weeds from germinating—apply before soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F.
Week 2: Inspect irrigation system. Check for broken sprinkler heads, leaks, or clogs to ensure water will be distributed evenly once the growing season begins.
Week 3: Rake leaves and winter debris. Even small amounts of debris can block sunlight and air circulation, leading to fungal diseases in early spring.
Week 4: Edge and trim lawn borders. Clean up sidewalks, driveways, and garden edges to prepare for spring growth.
March
Week 1: Aerate lawn if soil is compacted. Use a core aerator to pull plugs from the soil, improving oxygen, water, and nutrient penetration to the root zone.
Week 2: Apply spring fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer to give grass the nutrients it needs to wake up from dormancy and promote lush growth.
Week 3: Begin mowing as grass starts growing. Mow only the top third of the grass height to reduce stress and encourage stronger root systems.
Week 4: Overseed thin areas. Spread grass seed in bare or patchy spots, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact for better germination.
April
Week 1: Weed control applications. Apply post-emergent herbicide to control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions before they spread.
Week 2: Mow weekly as needed. Maintain a consistent mowing schedule to keep grass healthy—never remove more than one-third of blade length.
Week 3: Check soil moisture and irrigate if needed. Lawns generally need about 1 inch of water per week to thrive in spring.
Week 4: Dethatch if lawn is spongy. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots—too much prevents water and nutrients from reaching the soil.
May
Week 1: Apply grub control if necessary. Look for signs of grubs—brown patches and spongy soil. Apply treatment before grubs mature.
Week 2: Maintain mowing schedule. Grass grows rapidly this month, so mowing once or twice a week may be needed.
Week 3: Fertilize for summer growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer to keep grass strong during upcoming heat and stress.
Week 4: Pull or treat weeds. Remove weeds by hand or apply selective herbicides to maintain a healthy lawn.
June
Week 1: Raise mower blade to prevent heat stress. Keeping grass slightly taller helps shade roots and retain soil moisture.
Week 2: Water deeply once or twice per week. Instead of frequent shallow watering, water thoroughly to encourage deep root systems.
Week 3: Check for pests and treat as needed. Look for signs of chinch bugs, armyworms, or fungal patches that appear in hot, humid weather.
Week 4: Trim lawn edges and borders. A clean edge makes your lawn look neat and helps prevent encroachment into walkways and garden beds.
July
Week 1: Continue deep watering schedule. Adjust based on rainfall, ensuring soil stays moist 6–8 inches deep.
Week 2: Spot-treat weeds. Use targeted herbicides or hand-pulling to prevent weed spread during peak growth season.
Week 3: Sharpen mower blades again if needed. Dull blades tear grass, leading to brown tips and stress—sharpen mid-season.
Week 4: Check for lawn diseases. Look for discolored patches, mushrooms, or mold that may indicate fungal diseases like brown patch.
August
Week 1: Maintain watering schedule. Ensure consistency to prevent drought stress, especially during heat waves.
Week 2: Fertilize lightly if needed. Avoid heavy applications—opt for a balanced, slow-release formula to prevent burning.
Week 3: Control weeds. Target persistent weeds like crabgrass before they spread seeds.
Week 4: Inspect for grubs and insects. Dig small sections of turf—finding more than 5 grubs per square foot indicates treatment is needed.
September
Week 1: Aerate lawn and overseed. Fall is the best time for overseeding cool-season grasses—pair with aeration for better seed contact.
Week 2: Fertilize for fall growth. Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer to help grass recover from summer stress and store energy for winter.
Week 3: Mow weekly as grass regrows. Cooler temperatures stimulate new growth—keep mowing consistently.
Week 4: Check irrigation system before winter. Ensure sprinklers are working properly and plan winterization if needed.
October
Week 1: Apply fall fertilizer. This strengthens roots and ensures a healthy start for next spring.
Week 2: Rake leaves regularly. A thick layer of leaves can smother grass and promote mold growth.
Week 3: Mow until growth slows. Don’t stop mowing too early—continue until grass stops actively growing.
Week 4: Prepare for winter seeding if needed. Overseed thin areas before frost sets in.
November
Week 1: Final mow of the season. Lower your mower blade slightly to reduce snow mold risk.
Week 2: Clean up leaves and debris. Keep lawn clear to prevent suffocation and disease during winter.
Week 3: Winterize irrigation system. Drain and blow out sprinklers to avoid freeze damage.
Week 4: Service and store lawn equipment. Clean tools, sharpen blades, and store equipment in a dry place.
December
Week 1: Rake remaining leaves. Ensure no leaf piles remain, as they can smother grass.
Week 2: Spread compost or mulch over thin areas. This insulates soil, adds nutrients, and prepares lawn for spring growth.
Week 3: Inspect trees/shrubs for winter damage. Prune broken branches to prevent further stress.
Week 4: Plan improvements for next year. Consider adding flower beds, improving soil health, or reseeding in spring.
General
Wait for the Right Time
– Lawn should be mostly dry to avoid compaction.
– Begin when daytime temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
Start with a General Rake
– Use a leaf or bamboo rake.
– Remove leaves, twigs, pine needles, acorns, and small branches.
– Rake gently with the grain of the grass.
Remove Thatch (if light buildup)
– Thin layers (under ½ inch) are fine.
– Rake lightly to lift any loose material.
Pick Up Pet Waste
– Clear all pet droppings to avoid dead spots and bacteria.
Inspect the Lawn
– Look for snow mold, soggy spots, or compacted soil.
Check Edges and Walkways
– Remove debris from borders, sidewalks, and beds.
Recommended Tools
– Leaf rake, yard bags, gloves, pruners, tarp.
What to Avoid
– Don’t rake aggressively or use power tools on wet ground.
– Avoid walking on frozen or soaked areas.
Who are you?
Do you offer different lawn care programs?
Yes! We offer four main programs:
Premium – 5 applications per season, full weed & insect protection.
Standard – 4 applications per season, best value option.
Fertilizer Only – Custom-blended fertilizer, no pesticides.
Natural Organic – Certified organic fertilizer, pesticide-free.
👉 You can also add individual services to fit your lawn’s unique needs.
Do you only service lawns?
Not at all! In addition to lawn care, we also provide:
- Tree & shrub care
- Sprinkler system startup & winterization
- Exterior pest control
- Vegetation management
What areas do you service?
We proudly serve Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, and Helena.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on your yard size, program type, and services selected. 💲 For a free, no-obligation quote, call us at (406) 452-5158 or request a quote at selstadslawnranger.com
How do I schedule service?
Easy! Just give us a call at (406) 452-5158 or request service online. We’ll help you pick the right program and set up your service schedule.
Are your treatments safe?
Yes ✅ — we offer both traditional and organic programs, and we always apply treatments safely and responsibly to protect your family, pets, and the environment.
Why choose Selstad’s LawnRanger?
🌾 Montana family-owned since 1984
🚛 16 employees • 13 trucks • 90,000 clients served annually
🌱 Programs tailored to Montana’s climate
💚 Friendly, reliable service — “Instant Grassification” guaranteed!
