Spring Awakening (March – May)

As the last of the snow melts, your lawn wakes up from its winter slumber, hungry and ready for growth. Spring is the crucial period for setting the foundation for a healthy year ahead.

• Rake and Clean: Start by gently raking away leaves, twigs, and any other debris. This initial cleanup prevents thatch buildup and allows vital sunlight and air to reach the soil.
• Early Weed Prevention: Spring is the ideal time to apply pre-emergent treatments. This proactive step stops weeds like crabgrass before they can even germinate, which is a core part of our Barefoot Lawn Care Program.
• Sprinkler System Startup: Before the summer heat arrives, it’s essential to get your irrigation system ready. Turn on your sprinklers and check for leaks, broken heads, or poor coverage. For a professional tune-up, consider our expert sprinkler services in Boise to guarantee efficiency.
• Core Aeration: The soil in the Treasure Valley can be quite alkaline and dense, making it prone to compaction. An annual lawn aeration service is vital. Aerating in the spring helps your lawn recover from winter and preps it for summer stress by allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone.

Summer Vigor (June – August)

Meridian’s summer brings intense sun and heat, which can be tough on your turf. The focus now shifts to smart maintenance to keep your lawn healthy and stress-free.

• Water Deeply, Not Daily: Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant. The best time to water is early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
• Adjust Mowing Height: Raise your mower blades to 3-3.5 inches. Taller grass provides more shade for the soil, helping it retain moisture and naturally choke out weeds.
• Watch for Grubs & Pests: Summer is peak season for lawn-damaging insects. Brown patches that pull up easily like a carpet are a tell-tale sign of grubs feeding on the roots. Our targeted grub control service can eliminate these pests before they cause widespread damage. We also offer comprehensive, eco-friendly pest control for other common issues.

Autumn Preparation (September – November)

Fall is arguably the most important season for lawn care in Idaho. It’s the time for recovery from summer stress and preparation for the harsh winter ahead.

• Fall Aeration: If you only aerate once a year, fall is often considered the best time. The soil is still warm, allowing grass roots to recover and strengthen before winter dormancy.
• Fertilize for Winter: Apply a winterizer fertilizer. This specialized formula is lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium, which promotes strong root development and helps the lawn store nutrients to survive the winter and green up faster in the spring.
• Keep Mowing and Raking: Continue to mow your lawn as long as it’s growing. A final, slightly shorter cut can help prevent snow mold. Keep leaves raked up to prevent them from smothering the grass.
• Sprinkler Blowout: Before the first hard freeze (typically late October to early November in our area), it is absolutely essential to winterize your irrigation system. A professional sprinkler blowout removes all water from the lines, preventing pipes from freezing, expanding, and cracking.

Winter Care (December – February)

While your lawn is dormant, a little care goes a long way. Winter is a time for protection and planning.

• Minimize Traffic: Try to avoid walking on the frozen grass. Foot traffic can damage the dormant crowns of the grass plants, leading to patchy spots in the spring.
• Tree & Shrub Health: Winter is an opportunity to focus on your other landscape assets. Our Boise tree services include dormant oil applications that help control overwintering insects and diseases, ensuring your trees are healthy for the new year.
• Plan for Next Year: Winter is the perfect time to assess your lawn care strategy with a professional and get on the schedule for the upcoming season, ensuring you get the services you need at the optimal time.

How often should I water my lawn during a Meridian summer?

It’s better to water deeply 2-3 times per week than shallowly every day. Aim for a total of 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, including rainfall. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal growth.

When is the best time to aerate my lawn in Idaho?

For the cool-season grasses common in the Treasure Valley (like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue), both spring and fall are good times. However, many experts prefer the fall (September to early October) as it helps the lawn recover from summer stress and build strong roots for winter without encouraging spring weed germination.

What are the signs of grub damage?

The most common signs of grubs are irregular brown patches of dead grass that appear in late summer or early fall. The turf may feel spongy and will lift easily from the soil, like a carpet, because the grubs have eaten the roots.

Do you use products that are safe for pets and children?

Yes, we prioritize the health and safety of your family. Barefoot Lawns is committed to using eco-friendly and family-safe products whenever possible. We always advise on proper precautions, such as waiting for liquid applications to dry before letting pets and kids on the lawn.