Every lawn looks great in April/May but keeping it looking good in the summer can be a challenge. A slow-
release granular fertilizer containing a preventative systemic insecticide is recommended for grub
prevention while aiding lawn growth. Applying a fertilizer combined with preventative insecticide is vital
for preventing pests later. However the timing of this application is essential. Apply from June 15th
through August 1st to achieve the best results. 
If opting not to apply a grub preventor, straight summer fertilization is still recommended. Fertilizer is
important during the heat and stress of the summer to help maintain the lawn's color and vigor. Our
summer straight fertilizer recommendation for reduced lawn burn and increased green color is Organic 5-
5-0 MinneGrow Biosolid which is low in nitrogen and high in iron.
To maintain a healthy, dense, green, actively growing turf, it is essential to water a lawn during dry
periods. While most people think a lack of water will damage the lawn, overwatering may cause more
damage. Water only as needed when the lawn first shows signs of stress. (These include a bluish-gray
color of the grass and/or depressed footprints that remain visible after walking across the lawn.) If you
do not regularly irrigate your turf, apply 1/2 inch of water every 3 to 4 weeks after the lawn has gone
dormant (turned brown) to prevent significant thinning of the lawn. Once rains return, the lawn will slowly
regain its green color. You can also use products like Hydretain to help reduce watering efforts by up to
50%.
Peak crabgrass germination season is around July 1 depending on weather in the Upper Midwest Region.
While our recommendation is to treat these 14 - 16 weeks earlier with pre-emergent, there are other
products you can apply to treat and contain the spread of crabgrass intrusion.