If your goal for 2025 is to finally win the prestigious “Best Lawn in the Neighborhood” award, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re starting fresh or just looking to level up your yard game, this easy-to-follow guide lays out exactly what you need to know to have a healthier, greener lawn this year. The best part? It’s easier than you think.

1. Test Your Soil Before Doing Anything Else

Before you toss down fertilizer or seed, take a step back and test your soil. Soil tests are affordable, and they reveal crucial information about pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. Many lawn issues trace back to imbalances in the soil that you can’t see but can fix once you know what you’re working with.

Pro tip: You can get a soil test kit at most garden centers, or send a sample to your local extension office for a detailed breakdown.

2. Choose the Right Grass for Your Region

Not all grass types thrive in every climate. Cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass grow well in northern states, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda or zoysia do best in the South.

If your lawn has shady areas, you might need a grass seed mix formulated for lower light. Choosing the right grass for your environment means less effort and better results.

3. Feed Your Lawn at the Right Time

Timing is everything. A well-timed fertilizer application can mean the difference between a patchy lawn and a carpet of green.

Here’s a general fertilizer schedule:

Early spring – Jumpstart growth with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Late spring – Strengthen roots and prep for summer heat.

Fall – Encourage deep root growth to carry your lawn through winter.

Stick to slow-release fertilizers when possible. They nourish the lawn gradually and are less likely to cause burning.

4. Mow Smarter, Not Shorter

A common mistake is mowing your lawn too short. Cutting grass too low stresses the plant, exposes the soil to the sun, and encourages weed growth.

Instead, follow the “one-third rule”: never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Keep your mower blades sharp, and switch up your mowing pattern to avoid creating ruts in the soil.

5. Water Wisely and Deeply

Your lawn doesn’t need daily watering. In fact, shallow, frequent watering does more harm than good.

Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and help prevent fungal growth.

Bonus tip: Use a rain gauge or empty tuna can to track how much water your lawn is getting.

6. Don’t Skip Aeration and Overseeding

Over time, soil becomes compacted and prevents oxygen, nutrients, and water from reaching the roots. Aeration (poking small holes into the soil) opens things up and gives your grass room to grow.

Pair aeration with overseeding to fill in bare spots and thicken your lawn. Fall is the best time for this combo, but early spring works too if you missed the fall window.

7. Stay Ahead of Weeds and Pests

It’s easier to prevent weeds than to deal with them later. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to stop crabgrass and other nuisances before they sprout.

Keep an eye out for signs of lawn pests like grubs or chinch bugs. Dead patches, increased bird activity, or spongy turf can be red flags.

The Best Outdoor Spaces Start at Bushelman Supply

A lush lawn is like a pristine canvas for the rest of your exterior and landscaping design. When you get the foundation right, everything else falls into place!

Bushelman Supply has been helping homeowners get the outdoor spaces of their dreams for generations. In addition to our vast inventory of pavers, stone, gravel, mulch, and more, we provide a level of personalized service that keeps our customers coming back. Get in touch with us by calling (513) 771-9121 or by visiting us at our Woodlawn location today.