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May Lawn Care Guide: From Feeding to Fighting Weeds

Posted on by admin
06
May

Expert Advice from Donaldson’s Greenhouse & Nursery in Hackettstown, NJ

May is prime time for lawn care in New Jersey. As temperatures rise and lawns come out of dormancy, this is your moment to take action—feeding, treating, and preparing your grass for the heat of summer. At Donaldson’s Greenhouse & Nursery, we’re passionate about helping you create a healthy, beautiful lawn that enhances your home and brings joy all season long.

Whether you’re dealing with bare spots, persistent weeds, or just want to boost your lawn’s color and thickness, our May lawn care tips are here to help.

1. Feed Your Lawn the Right Way

Spring feeding gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to grow thick and green. But timing and product choice matter.

  • When to fertilize: Early to mid-May is ideal for applying a slow-release fertilizer in our Hackettstown area. Look for a formula with a balanced nitrogen content to support healthy growth without forcing excessive top growth.

  • What to use: We recommend [insert preferred brand Donaldson’s carries, e.g., Espoma Organic Lawn Food or Jonathan Green Green-Up]. These are safe, effective, and formulated for Northeast lawns.

  • Pro tip: Water your lawn after feeding if rain isn’t in the forecast to help nutrients soak in.

2. Target Weeds Before They Spread

Nothing spoils a lawn faster than an invasion of dandelions, crabgrass, or clover. May is the perfect time to treat these troublemakers before they take over.

  • Pre-emergent weed control: If you haven’t already applied a pre-emergent in April, it’s not too late in early May. These products stop weed seeds from germinating—especially crabgrass, a common problem in our region.

  • Post-emergent options: Spot-treat visible weeds with a selective herbicide that won’t harm your grass. We can help you choose the safest, most effective products based on what’s popping up in your yard.

  • Organic solutions available: Prefer to go green? Ask us about vinegar-based or iron-based organic weed control products.

3. Mow Smart

Your mowing habits have a big impact on lawn health:

  • Height matters: Keep blades set high—around 3 to 3.5 inches—to encourage deep roots and shade out weeds.

  • Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at once, even if your lawn is growing fast.

  • Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass, which invites disease.

4. Repair Thin or Bare Spots

If winter left you with patchy areas, May is a great time to reseed.

  • Choose a grass seed blend suited for sun or shade—we carry regionally adapted mixes that thrive in the Hackettstown climate.

  • Loosen the soil, spread seed, and water consistently. Covering the area with straw or seed mulch can help retain moisture and improve germination.

  • Fertilize lightly to give new grass a boost.

5. Water Wisely

Spring rains help, but your lawn still needs consistent moisture, especially after fertilizing or seeding.

  • Aim for 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

  • Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and lower disease risk.

  • Avoid daily light watering—deep, less frequent watering encourages stronger roots.

Need Help? Stop by Donaldson’s!

Every lawn is different. Soil type, sun exposure, foot traffic, and previous care all play a role. That’s why we’re here—our lawn care experts can help you find the right products and timing for your specific situation.

Visit us in Hackettstown this May to get what you need—from fertilizers and grass seed to weed control, soil testing kits, and expert advice. Let’s grow greener together!

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