Outdoor Lawn Care: Year-Round Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Lawn

Taking care of your outdoor space isn’t just about curb appeal; it is essential for keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant all year long. As the seasons change, so do your lawn’s needs, from dormant winter grass to the rapid growth of spring and summer. By following consistent, year-round outdoor lawn care practices, you can protect your turf, support the health of your trees and shrubs and enjoy a thriving outdoor living space in every season.

With TruGreen’s expert guidance, you can develop a customized lawn care plan that considers your yard, soil and local climate, ensuring your outdoor space looks its best all year. 

Tailored Lawn Care for Your Climate

Where you live has a big impact on outdoor lawn care. Weather and climate affect watering schedules, mowing frequency and the best times to plant trees, shrubs or grass. TruGreen specialists provide year-round plans customized to your region, soil and turf type, so your lawn receives the care it needs to thrive.

By working with a professional, you’ll receive guidance on:

• Optimized watering and mowing routines for your local climate.
• Region-specific fertilization strategies for sustained growth.
• Integrated pest and disease management.
• Seasonal adjustments to match changing temperatures and rainfall.

A tailored approach means your lawn gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it — without the guesswork. TruGreen specialists keep an eye on seasonal changes and adjust your care plan to address shifting weather, stress or emerging issues. This proactive attention helps prevent problems before they impact your lawn’s health or appearance. 

A healthy summer lawn for the next year begins with care in the fall. Fall treatments help your grass store essential nutrients and build stronger roots to survive winter dormancy. This season is also an important time to care for trees and shrubs, ensuring they’re well-prepared to withstand the colder months ahead.

TruGreen specialists can recommend:

• Late-season fertilization to strengthen roots before winter.
• Core aeration and overseeding to promote thicker spring growth.
• Soil enhancer treatment for pH balancing and improved nutrient uptake.
• Winter pest and disease protection for turf, trees and shrubs.

By preparing your lawn ahead of time, you’ll spend less time repairing damage and more time enjoying your yard during warmer months. 

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but they can smother your grass if left on the lawn. Rake leaves regularly, especially before rain or snow.

Instead of discarding leaves, consider:

• Shredding leaves for natural mulch.
• Using mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture.
• Applying leaf compost to improve soil fertility.

Proper leaf management protects grass, enriches the soil and reduces the amount of fertilization needed in spring, but fertilization is still required. 

Winter is the perfect time to tidy up your yard. Store furniture, toys and tools that aren’t in use to prevent mold, mildew and damage from heavy rain and snow. Clearing clutter also gives your lawn room to breathe and stay healthy during colder months.

TruGreen specialists recommend inspecting and maintaining outdoor equipment, such as sprinklers and hoses, to ensure everything is ready when the growing season returns. Make sure your water spigot is turned off to prevent leaks, and sprinklers should be blown out to prevent lines from freezing and cracking. 

Some trees, shrubs and flowers are more vulnerable to cold. Covering sensitive plants with blankets or netting can help them survive unexpected freezes. An anti-desiccation spray can be applied to help certain broadleaf evergreens prone to winter burn.

TruGreen’s TruShrub tree and shrub care includes:

• Tree and shrub evaluation
• Foliage and bark protection
• Nutrients for strong roots
• Protective oil treatments
• Broadleaf evergreen anti-desiccant application

With proper protection, your plants are more likely to survive winter and flourish in spring. 

Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, which can accumulate in bird baths, dog dishes, gutters or plant leaves. Removing excess water and addressing potential hot spots is critical.

TruDefenseSM Mosquito Control provides:

• Professional treatment of mosquito breeding areas.
• Preventative solutions to lower population growth.
• Peace of mind while enjoying your outdoor living space. 

Spending time in your yard is an excellent opportunity to catch small issues before they become big problems. When checking your lawn, look for:

• Thinning grass or bare patches that may indicate soil or nutrient issues.
• Discoloration or yellowing that could signal disease or over/under-watering.
• Weeds or invasive plants appearing in new areas.
• Pest activity, such as grubs, insects or signs of animals digging.
• Soil moisture levels to ensure proper irrigation.
• Sprinkler coverage to confirm even watering across your lawn.
• Trees and shrubs showing broken branches, disease or stress.

While these observations help you catch early warning signs, TruGreen specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment options. Their trained eyes can spot subtle issues and recommend solutions like fertilization, aeration or pest control. 

Healthy soil is the foundation of a strong lawn. Compacted soil reduces root growth and limits nutrient absorption. TruGreen specialists can perform aeration and overseeding to:

• Improve soil structure and oxygen flow.
• Enhance water penetration.
• Promote stronger root systems.

Regular aeration and soil management keep your lawn resilient to drought, disease and seasonal stress.

Note: TruGreen only overseeds cool-season grass lawns.

Weeds and pests can quickly take over your lawn if not managed properly. TruGreen’s year-round care plans include:

• Preemergent crabgrass control
• Targeted weed control
• Grub prevention and treatment
• Ongoing monitoring for signs of pest activity

Proactive treatments keep your lawn looking uniform and healthy while reducing the need for harsh chemical applications. 

Working with a TruGreen specialist is one of the easiest ways to keep your outdoor living space looking its best. We tailor care plans to your lawn’s unique needs, offering services like fertilization, weed control, grub prevention, aeration and overseeding.

When you partner with TruGreen, you get trusted, expert care and year-round guidance for your outdoor living space, with treatments covered under the TruGreen Guarantee◆. A TruGreen outdoor lawn care plan helps your yard stay vibrant, resilient and ready to thrive.

If you’re ready to enjoy a healthy, beautiful lawn all year long, contact TruGreen today to learn more.