Lawn Care

• Can I aerate before I seed?

  Yes, aerating prior to seeding is beneficial, as it helps to relieve soil compaction. Grass roots struggle to grow in dense hard soil, so aerating or applying Love Your Soil will greatly improve your lawn’s ability to establish.   We recommend aerating in the fall if you are only doing it once per year, as aeration...

• Can I plant grass seed over a French drain?

  Homeowner states: I will be installing a French drain; more precisely, an NDS pre-fabricated drainage pipe that mimics the functionality of the traditional assembly. Because I aim to reduce/remove surface water, I need to position the drainage tubing as close to the surface of the prevailing grade as possible. Basically, I will be digging a...

• Can I use a Scott’s spreader for Jonathan Green products?

  You can use any spreader with Jonathan Green products. While our products tend to have a difficult time flowing through Scotts drop spreaders, our products work fine when used with Scotts rotary spreaders. For the best results, we recommend using Jonathan Green Lawn Spreaders. Use our Spreader Settings Guide to help you find the appropriate...

• Can I use your products in my garden?

  Yes! Mag-I-Cal® for Lawns in Acidic Soil and Love Your Soil are both great to use in the garden. Please click on the links above for directions. 

• How do I overseed a thin area in my lawn?

  1. Assess the Area  Prior to overseeding, look closely to ensure there are no underlying issues causing the thinning, such as grubs, or lawn fungus. If so, it’s best to treat these problems first before applying new seed. If there are no signs of insects or disease, proceed to step 2.    2. Mow the...

• How do I remove leaves from a newly seeded lawn?

  To remove leaves from a newly seeded lawn, it’s best to use a leaf blower to avoid walking on the ground which might leave footprints and disturb the seedbed. If you don’t have a leaf blower, use a rake to pick up the leaves by carefully gliding the rake head over the surface of the...

• How do I use a spreader?

  A spreader is a great tool to use for planting grass seed or feeding your lawn! To ensure you use it properly, carefully follow these instructions:    1. Identify Your Spreader  There are two types of spreaders: drop spreaders and rotary spreaders. Drop spreaders are most commonly used on smaller lawns and areas where you want...

• How long should I water my lawn?

  Lawns on average need about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. Water your lawn early in the morning, two to three times a week for 15 – 20 minutes per zone. This will give you about an inch of water per week. Increase your schedule to 30 minutes per zone per week during...

• How long until my grass germinates?

  For newly planted grass seed, germination times can vary depending on the type of grass seed you have. Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed mixtures are primarily made up of tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Since our grass seed varieties often are made up of multiple types of cool-season seed, you are likely...

• How often should I mow my lawn?

  Your lawn needs to be mowed regularly during the growing season. This mowing helps to encourage healthy growth giving your lawn that spring green look. After you have raked your lawn and cleared winter debris, the first mowing of the season can be lower than usual to stimulate early shoot growth. During the growing season...

• How often should I water my lawn?

  Lawns need on average 1 – 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. The following schedule can be used as a guide, however, feel free to adjust this according to the amount of rain your lawn receives: Spring and Fall Water your lawn 2 – 3 times a week, 15 – 20 minutes per...

• How to determine your spreader setting?

  Find Your Spread Setting: Check out our easy Spreader Settings Guide to help determine the correct setting for your product and spreader. Once in the guide find the specific product you’re looking to apply to your lawn. Click the link and scroll down to the Spreader Settings section of the drop down. Here you will...

• How to protect my lawn in the winter?

  Here are some tips for winter lawn care: The final fall mowing should be 2 inches in height to help avoid snow mold damage. Beware of excessive salt deposited on your lawn from snow plows as any buildup of salt may cause damage to your grass. Remove leaves and other debris in late fall before...

• How to water a newly seeded lawn? 

  Newly seeded lawns require devoted time and attention. The goal is to keep the top inch of soil moist, but not soaked while your grass germinates.  After spreading the seed, you should water daily, 2 – 3 times per day to ensure the seeds and sproutlings stay moist. It is imperative to prevent the seeds...

• Is my grass dormant or dead?

  Most types of grass can survive extended periods of drought, and although they may look dead, they’re often only dormant. To determine if a lawn is dormant or dead, inspect it down at the soil level. Lawns that have gone dormant will have brown leaves, but the crown at the base of the leaves will...

• Last mow of the season

  Aim to have the last cut of the season be 2 inches in height. This will help the lawn survive the stress of winter. 

• Should I bag my grass clipping or mulch them in?

  Benefits of grass clippings Clippings contain mostly moisture and nutrients. By recycling your clippings you can reduce watering and fertilizer needs. If you mow regularly you do not have to remove clippings. Investing in a mulching mower would be a good idea. As long as excessive amounts of clipping are not left clumped on the...

• Should I water it in?

  Each product has different instructions. Please see the directions section of the specific product page for watering in instructions. 

• What is a spreader setting?

    A spreader setting is the rate in which you apply product to your lawn. Each Jonathan Green product has recommended rates of application and coverage based on bag size. The application rate is defined as the amount of material applied per unit area of land. For grass seed and fertilizer, it is usually expressed...

• What is the ideal height to cut the grass?

  Keep the mowing height at 3 inches except for the last cut of the season in fall which should be 2 inches in height.  This is very important for your lawn during the winter months. The shorter mowing height helps the grass plant roots survive winter stress.

• When can I mow my newly planted grass?

  Before firing up your mower after planting grass seed, wait until the grass grows in and reaches a height of approximately three inches. This is important to avoid damaging your new grass or interfering with its growth cycle.  Always remember to only mow when your lawn is dry. Never mow a wet or frosted lawn...

• When is the best time to water the lawn?

  The earlier in the day, the better! The best time to water your lawn is in the morning, between the hours of 5 am until 10 am. Watering in the heat of the day can cause the droplets to act as magnifying glasses, burning the grass blades. Mid-day watering can also cause water droplets to...