Year-Round Lawn Care Tips for Westchester County

Lawn in front of a house in Westchester County with a calendar overlay on it

From snowy winters to humid summers, southeastern New York experiences a wide range of weather conditions that can take a toll on your lawn. This guide will provide you with practical year-round lawn care tips for Westchester County, New York.

From Yonkers to North Salem, these tips will help you attain a lush, healthy lawn. We’ll cover topics from optimal watering, mowing, and fertilizing times to identifying common lawn diseases and pests. This guide aims to help both new and seasoned homeowners cultivate and maintain thriving outdoor spaces throughout Westchester County.

Yearly Lawn Care Calendar for Westchester County

*Hover over or tap each icon to read the task.

Early Spring (March to April)

Spring lawn care in Westchester County involves preparing for the growing season, which includes yard cleanup and herbicide application once the snow melts, among a few other chores. Adhering to these steps ensures a productive lawn growth season.

Pro tip: Buy lawn care supplies like fertilizer and herbicides in March. It’s too cold to use them, but early purchases prepare you for spring and can be cheaper due to lower demand.

Prevent Snow Mold

Snow mold in grass
Photo Credit: noricum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

March often brings snowfall to Westchester County. While snow can insulate plants, uneven distribution, like shoveling driveway snow onto your lawn, can be detrimental. This could disrupt the lawn’s hibernation or encourage diseases like snow mold due to excess moisture. Spread the snow evenly on your lawn with a rake or shovel to prevent issues like snow mold.

Prepare Lawn Care Tools

Ensure your equipment is in good shape. Regular DIY lawn mower maintenance and tool care can save you time and money later. This includes sharpening your mower blades, replacing the air filter, and stringing your trimmer in preparation for the growing season.

  • Clean the mower: Clear the mower deck and blades of any debris and grass clippings. Look for evidence of rust or damage on the underside of your lawn mower.
  • Sharpen the blades: Dull blades can shred the grass and cause damage to the lawn. Ensure clean cuts by sharpening your mower blades.
  • Check the oil. Check the amount of oil in your mower. Change the oil in your mower if it’s dirty.
  • Inspect the air filter: A filthy filter can impair your mower’s performance. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.
  • Check the tires: Ensure your mower’s tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
  • Clean spark plugs: Generally speaking, you should clean or change spark plugs on a lawn mower once a season.
  • Empty and refill gas: Old fuel can clog the carburetor and make starting difficult. If your lawn mower has been left sitting with leftover gas from the previous season, drain the gas from your mower and replace it with new fuel.
  • Charge the battery: For electric lawn mowers, charge the battery before using it. It is important to maintain and charge your lawn mower batteries regularly.
  • Check trimmer line: Inspect your trimmer. If needed, replace the string on your weed eater, and ensure the batteries are charged or the gas is topped off. 

Begin Spring Cleanup

Spring cleaning is essential as the growing season approaches. It encourages new growth and prevents diseases or pests from spreading beneath the debris. This process involves removing debris, such as dead leaves and fallen branches, left by New York’s harsh winters.

If you’d like to delegate the task to someone else, professional yard cleanup costs between $174 and $436, with an average cost of $318. Depending on the requirements and the size of the property, these costs change. Seasonal lawn care packages often include spring cleanup.

Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides

man spraying lawn with herbicides
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

For weed control in Westchester County, use a pre-emergent herbicide before the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees. After application, water the lawn thoroughly. Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier that prevents common New York weeds, such as crabgrass, from sprouting. This step is crucial for maintaining a weed-free lawn and promoting healthy plant growth.

Mid-Spring (April to May)

As spring arrives in Westchester County, lawn care becomes a priority. Mid-spring activities include preventing lawn disease, performing the first spring mow to foster healthy growth, and topdressing your lawn.

This is also a good time to add some New York native plants to your landscape, such as wild bergamot, buttonbush, or a beautiful red maple tree, to enhance the look of your yard.

Check for Lawn Diseases

In New York, mid-spring is the ideal time to check your lawn for disease symptoms. Fungi that bring diseases to lawns can thrive in the chilly, humid conditions of spring. The wet conditions that fungi prefer are enhanced by the melting snow.

If they are not identified and treated promptly, diseases like snow mold, dollar spot, and brown patch can destroy large sections of your lawn. Proactively monitoring the health and appearance of your lawn can help you avoid major damage and preserve its general condition.

Inspect Your Sprinkler System

man working on Underground Sprinkler System to Water the Yard
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Regularly inspect your sprinkler system to prevent issues before they arise. The main purpose of a sprinkler system audit is to reduce waste and ensure the grass gets the right amount of water for growth. Typically, lawns require 1 to 1 1/2  inches of water each week. If there’s substantial rainfall in a week, you may not need to water at all.

The cost of repairing a sprinkler system can vary greatly, depending on the type of system and the extent of work required. Large repairs may cost up to $850, whereas minor fixes may cost around $70. The price of parts also differs, with connectors being the least expensive, ranging from $1 to $9 each. Labor costs typically range from $60 to $115 per hour.

First Mow of Spring

One third rule illustration
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez

Start mowing when temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure you mow the right way by following the 1/3 rule. Avoid scalping by not cutting more than a third of the grass blade each time. Alternate your mowing direction to prevent the grass from leaning. Inspect for bare or uneven spots and overseed in May if required.

Pro tip: Bag the first mow of the season. While grasscycling is a great way to mulch your lawn clippings, bagging the first time you mow will help discourage lawn diseases.

Grass TypeRecommended Mowing Height
Kentucky bluegrass2.5 to 3.5 inches
Tall fescue2 inches
Fine fescue2.5 to 4 inches
Perennial ryegrass1.5 to 2.5 inches
Creeping bentgrass0.5 inches or less

Lawn mowing is a popular service offered by landscaping companies. This not only promotes fresh grass growth but also inhibits weeds. The cost of lawn mowing services can range from $36 to $105 per visit, depending on the yard size and terrain. Many local White Plains lawn care pros offer lawn mowing packages with additional services or discounts for returning customers.

Topdress Your Lawn

topdressing lawn process by adding thin layer
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Topdressing a lawn with compost or other organic matter helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, enhance soil structure, and promote root growth. It’s suggested to do this annually for a healthy and attractive lawn.

The benefits of topdressing a lawn include:

  • Improved soil health: Topdressing nourishes your lawn with nutrients and introduces beneficial microorganisms.
  • A more level lawn: Topdressing can help level your yard. Your yard can develop bumps and depressions from drainage issues or wear and tear.
  • Increased drought resistance: Topdressing your lawn can make it more drought-resistant by improving the soil’s structure and adding healthy organic matter.

Summer (June to August)

The hot summer months can be tough on lawns. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than a little bit every day, to encourage deep root growth. Regularly mow your lawn, but avoid cutting the grass too short as it can stress it out. Also, be sure to watch out for signs of pests or common lawn diseases and treat them promptly.

Ensure Proper Irrigation

Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently is crucial during New York’s hot summer months. This approach encourages deeper root growth and helps your lawn withstand drought conditions. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. During particularly hot and dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. 

Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to disease and fungus growth. How long you water your lawn in the summer can significantly impact its health. Cool-season grasses require more water during the hot summer months. Aim to provide your lawn with 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

Regular Mowing Schedule

person mowing a lawn
Photo Credit: Pexels

Regular mowing encourages denser growth, increasing the lawn’s resistance to pests and diseases and improving its aesthetic appeal. For a healthy lawn in Westchester County, cool-season grasses should ideally be mowed once a week during the summer. The best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

To reduce stress on the grass, particularly in hot weather, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. You can shade the soil, decrease evaporation, and create a cooler environment for the roots by setting your mowing height to 1 inch higher than your grass’s recommended height.

Monitor Your Lawn’s Health

The high summer temperatures in Westchester County make lawn maintenance a vital task. Through regular watering, mowing, and disease monitoring, you can keep your lawn healthy and prevent problems like brown patches, weed infestations, and turf damage.

  • Regular inspection: Walk around your lawn to check for signs of stress, such as brown spots or bare patches. (For help, check out our article Why Does My Lawn Have Brown Spots?)
  • Pest and disease check: Keep an eye out for pests like chinch bugs or grubs. Also, look for signs of diseases like discoloration, withering grass leaves, and mushrooms. (Check out What Are Chinch Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them if you suspect chinch bugs. If you suspect grubs, see our article on Lawn Grubs: How and When to Kill Them.)
  • Soil moisture: Check the soil’s moisture regularly to ensure your lawn gets enough water. You can use a screwdriver for this. If it goes in easily, your lawn is adequately watered, and you don’t have compacted soil.
  • Weed control: If weeds appear in your lawn despite using pre-emergent herbicides in the spring, consider applying post-emergent herbicides.

Early Fall (September to October)

Fall is an ideal time to clear debris and prep your lawn for the coming winter. Your fall lawn care checklist should include aerating your lawn, testing the soil, and applying a fall fertilizer to renew nutrients. Also, overseed any bare spots and dethatch, if necessary. Maintain your regular mowing and watering schedule.

Clear Debris

Rake with fallen leaves in autumn
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Clear leaves and debris from your lawn before the first snowfall to prevent diseases and pests. Layers of leaves block sunlight, trap moisture, and promote disease and insect issues, leaving you with bare, soggy patches of dead grass in spring. 

Regularly rake up or mulch fallen leaves with one of the best mulching lawn mowers. The mulched leaves can be used as a natural fertilizer to enrich your lawn’s soil.

Aerate Your Lawn

Core aeration creates holes in the soil, allowing nutrients, water, and air to reach the grass roots. Aerating a lawn promotes deeper growth and a healthier turfgrass. It’s especially helpful because rain, mowing, and high-traffic yards can compact the soil and prevent it from absorbing nutrients, resulting in thin or weak grass.

The average cost of lawn aeration in an average-sized yard ranges from $78 to $238, with a median cost of around $144. The cost primarily depends on three factors: location, type of aeration, and yard size. Aeration costs for homes can vary widely, from $42 for small yards to $636 for large yards.

Check for Thatch

Check your lawn for thatch buildup, which is a layer of grass, roots, and debris between the soil surface and the green grass blades. If it’s more than half an inch thick, it’s essential to dethatch your lawn, as it can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the grass roots. Cool-season grasses should be dethatched from late summer to early fall.

The price to dethatch your lawn will vary depending on the method used. If a lawn care expert is hired, the average cost of dethatching is $175 per hour.

Overseed

overseeding over the lawn
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

One essential step in keeping a lush, healthy lawn is overseeding. To improve the general density and color of your existing lawn, as well as to cover any barren areas, scatter grass seeds over it. Overseeding your lawn once a year can both prevent spots from forming and promote new growth. The best time to overseed cool-season grass is in the early fall, at least 45 days before the first frost.

In New York State, the cost of overseeding a lawn can vary significantly depending on several factors. Typically, the total cost ranges from $490 to $1,250. The primary factor influencing the cost is the total square footage of your lawn, as larger areas require more seeds and more labor.

Test the Soil

Fall is the best time to test your soil if you have cool-season grass. After the stress of summer, the soil has used up its nutrients, making it the perfect time to assess nutrient and pH needs. While fertilizers can help, avoid excessive use as they can cause fertilizer burn, hindering lawn growth. Apply amendments based on the soil test recommendations. 

For residents, you can find soil testing facilities near you on the Westchester County website.

Grass TypePreferred Soil pH
Fine fescue6.0 – 6.5
Kentucky bluegrass6.0 – 7.5
Perennial ryegrass6.0 – 7.0
Tall fescue5.5 – 6.5
Creeping bentgrass5.5 – 6.5

Fall Fertilizer

Hand in glove holding nitrogen fertilizer
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

In New York State, where the winters can be harsh, it is crucial to apply soil amendments or fertilizer in the fall to maintain your lawn’s health and vitality. When you fertilize your lawn, the nutrients from the amendments nourish the grass roots throughout winter, promoting stronger growth in the spring.

Based on the results of your soil test, choose the right lawn fertilizer or soil amendment to meet your lawn’s specific nutrient needs. Look for a product with a high amount of potassium, as it strengthens the grass and helps winterize your lawn.

Late Fall (October to November)

As late fall approaches in Westchester County, it’s crucial to prepare your sprinkler system for winter and properly store your tools after your last mow of the season. By doing this, you can protect your landscape and ensure a smooth start to your lawn care operations in the spring.

Winterize Sprinkler System

Winterizing your sprinkler system is crucial to prevent damage during the icy, cold months. Typically, this procedure involves draining the system to eliminate any water. If not done, the remaining water may freeze and damage the components, leading to expensive repairs. Hence, it is vital to winterize your sprinkler system.

The cost to winterize a sprinkler system in a large yard with multiple irrigation zones can go up to $275. However, if your system is straightforward, you might pay as little as $45. Many landscapers and plumbers charge a flat rate or include this cost in a service agreement for lawn maintenance or sprinkler systems.  For DIY winterizing, you can rent an air compressor for $32 to $55 per day.

Prep and Store Tools

Adding fuel stabilizer
Adding fuel stabilizer.
Photo Credit: Derek Lacey

Properly storing your lawn care tools and winterizing your lawn mower and string trimmer is crucial to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. This process involves cleaning, prepping, and properly storing these tools during the winter months when they are not in use.

Here’s how to winterize your lawn care tools:

  • Clean your tools: Before storing, thoroughly clean your tools to remove dirt, grass clippings, and other debris. This prevents rust and keeps your tools in good condition. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and a brush to remove debris from any crevices.
  • Empty the fuel: Over time, the fuel can degrade and cause damage to the engine. Therefore, it’s recommended to run the engine until the fuel tank is empty, drain the gas, or use a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the tools with fuel in them.
  • Put away batteries: Remove and store the lawn mower battery in a cool, dry place during winter. To maintain your lawn mower battery, store it indoors at temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees F and keep it at slightly less than half-full charge.
  • Store properly: Store your tools in a dry, covered location to protect them from the elements. Avoid places with high humidity, which can lead to rust. If possible, store mowers and trimmers off the floor to prevent moisture damage.

Pro tip: Mice can chew on wires and fuel hoses, destroying your lawn mower. Eliminate conditions that attract rodents and place rodent traps or bait stations close to your mower in the winter to help keep rodents from nesting in it.

Winter (December to February)

During winter, lawns become dormant due to reduced sunlight and cold temperatures. Despite this, winter lawn care remains essential. Cool-season grasses may be well suited for this cooler weather, but they require adequate maintenance to stay healthy. 

Limiting lawn activity, managing snow, and handling holiday decorations with care can help maintain your lawn’s health.

Minimize Traffic

During winter, lawns become more vulnerable as the grass enters dormancy. Therefore, it’s recommended to minimize foot traffic to avoid soil compaction and grass damage. This can lead to patches or weak growth in the spring. Reducing traffic on your lawn helps maintain its health throughout the winter.

Snow Management

Man in winter coat pushes an electric snowblower.
Photo Credit: Bill Morrow / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

During New York winters, snow can quickly pile up on your lawn. To prevent snow mold, spread out large piles. Avoid salt damage by using alternatives such as sand or kitty litter on icy patches. If you do use salt, avoid overuse and spread it away from the lawn. In the spring, flush out any accumulated salt in the soil with thorough watering.

The average cost for snow removal is $98, typically ranging from $51 to $143. More complex tasks like roof snow removal can cost up to $525 due to additional equipment and safety measures. However, simpler tasks like clearing a small driveway could cost as little as $32.

Take Care with Holiday Decorations

When decorating your lawn for the holidays, avoid placing decorations on stressed areas, use light decorations, remove them promptly after the holidays, minimize foot traffic, and continue regular lawn care. A well-prepared lawn can survive the weight of decorations and thrive in the spring.

  • Mind your Placement: Avoid placing decorations on areas of your lawn that are already stressed or damaged. Spread out your decorations to prevent any one area from getting too much pressure or weight.
  • Use light decorations:  Lighter decorations, like inflatables, are less likely to cause damage to your grass. Avoid heavy decorations, or place them on a solid base to distribute their weight more evenly.
  • Remove decorations promptly: Don’t leave your decorations out for too long after the holidays are over. The longer they stay on the grass, the more likely they are to cause damage.
  • Tread lightly: Be careful when installing and removing your decorations. Try to minimize foot traffic and avoid dragging anything across the grass. Use timers for lights and decor to reduce the need to trek across the lawn.

Best Grass Types

Identifying the type of grass in your lawn is crucial for proper care. In Westchester County, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues are common. If you’re planting a new lawn or overseeding a struggling one, choose the best grass seed for New York State’s climate for a good start to a lush lawn.

If you’re uncertain about your grass type, diagnostic services are available at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Elmsford.

Cool-season grasses that grow well here include:

  • Kentucky bluegrass: Known for its rich green color and boat-shaped leaf tips, Kentucky bluegrass adds vibrancy to lawns. It’s resilient, can handle heavy foot traffic, and recovers quickly from damage.
  • Perennial ryegrass: With a pale green color, this grass is known for its ability to survive regular wear and tear. Often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues, perennial ryegrass is perfect for a durable Westchester County lawn.
  • Fine fescue: Varieties of fine fescue include creeping red, chewings, and hard fescue. These shade-tolerant grasses have finely textured leaf blades. While not suited for heavy foot traffic, they create beautiful patterns, ideal for adding stripes to your lawn.
  • Tall fescue: This grass is drought-resistant and adapts well to different types of soil. It’s a favorite in The Empire State because of its disease resistance and ability to thrive here. Tall fescue grows quickly, requiring frequent mowing and maintenance.
  • Creeping bentgrass: This grass is popular on golf courses and upscale lawns. It’s valued for its fine texture, rich look, and tolerance to salt, shade, and foot traffic. However, creeping bentgrass has high maintenance needs and poor drought tolerance, making it less ideal for domestic lawns.

FAQ: Lawn Care in Westchester County

If Soil Has Nutrients, Why Do I Need to Fertilize?

Even though some nutrients are naturally present in soil, they may be insufficient to support healthy and strong lawn growth. Fertilization supplements these nutrients, ensuring that your grass has enough resources to thrive. Fertilization is especially vital during times of intense growth when the soil’s nutrients have been exhausted.

How Does a Sprinkler System Work?

A sprinkler system disperses water over a lawn via a network of pipes, valves, and heads. Connected to a water source, the system evenly distributes water through the sprinkler heads. Some systems are automated and can be set to operate based on timing or soil moisture levels. The essential components to consider when you install a sprinkler system are the controller, valves, and sprinkler heads.

Are Mulch and Soil Amendments the Same Thing?

Some items can be utilized as either mulch or soil supplements, such as wood chips or compost. But in general, mulch and soil amendments serve different functions. 

The purpose of adding soil amendments to the soil is to improve its physical characteristics. Mulch, on the other hand, is applied to the soil’s surface to retain moisture, enhance nutrients, and inhibit the growth of weeds. 

Soil amendments vs. mulch

Soil AmendmentsMulch
PurposeImprove soil structure, fertility and pHProtects soil from erosion, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds
ApplicationMixed into soilLaid on top of soil
ExampleCompost, lime, manure, peat mossBark, wood chips, grass clippings, rubber, gravel

When to Call A Pro

Maintaining a healthy lawn in Westchester County, New York, requires year-round care and attention. By following these seasonal tips and performing the right tasks at the right time, you can keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year.

Remember, every lawn is different and may require additional or more specialized care. When in doubt, consult with a local lawn care professional to ensure your lawn gets the attention it deserves.

Main Image Credit: Edgewood House / ALT55-VictorM / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 created using Infogram

Raven Wisdom

Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as "half-feral but mostly harmless," Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.