Each round provides a step-by-step guide to keeping lawns healthy all year.
LATE SUMMER / EARLY FALL
Late Summer Feeding or Weed & Feed
Late summer is an important time to strengthen your lawn as it recovers from heat stress and prepares for fall growth. Applying a granular fertilizer (straight fertilizer or weed & feed fertilizer) that contains time-released nitrogen helps promote deeper root development and repair damage from summer conditions.
Broadleaf Weed Control
We recommend a second blanket application of a liquid or granular broadleaf herbicide (or a weed & feed product) during this period. This treatment helps manage broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, which often rebound later in the season.
Grub Worm Treatment
The second half of summer is when grub worms begin to emerge, typically resulting from beetle eggs laid in June and July. Once grubs are present and feeding, quick action is needed.
For fast and effective curative control, we recommend: Duocide or Dylox. These products are designed for active grub infestations and work quickly to minimize lawn damage.
Aeration
Late summer into early fall is also an ideal time for core aeration which is an important part of maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn.
Aerating the lawn helps:
• Reduce soil compaction
• Improve oxygen flow
• Enhance nutrient and water absorption
• Support stronger root growth heading into fall
10% OFF Seed & Fertilizer Bundle
September 1-30, 2023
Prep for a better lawn in spring with Fall Lawn Revitalization NOW! Purchase at least one bag of starter fertilizer and at least one bag of grass seed on the same order to qualify for 10% off in-store purchases.
5% OFF Grass Seed
September 1-30, 2024
Prep for a better lawn in spring with Fall Lawn Revitalization NOW! Use code "SEED5" to receive 5% off in-store and online grass seed purchases. Ask a sales rep how you can save even more with volume discounts!
Ryan Aerator & Sod Cutter Fall Sale
September 5 - December 31, 2023
Take advantage of great fall sales on select Ryan aerators and sod cutters to aid you in reviving damaged lawns or sod removal.
Our Russo experts will help you get the job done!
Contact your local Russo Plant Health Care Specialist today to start your properties on the Russo 5 Step Lawn Program for greener and healthier lawns.
Contact Plant Health Care SpecialistOur Russo experts will help you get the job done!
Contact your local Russo Plant Health Care Specialist today to start your properties on the Russo 5 Step Lawn Program for greener and healthier lawns.
Contact Plant Health Care Specialist
Rob
RESOURCE
With 35+ years in the Green Industry, Rob has done nearly every job associated with this field. He has a wealth of experience as both a Lawn Care Applicator and Sales Rep across the Chicagoland area, and has also been instrumental in training others on techniques and products.
Best Advice:
Lawn care is easy, if you have proper timing and use the right product.
Jesus
FRANKFORT
For nearly a decade, Jesus has relied on the Toro Spraymaster to help customers evenly and efficiently apply various lawn care products.
Best Advice:
If you want your grass to look like a golf course, water it often.
Jose
ELGIN
Jose is a true outdoorsman, which means he knows the importance of a well-maintained green space.
Best Advice:
Use the best products!
Matt
NAPPERVILLE
Backed by 18+ years of Russo knowledge, Matt is well versed in equipment and product applications. His passion for turf care carries over to his personal life by maintaining "the best lawn on the block".
Best Advice:
The best natural weed control product is a healthy, thick, and tall lawn.
Memo
HAINESVILLE
Whether you need equipment or product, JR is ready to help you figure out the best turf care plan for you.
Best Advice:
ALWAYS try to get the pre-emergent fertilizer down in the spring!
Ryan
NEW BERLIN
While new to Russo, Ryan is no stranger to the OPE Industry. He is excited to bring his background to our WI store and continue learning more to best serve you!
Best Advice:
Preemergent fertilizer will prevent new grass seed from germinating. Take precautions or avoid newly and soon-to-be-seeded areas.
Brian
SCHILLER PARK
Brian has over 15 years of experience in the turf and arbor industry. If you have any questions, he is your go to guy!
Best Advice:
Always ask questions!
Russo Lawn Care Tips
Weed Spot Treatments
Spot treatment of broadleaf weeds is encouraged during summer to maintain a clean, healthy appearance.
Blanket Selective Herbicide Applications
A blanket selective herbicide application involves applying a broadleaf weed control product evenly across the entire lawn—not just to visible weeds. This method is used when weed pressure is moderate to heavy or when small, young weeds are spread throughout the turf and not easily controlled with spot treatments alone.
Why Use a Blanket Application?
• Targets hidden or newly germinated weeds that aren’t yet visible
• Ensures uniform coverage, improving overall weed control results
• Works well during key growth periods when broadleaf weeds are actively taking up nutrients
• Improves lawn appearance, helping turf stay clean and weed free
When do I Apply?
• In late spring when dandelions and other broadleaf weeds are actively growing
• In late summer/early fall when a second wave of weeds emerges
These timing windows allow the herbicide to move efficiently into the plant, resulting in better control.
What does 'Selective" Mean?
Selective herbicides are formulated to target broadleaf weeds only, such as Dandelions, Clovers, Plantains and Thistles without harming desirable turfgrass (when applied correctly).
Crabgrass in Summer
Peak crabgrass germination typically occurs around June 1 in the Upper Midwest and peak activity is in mid to late July. While we recommend preventing crabgrass with a spring pre emergent with Round 1 (applied 14–16 weeks earlier), there are effective post emergent products available to control existing crabgrass during summer.
Watering Guidance
Watering is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of maintaining a healthy, dense, green lawn. Both underwatering and overwatering can cause stress and long term damage. Here’s a few tips to water correctly for strong roots and a resilient lawn.
How Much Water Is Needed?
Most lawns require about 1–1.5 inches of water per week during the growing season. This includes rainfall.
• In hot, dry periods, the lawn may need a little more.
• In cooler, wet periods, it may need none at all.
When Should I Water?
• Early morning (between 4 AM and 9 AM) is ideal.
• Avoid evening watering, which can encourage disease.
• Midday watering leads to excessive evaporation.
• Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Signs that Your Lawn Needs Water
Don't rely on a fixed schedule. Rely on signs of stress which could be:
• Bluish gray patches in the grass.
• Footprints that remain visible after you walk across the lawn.
• Wilting or folding grass blades.
If You Don’t Regularly Water
Lawns can survive periods of drought by going dormant (turning brown). Dormancy is safe, but the lawn still needs minimal water to survive. Apply ½ inch of water every 3–4 weeks during extended drought. This prevents the turf from thinning or dying out. Once rainfall returns, the lawn will gradually green up again.
Avoid Overwatering
A lawn that is overwatered often looks just as stressed as one that is underwatered. Too much water can cause:
• Shallow roots
• Increased disease pressure
• Soil compaction
• Weed and insect issues
Optional: Water Saving Products
Moisture management products such as Hydretain can reduce watering needs by up to 50%. These products help the soil retain moisture and improve water efficiency during hot, dry periods.
Russo 5-Step Lawn Program Contact Form
Provide us with your information and we'll contact you to discuss customizing a Russo Lawn Program to fit your business's needs.
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