Recommended Lawn Care Schedule

Our proven annual program designed to deliver the deep, dark blue-green golf course color that defines exceptional lawns in Colorado Springs.

Best Time to Turn On Sprinklers in Colorado Springs

Turn your sprinklers on in late April to early May to play it safe. This is the best time to turn on sprinklers in Colorado Springs to avoid pipe damage and wasted water.

Best Time to Turn Off Sprinklers in Colorado Springs

Turn your sprinklers off in early October before the first freeze. This is the best time to turn off sprinklers in Colorado Springs to prevent winter damage.

January

  1. No applications

Watering: Light watering (¼–½ inch) a few times per month using hose or above-ground sprinkler if daytime highs stay above 55°F to maintain year-round green color.

February – Early March

  1. Inspect and clean up the yard for winter debris and damage.
  2. Manually remove any visible winter weeds.

Watering: Light watering (¼–½ inch) a few times per month using hose or above-ground sprinkler if daytime highs stay above 55°F to maintain year-round green color.

Spring (Mid-March to May)

  1. Mid-March: Apply natural pre-emergent fertilizer (corn gluten based) to prevent weeds while feeding the lawn.
  2. Mid-April to early May: Core aerate the lawn to relieve compaction and improve soil health.
  3. Immediately after aeration: Top-dress with high-quality compost to enrich the soil and level the surface.
  4. Late April: Liquid treatments for maximum green-up on dormant grass.

Watering: Water 2–3 times per week for 20–30 minutes per zone.

Summer (June – August)

  1. Continue weekly mowing at proper height to maintain density and health.
  2. Early July: Apply long-release natural fertilizer to sustain deep color through heat and drought stress.
  3. Mid-June and mid-August: Liquid treatments for heat-stress relief and steady color.

Watering: Water 3–4 times per week for 25–35 minutes per zone.

Fall (September – November)

  1. Early September: Apply long-release natural fertilizer to support recovery and root development.
  2. September to early October: Second core aeration of the year.
  3. Immediately after aeration: Top-dress again with compost to improve soil structure.
  4. During top-dressing: Overseed thin areas to increase density for the following year.
  5. Late September: Liquid treatments for strong root building plus final color boost.
  6. Mid-November: Final application of long-release natural fertilizer to strengthen roots before winter.

Watering: Water 2–3 times per week for 20–25 minutes per zone until the lawn goes dormant.

December

  1. No applications

Watering: Light watering (¼–½ inch) a few times per month using hose or above-ground sprinkler if daytime highs stay above 55°F to maintain year-round green color.

How Each Step Helps Achieve Deep, Dark Blue-Green Golf Course Color

Natural Pre-Emergent Fertilizer (Corn Gluten Based)

Applied only in mid-March, this dual-purpose product prevents weed seeds from germinating while delivering a gentle feeding of nitrogen. It keeps the lawn clean and green without synthetic chemicals.

Core Aeration

Performed twice per year using professional high-quality machines, core aeration pulls deep plugs from the soil to relieve compaction, increase oxygen flow, and allow water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. This is one of the most important steps for achieving thick, dark-colored turf in Colorado Springs clay soils.

Compost Top-Dressing

Applied after each aeration, a thin layer of high-quality compost improves soil structure, adds beneficial microbes, and slowly releases nutrients. It levels the surface and creates the ideal environment for deep, rich color.

Long-Release Natural Fertilizer

We apply generous amounts of slow-release organic fertilizer several times per year. Unlike quick-release synthetic products, this feeds the lawn steadily for months, promoting deep root growth and the vibrant, dark blue-green color that high-end properties expect.

Overseeding

Done in fall after top-dressing, overseeding fills in thin spots and increases overall density, resulting in a thicker, more uniform lawn that holds that signature deep color longer.

Liquid Treatments

These targeted liquid applications can serve as powerful alternatives or quick touch-ups to granular fertilizer and core aeration. They are applied on the same visit as your regular service — no extra trips.

See Full Liquid Treatments →

Bare Minimum Schedule (If You Can’t Do the Full Program)

At a minimum, do these three things every year:

  • Apply natural pre-emergent fertilizer in mid-March
  • Core aerate + top-dress twice per year (spring and fall)
  • Apply long-release natural fertilizer 3–4 times per year

New sod often looks amazing the first 1–2 years because the fresh topsoil is rich in nutrients and microbes. Over time, however, Colorado’s heavy clay soil compacts, microbes decline, and nutrients become unavailable. Without regular aeration, top-dressing, and organic feeding, the lawn slowly thins, turns lighter green, develops more weeds, and loses its deep, dark color. Consistent care rebuilds healthy soil biology and keeps the premium look for decades.

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