Lawn care is as much a science as it is an art. There are several aspects of lawn maintenance that need to be on a specific schedule in order to provide your lawn with the best possible maintenance, especially if you plan on doing it yourself. Scheduling does vary a little bit based on region, weather, etc., but in general you should expect to keep to the following schedule.
Late March, Early April
March and early April are the planning stages. Here is when you need to rake your lawn, sharpen your lawnmower blades, and prepare yourself for the road ahead. If there have been any rough spots that popped up during the winter, you may want to fill them with soil and create an even ground.
May
By May the grass has started to grow and should soon get ready to start mowing. Pay special attention to weeds and remove them early before they have a chance to spread. You can also start aerating, and add any soil you need while trying to get the right pH balance.
While your grass may not reach this height until the end of May/early June, you should start mowing when the grass is a little over 3 inches tall. Never mow more than 1/3rd of the grass length at any given time, and never mow the grass shorter than 2 ½ inches. You should also start watering about 1 inch a week.
June to August
By June, you will be mowing more often, removing weeds regularly, and may need to get a soil test to determine pH balance. Continue to mow between 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches every week. Keep the lawn clear of debris and, as always, never mow when the ground is wet.
September – Onward
September is a good time to fertilize and prepare for the next year. Continue to keep the lawn free of weeds and debris as these can actually damage the lawn. Consider de-thatching and aerating your lawn, and make sure you give your lawn one final cut before winter.