Step-by-Step Lawn Care and Grass Treatment Guide

Want a lawn that stays green and resilient despite Buffalo’s harsh winters and summer heat? Proper grass treatment can be what gets you there.

As a local homeowner, you may face challenges such as salt damage from snow removal. Thus, compacted soil and weeds can quickly take over. It can be frustrating when, despite your best efforts, your lawn still looks patchy or tired. 

If you are facing the same, you are not alone. While these problems are common region , they also have solutions. This guide covers soil testing, fertilization, pest control, and seasonal care. 

Each step gives you clear direction to help your lawn thrive in every season.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the soil: Test every 2–3 years to identify pH imbalances, nutrient gaps, and salt buildup from Buffalo winters. Correcting the base ensures every treatment works effectively.
  
  
• Follow a structured treatment plan: Combine seasonal fertilization, pre-emergent weed control, aeration, overseeding, and smart watering to build dense, resilient turf.
  
  
• Time tasks to the region: Cool-season grasses thrive with spring and fall care, while warm-season types need late spring and summer focus. Pairing treatments with Buffalo’s climate cycles prevents common damage.
  
  
• Address problems quickly: Tackle yellow patches, bare spots, and thatch early to prevent escalation and protect your lawn’s health year-round.
  
  
• Rely on local expertise: Personalized, region-specific strategies from Percy’s Lawn Care account for harsh winters, salt damage, and pest risks unique to Western New York.

Step-by-Step Grass Treatment Guide for Buffalo-Area Lawns

Caring for a lawn in Buffalo, Amherst, or Cheektowaga comes with unique challenges. From salt buildup after winter to compacted soil and seasonal weeds, your grass needs more than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Here’s how to give your grass the targeted care it needs throughout the year:

Step 1: Testing Your Soil to Lay the Foundation for a Healthy Grass

Healthy grass starts with healthy soil. In Buffalo and nearby areas, lawns often face clay-heavy soils and salt buildup from winter snow removal.  Both can affect how well your grass absorbs nutrients and water. 

Hence, testing your soil provides a clear picture of what it needs, allowing you to avoid guessing what your soil needs and achieve results more efficiently.

Why Soil Testing Matters:

• Reveals your soil’s pH level (acidic, neutral, or alkaline) to determine what amendments it needs.
• Identifies nutrient deficiencies, allowing fertilizers to be applied precisely.
• Helps address winter-related salt exposure that can stress the grass roots.

How to Test Your Soil

While we have covered soil testing in depth in our Lawn Care Soil Testing guide, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Use a home soil testing kit or send a sample to your county extension service.
• Sample from 5-6 spots across your lawn, digging 4-6 inches deep.
• Conduct tests once every 2-3 years to monitor changes and adjust treatments as needed.

Ideal Soil pH and Nutrient Ranges:

*N-P-K = Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: After Buffalo winters, use gypsum to neutralize salt buildup and improve soil structure before spring growth.

Step 2: Grass Treatment Through Proper Fertilization

Once your soil is tested and balanced, fertilization provides your grass with the necessary nutrients to grow thick and resilient. In Western New York, fertilizing at the correct times is critical because our seasons swing from cold winters to hot, humid summers.

Best Fertilization Schedule:

• Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue):
  
  • Early Spring: Apply slow-release fertilizer to jumpstart growth.
  • Late Spring to Early Summer: Provide light feeding to maintain color and health.
  • Early Fall: Opt for heavier feeding to repair summer stress and strengthen roots.
  • Late Fall (Before Frost): Winterize with fertilizer high in potassium.
• Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Bermuda):
  
  • Late Spring: Apply balanced fertilizer after green-up.
  • Mid-Summer: Boost nitrogen to support active growth.
  • Early Fall: Light feeding as growth slows before dormancy.

Fertilization by Season (Nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.):

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers:

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: For Buffalo winters, apply a winter fertilizer high in potassium in late fall to protect roots from cold and salt damage.

Step 3: Weed Prevention & Grass Treatment

In Buffalo and nearby areas, crabgrass, dandelions, and broadleaf weeds are common offenders. Effective weed control combines prevention and targeted treatment to keep your lawn dense enough to crowd out unwanted growth.

Why Weed Prevention Matters:

• Stops weeds from establishing and spreading.
• Reduces competition for essential nutrients and water.
• Maintains lawn density for a healthier, greener appearance.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control:

• Apply pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F (typically early spring).
• Use a soil thermometer to ensure proper timing for crabgrass prevention.
• Water lightly after application to activate the product.

Post-Emergent Weed Control:

• Spot-treat weeds, such as dandelions and clover, with selective herbicides.
• For small infestations, hand-pulling or organic options, such as vinegar-based sprays, work well.
• Mow at the right height (2.5–3.5 inches for cool-season grasses) to shade weed seedlings.

Tips for a Weed-Free Lawn:

• Maintain a thick grass cover through overseeding to prevent weed germination.
• Mulch garden beds and borders to prevent the spread of weeds.
• Fertilize properly, as healthy grass naturally resists weed invasion.

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: After heavy winter snow and salt exposure, weeds often exploit weakened spots. Overseed thin patches early to close gaps before weeds take root.

Step 4: Aeration & Overseeding to Repair and Strengthen

Buffalo lawns often suffer from soil compaction caused by snow cover, foot traffic, and heavy clay soils. Aeration relieves compaction, improves water and nutrient flow, and creates a stronger foundation for grass roots. 

And if you pair aeration with overseeding, it fills in bare spots, thickens your lawn, and boosts resilience.

Why Aeration is Essential:

• Breaks up compacted soil for better air and water penetration.
• Reduces thatch buildup that can block nutrients.
• Strengthens root systems, especially after harsh winters.

How to Aerate:

• Use a core aerator to pull plugs of soil 2–3 inches deep.
• Best done in early fall or spring when cool-season grasses are actively growing.
• Water your lawn the day before to soften the soil and make core removal easier.

Overseeding After Aeration:

• Spread high-quality seed immediately after aeration for maximum soil contact.
• Choose grass seed blends suited for Western New York’s climate (drought-tolerant, cold-resistant).
• Keep the soil moist for 2-3 weeks, until the seedlings have established.

Benefits of Aeration + Overseeding Together:

• Fills in bare or thin spots caused by salt damage and snow mold.
• Boosts lawn density to naturally deter weeds.
• Encourages the development of deeper root systems for long-term durability.

Aeration Timing Chart:

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: Pair fall aeration with overseeding and fertilization. This combination helps alleviate summer stress, prepares your lawn for winter, and ensures a strong spring start.

Step 5: Watering Smart to Avoid Over/Under Stress

Proper watering is one of the most crucial aspects of effective grass care. Especially in Buffalo and surrounding areas, where summers can be humid and winters harsh, watering incorrectly can either weaken your lawn or encourage disease. 

Why Smart Watering Matters:

• Deep watering builds drought-resistant roots.
• Prevents shallow root growth caused by daily, light watering.
• Reduces the risk of fungal diseases common in humid Buffalo summers.

Best Watering Practices:

• Water Early in the Morning: Between 6 AM and 10 AM to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth.
• Deep, Infrequent Watering: Provide 1–1.5 inches per week in one or two sessions, rather than daily sprinkling.
• Monitor Moisture: Use a rain gauge or soil moisture meter to avoid overwatering.

Seasonal Watering Frequency:

Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overwatering: This creates shallow roots and fosters fungus, such as dollar spot or brown patch.
• Underwatering: Leads to dry patches and weakened grass, prone to weeds.
• Evening Watering: Keeps grass wet overnight, encouraging fungal growth.

Tools to Improve Watering:

• Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficiency.
• Use smart timers to regulate watering schedules.

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: After aeration or overseeding, increase watering frequency slightly to keep the topsoil moist until new seedlings take hold.

Proper watering is crucial to avoid drought stress and promote deep root growth.

Watering Tips To Follow Year Round:

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.
• Provide deep, infrequent watering (about 1-1.5 inches per week) instead of daily shallow watering.
• Use a rain gauge or soil moisture meter to ensure adequate hydration.

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Overwatering leads to shallow roots and increases the risk of disease.
• Underwatering causes dry patches and weak grass.

Step 6: Pest & Disease Grass Treatment

Even the healthiest Buffalo lawns can be vulnerable to pests and fungal diseases, especially after humid summers or long snow-covered winters. 

Why Pest and Disease Control Matters:

• Protects root systems from insect damage.
• Prevents fungal outbreaks caused by excessive moisture or snow cover.
• Maintains lawn density, which naturally reduces pest and disease problems.

Common Buffalo-Area Lawn Pests:

• Grubs: Feed on grass roots, causing brown patches that peel up like carpet.
• Chinch Bugs: Suck sap from blades, leaving dry, straw-colored spots.
• Armyworms: Quickly strip blades of grass in irregular patterns.

How to Manage Pests:

• Apply targeted insecticides if pest levels exceed thresholds identified through soil checks. 
• Use beneficial nematodes for natural grub control.
• Mow regularly and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can attract surface-feeding insects.

Common Lawn Diseases in Western New York:

• Snow Mold: Forms after prolonged snow cover; appears as matted, discolored patches in early spring.
• Brown Patch: Thrives in humid, warm conditions during summer.
• Dollar Spot: Small, silver-dollar-sized spots are often associated with low nitrogen levels.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Improve airflow by pruning overhanging branches and avoiding overly dense growth.
• Water early in the morning to reduce overnight moisture.
• Use fungicides as a preventive measure for high-risk lawns in humid or wet conditions.
• Apply a potassium-rich winterizer fertilizer in late fall to prepare the grass for snow cover and reduce the risk of snow mold.

Pro Tip from Percy’s Experts: Rotate mowing patterns and keep mower blades sharp to reduce grass stress, which makes lawns less prone to pests and fungal infections. Pairing pest prevention with proper fertilization and aeration builds natural resistance.

Troubleshooting Common Grass Treatment Issues

Even well-maintained lawns can exhibit signs of stress due to weather, pests, or daily use. Recognizing these problems early helps prevent them from spreading and keeps your grass healthy.

Here’s how to identify and fix the most common lawn issues:

How Percy’s Lawn Care Can Help You Achieve a Healthier Lawn

A strong, vibrant lawn takes consistent care and the right approach throughout the year. If it feels overwhelming to keep up with seasonal treatments or you are unsure which grass care methods are best for your yard, Percy’s Lawn Care is here to help.

With over two decades of experience in Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga, we understand the unique challenges that local lawns face, including harsh winters, salt damage, and compacted soil. 

Our team uses region-specific expertise and proven methods to deliver results that generic solutions often miss. From tailored fertilization plans to precise weed control and eco-friendly pest management, we focus on treatments built around your lawn’s specific needs. 

Every plan is backed by personal service, detailed inspections, and a commitment to treating your lawn as if it were our own.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Partner with Percy’s Lawn Care and experience the difference of working with a family-owned team that blends local knowledge, precision, and care to give you a lawn that genuinely stands out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the best way to treat grass for a healthy lawn?

Maintain balanced soil health through testing and amendments, then fertilize precisely based on results. Add annual core aeration, overseeding, and consistent weed and pest control. Combine deep, infrequent watering with mowing at the proper height to establish a dense, disease-resistant turf.

2. How often should I fertilize my lawn?

For cool-season grasses, aim for late spring and fall applications. Warm-season grasses benefit from late spring through summer fertilization. Most established lawns perform best with 2 to 4 applications per year, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, depending on grass type and soil test results.

3. What’s the best time of day to water my lawn?

Water early in the morning between 6 AM and 10 AM to reduce evaporation and prevent overnight moisture buildup. Avoid evening watering to minimize the risk of fungal disease.

4. How can I naturally control weeds without harsh chemicals?

Encourage thick, healthy grass through proper mowing and fertilization so weeds can’t establish. Use organic pre-emergents, such as corn gluten meal, and hand-pull or apply vinegar-based sprays for spot treatment before weed seeds emerge.

5. When should I aerate my lawn for best results?

Aerate cool-season grasses in early spring or fall, and warm-season grasses in late spring to early summer. Annual aeration is recommended if your soil is heavily compacted or shows poor drainage.

6. What causes yellow patches in grass, and how can I fix them?

Yellowing can result from overwatering, pet urine, nutrient deficiencies, compacted soil, or fungal disease. Conduct a soil test, adjust watering habits, consider iron supplements, and overseed or amend the soil as needed.