DIY Annual Lawn Care
The Covington Lawn Health Roadmap™ – A Complete Lawn Care System Guide
This guide explains the Covington Lawn Health System™, a step-by-step lawn care program designed to improve soil health, reduce thatch buildup, and deliver the right nutrients throughout the growing season.
A Simple Seasonal Guide to Healthier Soil, Stronger Roots, Robust Turf for a Better Lawn & Landscape
One of the most common lawn care mistakes homeowners make is applying fertilizer before fixing the conditions that allow grass to grow properly. When soil is compacted, thatch is excessive, or nutrients cannot reach the root zone, even the best fertilizer produces disappointing results.
At Covington Naturals, we approach lawn care differently.
Instead of treating symptoms, we focus on improving the entire lawn ecosystem — soil, organic layer, and nutrition — in the correct order.
This guide provides a simple roadmap showing what to apply, when to apply it, and why each step matters.
Understanding Lawn Health: The Three Foundations
1. Healthy Soil
Healthy soil allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach roots.
2. A Manageable Thatch Layer
Excessive thatch blocks water and nutrients.
3. Proper Nutrition
Once soil and thatch are addressed, fertilizer supports growth and color.
STEP 1 — Improve Soil Health First
Covington Liquid Lawn Aerator helps improve soil conditions so water, oxygen, and nutrients can penetrate more effectively into the root zone.
• Improves soil penetration
• Helps reduce soil compaction effects
• Increases water and nutrient absorption
• Supports stronger root development
Covington HFK-633 supports soil biology and root development by improving nutrient availability and soil activity.
• Supports beneficial soil biology
• Improves nutrient availability
• Encourages stronger root growth
• Enhances overall soil health
STEP 2 — Reduce Thatch and Organic Buildup
Covington Liquid D-Thatcher helps accelerate the breakdown of organic buildup that can block water and nutrients from reaching the soil.
• Helps reduce thatch buildup
• Improves soil contact with roots
• Enhances nutrient efficiency
• Promotes stronger turf growth
STEP 3a — Feed the Lawn for Growth and Color
Quick guide: Starter builds roots → Slow-release greens up → Steady Growth maintains → Iron+ deepens color → Balanced supports overall health.
16-21-2 Starter Fertilizer
Covington 16-21-2 Starter Fertilizer
Covington 16-21-2 Starter Fertilizer supports strong root development and early establishment for new or recovering lawns.
• Encourages deep root development
• Supports early lawn establishment
• Improves nutrient uptake
• Helps lawns recover from stress
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STEP 3b — Slow Release with Boost Nutrients
26-0-0 Slow Release Nitrogen
26-0-0 Slow Release Nitrogen promotes deep green color and steady turf growth without sudden growth surges.
• Promotes rich green color
• Provides slow, consistent nitrogen release
• Reduces rapid growth spikes
• Supports healthy turf density
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STEP 3c — Steady Growth and High Density
18-0-1 Steady Growth Fertilizer
18-0-1 Steady Growth Fertilizer provides balanced nitrogen feeding designed for ongoing lawn maintenance.
• Supports steady turf growth
• Maintains healthy lawn density
• Helps avoid excessive top growth
• Ideal for seasonal lawn maintenance
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Liquid Iron+ — Deep Green Lawn Color Enhancement
Covington Liquid Iron+ enhances deep green lawn color by supporting chlorophyll production.
- Deepens green color quickly
- Supports chlorophyll production
- Improves lawn appearance
- Works alongside fertilizer programs
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10-10-10 Balanced Fertilizer adds all THREE
10-10-10 Balanced Fertilizer provides complete plant nutrition for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and landscapes.
• Balanced N-P-K nutrition
• Supports root and plant health
• Encourages strong plant growth
• Ideal for lawns, gardens, and landscapes
Common Lawn Care Questions
When should I fertilize my lawn?
Most lawns respond to fertilizer when soil temperatures reach about 50-55°F in early spring.
How often should lawns be fertilized?
Most lawns benefit from 3-4 fertilizer applications per year.
What does iron do for lawns?
Iron enhances chlorophyll production which deepens green lawn color.
Do I need aeration before fertilizing?
Improving soil conditions first allows fertilizer to reach roots more effectively.
What is the easiest lawn care schedule?
The Covington Lawn Health Calendar™ provides a simple month-by-month guide.
Final Thoughts: A Better Lawn Starts Below the Surface
Healthy lawns are built from the soil up. When soil health, organic balance and nutrition work together, lawns become greener and easier to maintain.