Minnesota Lawn Care: When to Mow, Fertilize, Seed, and More

We’re at that awkward time of year in Minnesota where we’re scared to put the snowblower away just yet, worried about another surprise snowstorm, but many of us are itching to start some landscaping projects.

I’m writing this article from my kitchen table, looking out the patio door at my yard. It’s an ugly brownish-yellow mess, but I know it won't be long until it's green. And then the dandelions and crabgrass will start popping up, and I’ll be in full-on battle mode trying to keep the grass looking nice.

If you’ve been to a home improvement store recently, you’ve probably seen fertilizers, weed and feed products, and grass seeds on display. Is it too early to start using them?

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The University of Minnesota says there are specific times during the year when lawn maintenance should be done and if you’re not careful, you could do some serious damage to your yard.

They warn that fertilizing too early can “encourage the grass to grow when it should be slowing down or staying dormant.” Another big mistake is applying weed control or fertilizer when the temperatures are too high, which can really damage your grass.

Minnesota Lawn Care: When to Mow, Fertilize, Seed, and More

The pros at Scotts say this is the perfect time to get ready. Start by getting your mower tuned up and your yard cleaned up. Early spring (late March-early April) is the a great time to rake out dead grass. Just make sure the ground is dry to prevent root damage.

See the full lawn care maintenance timeline below.

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Mowing: Last week of April through early November

Crabgrass control: Pre-emergence: Mid-April to mid-May, Post-emergence: Mid-May to early July

Sodding: Best time: Early May to June; mid-August to late October

Watering: May through late October

Seeding: Early August to late September

Fertilizing: Early August through mid-October

Aerating: Mid-August through mid-October

Dethatching: Mid-August through September

Broadleaf weed control: September through late October

These Common Household Items Are Now Banned In Minnesota

A hot topic lately is PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years. These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can cause significant health issues even at low exposure levels

PFAS are commonly found in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns including increased cholesterol levels, potential disruption of hormone systems, reduced immune function, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and reproductive problems, particularly in pregnant women.

On January 1, 2024, Minnesota prohibited PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. The state is taking an even more aggressive stance against the chemicals in 2025.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the first prohibitions of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) are now in effect in Minnesota, meaning you can no longer legally purchase these items.

If you're wondering if you already have products with intentionally added PFAS, you can take the following steps to be sure:

Check the label - Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
Check for keywords - Look for words like "waterproof," "stain-repellent," or "dirt-repellant" on the tag.
Check for ingredients - Avoid products that contain ingredients with "perfluoro" or "fluoro" in their name.
Use a third-party verification service - Some organizations offer third-party verification of products that claim to be made without PFAS.

As of January 1, 2025, you can no longer purchase products with intentionally added PFAS in Minnesota. These products fall under the 11 categories below.

Gallery Credit: David Drew