In Wisconsin, with its cold winters and humid summers, lawn care needs to be strategic and well-timed. This month-to-month Wisconsin lawn care calendar will guide you throughomut the year to ensure your lawn thrives.
Keep in mind that every lawn is different — soil type, grass seed, and local conditions can all vary — so feel free to tailor the advice to fit your lawn’s specific needs. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Wisconsin lawn care schedule at a glance
*Not all lawns need the same care. Tailor maintenance to your lawn’s specific needs.
Spring lawn care for Wisconsin
Spring is the season of renewal, and your lawn is ready to wake up after the long Wisconsin winter. Let’s walk through the specific tasks for each spring month.
March (Early spring)
Mower maintenance
Before the mowing season begins, sharpen your mower blades, change the oil, and make any necessary repairs. A sharp blade will ensure a clean cut and less stress on your lawn once mowing begins.
April (Mid-spring)
Debris removal
As the snow melts, it’s important to rake up dead leaves, branches, and other debris. This helps remove any excessive organic matter and allows your lawn to breathe.
Reseed bare spots
Any areas damaged by the harsh winter should be reseeded in April or May. Ensure the soil is moist, and press the seed into the soil for good contact. A little early reseeding can help your lawn fill out nicely by summer.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide
To prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds from sprouting, apply a crabgrass preventer in Wisconsin when the soil temps reach 50 to 55 F. The soil temperature in Madison, for example, averages 50 F around April 10.
To check your local soil temps and ensure the right timing, use a soil thermometer or check the soil temperature online.
Mow your lawn
When the grass starts growing in April, mow it down gradually. Keep the height at about 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade’s height at a time to avoid stressing the grass. For more mowing-related tips, check out these articles:
May (Late spring)
Consider dethatching your lawn
If you notice a buildup of thatch, late spring to early summer is an ideal time to dethatch your Wisconsin lawn. Thatch thicker than 1 inch can block nutrients, water, and air from reaching the soil.
Aerate if needed
After dethatching, if your lawn has compacted soil, core aeration can help. Late spring is one of the best times to aerate your Wisconsin lawn. This opens up the soil, improving root growth and allowing nutrients and water to reach deeper into the lawn.
Fertilize your lawn
Around the last week of May, apply a slow-release fertilizer to your lawn. This gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive through the summer months. Not sure where to start? Check out our detailed fertilizer guides:
Apply post-emergent herbicide
If you skipped the pre-emergent in April, May is a good time to tackle common Wisconsin weeds like dandelions with a post-emergent weed killer. For the best results, apply the herbicide when weeds are still small. Be careful, though: Don’t use herbicides on newly seeded areas.
Alternatively, late May is also the best time to apply weed and feed in Wisconsin. Look for a weed and feed product with a post-emergent (not a pre-emergent) to tackle existing weeds and give your lawn a boost of nutrients at the same time.
New to weed and feed? Our guide to the best weed and feed for Wisconsin lawns can help you find the right product for your lawn.
Summer lawn care for Wisconsin
The summer heat can be tough on your lawn, especially in Wisconsin, where the weather can go from mild to scorching in a matter of weeks. Let’s break down what you need to do to keep your lawn healthy throughout the summer.
June (Early summer)
Start watering your lawn
If you haven’t had much rain, water your lawn regularly. Aim for around 1 inch of water per week. Rainfall is often sufficient in Wisconsin, but during dry spells, additional irrigation may be necessary if you want to keep your lawn green. Deep, infrequent watering is best to encourage deep root growth.
Alternatively, you can let your lawn go dormant during dry periods. The grass will turn brown but survive, and typically recover when rain returns. This will help you save water. However, ensure the lawn gets some moisture every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent long-term damage.
Watch for pests and diseases
Keep an eye out for signs of common lawn problems like grubs, chinch bugs, or brown patches. Early detection is key to prevent widespread damage.
Apply weed control
If you missed applying an herbicide in May, don’t worry — June is still a great time to tackle broadleaf weeds. For tips on how to identify and manage them, take a look at this article: “How to Identify and Control Broadleaf Weeds.”
July (Mid-summer)
Water in the morning
If you don’t want your lawn to go dormant, water your lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give your lawn the moisture it needs. July is the hottest month in Wisconsin, so your lawn needs constant watering to stay green and healthy.
Fertilize again (if needed)
If your lawn is in full sun or hasn’t been fertilized for several years, you can apply a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer around Independence Day. For shady areas, use half the recommended rate. However, skip this application if your lawn is dormant, you regularly mulch with grass clippings, or your lawn has been consistently fertilized for over 10 years.
Apply grub control
If you’ve had grub problems in past years and want to get rid of grubs in your lawn, now is the time to act. Apply a grub control product to protect your lawn, and water it in thoroughly for the best results.
Skip seeding or weed spraying
Avoid seeding or spraying herbicides during the summer heat, as it can stress the grass. Hot weather can reduce the effectiveness of these treatments and can even damage your lawn. Instead, plan these tasks for early fall when conditions are more favorable.
August (Late summer)
Test your soil
Start prepping for fall growth by testing your soil pH and nutrient levels. This will help determine what amendments or fertilizers may be needed. You can test your soil with a DIY kit.
You can also send a sample to your local Cooperative Extension.
Water regularly
Continue watering your lawn as needed, especially during dry spells. Skip this if your lawn has gone dormant.
Reseed or renovate your lawn
The best time to plant grass seed in Wisconsin or reseed bare areas is between mid-August and mid-September. Cooler temps and more consistent rainfall in late summer provide the ideal conditions for cool-season grass seed to grow and germinate.
Watch out for lawn pests and diseases
Keep monitoring for any insects or diseases that may damage your lawn. Look for early signs like brown patches or thinning grass, and treat problems promptly to prevent further damage.
Fall lawn care for Wisconsin
September (Early fall)
Fertilize your lawn
Around Labor Day is the best time to fertilize your lawn. Use a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs for root growth.
Dethatch if needed
If your lawn has developed a thick layer of thatch or you missed dethatching in late spring, September is the perfect time to tackle it. Early fall is ideal for dethatching because the grass is actively growing, allowing it to recover quickly and prepare for the winter months.
Aerate compacted lawns
Core aeration is essential if your lawn is compacted or has over 1 inch of thatch. This helps loosen the soil and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Apply fall herbicide
Apply weed control in September to tackle broadleaf weeds like dandelions. Fall is the best time to control these weeds, as they’re actively absorbing nutrients for winter storage.
Pro Tip: Herbicide application must be avoided on lawns planted in August or September.
October (Mid-fall)
Fertilize one last time
Early October is a great time to give your lawn a boost with a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer if you’ve been bagging your lawn clippings all season. For grass in sunny areas, go ahead and use the full amount listed on the label. But if your lawn has more shade, cut that amount in half.
Apply weed control
If you missed applying herbicide in September and the pesky weeds are still growing in your lawn, apply weed control in early October.
November (Late fall)
Final mowing
Keep mowing until your Wisconsin grass stops growing. The specific date will depend on your ZIP code. You might be tempted to skip this step, but don’t! The last mow of the season is crucial to avoid winter damage.
Rake fallen leaves
Rake or mulch leaves that have fallen on your lawn. Having too many leaves on the grass can block sunlight and lead to snow mold or lawn diseases over the winter. Learn about gray snow mold and how to get rid of it in our article.
Winterize equipment
Once you’ve finished mowing, clean and store your lawn equipment. Winterizing your lawn mower and sprinkler system is crucial to avoid winter damage and ensure they are ready to use when spring arrives. For step-by-step instructions in winterizing your lawn equipment, see:
Winter lawn care for Wisconsin
December to February
During these months, your lawn will be in full dormancy, so there’s no need for active lawn care. That said, Wisconsin winters can be tough, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures potentially compacting the soil. Here are some tips to help you get through the season.
Avoid foot traffic
Try to keep people, pets, and vehicles off your lawn when it’s covered in snow or ice. Foot traffic can cause compaction or damage to the dormant grass.
Plan for next season
Use this time to reflect on your past year’s lawn care efforts and plant for next season. Did you face recurring issues? Are there any tools or supplies you need to replace or upgrade? Winter is a good time to make those plans.
More lawn care resources for Wisconsin
- When to Apply Grub Control in Wisconsin
- Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in Wisconsin?
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin
- The Best Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin
- The Best Ground Cover Plants for Wisconsin
FAQ about lawn care in Wisconsin
What’s the best type of grass seed for Wisconsin?
The best grass seeds for Wisconsin lawns are these four main cool-season grasses:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescue
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
These grasses are a great match for Wisconsin’s climate. Check out our guide at the link above for specifics on each grass to find the best fit for your lawn.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
How often you fertilize depends on the level of maintenance you want for your lawn. Use the table below to follow Wisconsin’s fertilization periods:
| Maintenance level | Application dates | Rates (lbs/1,000 sq ft) | |
| Sun | Shade | ||
| Low maintenance | early September | 1 | 1/2 |
| Medium maintenance | late May/early June | 1 | 1/2 |
| early to mid-July | – | 1/2* | |
| early September | 1 | 1/2 | |
| early October | 1* | – | |
| High maintenance | late May/early June | 1 | 1/2 |
| early to mid-July | 1** | 1/2** | |
| early September | 1 | 1/2 | |
| early October | 1 | 1/2 | |
* Skip if you’re mulch mowing a lawn that is 10+ years old.
** Skip if you mulch mow or the grass is dormant due to heat/dryness.
From the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Lawn Maintenance guide.
How can I prevent my lawn from being damaged by snow mold?
To prevent snow mold, do the following:
- Keep mowing your lawn until it’s dormant, maintaining a height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
- Rake your leaves to improve air circulation.
- Manage thatch by using a dethatcher and core aerator in fall or spring.
Let the pros handle your lawn care
Lawn care can be tricky, especially with weeds, compacted soil, or limited time. If you’re unsure or want to simplify things, a Wisconsin lawn care pro can help. They have the tools and expertise for aeration, fertilization, and weed control to keep your lawn looking great year-round. Get a free quote today to get started!
Main Image Credit: Thomas Donley House in Kenosha, WI | Teemu008 | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
