{"id":12604,"date":"2022-09-25T21:39:29","date_gmt":"2022-09-25T21:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=12604"},"modified":"2026-09-21T19:05:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T19:05:30","slug":"lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"Lawn Care Calendar for Warm-Season Grass"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Peak season is late spring to early summer:<\/strong> Warm-season grass greens up once temperatures stay in the 60s and grows fastest in 85-to-95-degree heat.<br>\u2022 <strong>Time tasks to the season:<\/strong> Dethatch and aerate in late spring or early summer, fertilize from late spring to early summer, and overseed with annual ryegrass in fall for winter color.<br>\u2022 <strong>Winter care depends on your region:<\/strong> Deep South lawns still need occasional watering, weed control, and mowing, while transition-zone lawns go dormant and need almost none.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This warm-season grass lawn care calendar shows which lawn tasks to tackle each season, from spring green-up through winter dormancy. Warm-season grasses grow most in summer, so their care is most intense from late spring into early fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deep South lawns need attention through winter, while transition-zone lawns go dormant and rest. The infographic below sums up the year, and the guide breaks down each task.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warm-season grass includes bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, buffalograss, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass. If you don\u2019t have warm-season grass, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-cool-season-grass\/\">cool-season grass lawn care calendar<\/a>. When the seasonal to-do list feels like a lot, Lawn Love\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn care service<\/a> can take it off your plate.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Warm-Season-Calendar-Updated-667x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn Care Calendar for Warm-Season Grass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lawn Care Calendar for Warm-Season Grass Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-e5ff5f96-180e-4cf9-9dbe-9d6ffadfd7c3\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/#0-spring-warm-season-lawn-care-march-april-may\" style=\"\">Spring warm-season lawn care: March, April, May<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/#14-summer-warm-season-lawn-care-june-july-august\" style=\"\">Summer warm-season lawn care: June, July, August<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/#24-fall-warm-season-lawn-care-september-october-november\" style=\"\">Fall warm-season lawn care: September, October, November<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/#34-winter-warm-season-lawn-care-december-january-february\" style=\"\">Winter warm-season lawn care: December, January, February<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/#39-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Temperature trigger<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Top priority tasks<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring (Mar-May)<\/td><td>Grass greens up once temperatures stay in the 60s<\/td><td>Clean up, dethatch, aerate, pre-emergent weed control, overseed, fertilize<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Summer (Jun-Aug)<\/td><td>Fastest growth at 85 to 95 degrees<\/td><td>Mow high often, water 1 inch weekly, early-summer fertilizing, pest control<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall (Sep-Nov)<\/td><td>Grass slows and goes dormant near 50 to 55 degrees<\/td><td>Last fertilizing by early September, overseed for winter color, leaf cleanup, winterize<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Winter (Dec-Feb)<\/td><td>Dormant in most areas; active in the Deep South<\/td><td>Light watering, spot weed control, mow only if it grows<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"0-spring-warm-season-lawn-care-march-april-may\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"spring-warm-season-lawn-care-march-april-may\">Spring warm-season lawn care: March, April, May<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring lawn care begins once temperatures consistently reach the 60s and the grass starts growing again. Warm-season turf begins <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/news\/tips-for-turfgrass-care-leading-into-spring-green-up\/\">spring green-up<\/a> once soil temperatures reach 65 degrees, though exact timing varies by region.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Clean up the yard<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Buy lawn care supplies<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Repair and maintain the mower and equipment<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Check the irrigation system<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Test the soil and add amendments<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Apply fungicides<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dethatch<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Aerate<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control weeds<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Overseed or lay sod<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fertilize<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Add topdressing<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mow<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control pests<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/transition-zone-map.jpg\" alt=\"Map of the United States showing cool-season grass, warm-season grass, and transition zones.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map of the United States showing cool-season grass, warm-season grass, and transition zones. Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>In the northern half of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-transition-zone-grass\/\">transition zone<\/a> (where certain Zoysia and Bermuda varieties grow), warm temperatures can come as late as May, in states such as Delaware and West Virginia.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>In the furthest reaches of the South (like the Florida Keys), it may never get cold enough to force dormancy.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"1-clean-up-the-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"clean-up-the-yard\">Clean up the yard<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rake or blow away leaves and debris that piled up over winter. <strong>If you still have snow, don\u2019t walk on your lawn<\/strong>; spread it evenly with a rake so it melts faster.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-buy-lawn-care-supplies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"buy-lawn-care-supplies\">Buy lawn care supplies<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In areas with early-spring snow, it\u2019s a good time to stock up on fertilizer, weed killers, and soil amendments.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-repair-and-maintain-the-mower-and-lawn-care-equipment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"repair-and-maintain-the-mower-and-lawn-care-equipment\">Repair and maintain the mower and lawn care equipment<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration.png\" alt=\"illustration depicting the grass cut with a sharp blade vs a dull blade\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">illustration depicting the grass cut with a sharp blade vs a dull blade Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get your equipment ready before the spring rush:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Sharpen mower blades and cutting tools<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Perform a lawn mower tune-up<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Repair broken equipment<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Clean your mower<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Replace string trimmer line<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Get fresh gas or new batteries<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"4-check-the-irrigation-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"check-the-irrigation-system\">Check the irrigation system<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspect your irrigation system before use, and <strong>only turn sprinklers on once all threats of hard freezes have passed<\/strong>. In warmer climates, check your sprinklers at least once a year.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-test-the-soil-and-add-amendments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"test-the-soil-and-add-amendments\">Test the soil and add amendments<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A spring soil test reveals pH and nutrient gaps before the growing season. If it shows deficiencies, you\u2019ll likely need fertilizer (more on that below).<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-apply-fungicides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"apply-fungicides\">Apply fungicides<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cool, rainy spring weather is perfect for fungal lawn diseases. Common warm-season diseases include:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Dollar spot<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fairy ring<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Large patch<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Leaf spot and melting out<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Spring dead spot<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Turfgrass rust (commonly affects Zoysiagrass)<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply a fungicide if disease appears.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-dethatch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch\">Dethatch<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side. Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatching removes excess thatch and is invasive, so wait until late spring (May), when warm-season grass is actively growing and can recover.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-aerate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"aerate\">Aerate<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aeration loosens compacted soil. It helps most on clay soils (common across the South and East except Florida) and high-traffic lawns.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring is prime weed season: Stop summer annuals with pre-emergents while handling lingering winter annuals, especially if you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-crabgrass\/\">prevent crabgrass<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/weeds\/crabgrass\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pre-emergent herbicides<\/a> before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees, or as early as February in warm areas. Skip weed and feed when targeting winter annuals, since the timing rarely lines up.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Repair patches if necessary<\/span>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass, overseeding an established stand with another warm-season grass is not a common practice, because these grasses can spread vegetatively and naturally fill thin or damaged areas during active growth,\u201d says Manuel Roman S. Chavarria Sanchez, assistant professor of Turfgrass Stress Physiology at Texas A&amp;M University.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your turf is not performing well, he says to evaluate soil compaction, irrigation and mowing routines, water quality, fertility, shade, drainage, traffic, and pest problems before overseeding.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best time to overseed your warm-season grass is late spring and summer. Warm-season grass seed sprouts best when the soil temperature is around 65 to 75 degrees (80 degrees in air temperature).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also lay down sod instead. While you can lay sod as long as the temperatures aren\u2019t freezing, late spring is one of the better times to lay down warm-season sod. <br><\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/fertilizing-lawn.jpeg\" alt=\"one man farmer is fertilizing the lawn soil. male hand of worker, Fertilizer For Lawns in springtime for the perfect lawn. Organic lawn fertilizer in man's hand on garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It&#8217;s best to fertilize warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/one-man-farmer-is-fertilizing-the-lawn-soil-male-hand-of-worker-fertilizer-for-lawns-in-springtime-for-the-perfect-lawn-organic-lawn-fertilizer-in-man-s-hand-on-garden-background\/345334360\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ImageSine<\/a> | Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warm-season grass needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). Fertilize when it\u2019s actively growing, ideally <strong>late spring to early summer<\/strong>. A soil test tells you the right ratio, but a balanced fertilizer is a safe choice.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-add-topdressing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"add-topdressing\">Add topdressing<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your lawn still struggles, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/topdressing-a-lawn\/\">topdress your lawn<\/a> with a thin layer of organic material in <strong>late spring<\/strong>.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-mow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow\">Mow<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_beach-house-beach-house-garden-backyard-property-1593843-pxherecom.jpg\" alt=\"Landscape\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you live in cooler-parts of the country, the first mow of the season will be in May. Further south you can mow as early as March. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/1593843\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first mow depends on location:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Transition-zone homeowners usually mow by the <strong>end of May<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Those further south may mow <strong>as early as March<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Far enough south, you may never stop mowing in winter.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mow only once the grass shows real growth, follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-tips-and-tricks\/#21-7-mow-according-to-the-recommended-height\">one-third rule<\/a>, and never scalp. You likely won\u2019t mow more than once a week until summer.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring wakes up lawn pests. If an infestation gets severe, treat it with pesticides.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"14-summer-warm-season-lawn-care-june-july-august\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"summer-warm-season-lawn-care-june-july-august\">Summer warm-season lawn care: June, July, August<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is peak growing season, with warm-season grasses thriving in 85 to 95 degrees, so you\u2019ll mow more often. In the South, work in the cooler morning or evening, stay hydrated, and watch for heat; transition-zone summers are milder but still call for care.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Mow high<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Water the lawn<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fertilize<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Apply fungicides<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dethatch<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Aerate<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control weeds<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Overseed or lay sod<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control grubs and pests<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"15-mow-high\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-high\">Mow high<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Man-mowing-lawn.jpg\" alt=\"Man mowing lawn with a lawnmower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">To protect your warm-season grass from summer heat and drought, mow a little higher. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/close-up-details-of-industrial-lawnmower-machinery-gardening-details-and-landscaping\/285999765?prev_url=detail&amp;asset_id=285999765\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aboutmomentsimages<\/a> | Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/lawns\/maintenance-and-care\/mowing-your-florida-lawn\/\">higher mowing height<\/a> encourages grass roots to grow deeper, and <strong>a deeper root system is more tolerant of stressors like drought<\/strong>. Mow most warm-season grasses down to <strong>2 inches<\/strong> (taller for non-dwarf St. Augustine).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep mower blades sharp for all grass types, but especially for St. Augustine. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon&#8217;t even go near your St. Augustine lawn unless your mower blades are razor sharp,\u201d says Justin Stultz, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildflowerlawns.com\/\">Wildflower Lawn Care<\/a>, in Hutto, Texas. \u201cThe wider, leafier grass blades will look very frayed if you don&#8217;t maintain your mower well.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider grasscycling, leaving clippings to retain moisture, with a mulching mower; switch to a side-discharge mower for wet grass. In dry regions, you may need to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-not-to-mow-your-lawn\/\">stop mowing<\/a> if drought pushes your lawn into dormancy.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-water-the-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water-the-lawn\">Water the lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give warm-season grass 1 inch of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pubs.ext.vt.edu\/430\/430-010\/430-010.html\">water per week<\/a> in long sessions, and skip irrigation after rain. Water early in the morning to limit evaporation and scalding.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In areas with water restrictions, adapt the schedule.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSometimes we talk about soaking it in the morning, right before the sun comes up, and making sure you get one more really good watering in around 3 p.m.,\u201d Schultz says. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOr, if it&#8217;s super hot in the summer, you probably want to do it a little bit later,\u201d he says, \u201dbut just make sure you&#8217;re giving the yard enough time to dry off before nighttime, so you don&#8217;t get any mold or fungus.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your second option is to let it go dormant. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt&#8217;s a normal, natural process,\u201d Schultz says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"17-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize-2\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Fertilizing plants, lawns, trees and flowers. Gardener in gloves holds white fertilizer balls on grass\" class=\"wp-image-31908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-1080x720.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-610x407.jpeg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fertilizing-lawn-2-1-928x619.jpeg 928w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Warm-season grass needs nutrients before its peak growing season. Photo Credit: adragan \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Actively growing grass needs nutrients, so <strong>fertilize in early summer (June) before peak heat<\/strong>. Fertilizing during July heat stress or over-applying can burn the lawn, so use a slow-release product.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"18-apply-fungicides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"apply-fungicides-2\">Apply fungicides<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humid summers bring fungal diseases such as:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Turfgrass rust (commonly affects Zoysiagrass)<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Leaf spot and melting out<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fairy rings<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Anthracnose<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dollar spot<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"19-dethatch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch-2\">Dethatch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early summer, just before the intense heat, is the best time to dethatch, since actively growing grass bounces back quickly. Skip it if your lawn is heat-stressed.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"20-aerate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"aerate-2\">Aerate<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_aeration.png\" alt=\"illustration showing how aeration works and the benefits of aerating soil\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">illustration showing how aeration works and the benefits of aerating soil Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early summer is also a good time to aerate compacted soil so your turf can recover from the stress.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"21-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds-2\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is too late for pre-emergents against summer annuals, so spot-treat existing weeds with post-emergents, hand-pulling, or weed and feed. In late summer (August), apply pre-emergent to block winter annual weeds.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"22-overseed-or-lay-sod\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"overseed-or-lay-sod\">Overseed or lay sod<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re repairing bare spots that refuse to fill in naturally or installing a new lawn, early summer is a good time.<br><br>&#8220;Warm-season grasses require warmer soil temperatures for germination and establishment, making late spring to early summer the preferred planting window,&#8221; says Becky Grubbs Bowling, assistant professor of Turfgrass Science and Management at the University of Tennessee.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both seed and sod will need careful watering.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid overseeding during extreme hot and dry weather, but also when it\u2019s too wet, Bowling says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cConsistent moisture is beneficial for germination, but saturated, muddy, or flooded soils can reduce establishment, cause seed to migrate, and could lead to rutting and compaction.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-sod\/\">How to Install Sod<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"23-control-pests-and-grubs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests-and-grubs\">Control pests and grubs<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early summer (around June) is prime time for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-grubs-in-your-lawn\/#8-how-to-prevent-grubs\">grub prevention<\/a>. Watch for armyworms and chinch bugs too.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-summer-lawn-pests\/\">Common Summer Lawn Pests: 12 Types and How to Get Rid of Them<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"24-fall-warm-season-lawn-care-september-october-november\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fall-warm-season-lawn-care-september-october-november\">Fall warm-season lawn care: September, October, November<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fall, care slows as your turf heads toward dormancy near 50 to 55 degrees. Timing varies by region:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>In the transition zone<\/strong>, warm-season grasses can go dormant by mid-October.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>In the southern half of the country<\/strong>, that may not happen until early winter (December).<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your fall tasks:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Apply fungicides<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Apply soil amendments<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control weeds<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Overseed<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fertilize<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Control pests<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mow for the last time<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Clean up the yard<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Winterize your lawn<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"25-apply-fungicides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"apply-fungicides-3\">Apply fungicides<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fewer diseases hit warm-season grass in fall. The most common are:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Large patch<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dollar spot<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Leaf spot and melting out<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"26-apply-soil-amendments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"apply-soil-amendments\">Apply soil amendments<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your soil is acidic, fall is the best time to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-and-how-to-lime-lawn\/\">lime your lawn<\/a>, since lime is slow to change pH. Only lime if a soil test confirms a low pH.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"27-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds-3\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20240626_062903.jpg\" alt=\"Plantain weed\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Post-emergent herbicides knock out fall broadleaf weeds. Photo Credit: Amy Stenglein | Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply fall pre-emergent for winter annuals if you missed August. Fall also targets perennial broadleaf weeds, which carry post-emergents down to their roots; apply no later than the mid-60s.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"28-overseed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"overseed\">Overseed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall isn\u2019t for patching, but it\u2019s the perfect time to <strong>overseed for winter color<\/strong> with annual ryegrass, which greens through winter and dies back in spring. <strong>Note:<\/strong> Bermudagrass overseeds best; centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass do not. St. Augustinegrass only comes in sod.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Bermudagrass, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/overseeding-with-ryegrass\/\">ryegrass overseeding<\/a> works best about 30 days before the first frost, when daytime highs are near 70 degrees and nighttime lows stay above 50 degrees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-overseed-lawn\/\">When to Overseed Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"29-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize-3\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make your last fertilizer application by early September. Feeding later is wasted, since your grass is gearing up for dormancy.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-fertilizing-tips-you-need-to-know\/\">Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn in the Fall<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"30-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests-2\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a sod webworm moth (Eudonia sabulosella) with tan and brown speckled wings resting on a green grass blade surrounded by lawn vegetation.\" class=\"wp-image-10130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2-610x411.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sod webworms lay eggs in lawns, and the larvae feed on grass blades causing brown patches. Photo Credit: Sean Clifford \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may still treat grubs in September. Other fall pests include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Cutworms (a type of caterpillar)<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mole crickets<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Sod webworms<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"31-mow-for-the-last-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-for-the-last-time\">Mow for the last time<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep mowing until growth stops or the lawn goes dormant, gradually lowering the height but never below your grass\u2019s recommended height. Avoid scalping on that final cut: as Mary Helen O\u2019Leary of Heroes Lawn Care in Omaha, Nebraska, notes, \u201cremoving too much grass at once stresses the roots.\u201d Growth slows near 60 degrees, so watch your forecast.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"32-clean-up-your-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"clean-up-your-yard\">Clean up your yard<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rake or blow fallen leaves so they don\u2019t smother your grass or harbor pests. When the leaves pile up, Lawn Love\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">leaf removal service<\/a> can clear them for you.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"33-winterize-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"winterize-your-lawn\">Winterize your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most fall tasks already help winterize your lawn; see <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-your-lawn\/\">\u201cHow to Winterize Your Lawn\u201d<\/a> for the full routine. Subtropical lawns can skip this.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"34-winter-warm-season-lawn-care-december-january-february\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"winter-warm-season-lawn-care-december-january-february\">Winter warm-season lawn care: December, January, February<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_tree-nature-grass-cold-winter-plant-825473-pxherecom.jpg\" alt=\"Early Winter\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Avoid foot traffic on your lawn if there is frost. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/825473\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cooler regions, winter lawn care is minimal, just occasional watering and maybe one mow all season. Keep these in mind:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Avoid foot traffic<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Apply weed control<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Irrigate your lawn<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mow if needed<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a fuller guide, see <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/winter-lawn-care-for-warm-climates\/\">\u201cWinter Lawn Care for Warm Climates\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"35-avoid-foot-traffic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"avoid-foot-traffic\">Avoid foot traffic<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your lawn is dormant, avoid repeated foot traffic, which it can\u2019t repair until spring. Limit activity to one section of the lawn.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"36-apply-weed-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"apply-weed-control\">Apply weed control<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spray or pull any winter annuals you spot, such as chickweed, purple deadnettle, and henbit. If late winter turns warm, apply pre-emergent to prevent spring weeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-weeds\/\">Most Common Winter Weeds<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"37-irrigate-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"irrigate-your-lawn\">Irrigate your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dormant grass still needs about one-half inch of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/definitive-guide-watering-your-lawn\/\">water<\/a> a week. Switch to manual watering to avoid overwatering.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"38-mow-if-needed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-if-needed\">Mow if needed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some grass grows slowly in winter. Mow only if it looks unruly, keeping the height the same or higher to protect it from the cold.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"39-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900141951477553\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How often should you do lawn maintenance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It varies by task:<br>\u2022 Water 2 or 3 times a week (less when it\u2019s rainy and cool).<br>\u2022 Mow once a week or more during peak growth.<br>\u2022 Fertilize 3 to 4 times a year.<br>\u2022 Aerate, dethatch, and amend soil as needed.<br>\u2022 Soil test every few years, or yearly if you\u2019re tracking amendments.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900141951474884\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What warm-season grasses are easy to care for?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The easiest include buffalograss, centipedegrass, and certain Zoysiagrass varieties. Learn more in <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/low-maintenance-grass-alternatives\/\">\u201cLow-Maintenance Grasses as Grass Alternatives\u201d<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900141951474784\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What order should I do lawn maintenance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Do the most intensive, invasive tasks first. For example, aerate and dethatch before overseeding and fertilizing, or you\u2019ll disturb seed and fertilizer and get patchy growth.<br><br><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-warm-season-grasses\/\">Guide to Warm-Season Grasses<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"40-hire-a-lawn-care-pro-to-maintain-your-warm-season-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hire-a-lawn-care-pro-to-maintain-your-warm-season-lawn\">Hire a lawn care pro to maintain your warm-season lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caring for a warm-season lawn gets hectic, especially in summer. Whether you\u2019re busy or would rather spend weekends on rest and relaxation, you can hand the work to a pro.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn Love has pros ready to serve homeowners across the country, from mowing to a full <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment service<\/a>. Lighten your load with Lawn Love today.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Staugustinegrass.JPG\">Stickpen<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow this warm-season grass lawn care calendar for what to mow, water, fertilize, and treat each season, from spring green-up to winter dormancy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101,"featured_media":12608,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[147],"class_list":["post-12604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_st_augustine_grass.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Janine Caayao","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/janine-caayao\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12604"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12604\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49143,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12604\/revisions\/49143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}