Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar

Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires consistent lawn care and regular lawn mowing throughout the year. By following a month-by-month plan, you can ensure your grass stays vibrant, weed-free, and well-nourished in every season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you provide the best care for your lawn all year long.

January: Plan and Prepare

• Inspect your lawn: Check for damage caused by winter weather, pests, or diseases.
• Service your equipment: Sharpen mower blades and perform maintenance on tools to prepare for the growing season.
• Plan your lawn care strategy: Research fertilizers, seed types, and treatments based on your lawn’s needs.

February: Pre-Emergent Weed Control

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide: Prevent weeds like crabgrass from germinating as soil temperatures warm.
• Clean up debris: Remove any fallen branches, leaves, or debris to prepare your lawn for spring growth.
• Test your soil: Perform a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient deficiencies.

March: Kickstart Growth

• Scalp your lawn (warm-season grasses): Remove dormant grass by mowing low to encourage sunlight penetration.
• Aerate the soil: Reduce compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption.
• Apply fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer suited for your grass type to support early growth.

April: Monitor and Maintain

• Control weeds: Spot-treat broadleaf weeds with post-emergent herbicides.
• Start regular lawn mowing: Mow your lawn at the recommended height for your grass type, and don’t cut more than one-third of the blade height.
• Overseed bare spots: Fill in any patches with grass seed to create a uniform lawn.

May: Hydrate and Feed

• Water deeply: Begin watering your lawn consistently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
• Fertilize again: Apply a balanced fertilizer to promote lush growth during the active growing season.
• Edge your lawn: Define clean edges around flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways to enhance curb appeal.

June: Manage Summer Stress

• Adjust mowing height: Raise your mower blade to reduce stress on the grass and retain moisture in the soil.
• Monitor watering needs: Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases.
• Watch for pests: Inspect your lawn for signs of grubs or other pests and treat them as needed.

July: Keep It Cool

• Reduce traffic: Limit foot and pet traffic on stressed lawns to prevent damage.
• Apply pest control: Treat for lawn-damaging pests like chinch bugs and sod webworms.
• Stay consistent with watering: Continue deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth.

August: Focus on Recovery

• Reassess fertilization: Apply a light dose of fertilizer if needed, but avoid overfeeding.
• Spot treat weeds: Hand-pull or use herbicides to address persistent weeds.
• Repair damage: Consider dethatching or patching bare spots as the lawn begins to recover from summer heat.

September: Prep for Fall

• Aerate again: Open up the soil to improve nutrient uptake and oxygen flow.
• Overseed cool-season grasses: Seed any thin or bare areas for a fuller lawn next spring.
• Apply a fall fertilizer: Choose a product rich in potassium to strengthen grass for winter dormancy.

October: Final Growth Push

• Lower mowing height: Gradually reduce the cutting height to prepare your lawn for winter.
• Keep leaves in check: Rake or mulch fallen leaves to prevent smothering your grass.
• Monitor for fungal diseases: Treat any signs of fungi promptly with appropriate fungicides.

November: Winterize

• Apply winter fertilizer: Use a product specifically formulated to protect your grass during dormancy.
• Store equipment properly: Clean and store mowers, trimmers, and other tools to prevent damage.
• Remove debris: Keep your lawn clear of clutter to avoid creating habitats for pests.

December: Rest and Reflect

• Limit foot traffic: Avoid walking on frost-covered grass to prevent damage.
• Plan landscaping projects: Take time to design any updates to your lawn or garden for the next year.
• Stay proactive: Monitor for any unusual changes or signs of damage during the off-season.

Tips for Success

1. Know your grass type: Understanding whether you have warm-season or cool-season grass will help you tailor your care routine.
2. Adapt to local weather: Oklahoma homeowners, for example, should consider the region’s climate when adjusting this calendar.
3. Seek professional help: If you’re unsure about specific treatments or just want expert care, consider hiring a trusted lawn care service.

By following this month-by-month lawn care calendar, you’ll enjoy a yard that stays healthy and vibrant throughout the year. For more personalized advice, feel free to contact us or explore our blog for additional tips.