Lawn Care Schedule

Prune trees if shade is a problem

February 1

Pre-emergent weed preventer for grassy weeds; fungicide for Brown Patch prevention (not often required)

February/March

Post-emergent weed killer for broadleaf weeds (apply when daytime temperature is above 70 degrees)

April 1

Sharpen lawn mower blade, mow lawn short (1 and 1/2 to 2 inches) the first time ONLY, and ONLY while the lawn is dormant before spring greenup; catch clippings; apply second application of pre-emergent weed preventer

April 15

Fertilize with fast release 15-5-10 fertilizer (1 pound N per 1000 sq. ft.) after second mowing (if lawn is very shady, decrease fertilizer amount by one half; or wait until fall to fertilize); mow at 5 to 7 day intervals at a height of 3” (use a mulching blade, and drop clippings); begin watering 1 inch per week, April through June

May 15

Fertilize with slow release 2 1-7-14 fertilizer (2 pounds N per 1000 sq. ft.)

May/June/July

Sod or plug St. Augustine grass; water daily for first week, then twice weekly

May/June/July

De-thatch and core-aerate if required, while grass is actively growing; apply 1/4” of compost

June/July/Aug./ Sept.

Monitor for Chinch Bugs

June/July/August

Monitor for Grub Worms and treat while still in the larval stage (usually in July and August); water no more than twice weekly (1” with each application)

Sept. 15-Oct. 1

Pre-emergent weed preventer for broad leaf weeds; decrease watering to 1 inch per week throughout the fall; monitor for sod web worms

October 1

Apply fungicide for Brown Patch control when first cold front passes through (may be as early as August)

October 15

Over-seed in sunny areas with Ryegrass, Tall Fescue seed in shady areas only

November 1

Apply a “winterizer” fertilizer (a fast-release nitrogen can also be appropriate at this time); apply second application of fungicide for Brown Patch control; fertilize shady lawns if they have not been fertilized this year

December 1

Second application of pre-emergent weed preventer

December-January

Use post-emergent weed killer on actively growing broadleaf winter weeds before they begin to flower; do not apply any weed killer to the lawn at the time it begins to green up in the spring

December-March