2–3 minute read

Our tips are for cool-season lawns like bluegrass and fescues.

Lawn calendar

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
soil test
aerate
topdress
             
fertilize
lime
             
seed
mow
water
             
annual weeds
perennial weeds
grubs
disease

Routine Care

Do not fertilize. Roots decline with the arrival of hot weather and cannot support the added top growth.

Mow to 3–3½ inches.

Supplement rainfall as needed to provide 1 inch of water weekly. This should wet the soil to a depth of 4–6 inches. You can check by probing the soil with a screwdriver.

problems

Brown patch can be a problem in fescue lawns during prolonged periods of wet weather with evening air temperatures above 68°F and daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 80s.

Check for white grubs.

Do not apply herbicides. Grass is not actively growing and can be injured.

Special Tasks

Wait until September to aerate. Aeration should happen when turfgrass roots are actively growing to speed recovery.

Prepare cool-season lawns (bluegrass, fescue) for reseeding in September.
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