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
Remove debris and leaves to keep your grass from being smothered. Shred leaves to use for mulch or to add to your compost pile. For efficient composting add some nitrogen fertilizer, about ¼–½ cup per bushel of leaves.
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.
If you applied preemergent herbicide in August or early September, you may be due for the 6–10 week follow-up application. Apply when the soil temperature is 50–70°F. Check the soil temperature on the NC CRONOS map or, alternatively, apply once daytime highs are above 55°F for 3–5 days. Control winter annual broadleaf weeds Earth-wise Guide to Weeds
Special Tasks
Because fall is the true growing season for cool-season lawns, it is the best time to renovate and seed. Lawns seeded in the spring die in the summer because their roots don’t establish before hot weather arrives. Learn about lawn renovation
Seed anytime from the beginning of September to mid-October. For best results, wait until nighttime temperatures are in the mid-60s but before leaves are covering the lawn. Use a blend of turf-type tall fescues at 6 lb per 1000 square feet. Apply a starter-type fertilizer and keep the seedbed moist with light watering several times per day. Germination normally occurs in 10–21 days. Do not let the seedlings dry out.
Before seeding, aerate (core) your lawn to reduce soil compaction and control heavy weed populations.
