{"id":144082,"date":"2026-01-05T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=144082"},"modified":"2026-01-06T10:33:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T13:33:05","slug":"spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Lawn Care Calendar by Region: Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grass"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Apply spring fertilizer too early, and you\u2019ll weaken your lawn\u2019s root system. Miss your pre-emergent window by two weeks, and crabgrass takes over.<\/p>    <p>Timing is everything in spring lawn care \u2014 but the right schedule depends on whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass, and where you live. These regional calendars eliminate the guesswork, so you know exactly when to fertilize, apply herbicides, and mow for your grass type.<\/p>    <p>If lawn care tasks have overwhelmed your schedule this spring, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/lawn-care\">hiring a local lawn care pro<\/a> for timely lawn mowing and maintenance no matter your grass type or location.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><br>\u2022 Start springtime care by raking up winter debris<br>\u2022 Apply pre-emergents when soil temperatures hit 55 degrees F<br>\u2022 Mow and overseed when the turf begins to green up and grow<br>\u2022 Apply post-emergents after weeds pop up<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-fd9c2805-85b9-4393-8e29-1879fa31bb64\" 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\">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:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/#0-spring-lawn-care-calendar-by-region\" style=\"\">Spring Lawn Care Calendar by Region<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/#1-differences-between-cool-season-and-warm-season-grass\" style=\"\">Differences Between Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/#2-cool-season-grass-lawn-care-schedule\" style=\"\">Cool-Season Grass Schedule<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/#11-warm-season-grass-lawn-care-schedule\" style=\"\">Warm-Season Grass Schedule<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-calendar-cool-season-vs-warm-season-grass\/#20-faq-about-cool-season-and-warm-season-lawns-in-spring\" style=\"\">FAQ About Lawns in Spring<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Map of the United States showing cool-season grass, warm-season grass, and transition zones.\" class=\"wp-image-43943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-646x408.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-spring-lawn-care-calendar-by-region\">Spring Lawn Care Calendar by Region<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Cool-Season Grass<br>(Northern U.S.)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cool-Season Grass<br>(Transition Zone)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>March<\/td><td>\u2022 Inspect lawn for winter damage<\/td><td>\u2022 Soil test<br>\u2022 Rake<br>\u2022 Apply pre-emergent<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April<\/td><td>\u2022 Soil test<br>\u2022 Rake to remove debris<br>\u2022 Apply pre-emergent<br>\u2022 Start mowing<br>\u2022 Overseed<br>\u2022 Dethatch \/ aerate<br>\u2022 Fertilize<br>\u2022 Apply post-emergent<br>\u2022 Control pests<\/td><td>\u2022 Overseed <br>\u2022 Dethatch \/ aerate<br>\u2022 Fertilize <br>\u2022Apply post-emergent<br>\u2022 Start mowing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>May<\/td><td>\u2022 Overseed<br>\u2022 Apply post-emergent<\/td><td>\u2022 Control pests<br>\u2022 Fertilize <br>\u2022 Apply post-emergent<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Warm-Season Grass<\/strong><br><strong>(Transition Zone)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warm-Season Grass<\/strong><br><strong>(Southern U.S.)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>March<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Test soil<br>\u2022 Rake&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Mow<br>\u2022 Apply pre- or post-emergents<\/td><td>\u2022 Test soil<br>\u2022 Apply pre-or post-emergents<br>\u2022 Start mowing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>April<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Lay sod<br>\u2022 Fertilize<\/td><td>\u2022 Control pests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>May<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Dethatch \/ aerate<br>\u2022 Overseed<br>\u2022 Fertilize<\/td><td>\u2022 Dethatch \/ aerate<br>\u2022 Fertilize<br>\u2022 Overseed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-differences-between-cool-season-and-warm-season-grass\">Differences Between Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grass<\/h2>    <p>The differences between cool-season and warm-season grasses are the temperature and time of year when they are actively growing:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Cool-Season Grasses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warm-Season Grasses<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Region<\/strong><\/td><td>Northern states<\/td><td>Southern states<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Growing Season<\/strong><\/td><td>Spring and fall<\/td><td>Summer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Optimal Growing Temperature<\/strong><br><strong>(Air Temps)<\/strong><\/td><td>60 F to 75 F<\/td><td>80 F to 95 F<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/cool-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">Cool-season grasses<\/a> thrive in the milder seasons of spring and fall. This grass type fares best in the cooler climates of the northern states.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Here are the most popular cool-season turfgrasses:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Annual ryegrass<\/li>    <li>Bentgrass<\/li>    <li>Fine fescue<\/li>    <li>Kentucky bluegrass<\/li>    <li>Perennial ryegrass<\/li>    <li>Tall fescue<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/warm-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">Warm-season grasses<\/a> green up in the spring and grow throughout the hot summer season. They go dormant in the fall when temperatures cool down. You\u2019ll find warm-season grasses in southern states.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Here are the most popular warm-season turfgrasses:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Bahiagrass<\/li>    <li>Bermudagrass<\/li>    <li>Buffalograss<\/li>    <li>Centipedegrass<\/li>    <li>St. Augustinegrass<\/li>    <li>Zoysiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-cool-season-grass-lawn-care-schedule\">Cool-Season Grass Lawn Care Schedule<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A picture showing growth of cool season grass round the year\" class=\"wp-image-92131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth-646x363.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez <br><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Follow this month-by-month spring checklist for lawns in the cool-season and transition zones:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-northern-us\">Northern U.S.<\/h3>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-march\">March<\/h4>    <p>When March arrives, many northern lawns are still buried in snow. Here are preparatory tasks you can do while you are waiting for spring green-up to arrive:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Inspect for winter lawn damage and snow mold:<\/strong> \u201cFirst, assess winter injury and soil conditions,\u201d says Kelly Kopp, turfgrass specialist at Utah State University. She advises homeowners to check for snow mold, vole damage, crown hydration injury, ice damage, or bare areas that need overseeding. Homeowners will also need to check for salt damage.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-april\">April<\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"Close-up of hands collecting soil near seedlings with a metal tool for soil testing and analysis.\" class=\"wp-image-128443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soil-sample-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taking soil sample. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/taking-a-soil-sample-for-a-soil-test-in-a-field-testing-carbon-sequestration-and-plant-health\/626151706\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phoebe<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>As the snow begins to melt, your lawn will emerge from dormancy. This is the time when you will need to take care of several springtime lawn chores:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Conduct a soil test.<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Rake lightly<\/strong>: Once the snow melts, rake your yard and remove debris.<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply pre-emergent herbicides:<\/strong> Once temperatures reach 55 degrees F, it\u2019s time to apply pre-emergents to your yard to prevent weeds.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Start mowing<\/strong> as soon as the lawn greens up.<\/li>    <li><strong>Overseed:<\/strong> \u201cYou can start overseeding cool-season grasses if you have some spots that need a little bit of thickening up or\u2026maybe you&#8217;ve had to get rid of some weeds, or there are some areas that aren&#8217;t coming back in,\u201d says Steven Price, Extension associate professor at Utah State University.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Dethatch and aerate, <\/strong>if needed.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Fertilize:<\/strong> \u201cAvoid heavy spring nitrogen applications, which drive excessive top growth and increase summer water needs,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cA light fertilization may include 0.5 to 0.75 of a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in mid- to late spring (April-May), ideally from a slow-release source.\u201d<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply post-emergent herbicides<\/strong> in late April or early May.<\/li>    <li><strong>Treat pests<\/strong> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/home-garden\/lawn-grubs-how-kill\/\">lawn grubs<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-dethatch-lawn\/\">How to Dethatch Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-aerate-lawn\/\">How to Aerate Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-may\">May<\/h4>    <p>As the spring season takes hold, start mowing consistently and implement timely weed control to take care of any pesky weeds in your yard. Here\u2019s what you need to take care of in May:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Overseed<\/strong> if grass was dormant in April<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply post-emergent herbicides<\/strong> for any new weeds that pop up.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-transition-zone\">Transition Zone<\/h3>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-march-\">March&nbsp;<\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A homeowner rakes fallen leaves.\" class=\"wp-image-144085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raking-Leaves-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Raking leaves. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/rake-with-fallen-leaves-in-the-park-janitor-cleans-leaves-in-autumn-volunteering-cleaning-and-ecology-concept\/460503871?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maxbelchenko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Take care of these tasks in March to prepare your transition zone cool-season yard for spring growth:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Conduct a soil test:<\/strong> \u201cTest every 2-3 years,\u201d says Kopp. Knowing your soil\u2019s nutrient levels and pH helps you promote grass health by indicating what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-soil-amendments\/\">soil amendments<\/a> your lawn needs.<\/li>    <li><strong>Rake lightly:<\/strong> \u201cClear leaves, dead grass, and other winter debris,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cLight raking &#8216;fluffs up&#8217; matted turf, improving airflow and spring green-up.\u201d<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply pre-emergent herbicides:<\/strong> When temperatures reach 55 degrees F, apply a pre-emergent to prevent common summer weeds.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Advice from an expert in Utah: <\/strong>\u201cIf you&#8217;re dealing with a lot of annual weeds in your cool-season turf\u2026pre-emergents are a great way to help get that under control,\u201d says Price. \u201cThose typically do need to be done before mid-March in our area, especially if you have a lot of crabgrass.\u201d<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-april\">April<\/h4>    <p>In April, your lawn turns green as it emerges from dormancy. Here\u2019s how to care for it:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Overseed to repair winter damage <\/strong>in mid-April, or as soon as your lawn greens up. \u201cEarly spring is acceptable for patch repairs, but full lawn overseeding is better done in late summer\/early fall to avoid annual weed pressure,\u201d says Kopp.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Dethatch and aerate<\/strong> in mid-April, if needed.<\/li>    <li><strong>Fertilize<\/strong> in mid-April once your lawn greens up and is actively growing. Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply post-emergent herbicides<\/strong> to spot-treat weeds.<\/li>    <li><strong>Start mowing: <\/strong>\u201cMow as soon as turf begins growing, and keep mowing heights high to encourage deeper rooting,\u201d says Kopp.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-to-growing-grass-in-the-transition-zone\/\">Guide to Growing Grass in the Transition Zone<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/common-winter-weeds\/\">Most Common Winter Weeds in Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-may\">May<\/h4>    <p>Here\u2019s how to care for your cool-season lawn in May:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Control pests:<\/strong> Look out for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/\">sod webworms<\/a> and apply grub treatments as needed.<\/li>    <li><strong>Fertilize:<\/strong> Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-slow-release-fertilizer\/\">slow-release nitrogen fertilizer<\/a> that will last through the summer months.<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply post-emergent herbicides<\/strong> as you see weeds.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-warm-season-grass-lawn-care-schedule\">Warm-Season Grass Lawn Care Schedule<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A picture showing growth of warm season grass round the year\" class=\"wp-image-92138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1-646x363.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>If you live in the South, you likely have a warm-season lawn. Here\u2019s a checklist, by month, for how to care for warm-season grass as things start to heat up in the spring:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-transition-zone\">Transition Zone<\/h3>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-march\">March<\/h4>    <p>Here\u2019s what you should do to take care of warm-season grass in March:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Test your soil:<\/strong> Determine your soil\u2019s pH, organic matter content, and nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium levels. \u201cIf you can get a soil test from a good lab, that can help guide your fertilization, both amounts and what you need to get in,\u201d says Price.<\/li>    <li><strong>Rake lightly: <\/strong>\u201cLight raking helps stand up dormant stolons and rhizomes,\u201d says Kopp.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">Overseed<\/a>. Fill in bare patches with new grass seed. You can start overseeding basically as soon as the ground is unfrozen, says Price.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Mow:<\/strong> As grass greens up with the start of spring, start mowing your yard. \u201cBegin by mowing low and then raising mowing height gradually,\u201d says Kopp.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\">Apply pre-emergent herbicides<\/a> to prevent crabgrass if soil temps are still in the 50-55 degree F range.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/applying-post-emergent-herbicides-to-your-lawn\/\">Apply post-emergent herbicides<\/a> if your soil has already passed the 55-degree mark for several days. \u201cThey should be applied after the turf has greened up,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cCertain active ingredients should be avoided during early transition or heat spells, so follow labels carefully.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-april\">April<\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236.jpg\" alt=\"A person unrolling a roll of sod on the ground\" class=\"wp-image-84537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laying sod. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/crop-worker-laying-grass-roll-5231236\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Here\u2019s an April lawn care checklist for your warm-season transition zone lawn:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\">Lay sod<\/a> in mid-April. If you don\u2019t want to grow seed from the ground up, sod is another way to repair bare patches and lawn damage.<\/li>    <li><strong>Fertilize:<\/strong> \u201cFertilize after approximately 50% of the grass has greened up because warm-season grasses should not be fertilized when they are still mostly dormant,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cTypical spring rates are 0.5 to 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, depending on the species and desired amount of growth.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> \u201cYou don&#8217;t want to fertilize [warm-season grasses] too early; otherwise, you&#8217;re helping weeds rather than the grass,\u201d says Price.<\/p>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-may\">May<\/h4>    <p>By May, the warm season kicks into high gear. Here\u2019s what you can do to give your lawn the care it needs to survive the hot summer:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Dethatch or aerate:<\/strong> \u201cIf soils are compacted, aerate in late spring or early summer,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cAvoid aeration when turf is still partially dormant.\u201d<\/li>    <li><strong>Overseed: <\/strong>Mid-May to early June is the best time to overseed warm-season grass.<\/li>    <li><strong>Put down a second application of fertilizer: <\/strong>If you fertilized earlier this spring, you can apply a second application 4-6 weeks later in May to prep your lawn for summer. If you haven\u2019t fertilized yet, now\u2019s the time to apply.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/signs-compacted-soil\/\">How to Tell You Have Compacted Soil<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-fertilize-lawn\/\">How to Fertilize Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-southern-us\">Southern U.S.<\/h3>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-march\">March<\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A man is spraying weed killer herbicide on green grass in a yard\" class=\"wp-image-138658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/weed-killer-herbicide-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pre-emergent herbicide spray. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/man-spraying-weed-killer-herbicide-on-green-grass-residential-yard-landscaper-using-pump-chemical-pesticide-sprayer-for-lawn-weed-control\/1393394403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scott Habermann<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Spring is when the mowing season starts, so here\u2019s how to care for your yard at the start of spring:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Test the soil<\/strong> now to know how much fertilizer to apply in May.<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply pre-emergent herbicides:<\/strong> Treat for crabgrass, goosegrass, and other summer annuals. \u201cAs a rule of thumb, pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before soil temperatures reach over 55 degrees F for several days,\u201d says Kopp.<\/li>    <li><strong>Apply post-emergents<\/strong> if you already see weeds in the lawn.<\/li>    <li><strong>Start mowing<\/strong> as the grass starts to grow.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-crabgrass-preventer\/\">When to Apply Crabgrass Preventer (Plus How to Do It Right)<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass\/\">How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-april\">April<\/h4>    <p>Take care of these lawn care tasks in April:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Treat pests: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-fire-ants-yard\/\">Get rid of fire ants<\/a> by spreading granular bait across the lawn, then targeting mounds with a liquid drench.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-may\">May<\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Repair the lawn:<\/strong> Spring is the season to repair warm-season lawns. Now is the time to dethatch or aerate, fertilize, and overseed to fill in your lawn as it enters its main growing season. Once the grass greens up, apply up to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-faq-about-cool-season-and-warm-season-lawns-in-spring\">FAQ About Cool-Season and Warm-Season Lawns in Spring<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766527022534\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Speed Up Spring Green-Up By Fertilizing Earlier or Using a Specific Product?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Early spring fertilization <strong>does not<\/strong> speed up spring green-up and can actually weaken your grass. Fall fertilizer applications are better for improving green-up in spring.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766527030580\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I Use Different Fertilizer Formulations for Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grass in Spring?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. \u201cCool-season grasses come out of dormancy more quickly than warm-season grasses and grow actively in spring. But they can easily be overstimulated by spring fertilization,\u201d says Kopp.<br\/><br\/><strong>Cool-season grasses:<\/strong> \u201cA low to moderate nitrogen rate is recommended, preferably in a slow-release formulation,\u201d says Kopp.<br\/><strong>Warm-season grasses:<\/strong> \u201cWarm-season grasses stay dormant well into spring and should not be fertilized until they are more than 50% green, and soil temperatures at 4 inches reach 65 degrees F,\u201d says Kopp. \u201cOnce warm-season grass green-up begins, they benefit from moderate nitrogen rates.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-leave-your-lawn-to-lawnstarter\">Leave Your Lawn to LawnStarter<\/h2>    <p>Timing is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy lawn. It\u2019s important to know the right time to apply herbicides and fertilizer for your grass type.<\/p>    <p><strong>LawnStarter&#8217;s <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment pros<\/a>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Apply herbicides and fertilizer at the optimal time<\/li>    <li>Use professional-grade products<\/li>    <li>Guarantee results<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>If you don\u2019t want to deal with managing a lawn care calendar, a LawnStarter pro can handle your lawn care tasks for you, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/lawn-care\">mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\/lawn-aeration\">aeration<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">fertilization, weed control<\/a>, and more.<\/p>    <p><strong>Read More: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/spring-lawn-care-tips\/\">13 Spring Lawn Care Tips<\/a><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-4b37ca91-c2e2-4de0-be55-469280c3da07\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-4b37ca91-c2e2-4de0-be55-469280c3da07\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4b37ca91-c2e2-4de0-be55-469280c3da07\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-4b37ca91-c2e2-4de0-be55-469280c3da07\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/wayne.ces.ncsu.edu\/2025\/03\/avoid-fertilizing-your-lawn-too-early\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avoid Fertilizing Your Lawn Too Early<\/a>.\u201d By Jessica Strickland, Extension agent. North Carolina Cooperative Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/library\/landscaping\/bermudagrass-home-lawn-management-calendar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bermudagrass Home Lawn Management Calendar<\/a>.\u201d By Casey Reynolds, assistant professor and Extension turfgrass specialist, and Matt Elmore, turfgrass specialist. Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/mastergardener.tennessee.edu\/chapter-10-turfgrass-management-in-tennessee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chapter 10 &#8211; Turfgrass Management in Tennessee<\/a>.\u201d By Tom Samples, retired professor and Extension specialist, et al. University of Tennessee.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.missouri.edu\/publications\/g6705\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar<\/a>.\u201d By Peng Tian, plant diagnostic clinic director and assistant Extension professor. University of Missouri.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/monroe.cce.cornell.edu\/resources\/lawn-fertilizer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Lawn Fertilization<\/a>.\u201d Cornell University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.k-state.edu\/turf\/homeowner-do-it-yourself-lawn-calendar-for-warm-season-grass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Homeowner Do-It-Yourself Lawn Calendar for Warm-Season Grass<\/a>.\u201d Jared Hoyle, turfgrass research and Extension agent. Kansas State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walterreeves.com\/lawn-care\/importance-of-soil-temps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Importance of Soil Temps<\/a>.\u201d Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/directory\/kopp-kelly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kelly Kopp<\/a>, Extension turfgrass specialist at Utah State University, Logan, UT. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.okstate.edu\/fact-sheets\/landscape-maintenance-schedule.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Landscape Maintenance Schedule<\/a>.\u201d By Extension experts David Hillock, Tom Royer, Jennifer Olson, Dennis Martin, Mike Schnelle, Nathan Walker, and Eric Rebek. Oklahoma State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/planting-and-growing-guides\/lawn-care-calendar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Care Calendar<\/a>.\u201d University of Minnesota Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pubs.ext.vt.edu\/content\/dam\/pubs_ext_vt_edu\/452\/452-718\/452-718_pdf.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Fertilization for Warm Season Grasses<\/a>.\u201d By M. Goatley, turf Extension specialist, E.H. Ervin, turf associate professor, and S.E. Heckendorn, laboratory manager. Virginia Cooperative Extension.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.missouri.edu\/publications\/mg10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Managing Lawns and Turfgrass<\/a>.\u201d By Brad Fresenburg, Division of Plant Science, and Lee Miller, Division of Plant Science. University of Missouri Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.unl.edu\/statewide\/colfax\/patience-virtue-spring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patience is a Virtue in Spring<\/a>.\u201d By Kelly Feehan, Extension educator. University of Nebraska Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/ipm.ucanr.edu\/TOOLS\/TURF\/ESTABLISH\/seasongrth.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seasonal Growth Pattern of Grasses<\/a>.\u201d University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/directory\/price-steven\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steven Price<\/a>, Extension associate professor at Utah State University, Logan, UT. Personal interview.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: Green lawn and flowers in front of a house. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/manicured-yard\/25259183\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/contributor\/200483063\/fotomine?load_type=author&amp;prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fotomine<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock with Text Overlay using Canva Pro<\/p>    <p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With regional comparison charts, learn the right time to fertilize, mow, and apply pre-emergent for your cool-season or warm-season lawn this spring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":144092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-144082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spring-Lawn-Care-Calendar.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Danielle Gorski","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Spring Lawn Care Calendar by Region: Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With regional comparison charts, learn the right time to fertilize, 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