Must Do Tasks

  • Mow once a week. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade.
  • Water deep and infrequent: 1 to 1.5 inches per week.
  • Control weeds: Use post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicide.
  • Fertilizer: Apply 0.5 to 1 lb of nitrogen per 1000 sq/ft every 4-8 weeks.
  • Keep height high: Maintain St. Augustine at 3.5 to 4 inches.
  • Always read the product label instructions before use.
Winter
January

January

Lawn is dormant. Avoid heavy traffic.

  • Water only if extremely dry.
  • Sharpen mower blades.

Pre-Spring
February

February

Clean up debris and apply pre-emergent.

  • Target soil temps of 55°F.
  • Apply broadleaf weed control.

Green-up
March

March

Watch for green-up. Do not scalp.

  • Check for Large Patch fungus.
  • Water 0.75-1″ per week.

Mowing
April

April

Mow at 3-4 inches. Fertilize when green.

  • Mow every 7-10 days.
  • Water 1 inch per week.

Pest Watch
May

May

Monitor for Chinch Bugs. Water deeply.

  • Mow at 3.5-4 inches.
  • Apply 0.5-1 lb Nitrogen.

Summer
June

June

Maintain high mowing height.

  • Water 1.25 inches per week.
  • Watch for Grey Leaf Spot.

Peak Heat
July

July

Avoid midday watering. Watch heat stress.

  • Increase water to 1.5″ weekly.
  • Use high-potassium fertilizer.

Insects
August

August

Continue high mowing. Watch webworms.

  • Mow at 4 inches.
  • Water 1.25 inches per week.

Fall Prep
September

September

Apply fall pre-emergent herbicide.

  • Final high-potassium feeding.
  • Slow down nitrogen.

Cooling
October

October

Reduce watering. Watch for fungus.

  • Raise mowing height slightly.
  • Water 0.75 inches per week.

Dormancy
November

November

Lawn enters dormancy. Keep height high.

  • Mulch leaves into turf.
  • Water only if dry.

Winter Rest
December

December

Keep leaves raked. Avoid traffic.

  • Dormant period care.
  • Enjoy the break!