Lawn calendar

The Gulf Coast St. Augustine lawn calendar

Every task, every month, timed for Houston and the Gulf Coast. Somewhere else? Build your own plan and we'll adjust it for your area and yard size.

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January

Dormant. The lawn is resting, so this is a quiet month.

WateringIrrigation off. Water only during a long dry stretch, and before a hard freeze if the soil is dry.
CleanupKeep leaves and debris off the lawn so they don't mat down over the grass.

February

Waking up. Get ahead of weeds before the lawn turns green.

WeedsEarly (by Feb 1 on the Gulf Coast): apply spring pre-emergent before soil temps hold around 55°F.
CleanupLate: lightly rake out winter debris. Be gentle with the runners.
SoilLate: core aerate, then topdress with a thin layer of compost.
FertilizerLate: apply a gentle spring fertilizer (Nitro-Phos Imperial 15-5-10).

March

Green-up. The lawn starts actively growing.

MowingStart weekly mowing at 3.5–4 inches. Never cut more than a third of the blade.
FertilizerOnce it's greening, growing, and needs mowing: apply growing-season fertilizer (Nitro-Phos Super Turf 19-4-10).
SoilMid-month: apply trace minerals (Azomite). Aerate now if you missed February.
FungusEarly: first preventative fungicide of the year (Scotts DiseaseEx).
WateringWater deeply about once a week, early morning.

April

Active growth. Insects start showing up.

InsectsEarly: first preventative insecticide (Spectracide Triazicide).
MowingMow weekly at 3.5–4 inches and mulch the clippings.
WateringWater deeply about once a week. Run the tuna can test if you haven't.
FertilizerChelated iron as needed for deeper color. Keep it off concrete.

May

Heating up. Extend weed protection.

WeedsEarly: second pre-emergent application. Spot-treat weeds that slipped through.
WateringMove to deep watering twice a week.
MowingMow at least weekly. Growth is fast now.
FertilizerChelated iron as needed.

June

Summer. Chinch bug season begins.

FertilizerEarly: summer round of fertilizer (Nitro-Phos Super Turf 19-4-10).
InsectsEarly: second preventative insecticide as chinch bug pressure rises.
MowingSharpen your mower blade (second sharpening of the season).
WateringTwice a week, about 1 inch total. Check every sprinkler zone.

July

Peak heat and humidity. Protect against disease and drought.

FungusEarly: summer preventative fungicide.
WateringUp to three deep waterings a week, about 1 to 1.5 inches total without rain.
MowingMow high. Don't scalp a heat-stressed lawn.
InsectsWatch sunny spots near the driveway and sidewalk for chinch bug damage.

August

Still hot. Keep insects in check.

InsectsEarly: third preventative insecticide to finish the season.
WateringThree deep waterings a week. Follow local watering restrictions.
MowingWeekly, high, with a sharp blade.

September

Late summer. Start easing off.

WateringCut back to shorter waterings, twice a week. Adjust for rain.
MowingKeep mowing high. Growth will start to slow.
FertilizerChelated iron as needed while the lawn is still growing.

October

Fall. Large patch and winter weeds are the threats.

WeedsEarly: fall pre-emergent to stop winter weeds.
FungusEarly: preventative fungicide for large patch season.
WateringWater less as it cools. Morning only, never at night.
MowingMow as needed while it's still growing. Mulch fallen leaves.

November

Winding down. Feed the roots for winter.

FertilizerEarly month: low-nitrogen fall fertilizer (Nitro-Phos Fall Special 8-12-16). See how to apply the winterizer.
MowingFinal mowings of the year, only while it's still growing.
WateringReduce or skip watering when rain and cool weather allow.
CleanupKeep leaves from piling up and matting the grass.

December

Dormant. Shut things down.

WateringShut off and winterize irrigation. Water only in a long dry spell.
CleanupClean and store equipment. A good time to sharpen the blade for spring.

Go by the lawn, not just the date Start spring fertilizer once the grass is actually greening up and growing, not just because the calendar flipped. A soil thermometer tells you whether the season is running early or late. Always follow the label on any product you apply.

Seasonal reminders

Know when it's time to act.

Get a quick email before each key window: pre-emergent, fungicide, fertilizer, and watering changes. Subscribers also get the printable Turf Method calendar.