Lawn-Care Calendar for Southern California

2015-06-09
Lawn-Care Calendar for Southern California

Note: Because of this region's climate conditions, a lawn is probably not the most budget-friendly or environmentally responsible choice. Check with your county's cooperative extension service to find out if a lawn makes sense in your area.

Spring

Stop summer weeds: Don't let annual weeds crowd out your lawn this year. Use a pre-emergence herbicide to stop them from growing. Spread the pre-emergence product from mid-February to early March for best results.

Begin mowing: Start mowing your lawn as it begins to grow in late spring.

Don't let thatch build up: Thatch—a layer of old, dead grass stems—can stop air and water from getting to your lawn's root system. Remove the thatch before grass starts growing in summer.

Summer

Fertilize your lawn: Warm-season lawns do best when temperatures are more than 80°F. Start feeding when the weather warms in late April or early May. Feed according to the fertilizer package instructions throughout the summer.

Get rid of grubs: If grubs have been a problem in your neighborhood, use a long-acting grub killer to stop them in early May.

Start a new lawn: Use seed, sprigs, or plugs to start lawns in the summer. Remember that grasses need plenty of water as they become established; never allow a new lawn to dry out.

Keep mowing: You'll probably need to mow regularly in summer. Avoid removing more than a third of the leaf's total blade length at one time: This can stress your lawn.

Aerate hard soil: If your soil is hard and compacted, aerate it in summer to allow air, moisture, and nutrients to reach your lawn's roots more easily.

Water sensibly: Most lawns need regular watering during the summer to keep them green. On average, you'll need to provide about 1 inch of water per week

Fall

There's still more mowing: Keep mowing your lawn as it slows down during the fall season.

Overseed with annual ryegrass: Bermuda grass goes dormant and turns brown in the winter months, so you can overseed it with annual ryegrass. The ryegrass grows and stays green during the cooler months, then dies out once it gets hot— just as your Bermuda grass starts turning green again.

Prevent winter weeds: Stop pesky winter weeds just like you do their summer counterparts: Apply a pre-emergence herbicide from mid-October to mid-November.

Related Article

How to Grow and Care for Goldfish Plant

How to Grow and Care for Goldfish Plant

They won't grow snack crackers, but goldfish plants are worth adding to your collection. Learn how to care for these unique plants.
14 Best Indoor Palm Plants for Adding a Tropical Touch to Your Home

14 Best Indoor Palm Plants for Adding a Tropical Touch to Your Home

Liven up any room with these indoor palm plants that are easy to grow.
5 Expert Tips for Helping Hummingbirds During Heat Waves

5 Expert Tips for Helping Hummingbirds During Heat Waves

Help hummingbirds during heat waves with these expert tips on maintaining feeders properly and providing water and shade.
9 Creative Tree Stump Ideas for Adding a Natural Touch to Your Garden

9 Creative Tree Stump Ideas for Adding a Natural Touch to Your Garden

These tree stump ideas are an easy way to turn an eyesore into an asset. Put stumps to use as rustic planters, pedestals, and more.
7 Genius Garden Design Ideas from an Iconic American Landscape

7 Genius Garden Design Ideas from an Iconic American Landscape

Artfully blend formal and wild with these garden design ideas from Hollister House in Connecticut.
25 Budget Small Garden Ideas for Creating a Stunning Space Without Breaking the Bank

25 Budget Small Garden Ideas for Creating a Stunning Space Without Breaking the Bank

These budget small garden ideas will help you affordably create a gorgeous outdoor space.
25 Garden Decor Ideas for Taking Your Yard from Drab to Fab

25 Garden Decor Ideas for Taking Your Yard from Drab to Fab

Enhance your outdoor oasis with these garden decor ideas for various styles, budgets, and landscape sizes.
How to Plant and Grow Clivia

How to Plant and Grow Clivia

Find out how to grow clivia to enjoy its vibrant blooms in your home or garden.
6 Surprising Benefits of Planting Trees

6 Surprising Benefits of Planting Trees

Learn how planting trees can transform your environment and improve your quality of life.
5 Tips for Using Gardenia Fertilizer Correctly to Maximize Those Fragrant Flowers

5 Tips for Using Gardenia Fertilizer Correctly to Maximize Those Fragrant Flowers

These must-know tips on using gardenia fertilizer will boost your plant's flower power.
6 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees Correctly

6 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees Correctly

Use these tips on pruning crape myrtle to ensure you trim with precision, enhancing the health and vibrancy of this flowering tree.
9 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Hibiscus Plants

9 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Hibiscus Plants

Smart pruning spurs hibiscus plants to unfurl hundreds of eye-catching tropical flowers. These tips will take the guesswork out of pruning.
This Prairie Garden Plan Spotlights Pretty Native Plants

This Prairie Garden Plan Spotlights Pretty Native Plants

Summer heat and drought won’t faze the tough native plants in this prairie garden plan. Plus, pollinators love their flowers.
6 Soil Amendments That Will Help You Grow Healthier Plants

6 Soil Amendments That Will Help You Grow Healthier Plants

Learning when and why to use these soil amendments will improve your gardening results and save you money.
4 Must-Follow Steps to Keep Your Potted Plants Watered While You’re on Vacation

4 Must-Follow Steps to Keep Your Potted Plants Watered While You’re on Vacation

You may be away, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor pots and hanging baskets have to be left high and dry: Follow these simple actions to keep planted plants watered while you’re on vacation or traveling.
8 Tips for Getting Rid of Squash Bugs Naturally Before They Devour Your Plants

8 Tips for Getting Rid of Squash Bugs Naturally Before They Devour Your Plants

Find out how to get rid of squash bugs with these natural pest control tips, plus learn how to identify these insects and their damage.
How to Get Rid of Skunks in Your Yard Without Getting Sprayed

How to Get Rid of Skunks in Your Yard Without Getting Sprayed

Skunks eat garden pests, but their defensive spray can cause a problem for humans and pets that startle them. Find out how to get rid of skunks in your yard safely.
11 Budget-Friendly Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

11 Budget-Friendly Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

These helpful front yard landscaping ideas will boost your curb appeal without emptying your wallet.
How to Kill Weeds Naturally Using Organic Products

How to Kill Weeds Naturally Using Organic Products

Here's how to kill weeds naturally and organically in flower beds without any chemicals or products that will harm your plants.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.