In this article will talk about lawn maintenance strategies. Congratulations on establishing your lawn! Now comes the ongoing part of lawn care—maintenance. With the right practices and a little ongoing effort, you can keep your lawn looking great while making efficient use of your time and resources. In this chapter, we’ll cover everything from mowing and fertilizing to weed control and seasonal care tips, all tailored specifically to Southern lawns. Proper maintenance not only keeps your grass green, lush, and tidy, but also prevents many common problems like weeds, diseases, and pest infestations from taking over. A well-maintained lawn not only enhances your home’s curb appeal, but it also creates a healthy outdoor environment for your family and pets to enjoy.
Taking care of your lawn year-round means breaking down the tasks into manageable steps that fit into your seasonal schedule. We’ll delve into how to mow correctly without stressing the turf, how to choose the right fertilizers and apply them at optimal times, and how to implement effective weed control measures that work in the unique climate of the South. Additionally, we’ll offer advice on how to adjust your practices during extreme weather conditions, such as hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters, to ensure your lawn remains resilient. By following these comprehensive strategies, you’ll not only sustain the beauty of your lawn but also build a robust, healthy turf that thrives with minimal intervention over time.
Mowing Like a Pro
Mowing isn’t just about keeping the lawn looking neat—it’s one of the most important practices for maintaining healthy grass. Here are the key rules of mowing:
Follow the One-Third Rule
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing. Cutting off too much at once can stress the plant, expose the stems, and leave a brown, patchy appearance. For example, if you maintain St. Augustinegrass at 3 inches, mow it when it reaches 4.5 inches to remove just the top third. This means you may need to mow frequently during peak growth—possibly every 5-7 days in summer for fast-growing grasses like Bermuda.
Set the Right Mowing Height
Each grass type has an optimal mowing height that promotes strong root growth and density. Here are the recommended mowing heights for common Southern grasses:
- Bermudagrass: 0.75 to 1.5 inches (can be maintained lower with a reel mower for a golf-course look).
- Zoysiagrass: 1 to 2 inches (can be kept lower with a reel mower or higher with a rotary mower).
- St. Augustinegrass: 3 to 4 inches (keeping it taller improves shade tolerance and reduces stress).
- Centipedegrass: 1.5 to 2 inches (this slow-growing grass does well with a slightly higher cut).
- Bahiagrass: 3 to 4 inches (often mowed primarily to remove tall seed stalks).
- Tall Fescue: 3 to 4 inches (maintain on the higher end for better drought tolerance).
Mowing at the correct height ensures your lawn stays dense, drought-resistant, and free of excessive thatch buildup.
Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn
- Keep mower blades sharp—Dull blades tear the grass, causing stress and increasing the risk of disease.
- Mow when the grass is dry—Wet grass clumps, making mowing uneven and spreading disease.
- Change mowing direction each time to prevent soil compaction and avoid “grain” (grass leaning in one direction).
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulch mowing) to naturally return nutrients to the soil.
By mowing regularly and at the right height, your lawn will be denser, healthier, and better able to resist weeds and pests.
Fertilizing Your Lawn
Grass needs the right nutrients to grow strong and stay green. Most Southern lawns primarily need nitrogen (N), with some potassium (K). Phosphorus (P) is only required if a soil test shows a deficiency.
When to Fertilize
Timing is critical for fertilization. Warm-season grasses grow actively in late spring and summer, while cool-season grasses like fescue grow in fall and early spring.
For warm-season lawns like Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipede:
- Spring (April–May): First application after the lawn has fully greened up.
- Summer (June–August): Continue feeding as needed, usually every 6-8 weeks. Bermuda and Zoysia may need more frequent applications.
- Early Fall (September): Apply potassium-based fertilizer if needed but avoid nitrogen past early September to prevent winter stress.
For Tall Fescue (cool-season grass):
- Fall (September–November): The most important fertilization period to prepare for winter.
- Winter (February): Light fertilization to support early spring growth.
- Spring (March–April): Moderate feeding before summer heat.
- Minimal summer fertilization—too much nitrogen can make fescue susceptible to disease.
Choosing a Fertilizer
Fertilizers have different N-P-K ratios. For established Southern lawns, look for high-nitrogen fertilizers (e.g., 16-4-8 or 15-0-15). Slow-release fertilizers are ideal as they provide nutrients over time without excessive growth spurts.
Application Tips
- Use a spreader for even coverage.
- Water after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the roots.
- Avoid applying fertilizer before heavy rain to prevent runoff.
- Follow label recommendations—more fertilizer is not always better and can harm the lawn.
Proper fertilization strengthens your lawn’s resistance to drought, pests, and disease, keeping it healthy all season long.
Weed Control Strategies
Weeds compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best way to prevent weeds is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds them out.
Preventing Weeds
- Mow at the correct height—scalping the lawn weakens grass and allows weeds to take over.
- Water properly—deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots, reducing the chances of weeds thriving in dry or overly wet conditions.
- Fill bare spots quickly—patch damaged areas with sod or seed to prevent weeds from invading.
Using Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from sprouting and should be applied before weeds appear:
- Early spring (February–March) for summer weeds like crabgrass.
- Early fall (September) for winter weeds like Poa annua.
Avoid using pre-emergent herbicides if you plan to overseed your lawn, as they will prevent grass seed from germinating.
Post-Emergent Herbicides
For weeds that have already sprouted:
- Broadleaf weeds (dandelion, clover, chickweed) can be treated with broadleaf herbicides.
- Grassy weeds (crabgrass, goosegrass) require specific herbicides like quinclorac or fenoxaprop.
- Sedges (nutsedge, kyllinga) need specialty herbicides like halosulfuron or sulfentrazone.
Apply herbicides carefully, following label instructions, and avoid spraying during extreme heat.
Pest and Disease Management
Southern lawns can be affected by various pests and diseases, especially during hot, humid conditions.
Common Lawn Pests
- Chinch bugs (attack St. Augustinegrass, causing yellow patches).
- White grubs (feed on roots and cause wilting).
- Mole crickets (damage Bahia and Bermuda grass by tunneling).
- Armyworms & sod webworms (caterpillars that chew grass blades).
If pests become an issue, use insecticides specifically labeled for lawn pests and always monitor for early signs.
Common Lawn Diseases
- Brown patch / Large patch (affects many grasses, thrives in cool, wet conditions).
- Gray leaf spot (common in St. Augustine, worsened by excessive nitrogen).
- Dollar spot (small, round brown spots, often due to under-fertilization).
Prevention tips:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen—over-fertilizing encourages disease.
- Water in the morning—evening watering keeps grass wet overnight, promoting fungal growth.
- Improve air circulation—reduce thatch and prune nearby plants to increase airflow.
If a disease appears, adjust lawn care practices first. Fungicides can be used as a last resort
Seasonal Lawn Care Guide
- Late Winter (Feb–March): Apply pre-emergent herbicide for summer weeds.
- Spring (April–May): First fertilization once the lawn is fully green. Begin mowing regularly.
- Summer (June–August): Peak growth—water deeply, mow frequently, and watch for pests.
- Fall (September–November): Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds. Last fertilizer application for warm-season lawns.
- Winter (December–February): Minimal maintenance; mow fescue if necessary and plan spring lawn care.
By following these seasonal lawn care strategies, you’ll keep your Southern lawn looking green, lush, and healthy year-round. Up next, we’ll cover proper irrigation techniques to ensure your lawn gets the water it needs without waste!
1. Understanding Southern Lawns
2. Preparing the Soil for a Healthy Lawn
3. Seeding, Sodding, and Establishing Grass
4. Irrigation and Drought Management
5. Lawn Maintenance Strategies
6. Reviving and Salvaging a Lawn