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 Plant and Grow a Sourwood Tree

How to Plant and Grow a Sourwood Tree

This guide to growing sourwood, anative tree that offers year-round interest, includes must-know planting, pruning, and other care tips.
How to Plant and Grow Weigela

How to Plant and Grow Weigela

Learn to grow weigela, which comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They grow quickly so you'll have a beautiful shrub very soon after planting.
How and When to Prune Clematis Vines to Get the Most Flowers

How and When to Prune Clematis Vines to Get the Most Flowers

Pruning clematis correctly, depending on the group it's in, will help your vine look its best year after year.
19 Colorful Window Box Ideas to Brighten Up Your Exterior

19 Colorful Window Box Ideas to Brighten Up Your Exterior

Use these window box ideas for a no-fail way to dress up your home. We share the right plant combinations to create maximum curb appeal.
25 Outdoor Succulent Container Ideas that Resist Heat and Drought

25 Outdoor Succulent Container Ideas that Resist Heat and Drought

These outdoor succulent container ideas feature not only dramatic arrangements, but resistance to heat and drought.
How to Plant and Grow Anemone Bulbs

How to Plant and Grow Anemone Bulbs

Add a splash of springtime color to your yard with bulb-type anemones. Learn how and where to plant the bulbs and care for the plants to enjoy their beautiful flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Cordyline Plants in Your Garden or Home

How to Grow and Care for Cordyline Plants in Your Garden or Home

Learn how to plant and care for cordyline to add a tropical feel to your garden or home, including watering, light, and soil requirements.
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.
How to Plant and Grow Water Clover

How to Plant and Grow Water Clover

Water clover may look like a dense mat of lucky four-leaf clovers, but it’s actually a fast-growing aquatic fern.
14 Easy Landscaping Ideas to Create Lots of Visual Variety

14 Easy Landscaping Ideas to Create Lots of Visual Variety

New to landscaping? Try our easy landscaping ideas to get maximum impact in your garden. We'll help you plan for color, texture, contrast, and more.
Make Your Yard a Relaxing Oasis by Adding an Outdoor Wellness Space

Make Your Yard a Relaxing Oasis by Adding an Outdoor Wellness Space

Who among us isn't interested in being more relaxed? Creating outdoor spaces that promote wellness and relaxation is a trend we love, and these experts agree.
This Hosta-Filled Shade Garden Plan Is Perfect for Planting Around Trees

This Hosta-Filled Shade Garden Plan Is Perfect for Planting Around Trees

Transform empty areas around trees into a lush display with this hosta-filled shade garden plan.
6 Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes from Ruining the Party

6 Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes from Ruining the Party

Get these annoying pests to bug off without having to spray harsh pesticides.
How to Get Rid of Flea Beetles in Your Garden

How to Get Rid of Flea Beetles in Your Garden

Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent flea beetle damage in your garden with this beginner-friendly guide.
How to Prune a Lemon Tree—8 Tips for Making the Right Cuts

How to Prune a Lemon Tree—8 Tips for Making the Right Cuts

These key techniques and tips for when and how to prune a lemon tree will help you maintain a healthy and productive plant.
The 10 Best Companion Plants for Strawberries

The 10 Best Companion Plants for Strawberries

Since they make sweet treats for pests, the right strawberry companion plants can protect your fruit garden. Here are the ten best.
12 Tips for Designing a Beautiful Flower Garden

12 Tips for Designing a Beautiful Flower Garden

With these landscape design tips, even a beginner gardener can create a magnificent and mesmerizing flower garden full of blooms and curb appeal.
How to Plant a Border Garden that Will Add Color to Your Landscape

How to Plant a Border Garden that Will Add Color to Your Landscape

Learn how to create a vibrant border garden that will compliment your landscape and provide visual appeal of completeness.
15 Rooftop Plants That Will Elevate Your Your Garden

15 Rooftop Plants That Will Elevate Your Your Garden

From groundcovers to shrubs and small trees, these top-notch rooftop plants thrive despite tough growing conditions such as high winds found at higher elevations.
Top Plants for Florida Landscaping and Gardens

Top Plants for Florida Landscaping and Gardens

The tropical environment means top plants for Florida will thrive and grow, adding lush, green bulbs, trees and perennials to landscapes and gardens.