Southern Lawn Care Guide for Beginners
Choosing the Right Grass Seed
Not all grass types are created equal, especially in the South. Warm season grasses thrive in temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while cool season grasses prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
For Southern lawns, recommended warm season grasses include:
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- St. Augustinegrass
- Centipedegrass
If you’re not sure which grass is best for your soil type, consult with your local county extension agent.
Fertilizing Your Lawn
Fertilizer is essential for a healthy lawn. It helps improve density, color, and recuperative ability. Turfgrass requires nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as other mineral elements.
Conduct a soil test to determine the best fertilizer type and application schedule for your lawn. A typical fertilizer program for Bermudagrass in the South includes:
- May: Apply a water-soluble complete fertilizer (20-5-10) with 1 pound of N per 1,000 square feet.
- June: Apply a slow-release fertilizer with 2 to 3 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet.
- August: Apply another slow-release fertilizer with 2 to 3 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet.
Mowing and Watering
Mowing height varies depending on the type of turfgrass. The recommended heights promote a healthy turf that can withstand foot traffic and environmental stresses.
- Bermudagrass: Cut to 1/2 to 3/4 inches in the summer and 1 to 1 1/4 inches in the fall.
- Centipedegrass: Cut to 1.5 to 2 inches.
- St. Augustinegrass: Cut to 2.5 inches in the summer and 3 inches in the fall.
- Zoysiagrass: Cut to 1/2 to 3/4 inches in the summer and 1 to 1 1/4 inches in the fall.
- Tall fescue: Cut to 3 inches in the summer and 2.5 inches in the fall.
- Kentucky bluegrass: Cut to 2.5 inches in the summer and fall.
Water your lawn deeply when it shows signs of water need, such as footprints or a blue-gray appearance. Aim to water to a depth of 6 inches. Water early in the morning so the grass has time to dry and avoid fungal issues.
Controlling Weeds
Weeds can be a nuisance in any lawn, but they can be especially problematic in the South. With proper watering, fertilizing, and mowing, a healthy lawn can ward off most weed invasions.
If weeds do become a problem, consider using herbicides. Pre-emergent herbicides control weeds before they germinate, while post-emergence herbicides control weeds after they have started growing.
Southern Lawn Care Schedule
Bermudagrass
- January: Apply postemergence winter weed control.
- February: Continue postemergence winter weed control.
- March: Conduct a soil test and make any necessary adjustments. Apply pre-emergence summer annual grassy weed control.
- April: Apply additional pre-emergence summer annual grassy weed control.
- May: Fertilize with N, P, and K. Apply postemergence summer weed control. May is an ideal time to sprig or sod Bermudagrass.
- June: Fertilize with N. Apply postemergence summer weed control.
- July: Same as June.
- August: Fertilize with N. Control sod webworms if necessary.
- September: Fertilize with N, P, and K. Apply pre-emergent winter weed control. Begin raising the height of cut.
- October: Start postemergence winter weed control.
- November and December: Conduct a soil test and apply postemergence winter weed control as needed.
By following these tips, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful Southern lawn.
