Resources / Lawn care calendar

Lawn care calendar for Metro Atlanta

What to do in your yard, month by month, for Georgia clay, hot summers and mixed Bermuda, zoysia and fescue lawns.

Seasonal guide

January and February

Prune dormant shrubs and fruit trees, cut back ornamental grasses and liriope, and apply pre-emergent weed control in late February as soil warms toward 55°F. Late winter is also the best time to plan spring projects like patios and walls.

March

Clean up beds, refresh mulch or pine straw, and make a second pre-emergent pass where needed. Hold off fertilizing Bermuda and zoysia lawns until they green up.

April and May

Warm-season lawns wake up. Start regular mowing, fertilize once Bermuda and zoysia are fully green, plant annual color, and check irrigation zones for leaks and coverage before summer.

June to August

Mow high and often, water deeply about 1 inch a week including rain, early in the morning. Watch for brown patches, grubs and drought stress, and keep beds weeded.

September and October

Prime season for fescue lawns: core aerate and overseed. Skip fall pre-emergent on any area you overseed, since it stops new seed from sprouting. Plant trees and shrubs and divide perennials while the soil is still warm.

November and December

Keep leaves off the lawn so turf can breathe, winterize irrigation, and cut back perennials. A good time to install landscape lighting before the holidays.

Rather hand it off? Our residential maintenance plan starts at $350 a month for 43 visits a year. Get your quote.

Questions

Lawn care calendar FAQ

When should I aerate my lawn in Atlanta?

Aerate Bermuda and zoysia lawns in late spring to early summer while they are actively growing. Aerate fescue in September or October, ideally paired with overseeding.

When should pre-emergent go down in metro Atlanta?

Usually late February to early March for summer weeds, and again in September to October for winter weeds, except on lawns being overseeded. Timing follows soil temperature, so it shifts a little each year.

How often should my lawn be mowed?

Weekly through the growing season for most Metro Atlanta lawns, then less often in winter. APL residential maintenance includes 43 visits a year, starting at $350 a month.

Lawn care guides from our crew

Seasonal lawn tasks: What to Know About Lawn Aeration, Easy Steps for Dethatching Your Lawn, How Often Should You Consider Overseeding Your Lawn?, Tips for Overseeding Your Lawn, Common Grass Weeds in the Atlanta, GA Area – And How to Prevent Them, What Treatments are Best in the Spring for Your Lawn, Tips for Preparing Your Lawn for Fall in Atlanta, Top 5 Lawn Prep Tips for Fall.

Beds and mulch: Which Mulch Is Best For My Garden?, The Benefits of Mulching for Sustainable Landscape Maintenance, Stone vs Mulch Garden Beds.