Southern California Lawn Care Calendar

Note: This climate may not suit lawns budget-wise or environmentally. Check county extension for local advice.

Spring

Stop summer weeds: Pre-emergent mid-February to early March.

Begin mowing: Late spring as growth starts.

Remove thatch: Before summer growth — thatch blocks air/water to roots.

Summer

Fertilize: Warm-season lawns thrive >80°F. Feed late April/early May per package through summer.

Grub control: Long-acting killer early May if neighborhood has grubs.

New lawn: Seed, sprigs, plugs in summer. Constant moisture during establishment — never let dry.

Mowing: Regular. Never remove >1/3 blade — stresses lawn.

Aerate: Hard, compacted soil in summer for better air/moisture/nutrient access.

Water: ~1 inch/week average.

Fall

Continue mowing: As growth slows.

Overseed with annual ryegrass: Bermudagrass browns in winter; ryegrass greens cool months, dies when heat returns as Bermudagrass revives.

Prevent winter weeds: Pre-emergent mid-October to mid-November.