Southwest Lawn Care Calendar: Seasonal Guide for Arid Climates

Note: Given this region's climate, a traditional lawn may not be the most budget-friendly or environmentally responsible choice. Consult your county's cooperative extension to determine if a lawn makes sense for your area.

Spring

Prevent Summer Weeds: Annual weeds like crabgrass grow from seed. Apply pre-emergence herbicide mid-February to early March to stop germination.

Mowing Basics: Never remove more than one-third of grass height. Start mowing when grass reaches ~3 inches. Keep cool-season grasses around 2 inches tall to deter weeds and withstand drought.

Thatch Management: Remove thatch buildup before summer growth begins so air and water reach roots.

Mower Prep: Service your mower early spring to beat the rush. Sharpen the blade at least annually—clean cuts promote health and prevent disease.

Crabgrass Prevention: Apply pre-emergence herbicide as forsythia blooms drop.

Aeration: If soil is compacted, aerate in spring when grass actively grows to improve root depth and moisture absorption.

Fertilizing: Light application of slow-release or organic fertilizer when lawn needs its first mowing—not earlier.

Summer

Fertilize Warm-Season Grasses: Feed as temperatures rise (late April/early May) per package instructions through summer.

Grub Control: Apply long-acting grub killer in early May if grubs have been problematic.

New Lawn Establishment: Start seed, sprigs, or plugs in summer. Keep consistently moist—never let dry out.

Mowing Frequency: Mow regularly as growth dictates. Hot, dry periods: every 2–3 weeks. Cooler, moist periods: twice weekly.

Aerate Compacted Soil: Summer aeration helps when grass grows fastest.

Watering: Provide ~1 inch weekly to stay green. Dormancy (browning) during drought is acceptable—grass revives with rain. For green lawns all summer, choose drought-tolerant varieties or commit to weekly inch of water.

Fall

Mowing: Continue as growth slows; frequency decreases with dormancy.

Prevent Winter Weeds: Apply pre-emergence herbicide mid-October to mid-November.

Overseed with Annual Ryegrass: Bermudagrass browns in winter; overseeding keeps lawn green through cool months. Requires winter mowing.

Fertilizing: Fall is prime feeding time—early fall and late autumn.

Leaf Cleanup: Mulch leaves with mower instead of raking; decomposed pieces enrich soil.

Attack Perennial Weeds: Autumn is optimal for broadleaf herbicide on perennial weeds.

Aeration: Cooler temperatures renew growth—another good aeration window.