Georgia Lawn Care Calendar: Month-by-Month Schedule for 2026

Georgia lawn care follows a precise annual rhythm dictated by soil temperatures, growth cycles, and seasonal pest pressure — and missing the window for any major task by even two weeks can cost you a full season of progress. This month-by-month calendar covers Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede maintenance in central Georgia, with specific treatment, mowing, and watering guidance for each month.

January: Planning and Dormant Treatment

Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede) are dormant. The lawn looks brown and ratty — that's normal.

• Get a soil test if you haven't in 2+ years
• Treat actively growing winter weeds: chickweed, henbit, clover, wild onion
• Plan the year's program — pre-emergent timing, aeration, overseeding decisions
• Sharpen mower blades for spring
• Repair or service irrigation systems while not in use

Avoid fertilizing dormant grass — it can't absorb nutrients and will only feed winter weeds.

February: Pre-Emergent Window Opens

This is the most important month for the entire year. Soil temperatures begin climbing toward the 55°F threshold where summer annual weeds germinate.

• Monitor soil temperatures weekly starting mid-February
• Apply first round of pre-emergent once soil temps reach 55°F at a 4-inch depth (typically late February in central Georgia)
• Continue treating winter weeds
• Last call for soil amendments before spring growth

Missing the pre-emergent window means a full summer of crabgrass and goosegrass.

March: Spring Cleanup and Final Pre-Emergent

Warm-season grasses still dormant but soil and air temperatures rising fast.

• Complete pre-emergent applications if not done in February
• Clean up leaves, debris, and any winter damage
• Spot-treat remaining winter weeds
• Tune up mowing equipment

Do not fertilize yet — warm-season grasses cannot use nutrients while dormant.

April: Green-Up Begins

Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede start breaking dormancy depending on weather. First mowings begin late month.

• First fertilization once 50%+ of the lawn has greened up
• Begin regular mowing at proper height: Bermuda 1.5–2", Zoysia 1.5–2.5", Centipede 1.5–2"
• Watch for any pre-emergent breakthrough — spot-treat with post-emergent
• Begin scouting for armyworm activity in southern counties

This is also when warm-season grass installation/sodding works best.

May: Active Growth Acceleration

Warm-season grasses fully active. Brown patch pressure begins on Zoysia and fescue.

• Continue regular fertilization program (every 4–6 weeks)
• Mow weekly — don't remove more than 1/3 blade height per cut
• Begin preventive fungicide on Zoysia in shaded or humid areas
• Core aeration window is open — best done in May–June for warm-season grasses
• Start watering deep and infrequent: 1–1.5" total per week

May is when premium lawns separate from average ones.

June: Summer Heat Arrives

Peak growth for Bermuda. Heat and humidity stress begins.

• Continue fertilization with slow-release formulas
• Mow weekly or every 5–6 days for aggressive Bermuda
• Begin grub preventive treatments
• Monitor for nutsedge — apply targeted sedge control
• Watch for brown patch and dollar spot pressure

Switch any morning watering schedules to between 4 AM and 8 AM to reduce fungal pressure.

July: Peak Stress Window

Highest disease pressure of the year. Armyworm season starts.

• Reduce fertilization rates to avoid burning stressed turf
• Daily armyworm scouting begins late July
• Watch irrigation timing — never water in evening
• Spot-treat any nutsedge breakthrough
• Mow at the top of the recommended height range

If the lawn looks tired, that's because everything is tired. Don't push it.

August: Heat Peak

Worst month for stress, fungal pressure, and pest pressure.

• Continue armyworm vigilance — they can strip a Bermuda lawn in days
• Maintain irrigation but don't overwater
• Fungicide applications continue if conditions warrant
• Avoid heavy fertilization until temperatures moderate
• Begin planning fall renovation work

This is the month most lawns look their worst. Don't panic — September fixes most of it.

September: Fall Reset Begins

Temperatures moderate, humidity drops slightly, growth resumes.

• Apply fall pre-emergent for poa annua and winter annuals
• Resume fertilization with potassium-heavy formula for winter hardening
• Begin overseeding decisions for thin or stressed areas
• Aeration window for fall (less ideal than spring for warm-season but viable)
• Final armyworm scouting through end of month

September and October are when the year's work really pays off.

October: Fall Renovation Window

Best month for major lawn renovation projects.

• Complete aeration if not done earlier
• Overseed thin Bermuda or Zoysia areas
• Fescue overseeding for shaded areas
• Fall fertilization for warm-season turf
• Apply final pre-emergent of the year

Mowing frequency drops as growth slows. Continue maintaining proper height.

November: Preparing for Dormancy

Warm-season grasses begin entering dormancy as temperatures drop.

• Final fall cleanup — leaves removed promptly to prevent disease
• Last mowing typically late November
• Stop fertilization on warm-season grasses
• Soil test if you didn't in January
• Clean and store equipment for winter

Tall fescue overseeded areas are still actively growing.

December: Dormancy Begins

Warm-season grasses fully dormant. Cool-season weeds (poa annua, henbit, chickweed) emerging.

• Treat active winter weeds
• Plan next year's program
• Service equipment
• Review what worked and what didn't in the current year

The year resets in January, and the rhythm starts again.

The Professional Take

Most Georgia homeowners try to track this on their own and miss 2–3 critical windows per year — usually pre-emergent timing in February, fungicide pressure in June/July, and armyworm response in August. A professional lawn program isn't about doing more work; it's about doing the right work in the right window. Get a free GopherTurf quote and we'll handle the calendar so you don't have to.

GopherTurf Service Areas

We deliver year-round programs across central Georgia, including Pike County, Henry County, Newton County, Clayton County, Butts County, Jasper County, and Morgan County.