Year-Round Lawn Care Calendar
Know exactly what to do each month for a healthy, vibrant lawn. Follow this science-backed schedule to maintain your lawn naturally all year long.
Download PDF CalendarCurrent Month: April 2026
Top Priority
Watering
Mowing
January
Winter
Equipment Maintenance
Service mower, sharpen blades, and prepare equipment.
Plan for Spring
Order seeds, soil test kits, and products you'll need in spring.
February
Winter
Soil Testing
Send soil samples to lab for analysis before spring growth.
Clean Debris
Remove leaves, sticks, and winter debris as weather permits.
March
Early Spring
First Mow
Begin mowing when grass starts growing. First cut should be close, bag or remove loose clippings, leaving some as food for microbes.
APPLY LIQUID DETHATCHER
This will stimulate the live microbes in the soil and encourage colonization.
Pre-Emergent
Apply natural pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass (if needed). Wait 6-8 days before applying anything else.
SOIL TEST
This is a perfect time to do a soil test from 3-4 spots in your landscape to determine any needed nutrients. (Available online or from local county extension office.
April
Spring
Apply Covington Liquid Soil Aerator & HFK-633
Apply aerator for the soil and HFK-633 to plants, shrubs, & trees. You can also mix it with the aerator to build stronger root system for the turf.
Spring Fertilizer
Apply Covington 16-21-2 Starter Nitrogen Fertilizer to get a jump on spring growth. Apply first fertilizer application when grass is actively growing.
Attend to your soil
Read your soil test (check PH) and apply needed ingredients. If there are low spots in the turf, add topsoil. Remove any broadleaf weeds in turf and garden.
May
Late Spring
Iron Application
First iron supplement for deep green color without excessive growth.
Thatch & Aerator
If you didn't apply thatch digester and liquid Aerator in March, now is the perfect time.
Monitor Watering
Adjust irrigation as temperatures rise. Deep, infrequent.
June
Early Summer
Raise Mower Height
Increase to 3.5-4 inches to protect from heat stress.
Fertilization
If you applied the Starter Fertilizer & some Iron last month, wait 4-5 weeks then apply Covington 26-0-0 Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer, if you are using Liquid Aerator, it won't take much, so don't overdo it, especially if you are greening up with Iron +. Also apply more plant food to your flowers and shrubs.
Deep Watering
Water deeply in early morning. 1-1.5 inches per week. Watering once or twice a week will insure deeper healthier roots in the turf.
July
Summer
Careful Watering
Early morning watering is crucial. Avoid afternoon watering.
IRON APPLICATION
If you applied Covington Slow Release Fertilizer last month, apply a small amount of Iron towards the end of this month to relieve some of the heat stress to come. Raise the mower if you are seeing any signs of mower burn.
Monitor Stress
Watch for drought stress, disease, and pest problems.
August
Late Summer
Continue Watering
Maintain consistent moisture as temperatures remain high. Obtain a moisture meter to monitor moisture in turf and landscpaing
Plan Fall Renovation
Order overseeding supplies and fall products. Now is a good time to plan your fall flowers. To extend your growing season in the north apply Covington Steady Growth Lawn Fertilizer (assuming your temps are beginning to fall) in the South hold steady until it cools off.
Light Treatment
Iron application to prepare for fall growth surge.
September
Early Fall
LIQUID SOIL AERATOR
Apply Covington Soil Aerator mid month, and HFK-633 for winter root development. Also apply Covington Total Plant Food to landscape for fall growth.
Fall Fertilizer
This is a great time to apply Covington 18-0-1 Steady Growth Fertilizer to overcome heat stress from the summer.
Overseed
Fill bare spots and thicken lawn. Perfect growing conditions for cool weather grass like fescue & blue grass.
October
Fall
Second Fall Feeding
Late fall fertilizer builds roots for winter and spring green-up.
Soil Conditioner
Apply to improve soil before winter. Feeds microbes.
Iron Application
Final iron treatment for deep color before dormancy.
November
Late Fall
Final Mow
Last mow at 2.5 inches. Don't cut too short going into winter.
Clean Up
Remove leaves and debris. Don't let them smother grass. Apply your last Aerator before first freeze. Microbes still live in the soil throughout the winter, continue to feed so they colonize and reproduce.
Equipment Storage
Winterize equipment and prepare for storage.
December
Winter
Stay Off Grass
Avoid walking on frozen grass to prevent damage.
Review & Plan
Evaluate the year and plan improvements for next season.
Quick Reference Guide
Fertilization Schedule
Iron Applications
Every 3-4 weeks for color: