The Season-By-Season Guide to Cool-Season Grass Care

A lush, green lawn is the hallmark of a well-maintained home, enhancing curb appeal and providing a perfect space for outdoor activities. For those living in cooler climates, cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, and Ryegrass are the best choices, known for their resilience and vibrant appearance during the cooler months. However, achieving and maintaining a healthy lawn requires year-round attention and care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed, season-by-season schedule to keep your cool-season grass in peak condition. Whether you're a novice gardener or a seasoned lawn enthusiast, these expert tips and actionable steps will help you create a thriving lawn that stands out in your neighborhood. 

Cool-Season Grasses

Cool-season lawns are most commonly found in regions of the United States that experience cold winters and moderate summers. These areas include:

1. Northeast

• States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey.
• Climate: Cold winters with significant snowfall and mild to warm summers.

2. Midwest

• States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.
• Climate: Cold winters with snowfall and hot summers with occasional droughts.

3. Pacific Northwest

• States: Washington, Oregon, Northern California (coastal and mountainous areas).
• Climate: Mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers.

4. Upper South

• States: Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, parts of North Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Climate: Mild to cold winters, hot and humid summers.

5. Mountain West

• States: Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, parts of Nevada, and Northern Arizona.
• Climate: Cold winters with snowfall, dry and hot summers with large temperature fluctuations.

Grass Types

Some of the most popular types of cool-season grasses include:  

Growth Patterns

Cool-season grasses exhibit distinct growth patterns that dictate the best times for lawn care activities. Understanding these patterns helps in planning a care routine that maximizes the health and appearance of your lawn.

• Spring: During the spring, cool-season grasses emerge from winter dormancy, entering a phase of rapid growth and greening. This period is ideal for fertilization, aeration, and overseeding.
• Summer: As temperatures rise, cool-season grasses slow their growth and may enter a semi-dormant state. During this time, the focus should be on watering and protecting the lawn from heat stress and disease.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures signal a second period of vigorous growth. This is an excellent time for aeration, fertilization, and addressing any lawn damage incurred over the summer.
• Winter: In the winter, cool-season grasses go dormant, conserving energy and resources. Lawn care activities are minimal, focusing mainly on preventing damage and preparing for the next growing season.

By understanding the unique characteristics and needs of cool-season grasses, you can tailor your lawn care practices to ensure a healthy, vibrant lawn year-round. In the following sections, we will dive into a detailed, season-by-season care schedule to guide you through each step of maintaining your cool-season grass.

Early Spring Care (March-April)

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, your cool-season lawn awakens from its dormant state. Early spring is a critical time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming growing season. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your lawn gets the best start possible.

Soil Testing

Before you begin any major lawn care activities, it's essential to understand the current condition of your soil. Conducting a soil test will provide valuable insights into the pH levels and nutrient content of your soil, guiding your fertilization and amendment efforts.

• How to test: Purchase a soil testing kit and follow the instructions to collect samples from various parts of your lawn.
• Interpreting results: Based on the results, adjust your soil pH if necessary (the ideal pH for cool-season grasses is between 6.0 and 7.0) and determine the type and amount of fertilizer needed. Read our article on what to do when you get your soil test results back for more information.

Dethatching

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil and the green grass. If this layer becomes too thick (more than 1/2 inch), it can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil.

• How to dethatch: Use a dethatching rake or a power dethatcher to remove the excess thatch. Rake up and dispose of the debris. Alternatively, set your mower to as low a cut as it can go without hitting the soil to cut away the old dead grass. This is called scalping, and should only be done at the beginning of the season once the frosty weather is well out of the way, as it does leave the grass quite vulnerable. It will probably wreck your mower blades too!
• Benefits: Post-scalping is the perfect time to fertilize your lawn, and apply pre-emergent weed killers and biostimulants to prepare your lawn for the growing season. Dethatching improves air circulation, water infiltration, and nutrient absorption, promoting healthier grass growth.

Related: Should You Scalp Your Lawn in Early Spring?

Aeration

Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to alleviate compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. This is particularly important for lawns that experience heavy foot traffic or have clay soil.

• How to aerate: Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn. Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to decompose naturally.
• Timing: Aerate your lawn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged, typically in early spring.

Fertilization

Early spring is the perfect time to give your lawn a nutrient boost to support its rapid growth phase.

• Choosing Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to the recommendations from your soil test. We highly recommend Humic Max 16-0-8 - Lebanon Country Club Fertilizer which is best used on cool-season grasses throughout the spring and fall months.
• Application Tips: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates for the size of your lawn, and use a broadcast spreader to apply. Apply 1/4" of water from irrigation or rainfall to move Humic Max into the soil and to help the nutrients reach the roots. 

Early Spring Weed Control

As your cool-season lawn awakens from winter dormancy, early spring is the perfect time to get ahead of weeds before they take hold. Effective weed control in early spring involves a combination of pre-emergent herbicides, manual weeding, and good lawn care practices.

Pre-emergent Herbicides

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, targeting weeds before they become visible.

• Application timing: Apply pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F, typically when forsythia blooms.
• Target weeds: Focus on preventing common annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass. Prodiamine 65 WDG is the ideal product as it is safe to use on cool-season grass. Alternatively, fertilizer with herbicides, such as Dimension .15% Pre-Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer 0-0-7, can be used to save time and money.
• Coverage: Ensure even coverage by using a broadcast spreader, and water the lawn lightly afterward to activate the herbicide.

Seeding

Overseeding helps fill in thin or bare areas, ensuring a dense and uniform lawn.

• Selecting seed: Choose a high-quality seed mix appropriate for your region and grass type.
• How to overseed: Spread the seed evenly across the lawn using a broadcast spreader. Lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
• Watering: Keep the seeded areas consistently moist until the new grass is established.

By following these early spring care steps, you'll set the foundation for a healthy, vibrant lawn that can thrive throughout the year.

Related: What Are the Best Grass Seed Types and How Long Do They Take to Grow?

Late Spring Care (May-June)

As temperatures continue to warm and your cool-season grass enters its peak growing period, late spring is the time to fine-tune your lawn care routine. Ensuring proper mowing, watering, weed control, and pest monitoring during this phase will set your lawn up for success through the summer months.

Mowing

Regular mowing is crucial to maintaining a healthy lawn. Proper mowing techniques encourage dense growth and prevent weeds.

• Mowing height: Keep your grass height between 2.5 to 4 inches (you can probably go as low as 1.5 inches with Ryegrass). Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water loss and suppressing weed growth.
• Mowing frequency: Mow frequently enough so that you never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This typically means mowing at least once a week during peak growth, and even as often as every other day.
• Sharp blades: Ensure your mower blades are sharp to make clean cuts and reduce stress on the grass. 

Watering

Adequate watering is essential for sustaining vigorous growth, especially as temperatures rise.

• Watering amount: Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge or an empty tuna can to measure the amount of water your lawn receives.
• Watering timing: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow the grass to dry before evening, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
• Deep watering: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, which enhances drought resistance.

Related: How Often Should I Water My Lawn?

Weed Control

Late spring is an ideal time to tackle weeds that may compete with your grass for nutrients and water.

• Pre-emergent herbicides: If not applied in early spring, late spring is still a good time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass.
• Post-emergent herbicides: For existing weeds, use post-emergent herbicides that target broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions, and clover. Quinclorac 75 DF Herbicide is an excellent option for cool-season lawns.
• Manual weeding: For small infestations, manual weeding can be effective. Ensure you remove the entire weed, including the root, to prevent regrowth.

Pest Monitoring

Keeping an eye on your lawn for signs of pest activity can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

• Common pests: Look for signs of common pests like grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Indicators include irregular brown patches and visible insect activity.
• Natural predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory beetles that help control pest populations naturally.
• Insecticides: If pest damage is severe, consider using insecticides. Choose products that are effective against the specific pests you’re dealing with, and follow label directions. Acelepryn G Insecticide is a great solution for cool-season lawn pests that is the safest for beneficial insects such as pollinators and earthworms.

By focusing on these late spring care tasks, you’ll help your cool-season lawn build resilience and maintain its lush appearance as it heads into the summer months.

Summer Care (July-August)

Summer poses unique challenges for cool-season grasses, as high temperatures and dry conditions can stress your lawn. Proper care during these months focuses on maintaining lawn health while minimizing stress. Here’s how to keep your lawn looking its best through the summer heat.

Mowing Techniques

Adjusting your mowing practices in summer can help reduce stress on your lawn.

• Mowing height: Raise your mowing height to the upper end of the recommended range (3.5 to 4 inches). Taller grass helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and cooling the root system.
• Mowing frequency: Mow less frequently during periods of drought or extreme heat. Allowing the grass to grow a bit longer can reduce stress.
• Avoid scalping: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session, as this can weaken the grass, especially during the summer months. 

Watering Strategies

Effective watering is crucial to maintaining lawn health during hot, dry summer conditions.

• Watering amount: Increase watering to about 1.5 inches per week during hot, dry spells. Ensure deep watering to promote deep root growth.
• Watering timing: Water early in the morning, preferably between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., to reduce evaporation and allow the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease.
• Soil moisture: Monitor soil moisture regularly. Use a soil moisture meter or simply check by inserting a screwdriver into the soil; it should penetrate easily to a depth of about 6 inches.
• Soil moisture management products: Hydretain Liquid Soil Moisture Manager draws humidity out of the air and brings that water down into your grass root system, reducing your watering requirements by up to 50%. You’ll need a backpack or hose-end sprayer to apply it to your lawn. After applying, water in within 24 hours with a full 1/2” of water. This is extremely important; the product needs to get into the soil to work effectively. Hydretain will stay in the soil for about 90 days. So, if you live somewhere like Montana, you can apply once in June and be set for the summer. 

Pest and Disease Management

Summer can bring increased pest activity and the potential for fungal diseases.

• Pest monitoring: Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests. Look for symptoms like discolored patches, increased bird activity (indicating insects), or visible insects.
• Natural remedies: Encourage natural predators and consider organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap for minor infestations.
• Fungal diseases: Watch for signs of fungal diseases, such as brown patches, powdery mildew, or rust. If detected, reduce watering frequency, improve air circulation, and consider fungicide treatments if necessary.
• An excellent product to use for both pest and disease management is Caravan G Fungicide & Insecticide. It is safe for use on cool-season lawns and can be applied using a broadcast spreader.

Avoiding Fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn during the peak summer heat can do more harm than good.

• Why avoid heavy fertilization: Fertilizers can stimulate growth that the grass cannot sustain during hot weather, leading to additional stress and potential damage.
• Focus on maintenance: Concentrate on maintaining proper watering and mowing practices. Plan to resume fertilization in the early fall when temperatures begin to cool.

Stress Reduction

Minimizing lawn stress is key to maintaining its health during the summer.

• Foot traffic: Limit heavy foot traffic on the lawn, especially during hot, dry periods, to prevent soil compaction and damage to the grass blades.
• Shading: Provide temporary shade for particularly stressed areas using shade cloth or umbrellas.
• Weed control: Maintain a weed-free lawn, as weeds compete with grass for water and nutrients. Use spot treatments for weed control as needed.

By implementing these summer care practices, you can help your cool-season lawn withstand the challenges of the hottest months and prepare it for a strong recovery in the fall. 

Early Fall Care (September-October)

Early fall is a crucial time for rejuvenating and strengthening your cool-season lawn after the stresses of summer. As temperatures cool, your grass will enter a period of vigorous growth, making this the perfect time for several essential lawn care activities. Here’s how to make the most of the early fall season.

Aeration

Aeration is one of the most beneficial practices for your lawn, especially after a hot summer. Even if you aerate your lawn in the spring, fall aeration can be advantageous because It helps repair summer compaction and stress, it allows for better overseeding, which is often done in the fall and it prepares the lawn for winter.

• Why aerate: Aeration relieves soil compaction, enhances root growth, and improves water and nutrient uptake.
• How to aerate: Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn. These plugs can be left on the surface to decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil.
• Timing: Aerate when the soil is moist but not waterlogged, typically after rainfall or thorough watering.

Factors to Consider for Aeration Frequency

1. Soil Type

• Clay soils: Heavier and more compact, these soils may benefit from twice-yearly aeration to improve drainage and root growth.
• Sandy soils: Lighter and less prone to compaction, these soils typically require less frequent aeration.

2. Lawn Condition

• High foot traffic: Lawns that experience heavy use, such as those in public spaces or areas with active children and pets, may benefit from aeration twice a year to alleviate compaction.
• Healthy lawns: If your lawn is generally healthy and shows no signs of compaction or poor growth, once-a-year aeration, either in spring or fall, might suffice.

3. Thatch Layer

• Thick thatch: If your lawn has more than 1/2 inch of thatch, it can benefit from more frequent aeration to break down the thatch layer and improve soil contact.

4. Weather and Seasonal Growth

• Spring aeration: Promotes root growth and prepares the lawn for the growing season.
• Fall aeration: Helps repair summer damage, improves soil structure, and prepares the lawn for winter dormancy and early spring growth.

Related: How to Core Aerate Your Lawn

Overseeding

Overseeding helps thicken your lawn, filling in bare spots and improving overall turf density.

• Choosing seed: Select a high-quality seed mix that matches your existing grass type.
• How to overseed: Spread the seed evenly across the lawn using a broadcast spreader. Lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, and consider topdressing with a thin layer of compost or soil to protect the seeds.
• Watering: Keep the overseeded areas consistently moist until the new grass is established, typically requiring light watering several times a day.

Fertilization

Applying fertilizer in early fall supports healthy growth and prepares your lawn for winter.

• Choosing fertilizer: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as our Golf Course Lawn (20-2-3) Liquid Fertilizer with Kelp and Fulvic Acid to promote lush, green growth. 
• Application tips: We recommend applying Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 through foliar spray. It can be applied alone or tank-mixed with other products. We have tested Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 with our liquid fertilizers and biostimulants and observed no adverse interactions. Because it is foliar spray, you will not need to water it in after application.

Weed Control

Fall is an excellent time to tackle broadleaf weeds or invasive grasses that may have taken hold during the summer.

• Post-emergent herbicides: Apply post-emergent herbicides to control existing broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, and chickweed. We highly recommend Velocity® PM - Poa Annua Control for Cool Season Turf as this is the best product for getting rid of Poa annua (annual bluegrass) as well the usual suspects; dandelions, clover, henbit, chickweed, and yellow nutsedge.
• Manual weeding: For small infestations, manual removal can be effective. Use a weeding tool to remove the entire weed, including the root. 

Repairing Lawn Damage

Address any damage your lawn may have sustained over the summer to ensure it recovers fully.

• Bare spots: In addition to overseeding, consider using a lawn repair mix that contains seed, fertilizer, and mulch specifically designed for patching bare spots.
• Soil amendments: If your soil is compacted or low in organic matter, topdressing with compost or a soil enhancer such as  CarbonizPN™ - Top Dressing with Biochar can improve soil structure and health.

By focusing on these early fall care tasks, you can rejuvenate your lawn, promoting strong growth and resilience. This preparation is vital for helping your grass withstand the winter and return even healthier in the spring. 

Late Fall Care (November)

As temperatures continue to drop and your lawn prepares to enter dormancy, late fall is the time to make final preparations to ensure your cool-season grass remains healthy throughout the winter. Proper late fall care sets the stage for a robust lawn come spring. Here’s what you need to do. 

Mowing

Continue mowing your lawn until growth stops, but adjust your practices as the season winds down.

• Final mowing height: Gradually lower the mowing height to about 2.5 to 3 inches for the final mow. This height helps prevent disease and allows sunlight to reach the grass blades during the shorter days of winter.
• Cleaning up: After the final mow, thoroughly clean your mower and sharpen the blades in preparation for spring.

Leaf Removal

Removing fallen leaves is crucial to prevent them from smothering your grass and fostering disease.

• Regular raking: Rake leaves regularly or use a leaf blower to keep your lawn clear. Wet, decomposing leaves can create a mat that blocks sunlight and air.
• Mulching leaves: Alternatively, you can mulch the leaves with a mower fitted with a mulching blade. Mulched leaves decompose faster and add organic matter to the soil.

Winter Preparation

Taking steps to prepare your lawn for winter will protect it from the harsh conditions and make spring recovery easier.

• Winterizer fertilizer: Apply a winterizer fertilizer high in potassium, such as Stress 12-0-24 - Lebanon Country Club Fertilizer to strengthen the grass roots and improve cold tolerance. This helps the lawn survive the winter and green up quickly in the spring.
• Final watering: Water your lawn deeply before the ground freezes to ensure the soil is well-hydrated. This is especially important if the fall has been dry.
• Prevent compaction: Avoid heavy foot traffic on the lawn during late fall and winter. Frozen grass is more susceptible to damage and compaction.

Soil Care

Improving soil health in late fall can benefit your lawn through the winter and into the next growing season.

• Topdressing: Consider applying a thin layer of compost or high-quality topsoil to add organic matter and improve soil structure.
• Lime application: If your soil test indicated a need for lime to adjust the pH, late fall is a good time to apply it. Lime breaks down slowly and will work into the soil over the winter.

By completing these late fall tasks, you’ll ensure your cool-season lawn is well-prepared to endure the winter and emerge healthy and vibrant in the spring. 

Winter Care (December-February)

During the winter months, cool-season grasses go dormant, conserving energy and resources until the growing season resumes. While lawn care activities are minimal during this period, a few key practices can help protect your lawn and ensure it is ready to thrive in the spring.

Minimal Activity

Reducing activity on your lawn during the winter helps prevent damage to the dormant grass.

• Avoid foot traffic: Limit walking on the lawn as much as possible, especially when the grass is frosty or frozen. Foot traffic can cause compaction and damage to the grass blades.
• Pet management: Keep pets off the lawn to prevent urine spots and compaction. Designate a specific area for pets to use during the winter.

Snow and Ice Management

Proper management of snow and ice can prevent damage to your lawn and promote healthy growth in the spring.

• Snow removal: When shoveling snow, avoid piling it on the lawn. Large piles can smother the grass and delay spring growth.
• Deicing products: Use deicing products sparingly and choose those that are safe for lawns and plants, such as calcium magnesium acetate. Avoid rock salt, which can damage grass and soil.

Lawn Equipment Maintenance

Winter is an excellent time to maintain and prepare your lawn care equipment for the upcoming season.

• Cleaning equipment: Clean all lawn care tools and equipment thoroughly. Remove dirt, grass clippings, and any remaining debris to prevent rust and wear.
• Sharpening blades: Sharpen mower blades and any other cutting tools. Sharp blades make cleaner cuts, reducing stress on the grass.
• Storage tips: Store your lawn mower, trimmer, and other equipment in a dry, protected area. If possible, elevate equipment off the ground to prevent moisture damage. Drain fuel or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent engine issues in the spring.

Snow Mold Prevention

Snow mold is a fungal disease that can develop under snow cover and cause damage to your lawn.

• Prevention tips: Avoid creating large snow piles on your lawn. If you notice any areas with prolonged snow cover, gently disperse the snow to allow air to reach the grass.
• Spring recovery: If snow mold develops, rake the affected areas gently in the spring to encourage new growth and allow the grass to recover.

Related: Managing Winter Lawn Disease

Monitoring Weather Conditions

Keeping an eye on winter weather conditions can help you take proactive steps to protect your lawn.

• Temperature fluctuations: Be aware of significant temperature changes that can cause frost heaving, where soil freezes and thaws, potentially uprooting grass plants.
• Winter thaw: During mid-winter thaws, avoid walking on the lawn when the soil is soft and saturated to prevent compaction and root damage.

By taking these minimal but essential steps during the winter, you can protect your cool-season lawn and ensure it is ready to bounce back with vigor in the spring. 

Keeping It Cool All Season Long

Caring for a cool-season lawn requires dedication and seasonal adjustments, but the results are well worth the effort. By following this comprehensive year-round care schedule, you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn that enhances your home’s beauty and provides a perfect space for outdoor activities. Remember, every lawn is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your specific conditions and needs.

Browse our online store for top-notch lawn care products to achieve the cool-season lawn of your dreams.