Lawn Care Guide for Charlotte Homeowners

fall leaves on lawn, fall lawn care guide

Seasonal Lawn Care Guide for New Homeowners in Charlotte, NC

If you’re a new homeowner in Charlotte, NC, you may be excited about having a beautiful lawn. But with the changing seasons, knowing how to care for your grass is key to keeping it healthy and green all year round. These lawn care tips can help ensure your lawn is prepared for the cool seasons to bounce back healthy and strong in the spring and summer.  

Spring Lawn Care: Wake Up Your Lawn

Spring is when your lawn starts to grow after winter, so this is a great time to prepare it for the warmer months ahead. Here are a few tips: 

  • Aerate the soil: If your soil is compacted, aeration helps the grass roots get the air, water, and nutrients they need. 
  • Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer to give your grass a nutrient boost. Choose one that’s right for the type of grass you have.  
  • Mow regularly: Once your grass starts growing, mow it regularly, but avoid cutting it too short. Always follow the One-Third rule when mowing your lawn.  
  • Watering: Make sure your lawn is receiving enough water each week. As spring temperatures start to rise, the lawn will need around 1 inch of water each week as it greens up.  

Summer Lawn Care: Keep Your Lawn Hydrated

Charlotte, NC summers can get hot, so it’s important to keep your lawn healthy during this time. 

  • Water deeply: Water your lawn early in the morning to prevent evaporation. Aim for about 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water per week. Quality over quantity is the best rule of thumb. Water deeper fewer times a week rather than short daily spurts to encourage deeper root growth. 
  • Mowing Height: During the heat of summer, set your mower blade at the right height for your grass type. Avoid cutting it too short during summer.  

Recommended Mowing Heights for North Carolina Grasses:  

Bermuda: 1-2 inches
Zoysia: 1-2 inches
Fescue: 3-3.5 inches 

  • Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for pests like grubs or chinch bugs that can damage your lawn. If you see brown spots, check for these pests and treat them quickly. You may need to call a professional lawn care service near Charlotte that offers insecticide treatments.  

Fall Lawn Care: Prepare for Winter

Fall Weed Control for Warm-Season Lawns

If you have warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia, fall is the ideal time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. This will help prevent winter weeds like chickweed and annual bluegrass from sprouting. Apply the pre-emergent when the soil temperature drops below 70°F but before winter weeds start to germinate. After applying the pre-emergent, water your lawn to help it soak into the soil and form a protective barrier against weed seeds. 

Aeration and Overseeding for Fescue Lawns

If you have a fescue lawn, fall is the perfect time for aeration and overseeding. Fescue thrives in cooler weather. Fescue seeding during fall is crucial to help thicken your lawn and repair any damage from summer heat. 

  • Aerate the lawn: First, the lawn needs core aeration to loosen the soil and create space for the new grass seed to root. 
  • Overseed: Spread fescue seeds over your lawn to fill in thin spots and encourage healthy new growth. 
  • Fertilization and Watering: After overseeding, watering is a crucial step. Make sure to keep the new seed moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertilizer to give the new grass a strong start before winter. 

Winter Lawn Care: Let Your Lawn Rest

Winter in Charlotte is usually mild, but your warm-season lawns will still go dormant during this time. This is normal and your grass will return to its lush green state in the spring. During winter, try not to limit foot traffic and make sure to rake leaves and other debris. The lawn still needs water, oxygen, and sunlight, which (most of the time) Mother Nature will handle for you. A thick layer of leaves will block these vital nutrients from reaching your lawn, so make sure to rake them away.  

Year-Round Lawn Care in Charlotte and Raleigh

Caring for your lawn in Charlotte, NC is all about adjusting your approach to the changing seasons. There’s a lot that goes into maintaining a lush, healthy lawn in the transition zone, but Fairway Green is here to help. Homeowners near Charlotte and Raleigh can ditch the DIY lawn care guide and call Fairway Green. Ou team has years of experience providing professional lawn care services that are designed for Carolina lawns. We offer fertilization and weed control, tree and shrub care, mosquito control, lawn pest control, and aeration and overseeding in North Carolina. Contact us today to get a free quote!