Most lawn problems in the Lowcountry come down to timing. Fertilizer goes down too early. Preemergent goes down too late. Someone aerates a dormant lawn in February. This lawn care calendar for Charleston lays out what to do each month on warm season grass, based on the Clemson Extension maintenance programs for coastal South Carolina. It fits St. Augustine, centipede, zoysia and bermuda, with notes where they differ.
Treat the dates as a guide, not a rule. A warm spring can move green up earlier, and a late cold snap can push it back. Watch the lawn and the weather, not just the calendar.
How the Lowcountry lawn year works
Warm season grasses grow hard from late spring through summer and go dormant in winter. In coastal areas, Clemson notes that green up usually arrives around April, earlier than inland parts of the state. Fertilizer and most renovation work belong in the growing season. Weed prevention happens at the seasonal changes. Winter is for cleanup and planning.
Lawn care calendar for Charleston at a glance
| Month | Main jobs |
|---|---|
| January | Clean up leaves, service the mower, soil test, water in long dry spells |
| February | Spring preemergent around mid month |
| March | Spot treat winter weeds, lower mower before green up, no nitrogen yet |
| April | Green up. Second preemergent about 8 to 10 weeks after the first |
| May | First fertilizer after full green up. Aerate and dethatch if needed |
| June | Mow often, water deeply, watch for chinch bugs in St. Augustine |
| July | Summer feeding on most grasses, watch for insects and heat stress |
| August | Last nitrogen on most grasses. Clemson says before August 15 for St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda |
| September | Fall preemergent, raise mower as nights cool, no nitrogen |
| October | Watch for large patch, keep leaves off turf |
| November | Leaf cleanup, potassium only if a soil test calls for it |
| December | Light mowing if needed, water in dry spells, plan for spring |
Winter: December through February
January
The lawn is dormant, but the yard is not done. Keep oak leaves off the turf. Sharpen mower blades and service equipment. This is a good month for a soil test through Clemson Extension, which tells you pH and nutrient needs before spring. If it goes three or four weeks without rain, Clemson recommends watering to prevent winter desiccation.
February
Clemson's coastal calendars call for the spring preemergent around mid February. This stops crabgrass and other summer annual weeds before they sprout. Timing matters more than product choice. Our preemergent timing guide explains why a few weeks late can mean a summer of crabgrass.
Spring: March through May
March
Hold off on nitrogen. Clemson advises against feeding before full green up, because tender growth can be damaged by a late frost and the grass cannot use it yet. Spot treat winter weeds like henbit and chickweed while they are small. Before green up, mow a little lower than normal to clear dead material. Clemson lists about 1 inch for centipede and bermuda, 1 to 1.5 inches for zoysia and 2 to 2.5 inches for St. Augustine at this stage.
April
Most Lowcountry lawns green up this month. A second preemergent application usually falls 8 to 10 weeks after the first. Start regular mowing as growth picks up.
May
Now the lawn is ready to eat. Clemson recommends the first fertilizer in early May after full green up, at a light rate. This is also the right window for core aeration and for dethatching zoysia or bermuda that has built up too much thatch. Both need a lawn that is actively growing so it can recover.
Summer: June through August
June
Mow on schedule. In peak season many lawns need a cut every week. Water deeply and less often, about three quarters of an inch to an inch when the grass shows stress, per Clemson. Signs of stress include a blue gray tint, folded blades and footprints that stay visible. St. Augustine owners should watch sunny, dry areas for chinch bug damage.
July
Clemson's calendars include a mid summer feeding for most grasses, often with a high potassium product. Centipede is the exception. It needs very little nitrogen, and too much causes problems, so follow a centipede specific schedule. Watch for grubs, mole crickets and armyworms. Raise the mower a bit during heat stress.
August
For St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda, Clemson sets the last nitrogen application before August 15. Centipede gets its late summer feeding before September 1 in coastal areas. After that, the lawn needs to harden off for fall.
Fall: September through November
September
Put down the fall preemergent for winter weeds like annual bluegrass. Raise the mowing height as nights drop below 70 degrees. No nitrogen from here through winter.
October
Large patch becomes active as soil cools. Water early in the day, only when needed, and keep leaves and debris off the grass. Lawns with a history of the disease may benefit from a preventive fungicide. Our article on large patch in Charleston lawns covers the signs.
November
Leaf season is in full swing. Mulch light leaf cover with the mower and remove heavy layers. If a soil test shows low potassium, Clemson suggests applying it four to six weeks before the first expected frost.
Winter again: December
Growth has stopped or nearly stopped. Mow only if needed to tidy up. Keep leaves off, water in long dry spells and make your list for spring.
Adjusting for your grass type
- St. Augustine: Mow high, generally 2.5 to 4 inches in summer. Watch for chinch bugs and large patch.
- Centipede: Low input grass. Keep nitrogen light and pH on the acidic side. Mow around 1 to 2 inches.
- Zoysia: Builds thatch. Mow around 1.5 inches in sun, higher in partial shade.
- Bermuda: Needs full sun and frequent low mowing, around 1.25 to 1.5 inches in summer for most home lawns.
Right Stuff builds each customer's program around this calendar, adjusted for grass type, shade and soil. Our crews track the timing so homeowners do not have to.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start fertilizing my lawn in Charleston?
Wait until the lawn is fully green, which is usually early May in the Lowcountry. Clemson Extension advises against nitrogen before full green up. Feeding in March mostly feeds weeds and can expose tender growth to late frost.
When is the last time to fertilize in the fall?
For St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda, Clemson sets the last nitrogen before August 15 in coastal SC. Centipede's last feeding is before September 1. After that, only potassium if a soil test calls for it.
When do I put down preemergent in Charleston?
Clemson's coastal calendars recommend mid February for summer weeds and September for winter weeds. Many products need a second application 8 to 10 weeks later. Always follow the label for your grass type.
What lawn work should I do in winter?
Keep leaves off the turf, water during long dry spells, service equipment and get a soil test. Winter is also when to plan spring projects. Avoid fertilizer and aeration while the grass is dormant.