Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for South Louisiana: What to Do Each Month

Keeping a lush, green lawn in South Louisiana is a year-round commitment. With high humidity, heavy rainfall, scorching summers, and occasional cold snaps, maintaining a healthy lawn in Baton Rouge and New Orleans requires a strategic approach.

To help homeowners manage their lawn throughout the year, we’ve created a month-by-month lawn care calendar that ensures your yard stays green, weed-free, and resilient in Louisiana’s unique climate.
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Whether you’re battling summer droughts, fall pests, or springtime weeds, this guide will keep your lawn looking its best every season!

​Understanding Louisiana’s Lawn Care Challenges
Before diving into the seasonal schedule, it’s important to understand the key challenges South Louisiana homeowners face:
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🌧️ High Humidity & Rainfall – Creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases, weeds, and poor drainage.
🔥 Extreme Heat in Summer – Can stress the lawn, causing brown patches and pest infestations.
❄️ Occasional Cold Snaps in Winter – Although rare, cold temperatures can damage warm-season grasses.
🌱 Year-Round Weed Growth – The mild climate allows weeds to thrive, requiring constant prevention.
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Now, let’s break down what you should be doing each season to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful!

​Month-by-Month Lawn Care Guide

Winter (December - February): Preparing for Spring
Although your lawn grows slowly during winter, proper preparation will set the stage for a strong comeback in spring.
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✅ Lawn Care Tasks:

• Minimal mowing – Only mow if necessary, and keep grass at 2.5 to 3 inches.
• Lawn cleanup – Remove leaves, sticks, and debris to prevent mold and fungus growth.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide – Prevent spring weeds like crabgrass and clover before they emerge.
• Fertilization (if needed) – Apply a winterizing fertilizer to strengthen roots.
• Monitor for fungal diseases – With damp conditions, brown patch can develop, especially in St. Augustine grass.

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💡 Pro Tip: If you have warm-season grass (like Bermuda or Centipede), avoid over-fertilizing in winter, as it can lead to fungal problems.

​Spring (March - May): Growth & Weed Prevention
Spring is one of the most crucial seasons for lawn care. This is when grass starts growing again, and weeds try to take over.

​✅ Lawn Care Tasks:

• Begin regular mowing – Keep grass at 3-4 inches to shade out weeds.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides – Prevent broadleaf weeds and crabgrass from sprouting.
• Fertilization – Apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy green growth.
• Aeration (if needed) – Helps break up compacted soil and improves water absorption.
• Check irrigation system – Ensure sprinklers are working properly before summer heat arrives.

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💡 Pro Tip: If you spot dandelions or clover, apply a post-emergent herbicide early before they spread!

​Summer (June - August): Heat & Drought Management
Louisiana summers can be brutally hot and humid, putting stress on your lawn. Watering, mowing, and pest control become top priorities.
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✅ Lawn Care Tasks:

• Raise mowing height – Keep grass at 4 inches or higher to protect the soil from extreme heat.
• Deep watering – Water 1-1.5 inches per week, preferably early in the morning.
• Slow-release fertilizer – Helps maintain color and health without burning the grass.
• Watch for pests – Chinch bugs, armyworms, and grubs can cause brown patches.
• Manage fungal diseases – With high humidity, keep an eye out for brown patch and dollar spot fungus.

💡 Pro Tip: If your lawn develops yellow or brown spots, check for pest infestations or drainage issues before applying more fertilizer.

Fall (September - November): Recovery & Prep for Dormancy
As temperatures cool down, fall is the best time for lawn recovery and preparation before winter.
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✅ Lawn Care Tasks:

• Aeration – Loosen compacted soil and increase root growth.
• Overseeding (if needed) – Apply cool-season grass seed (like Ryegrass) if you want green grass in winter.
• Final fertilization – Apply a fall fertilizer with potassium to strengthen roots.
• Leaf removal – Leaves left on the lawn trap moisture and lead to disease.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide – Stop winter weeds like chickweed and henbit before they spread.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to dethatch your lawn, fall is the best time before winter dormancy kicks in!

​Additional Lawn Care Tips for Louisiana Lawns
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Best Grass Types for South Louisiana
The best grass types for Baton Rouge and New Orleans are:
✅ St. Augustine – Best for shade but requires fungus prevention.
✅ Bermuda – Great for high-traffic areas and full sun.
✅ Centipede – Low-maintenance and thrives in acidic Louisiana soil.
✅ Zoysia – Thick, drought-tolerant, and great for weed prevention.

Common Lawn Diseases & Pests in Louisiana
👀 Look out for:

• Brown Patch Fungus – Common in humid conditions (Spring & Fall)
• Chinch Bugs – Cause dry, brown patches in Summer
• Armyworms – Can wipe out entire lawns in weeks (Summer & Fall)
• Grubs – Damage grass roots in late Summer

If you notice these issues, professional lawn treatment may be necessary.

Keeping a healthy lawn in Louisiana requires consistent care throughout the year. By following this seasonal lawn care calendar, you’ll be able to:
✅ Prevent weeds & lawn diseases
✅ Keep grass lush, green, and pest-free
✅ Prepare your yard for extreme weather conditions
Need Help Maintaining a Perfect Lawn?

At GreenSeasons, we specialize in lawn care, fertilization, weed control, and pest management to keep your yard looking its best year-round!

📞 Call us today for a free lawn care consultation! (225) 752-2333
📍 Serving Greater Baton Rouge & New Orleans Areas