The Foothill Lawn Care Calendar
In the foothills, the calendar does half the work. Get the timing right and everything else gets easier — get it wrong and you chase problems all year.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is about prevention. Once soil temperatures reach about 55°F, crabgrass seed germinates — and after that, no pre-emergent on earth will stop it.
Pre-emergent first
Apply before soil hits ~55°F. In our area that window often opens in late February.
First feeding
A balanced feeding as the lawn wakes up builds color without forcing weak growth.
Weed patrol
Broadleaf weeds are easiest to kill young — hit them while they're small.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is survival season. Hundred-degree stretches punish shallow roots and thin turf — the goal is protecting what spring built.
Mow high
Set the deck at 3 inches or more. Tall grass shades roots and soil, holding moisture.
Feed lightly
Heavy summer nitrogen burns lawns. Light, slow-release feeding only.
Watch for grubs
Brown patches that lift like carpet mean grubs. Early treatment saves the lawn.
Fall (September – November)
If you do one thing all year, do fall right. Cooling air, warm soil, and returning moisture make this the single best window to thicken and repair.
Aerate
Break up a summer's worth of compaction so roots can expand.
Power seed
Seed slotted into open, aerated soil germinates at dramatically higher rates.
Root-building feeding
Fall fertilization is the secret to early spring green-up.
Winter (December – February)
The quiet months are for the things you can't see: soil chemistry, dormant trees, and next year's plan.
Soil & pH work
Amendments applied now are ready by spring.
Tree & shrub care
Dormant-season treatments protect ornamentals with less stress.
Plan ahead
Lock in your spring pre-emergent timing before the rush.
Key Takeaways
- Fall is the most important season for foothill lawns — aerate, seed, and feed
- Spring pre-emergent must go down before soil reaches ~55°F
- Summer is about protection: mow high, feed lightly, watch for grubs
- An annual program handles all of this timing automatically
Want this handled for you?
Every annual program includes everything in this guide — done right, on time, guaranteed.