Note: Because of this region's climate conditions, a lawn may
not be the most budget-friendly or environmentally responsible
choice. Check with your county's cooperative extension service
to find out if a lawn makes sense in your area. Prevent summer
weeds: Annual weeds, such as crabgrass, grow from seed. Use a
well-timed application of pre-emergence herbicide to stop them
from growing at all. A good general guideline is to spread the
pre-emergence herbicide from mid-February to early March. Cut
the grass: The general rule for mowing is to never cut off more
than one-third of the grass's height. Start cutting it as it
begins to grow in late spring. Take care of thatch: If a layer
of thatch, or old, dead grass stems builds up, the best time to
remove it is before the grass really starts growing in summer.
Remove thatch so that air and water can more easily reach your
grass roots. Apply fertilizer: Warm-season lawns like best when
temperatures get hot. Start feeding as the mercury starts to
rise in late April o