Colorado lawns face unique challenges - intense sun, low humidity, clay soil, temperature extremes, and water restrictions. This month-by-month guide is specifically designed for Douglas County homeowners who want a healthy, green lawn without wasting water or money.
Understanding Colorado Lawn Types
Before diving into the calendar, know your grass type. Most Douglas County lawns have:
- Kentucky Bluegrass: Most common, needs moderate water, goes dormant in drought
- Tall Fescue: Deeper roots, more drought-tolerant than bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass: Often mixed with bluegrass, quick to establish
- Buffalo Grass: Native, very low water needs (increasingly popular)
- Blue Grama: Native grass, virtually no supplemental water needed
Spring Lawn Care (March - May)
March
Key Tasks:
- Clean up debris, leaves, and winter damage
- Check irrigation system for damage from freezing
- Sharpen mower blades
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide (late March) if using
Watering: Not yet needed for established lawns - snowmelt and spring moisture are usually sufficient.
Mowing: Don't mow until grass is actively growing (usually late March/early April).
April
Key Tasks:
- Activate irrigation system (after last hard freeze)
- Begin mowing when grass reaches 3.5-4 inches
- Apply crabgrass preventer if not done in March
- Patch bare spots with seed (early April best)
Watering: Begin supplemental watering if spring is dry. Start with once weekly, deep watering.
Mowing Height: Set mower to 3 inches for first few cuts.
May
Key Tasks:
- First fertilizer application (slow-release, after frost danger)
- Spot-treat broadleaf weeds as needed
- Increase mowing frequency as growth accelerates
- Adjust irrigation schedule for warming temperatures
Watering: Douglas County typically enters "dry season" by mid-May. Water 1-1.5 inches per week, split into 2-3 sessions.
Fertilizer: Apply 1 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft using slow-release formula.
Summer Lawn Care (June - August)
June
Key Tasks:
- Raise mowing height to 3.5-4 inches for summer
- Monitor for grub damage (brown patches)
- Check irrigation coverage - look for dry spots
- Continue spot weed treatment as needed
Watering: Peak water demand begins. Water deeply (to 6-8 inch depth) rather than frequently. Early morning is best.
Mowing: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade. Leave clippings on lawn (they return nutrients).
July
Key Tasks:
- Light fertilizer application (half-rate, optional)
- Watch for heat stress - lawn may go dormant
- Adjust watering during monsoon season
- Treat for summer insects if needed
Watering: If water restrictions apply, it's okay to let bluegrass go dormant. It will recover in fall. Water every 2-3 weeks during dormancy to keep crowns alive.
Heat Stress Signs: Grass turning blue-gray, footprints remaining visible, wilting.
August
Key Tasks:
- Begin planning fall renovation if needed
- Continue monitoring irrigation
- Start reducing fertilizer to prepare for dormancy
- Schedule aeration for September
Watering: August is often our driest month. Maintain watering schedule unless monsoons arrive.
Planning Ahead: September is the best month for major lawn work - plan now!
Fall Lawn Care (September - November)
September
Key Tasks (Most Important Month!):
- AERATION - Best time of year for Colorado lawns
- OVERSEEDING - After aeration, before mid-September
- Apply fall fertilizer (high nitrogen)
- Resume normal watering for recovery
Why September Matters: Cool nights and warm days create ideal conditions for grass recovery and new seed germination. This is THE month to fix lawn problems.
Aeration: Core aeration relieves compaction and improves water/nutrient penetration. Essential for Douglas County's clay soils.
Overseeding: Apply seed at 3-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for thickening, 6-8 lbs for renovation.
October
Key Tasks:
- Continue watering new seed until germination
- Final mowing at slightly lower height (2.5-3 inches)
- Last fertilizer application (winterizer formula)
- Remove leaves regularly to prevent smothering
Watering: Reduce frequency as temperatures drop. New seed needs consistent moisture.
Winterizer Fertilizer: Apply high-potassium fertilizer to strengthen roots for winter.
November
Key Tasks:
- Winterize irrigation system (blow out lines)
- Final cleanup of leaves and debris
- Store mower properly
- Water during warm, dry spells if no snow
Irrigation Winterization: Critical! Water in lines will freeze and crack pipes. Most homeowners hire professionals for blow-outs.
Winter Watering: Colorado winters are dry. If temperatures exceed 40F and no snow cover, water once monthly.
Winter Lawn Care (December - February)
December - February
Key Tasks:
- Stay off frozen grass (causes crown damage)
- Water during extended warm, dry periods
- Plan spring projects
- Service lawn equipment
Winter Desiccation: Colorado's dry winters can damage lawns. If snow cover is absent for 3+ weeks and temps are above freezing, apply supplemental water.
Ice Melt Warning: Avoid salt-based ice melt near grass - it damages turf. Use sand or salt-free products near lawn edges.
Quick Reference Calendar
| Task | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mowing | - | Start | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | End | - |
| Fertilize | - | - | Yes | - | Light | - | Yes | Yes | - |
| Aeration | - | - | - | - | - | - | BEST | OK | - |
| Overseed | - | OK | - | - | - | - | BEST | - | - |
| Pre-emergent | Late | Yes | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Winterize Irrig. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | Late | Yes |
Need Help With Your Lawn?
From aeration and overseeding to full lawn renovation, our Douglas County lawn care professionals can help you achieve the healthy, green lawn you want. We understand Colorado's unique conditions.
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