Maintaining a healthy lawn in Nashville requires consistent care throughout the year, especially with Middle Tennessee’s unique climate. A thoughtful lawn care schedule helps keep your grass vibrant, resilient, and free of weeds in every season.
Turf Managers offers customized lawn care programs that support both warm-season and cool-season grasses. Whether you are managing winter weeds, summer heat stress, or preparing for fall aeration, the right timing and treatments are essential.
Use this 2026 lawn care schedule as a guide to help your lawn stay strong and thriving month after month.
Understanding Nashville’s Lawn Care Needs
Nashville’s climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, which means lawn care needs change throughout the year. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass (warm-season grasses) go dormant in winter, while fescue (a cool-season grass) remains green but slows its growth.
The key to a healthy lawn year-round is adjusting your lawn care routine based on seasonal needs. This guide outlines the best practices for fertilization, weed control, mowing, aeration, and watering for each month of 2026.
Month-by-Month 2026 Nashville Lawn Care Schedule
January – Winter Lawn Protection
- Consider a winter weed treatment.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant grass, as it can damage the turf.
- Prepare for early spring treatments by scheduling pre-emergent applications for February.
January/February – Prepping for Spring Growth
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass and other spring weeds.
- Begin light pruning of trees and shrubs before new growth starts.
- Test soil pH levels and apply lime treatments if needed to balance acidity.
March – First Steps to a Healthy Lawn
- Start fertilizing cool-season grasses to encourage strong spring growth.
- Treat existing winter weeds with post-emergent herbicides.
April – Boosting Lawn Growth
- Apply spring fertilizer for warm-season grasses as they begin to green up.
- Start regular mowing, keeping warm-season grasses at 1.5–2 inches and fescue at 3–4 inches.
- Continue post-emergent weed control for lingering winter weeds.
May – Weed and Pest Management
- Maintain a consistent mowing schedule based on grass type.
- Monitor for lawn pests like grubs and treat if necessary.
- Apply slow-release fertilizers to promote steady grass growth.
June – Summer Nashville Lawn Care
- Adjust your watering schedule as temperatures rise—deep watering twice a week is ideal.
- Watch for fungal diseases, especially in fescue, and apply fungicides if needed.
- Stay on top of weed control and mowing to prevent overgrowth.
July – Maintaining a Healthy Lawn in the Heat
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.
- Raise the mower height to reduce heat stress on the grass.
- Avoid fertilization during extreme heat, as excess nitrogen can burn grass.
August – Preparing for Fall Recovery in Nashville Lawn Care
- Watch for drought stress and increase watering as needed.
- Plan for Fall aeration and overseeding to repair summer damage.
September – Fall Lawn Restoration
- Aerate and overseed fescue lawns to fill in bare spots.
- Apply a balanced fall fertilizer to promote strong root growth before winter.
- Continue mowing and weed control as temperatures begin to cool.
October – Strengthening the Lawn Before Winter
- Apply a final round of fertilizer to build root strength before dormancy.
- Keep leaves off the lawn to prevent mold and disease.
- Reduce watering frequency as the weather cools.
November – Late Fall Lawn Maintenance in Nashville
- Perform the final mow of the season before grass goes dormant.
- Keep up with leaf removal and yard cleanup.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weed growth.
December – Preparing for the Next Growing Season
- Service lawn equipment (sharpen mower blades).
- Plan ahead for early spring treatments and weed control.
- Relax and enjoy a well-maintained lawn, knowing it’s ready for 2027!
Winter Lawn Care Myths Debunked
Many homeowners assume that lawn care stops in winter, but that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Here are some common winter lawn care myths and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Fertilization in Winter is Useless
Truth: Late fall and early winter fertilization (before the first hard freeze) strengthens roots, helping your lawn bounce back stronger in spring. However, avoid applying fertilizer in the middle of winter when grass is fully dormant.
Myth #2: Mowing Isn’t Necessary in Winter
Truth: While growth slows, occasional mowing may still be needed, especially for fescue lawns. Keep your mower blades sharp and adjust the height to avoid scalping the grass.
Myth #3: Winter Weeds Can Be Ignored
Truth: Winter weeds, like chickweed and henbit, thrive in colder months and will spread aggressively if left untreated. A pre-emergent herbicide in fall and post-emergent weed control in winter can help keep them under control.
By staying proactive with your winter lawn care, you’ll set your grass up for a healthier, greener spring!
Get Professional Help with Your Lawn Care Schedule
Following a lawn care schedule can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!
At Turf Managers, we provide year-round lawn care services tailored to Nashville’s unique climate and grass types. Whether you need weed control, fertilization, aeration, or expert guidance, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your lawn care program for 2026!