Nebraska Lawn Care Schedule
A Complete Guide for 2025
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Nebraska requires a strategic approach that aligns with the state’s unique climate. From our freezing winters to the hot, humid summers, your lawn care routine need to adapt to seasonal, and sometimes rapid, changes.
This Nebraska lawn care schedule provides a month-by-month breakdown to help you achieve a healthy, thriving lawn year-round. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every lawn is unique. So to get the best results for your lawn, always contact a lawn care professional!
Month-by-Month Guide for a Healthy Lawn
January – Winter Lawn Protection
Nebraska lawns are dormant during January. While there isn’t much active maintenance required, a few steps help protect your grass:
- Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen turf to prevent damage.
- Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice melt products that can harm grass.
- Plan for spring lawn care by researching fertilizers and weed control products.
- Check for signs of snow mold and gently rake affected areas if necessary.
- Review your lawn care tools and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
February – Pre-Spring Preparations
As temperatures remain cold, February is a good time to prepare for the upcoming growing season:
- Continue limiting lawn traffic.
- Inspect lawn equipment, sharpen mower blades, and service your mower.
- Start thinking about pre-emergent herbicides for crabgrass control.
- Monitor weather patterns to anticipate the best timing for early spring care.
- Plan aeration and dethatching for early spring if needed.
March – Early Spring Wake-Up
With temperatures gradually rising, March is when you start early lawn care steps:
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
- Begin cleaning up debris and leaves from the lawn.
- Lightly rake matted grass to encourage air circulation and reduce snow mold.
- Start monitoring for early weed growth and take preventive measures.
- Consider applying a light nitrogen fertilizer to encourage early green-up.
April – Spring Growth and Seeding
April marks the start of active lawn growth, making it an essential month for maintenance:
- Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy grass.
- Overseed any bare spots, especially in cool-season lawns like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.
- Begin regular mowing when grass reaches about 3.5 inches tall, keeping the mower blade high (around 3 inches).
- Test soil pH and nutrient levels to determine if lime or other amendments are needed.
- Increase watering frequency as temperatures rise, ensuring deep root growth.
May – Weed Control and Mowing Routine
As temperatures rise, May is a crucial month for controlling weeds and maintaining lawn health:
- Apply post-emergent herbicides for broadleaf weed control if needed.
- Continue mowing weekly, following the one-third rule (never remove more than one-third of grass height at a time).
- Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.
- Monitor for lawn diseases like red thread or dollar spot and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Check for compacted soil and aerate if necessary to improve drainage and root growth.
June – Summer Stress Prevention
With Nebraska’s summer heat increasing, lawn care should focus on hydration and stress reduction:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Apply a light fertilizer if your lawn is struggling but avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent burnout.
- Raise mowing height to around 3.5-4 inches to provide shade for the soil and reduce moisture loss.
- Watch for early signs of pest infestations and treat accordingly.
- Mulch grass clippings to retain moisture and provide natural nutrients.
July – Mid-Summer Lawn Maintenance
Hot and dry conditions require a careful approach in July:
- Maintain deep, infrequent watering (1 to 1.5 inches per week).
- Watch for signs of grubs and apply insecticide treatments if needed.
- Avoid heavy fertilization as it can stress the lawn in high temperatures.
- Keep an eye out for drought stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- Control summer weeds like nutsedge and spurge with targeted herbicides.
August – Late Summer Recovery
August is a transition month, preparing the lawn for fall recovery:
- Continue deep watering and mowing at a high setting.
- Aerate the lawn if necessary to relieve soil compaction.
- Treat grub infestations before they cause extensive damage.
- Apply organic matter or compost to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
- Start planning fall overseeding and fertilization schedules.
September – Fall Renovation and Fertilization
Fall is the best time for major lawn improvements:
- Aerate and overseed to promote thick grass growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to strengthen roots before winter.
- Control weeds with post-emergent herbicides while they are still actively growing.
- Begin adjusting mowing height gradually lower to prevent winter diseases.
- Keep removing fallen leaves to maintain proper air circulation.
October – Pre-Winter Lawn Strengthening
As temperatures cool, lawn care shifts to winter preparation:
- Apply a final round of fall fertilizer (winterizer) to encourage root health.
- Mow until the grass stops growing, keeping height around 2.5-3 inches.
- Remove fallen leaves to prevent suffocation and disease.
- Reduce watering frequency as temperatures drop.
- Apply a light topdressing of compost to improve soil health over winter.
November – Final Preparations Before Dormancy
With winter approaching, November is your last chance to prepare:
- Continue leaf removal.
- Store lawn equipment properly after final use.
- Avoid excessive foot traffic on frozen grass.
- Drain irrigation systems and hoses to prevent freezing damage.
- Mulch around trees and shrubs to protect roots from harsh temperatures.
December – Lawn Rest and Planning
December is a time for planning rather than action:
- Research and purchase lawn care products for the upcoming year.
- Inspect your lawn for areas needing improvement in the next season.
- Enjoy the winter break while keeping an eye on lawn conditions.
- Take notes on the year’s successes and challenges to refine next year’s lawn care routine.
- Consider winter composting or soil amendments for a strong start in spring.
By following this Nebraska lawn care schedule, you’ll ensure your lawn stays healthy and resilient through all seasons. Adjust your routine as needed based on weather patterns and lawn conditions, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, thriving lawn year after year.
Find A Lawn Care Professional Near You
If this all seems too complex, or just too much work, there’s no need to worry! Priority Lawn and Landscape is here to help you get the most out of your outdoor spaces in Lincoln, NE! Whether you’re looking for a home lawn mowing service or commercial landscaping, we can meet your needs at an affordable price. Call us today to learn moe!