Oklahoma lawns need different care throughout the year. This month-by-month calendar covers the key tasks for Bermuda grass lawns (the most common in Tulsa and surrounding areas). Following this schedule helps you stay ahead of problems rather than constantly reacting to them. Complete Lawn Care’s 7-step program handles the fertilization and weed control portions automatically, but this guide shows you the full picture of what your lawn needs and when.
January and February: Planning Season
Your lawn is dormant, but there’s still work to do.
Key tasks: Service your mower (sharpen blades, change oil, replace spark plugs). Clean up any remaining fall debris. Plan your lawn care program for the year. Check the irrigation system for winter damage. Order a soil test to know what your lawn needs.
Late February critical task: Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temps hit 55°F. This is your most important application of the year for crabgrass prevention.
March: Wake-Up Time
Bermuda starts showing signs of green as soil warms.
Key tasks: Complete pre-emergent if not done in February (early March is your last chance). Light raking to remove dead material and debris. Begin mowing when grass is actively growing. Set mower height at 1.5-2 inches for Bermuda.
Don’t do: Don’t fertilize until the lawn is 50%+ green. Don’t scalp dormant grass.
April: Active Growth Begins
Your lawn should be mostly green by mid-April.
Key tasks: First fertilizer application once the lawn is 50%+ green. Establish a weekly mowing schedule. Apply post-emergent weed control for any weeds that escaped pre-emergent. Begin irrigation if rainfall is insufficient. Check for pest activity.
May: Full Growth Mode
Bermuda is growing aggressively now. Don’t fall behind on mowing.
Key tasks: Weekly mowing is non-negotiable. Aerate Bermuda lawns (late May through June is ideal). Apply preventive grub control. Second fertilizer application. Monitor for chinch bugs and other warm-season pests.
June: Peak Growing Season
Summer heat is arriving. Your lawn needs consistent care.
Key tasks: Continue weekly mowing. Deep, infrequent watering (1-1.5 inches per week total). Complete aeration if not done in May. Monitor for disease in humid conditions. Third fertilizer application.
July and August: Survival Mode
The hottest months in Oklahoma. Focus on keeping your lawn alive and healthy.
Key tasks: Continue weekly mowing (can raise height slightly in extreme heat). Maintain a deep watering schedule. Watch for grub damage (late August). Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat stress. Mow in the morning or evening, not midday.
Don’t do: Don’t apply high-nitrogen fertilizer during heat waves. Don’t skip watering even if the lawn looks okay.
September: Fall Transition
Temperatures are cooling. Fall is a critical lawn care window.
Key tasks: Apply fall pre-emergent for winter weeds (late August/early September). Overseed fescue lawns (September-October). Aerate fescue lawns before overseeding. Continue regular mowing. Fourth fertilizer application.
October: Fall Feeding
One of the most important months for lawn health.
Key tasks: Apply fall fertilizer (high potassium for root strength). Continue mowing as needed (frequency decreases as growth slows). Complete fescue overseeding early in the month. Keep leaves cleared so they don’t smother grass. Reduce irrigation as temperatures cool.
November: Winding Down
Bermuda is going dormant. Prepare for winter.
Key tasks: Final mowing as growth stops. Gradually lower the mowing height on the last few cuts. Continue clearing leaves. Winterize the irrigation system before the first freeze. Last fertilizer application for fescue.
December: Rest and Prepare
Your lawn is dormant. Take a well-deserved break.
Key tasks: Keep leaves and debris cleared. Avoid heavy traffic on frozen grass (causes damage). Plan for next year. Service equipment during the off-season.
Let Complete Lawn Care Handle the Schedule
That’s a lot to remember. Complete Lawn Care’s 7-step program handles the fertilization, weed control, and pest prevention portions of this calendar automatically. We time applications based on actual conditions, not just calendar dates, ensuring your lawn gets exactly what it needs when it needs it.
Add our weekly mowing service, and you’ve got a complete lawn care solution. All you have to do is water appropriately and enjoy your lawn.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: [email protected] | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote