Lawn Care Guides
Two ways to dig in. Pick your grass type for a plan tuned to your species and climate, or scroll down to a care task guide (fertilizing, watering, mowing, weed control) for the how-to and the math. Either way, you'll land on expert guidance that actually fits your lawn.
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Cool Season Grasses
Best for northern climates (Zones 3-7)Warm Season Grasses
Best for southern climates (Zones 7-10)Care Task Guides
The four jobs every lawn needs, regardless of grass typeFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have cool-season or warm-season grass?
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue stay green in spring and fall but may brown in summer heat. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass thrive in summer and go dormant (turn brown) in winter. Your location matters too. If you live north of the transition zone (roughly USDA Zones 3 through 6), you likely have cool-season grass. South of it (Zones 8 through 10), warm-season is more common. Not sure? Try our free AI grass identifier to find out.
When should I fertilize my lawn?
Timing depends on your grass type. Cool-season grasses benefit most from fertilization in early fall and again in late spring. Warm-season grasses should be fertilized in late spring through summer when they are actively growing. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy or extreme heat, as the nutrients will go to waste or could even damage your lawn.
How often should I water my lawn?
Most lawns do best with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. It is better to water deeply 2 to 3 times per week rather than lightly every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant over time. Each grass type has slightly different needs, so check the specific guide for your grass.
What is the right mowing height for my grass?
Mowing height varies by grass type. Kentucky Bluegrass does best at 2.5 to 3.5 inches, Bermudagrass at 1 to 2 inches, and St. Augustinegrass at 3 to 4 inches. A general rule is to never cut more than one-third of the blade height at a time. Mowing too short stresses the grass and invites weeds. Check your specific grass guide for the recommended height.
Can I mix cool-season and warm-season grasses?
It is generally not recommended because they have opposite growing cycles and different care requirements. However, overseeding warm-season lawns with Perennial Ryegrass in fall is a common practice in the transition zone and southern states to keep lawns green during winter dormancy. This temporary mix works well because the ryegrass dies off naturally as the warm-season grass greens up in spring.
How do I fix bare spots in my lawn?
Start by loosening the soil in the bare area with a rake. Spread seed that matches your existing grass type, cover lightly with a thin layer of topsoil or compost, and water gently but consistently until the new grass establishes. For cool-season grasses, early fall is the best time to seed. For warm-season grasses, late spring works best. Our individual grass guides include detailed seeding and repair instructions.