Southern California Lawn Care Calendar (Month by Month)
Timing is everything with a Southern California lawn. Our long warm season and mild winters mean the schedule looks different than the rest of the country. Use this month-by-month calendar to keep your Inland Empire lawn healthy all year.
Know your grass type first
Most Inland Empire lawns are warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine, which thrive in summer and go dormant in winter. Some yards use cool-season tall fescue, which stays green in winter but needs more summer water. Your grass type sets the timing below.
Spring (March–May)
As soil warms, warm-season grass wakes up. Apply a pre-emergent early to stop crabgrass, begin regular mowing, and start the first fertilization once the lawn greens up. Check and tune your irrigation before the heat arrives.
Summer (June–August)
Mow higher to shade the soil and reduce water loss, water deeply in the early morning, and fertilize warm-season grass on schedule. Watch for dry spots that signal irrigation coverage problems.
Fall (September–November)
This is the most important season. Aerate compacted clay soil, apply a fall fertilizer, and overseed if you want winter color. Begin tapering water as temperatures drop.
Winter (December–February)
Warm-season lawns go dormant and brown — that’s normal. Mow rarely, water only during dry spells, and avoid heavy fertilizing. Cool-season fescue stays green and needs occasional mowing and light feeding.
Watering and local restrictions
Water in the early morning to limit evaporation, and follow your water district’s day-of-week schedule. A weather-based smart controller handles seasonal changes automatically and keeps you compliant. Our maintenance team can manage the whole calendar for you.
Frequently asked questions
When should I fertilize my lawn in Southern California?
Feed warm-season grass through the growing season (spring into early fall) and ease off in winter dormancy. Fescue takes lighter feeding in spring and fall.
Is brown winter grass dead?
No — warm-season grass simply goes dormant in winter and greens back up in spring.
Arbol Roble has cared for Inland Empire landscapes since 1997, serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona and Riverside. Request a free quote or explore our residential services and service areas.
About the Author
The Arbol Roble team are licensed landscaping and irrigation professionals (CSLB License #1077455) serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, and the greater Inland Empire.