February lawn care in temperate areas

Put a pre-emergent down before winter grass germinates as the weather cools. Use a product whose label lists your grass type and winter grass, apply it at the label rate, and water it in as the label directs. Don't scarify or core afterwards unless the label allows it.

• When should I apply pre-emergent?
• How do I get rid of winter grass?
• Does pre-emergent stop new turf rooting?
• Applying pre-emergent herbicide
• How to use and calibrate a broadcast spreader
• Product Application Calculator

Water deeply and less often, early in the morning, and skip it after good rain. Follow your local water rules on days and times.

• How much water does my lawn need?
• What's the best time of day to water?
• How long should I run my sprinkler?
• How much water does a lawn need?
• Watering under restrictions

A feed in early autumn, at the label rate, helps warm-season lawns go into the cooler months healthy and recover faster in spring. Do it while the lawn is still growing.

• When should I fertilise my lawn?
• Liquid or granular fertiliser?
• What does NPK mean?
• How to use and calibrate a broadcast spreader
• Applying liquid fertiliser
• Lawn Area Calculator
• Product Application Calculator

Mow often enough that you never take off more than a third of the leaf at once. Keep shaded areas a little higher than sunny ones, and keep the blade sharp so it cuts cleanly.

• How short should I mow buffalo?

A little more leaf shades the soil and roots and helps the lawn cope with heat and dry weather.

• How do I keep my lawn green in summer?

Nutgrass grows in warm, wet conditions and comes back from underground tubers, so it takes persistence. Improve drainage where water sits, and use only products whose label lists the weed and your grass.