March lawn care in warm 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

A feed in early autumn, at the label rate, helps warm-season lawns go into the cooler months healthy and recover faster in spring.

• 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?

Armyworm caterpillars feed at night and can strip a lawn in days. If you see chewed leaves or a spreading brown patch, check the lawn at dusk or after dark with a torch.

Roughly circular yellow or brown patches in mild, humid weather can be brown patch. Water in the morning so leaves dry during the day, and avoid overwatering.

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.