Kentucky Bluegrass Seasonal Care Calendar
FALL (Sept-Nov) is PEAK season — overseed bare areas, core aerate, apply heaviest nitrogen (2+ lbs N total), KBG recovers dramatically from summer dormancy and this is when it looks its absolute best. WINTER (Dec-Feb): KBG stays green until a hard freeze. Apply winterizer fertilizer in late November. No mowing needed once growth stops. SPRING (Mar-May): moderate growth resumes. Apply pre-emergent before soil hits 55°F. Light nitrogen only — spoon-feed to avoid disease. Mow at 3 inches. Treat broadleaf weeds. SUMMER (Jun-Aug): STRESS season. Raise mowing height to 3.5-4 inches. Apply zero nitrogen. Preventive fungicide for summer patch in late May. Either irrigate fully at 1.5 inches/week or allow complete dormancy. Do not fertilize, do not herbicide, do not aerate — just survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KBG's best season?
Fall. KBG comes alive in September and October with rapid growth, rhizome expansion, and dramatic color recovery from summer dormancy. This is when to fertilize heavy, overseed, and aerate.
Should I worry about summer dormancy?
No. Summer dormancy is a natural survival mechanism. KBG turns brown but the crown stays alive. It recovers fully in fall. The worst thing you can do is half-water — either irrigate consistently or let it sleep.
When does KBG start growing in spring?
KBG breaks dormancy when soil temps reach 45°F and begins active growth at 50-55°F. Apply a moderate fertilizer once growth is clearly visible. Pre-emergent goes down before soil hits 55°F.
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