Cool-season lawn care guide

UMN Extension explains that cool-season grasses grow rapidly during cool spring and fall conditions and become less active during heat and drought. Root growth is optimal when soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintain cool-season lawns around 3 inches or higher for typical residential lawns. Taller turf shades soil, supports drought tolerance, and helps limit weed seedling success. Keep mower blades sharp and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade.

Fall is usually the stronger window for cool-season fertilization and renovation. Avoid heavy early-spring pushes and avoid fertilizing during hot mid-summer stress. Use a soil test and calculate nitrogen rates before applying.

Use the cool-season calendar, soil temperature tracker, and fertilizer calculator. Use the Price Board when comparing seed-starting fertilizer, pre-emergents, or disease products.