Arkansas Lawn Care Plans

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Arkansas can be both rewarding and challenging due to the state’s diverse climate, ranging from humid subtropical in the south to more temperate in the north. Between muggy summers and generally mild winters, Arkansans have a unique lawn care calendar that incorporates mowing, fertilizing, seeding, and other key tasks. Let's dive into what it takes to keep your Arkansas lawn in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Start your lawn care plan in early spring, usually around late February to early March, by mowing your grass to a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches. As the temperature rises, make mowing a bi-weekly activity. In terms of fertilization, Arkansas lawns generally benefit from a balanced granular fertilizer applied in both spring and fall. Due to the state’s acidic soil, especially in the Ozarks, a lime treatment may also be necessary to balance the soil’s pH levels. If you have Bermuda or Zoysia grass, common choices in Arkansas, consider fertilizing every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season for optimal results.

Seeding should be performed in the fall for cool-season grasses like Fescue and in the late spring for warm-season grasses like Bermuda. This schedule accommodates Arkansas' variable climate and ensures the best chance of seed germination. Don't forget to aerate your soil either just before or after seeding; this allows nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, promoting healthier root growth. Equally important is a targeted pest and weed control strategy, especially given Arkansas’s susceptibility to local pests like armyworms and dallisgrass. Utilize pre-emergent herbicides in early spring and consider spot treatments for any persistent weed or pest issues.

With the right approach and schedule, managing your own lawn in Arkansas can be a satisfying and even enjoyable endeavor. By adapting your lawn care practices to suit the state’s specific climate and soil conditions, you can achieve a lush, vibrant lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.