Regional Guides

Absolutely. The US spans warm-season zones (Florida, Texas, the Deep South), a transition zone (North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia), cool-season zones (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota) and arid climates (Arizona, Nevada). Your region determines which grass types thrive, when to fertilize, how much water you need, and which pests and diseases to watch for. A lawn care schedule that works in Florida would fail in Minnesota.

In the Southeast (Florida, Gulf Coast), warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia do best. In the Transition Zone (Tennessee, North Carolina), Tall Fescue is the safest choice, though Bermuda works in sunny spots. In the North and Midwest, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue handle the cold winters. In the Southwest, Bermuda is king for heat tolerance. In the Pacific Northwest, Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in the mild, wet climate.

Water restrictions vary by state and municipality, and change seasonally. In general: water deeply on your allowed days (about 1 inch per session) rather than a light sprinkle daily. Choose drought-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia if you’re in a restriction-prone area like the Southwest or parts of California and Texas. Raise your mowing height, taller grass retains moisture better. Many water districts offer rebates for installing smart irrigation controllers or converting to drought-resistant landscaping.

For warm climates (Florida, Texas, Deep South): fertilize from April through September, every 6–8 weeks. For the Transition Zone (Tennessee, North Carolina): main feeds in April–May and September–October. For cool climates (Ohio, Minnesota, Northeast): fertilize in September–October when temps are between 55–75°F, and again in early May. The fall feed is the most important one for cool-season lawns. Never fertilize during extreme heat or when the lawn is dormant.