Spring in Louisiana doesn't wait around. By late February, temperatures are already climbing and your lawn is waking up whether you're ready or not. Getting ahead of the season is the key to a lush, healthy yard all summer long.
Start With a Clean Slate
Before anything else, clear your yard of any debris left over from winter—fallen branches, dead leaves, and any accumulated litter. This lets sunlight and air reach the soil, which is critical for early growth. If you had any bare spots develop over winter, now is the time to address them with overseeding or spot sodding.
Set Your Mowing Height Right
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is cutting their grass too short in spring. For Bermuda grass (the most common turf in North Louisiana), set your mower to about 1.5 to 2 inches. For St. Augustine, aim for 3 to 4 inches. Cutting too low stresses the grass and invites weeds to take over.
Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide Early
In our region, you want to get your pre-emergent down by mid-February to early March—before soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F. This creates a barrier that prevents crabgrass, goosegrass, and other annual weeds from germinating. Miss this window and you'll be fighting weeds all season.
Fertilize at the Right Time
Don't rush to fertilize. Wait until your lawn has been actively growing for 2–3 weeks and you've mowed it at least twice. For most North Louisiana lawns, that means a first application in late March or early April. Use a balanced fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen for steady feeding without burning.
Check Your Irrigation
Before the heat hits, test your sprinkler system for leaks, clogged heads, and coverage gaps. Louisiana springs can be rainy, but summer droughts are common. Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week—whether from rain or irrigation.
Consider Professional Help
If this sounds like a lot to manage, that's because it is. Our team at Southern Living Landscape Management handles spring lawn prep for homeowners across West Monroe, Monroe, and Ruston. From pre-emergent applications to full-service mowing programs, we take the guesswork out of lawn care. Contact us for a free quote today.