Caring for your lawn in Baton Rouge means working with the heat, humidity, and local soil conditions—not against them. A well-planned lawn care schedule can help you grow lush, healthy grass and avoid common issues like weeds, pests, and patchy areas. But knowing where to start and what to prioritize can be confusing. Here’s a simple, effective order to follow for lawn care in the Baton Rouge area.
Start with a Soil Test
Before you apply anything to your lawn, it’s critical to understand what your soil needs. Baton Rouge lawns often deal with compact clay soils and low pH levels, which can make it hard for grass to absorb nutrients.
Test soil in early spring
Contact a local extension office or lawn care company like Hernandez Lawnscape to conduct a professional soil test. This will tell you if your lawn needs lime, sulfur, or other amendments to balance pH or add missing nutrients.
Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Once your soil is ready, the next step is to prevent weeds from taking over. Baton Rouge’s warm climate is ideal for aggressive weeds like crabgrass and spurge.
Target weeds before they sprout
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late February to early March, before soil temperatures hit 55°F. If you’re unsure when to apply, Hernandez Lawnscape can take care of this timing for you and ensure the application is done right.
Fertilize Warm-Season Grass Properly
Many Baton Rouge homeowners grow warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia. These types thrive with consistent fertilization, but timing and product matter.
Use the right fertilizer in mid to late spring
Apply your first round of fertilizer around April, once your grass is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing too early or too late, as it can stress your lawn or feed weeds. Hernandez Lawnscape uses high-quality, custom-blended fertilizers that are suited to Baton Rouge lawns.
Mow Consistently and at the Right Height
Cutting your grass too short or too infrequently is a common mistake. Each grass type has an ideal mowing height, and sticking to it can reduce weed pressure and improve drought tolerance.
Keep your mower blades sharp
Mow St. Augustine grass to about 3–4 inches, Bermuda to 1–2 inches, and Zoysia to 2–3 inches. Sharpen blades monthly and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Water Deeply but Not Too Often
Baton Rouge gets plenty of rain, but during dry spells, lawns may still need supplemental watering. The key is watering deeply and infrequently to encourage strong roots.
Water early in the day
Aim for about one inch of water per week, ideally in one or two sessions. Early morning watering prevents disease and evaporation. If your lawn is struggling despite watering, Hernandez Lawnscape can assess irrigation issues and suggest improvements.
Finish with Aeration and Overseeding
To boost your lawn’s health long-term, schedule core aeration in early summer. This breaks up compacted soil and allows air and nutrients to reach the roots.
Add seed to bare spots
While most warm-season grasses are best established through sod or plugs, overseeding with ryegrass in fall can keep your lawn green through winter. For customized aeration and seeding, trust Hernandez Lawnscape—they understand the exact timing and care Baton Rouge lawn care need year-round.
