Your Grass Type Determines Everything
In northeast Georgia, most residential lawns are one of three grass types: Zoysia, Bermuda, or Fescue. Each one has different mowing heights, fertilization schedules, and seasonal needs. Getting this right is the difference between a lawn that looks professionally maintained and one that always seems to struggle.
At Signature Lawn Service, we adjust our approach for every property based on the turf type. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda is the most common warm-season grass in our area. It's aggressive, sun-loving, drought-tolerant, and grows fast during Georgia's hot summers. It goes dormant (turns brown) in winter, which is normal.
Mowing
Bermuda should be mowed at 1 to 1.5 inches for common varieties, or as low as 0.5 inches for hybrid varieties if you want a golf-course look. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing. During peak summer growth (June through August), Bermuda often needs weekly mowing.
Fertilization
Bermuda is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 16-4-8) in April, June, and August. A fall application of potassium (0-0-50) in September helps the lawn prepare for winter dormancy. Avoid fertilizing after October — you don't want to push new growth before frost.
Weed Control
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in late February to early March (when soil temperatures hit 55°F for several consecutive days) to prevent crabgrass and other summer annuals. A second pre-emergent application in September catches winter weeds. Post-emergent treatments can handle anything that breaks through.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a premium warm-season grass that's denser and softer than Bermuda. It's slower growing, more shade-tolerant, and produces a thick, carpet-like lawn that crowds out most weeds naturally. It also goes dormant in winter.
Mowing
Zoysia performs best at 1.5 to 2 inches. Its dense growth pattern means it builds thatch faster than Bermuda, so annual dethatching (usually in May) is important. Mow weekly during the growing season, but Zoysia's slower growth rate means you won't fall behind as quickly as Bermuda if you miss a week.
Fertilization
Zoysia needs less nitrogen than Bermuda. Two to three applications per year are sufficient: May, July, and optionally September. Over-fertilizing Zoysia creates excess thatch, which suffocates the root system. Less is more.
Weed Control
A healthy, dense Zoysia lawn is its own best weed defense. The same pre-emergent schedule as Bermuda applies (late February and September), but you'll likely need fewer post-emergent spot treatments because the turf density chokes out most invaders.
Fescue (Tall Fescue)
Fescue is the cool-season option in northeast Georgia. It stays green through winter (which is why some homeowners love it) but struggles in our hot, humid summers. It's best suited for shaded properties or homeowners who prioritize winter color over summer performance.
Mowing
Fescue should be mowed at 3 to 3.5 inches — significantly taller than warm-season grasses. Taller blades shade the soil, retain moisture, and help the grass survive Georgia's summer heat. Never scalp Fescue. During summer stress, raise the mowing height to 4 inches.
Fertilization
Fescue's primary growth period is fall and spring — the opposite of Bermuda and Zoysia. Fertilize in September, November, and March. Avoid summer fertilization — it forces growth during the period when the grass is already heat-stressed.
Overseeding
Fescue does not spread via runners like Bermuda and Zoysia. Thin spots don't fill in on their own. You need to overseed every fall (mid-September to mid-October) to maintain density. Aerate before overseeding for best seed-to-soil contact.
Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for Northeast Georgia
February–March: Pre-emergent herbicide application. Begin mowing warm-season grasses as they green up. Last Fescue fertilizer application of the cool season.
April–May: First fertilizer application for Bermuda and Zoysia. Dethatch Zoysia if needed. Warm-season grasses enter active growth.
June–August: Peak mowing season — weekly cuts for most lawns. Second fertilizer round. Irrigate during dry spells (1 inch per week). Monitor for disease in humid conditions.
September: Second pre-emergent application. Fall fertilizer for all grass types. Overseed Fescue lawns. Aerate compacted soils.
October–November: Final fertilizer for Fescue. Warm-season grasses begin dormancy. Reduce mowing frequency. Final mow at normal height — don't scalp before winter.
December–January: Warm-season grasses dormant (brown is normal). Fescue stays green. Minimal maintenance needed. Good time to plan spring landscape projects.
When to Call a Professional
If you're spending your weekends mowing and your lawn still doesn't look the way you want, it's usually a mowing height, fertilization timing, or weed control issue — and all three are things a professional lawn care service handles as part of the program.
Signature Lawn Service offers weekly and bi-weekly lawn maintenance with optional weed control and fertilization programs. We adjust our approach based on your specific turf type, and our crews use commercial-grade equipment maintained to the highest standards. Call 678-995-3141 for a free quote.
