Homeowner applying fertilizer to Bermuda grass using a spreader. For expert residential lawn care, call Honeycutt Landscaping Inc.

Summary Highlights:

  • Learn the right time to fertilize warm- and cool-season grasses in NC.
  • Follow an expert-backed fertilization schedule for healthy turf.
  • Avoid common feeding mistakes with help from NC State Extension research.
  • Get professional tips from the residential lawn care team at Honeycutt Landscaping Inc.

Feeding your lawn isn’t just about applying fertilizer—it’s about knowing when your grass needs it most. In North Carolina, turf feeding varies by season and grass type, making timing one of the most important parts of successful residential lawn care.

This guide breaks down the optimal fertilization windows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses, plus recommendations based on NC State Extension research.

Understanding Seasonal Fertilization in NC

North Carolina’s transition zone climate supports both warm-season and cool-season grasses. To fertilize correctly, you’ll need to match your schedule to your lawn’s growth cycle.

Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede) thrive in summer. Cool-season types (like Tall Fescue) grow strongest in spring and fall.

Fertilizing during peak growth—not dormancy—ensures your lawn absorbs nutrients efficiently. As part of our professional lawn care fertilization services in North Carolina, Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. develops customized treatment plans based on grass type, soil conditions, and seasonal timing—helping your lawn stay green, healthy, and resilient year-round.

Fertilization Schedule for Warm-Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses should be fertilized only during their active growth period—usually from late spring through early fall. Avoid feeding too early in spring or too late in fall to prevent stress and disease.

For Bermuda & Zoysia Grass:

  • Late April to Early May: First nitrogen treatment (½ to 1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.)
  • June to July: Second feeding for color and thickness
  • August (optional): Light application to maintain density
  • Fall: Stop fertilizing by early September

Bermuda and Zoysia benefit from slow-release nitrogen sources that support steady green-up without causing thatch buildup.

For Centipede Grass:

  • Mid-May: Apply a single light fertilizer dose
  • Avoid multiple feedings—Centipede requires low nitrogen
  • Don’t fertilize past August

Centipede is a low-maintenance, low-fertility turf. Overfeeding leads to yellowing or disease, so follow exact label rates.

Fertilization Schedule for Cool-Season Grass (Tall Fescue)

Cool-season turf should be fertilized when temperatures are moderate—spring and fall. Avoid summer fertilizing when the grass is dormant.

Tall Fescue Fertilization Plan:

  • Mid-February to March: Light spring feeding
  • Late September to Early November: Core fertilization season (up to 2 applications)
  • Optional Early December: Late-fall feeding to strengthen roots

Fall feeding is most important for Tall Fescue. It rebuilds the root system and improves winter hardiness after summer stress.

NC State Extension Guidelines for Lawn Fertilization

According to NC State Extension, the right fertilizer rate and timing depend on:

  • grass species
  • soil test results
  • climate and rainfall
  • past turf performance

Before applying anything, Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. recommends a soil test to measure nutrient levels and pH. We can then customize a residential lawn care plan that suits your turf, property, and schedule.

Lawn Fertilization Tips for Success

  • Water lightly after each fertilizer application to prevent burn.
  • Use a spreader for even coverage.
  • Keep nitrogen treatments off sidewalks and driveways to avoid runoff.
  • Don’t fertilize before heavy rain or drought periods.
  • Stick to a consistent schedule for best results

Whether you’re maintaining an established lawn or starting fresh sod, professional guidance can ensure your feeding plan promotes deep roots, rich color, and long-term health. Choosing the best grass type for your NC lawn—whether it’s Bermuda, Zoysia, or Tall Fescue—plays a key role in how and when you fertilize. Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. helps homeowners across North Carolina match their turf with tailored fertilization programs that support year-round performance.

Need help feeding your lawn the right way this season?

Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. offers tailored residential lawn care plans for warm- and cool-season turf, backed by science and local expertise. From soil testing to product application, we help your lawn grow greener at the right time.

FAQs for About Lawn Care

At Honeycutt Landscaping Inc., we personalize our Fertilization & Weed Control program to fit each customer’s specific needs. We take into account the type of grass you have in your lawn and provide the exact nutrients and weed control required for each season. Our team consists of local experts who understand the unique characteristics and requirements of lawns in our community, ensuring that your lawn receives care as if it were our own.

Recognizing lawn fungus is key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Typically, lawn fungi thrive in the moistest areas of your yard. Signs of a fungal issue include patches of grass that turn brown and die off. These patches can start small but may spread rapidly, indicating a serious fungal infection. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

At Honeycutt Landscaping Inc., we advise annual core aeration for all types of lawns to promote healthy grass growth and soil health. However, when it comes to seeding, it depends on the type of grass in your lawn. Cool-season grasses, like Tall Fescue, benefit from yearly seeding to maintain their lushness. On the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, are well-adapted to warmer climates. These grass types naturally go dormant in winter and revive as temperatures rise, eliminating the need for annual reseeding. IF they are hybrids, however, you cannot reseed these.

At Honeycutt Landscaping Inc., we provide preventative and post-infestation treatments depending on the situation of your lawn. Preventative treatments happen in the spring to keep armyworms at bay when they are active, which is typically late spring to late summer. Post-infestation treatments are performed one time if you already have an infested lawn to quickly stop armyworms from doing more damage.

At Honeycutt Landscaping Inc., we provide preventative and post-infestation treatments depending on the situation of your lawn. Preventative treatments happen in the spring to keep armyworms at bay when they are active, which is typically late spring to late summer. Post-infestation treatments are performed one time if you already have an infested lawn to quickly stop armyworms from doing more damage.

To check for grubs, look for these signs:

Brown, Dry Patches: Your lawn may have irregular brown spots.
Loose Grass: If the grass lifts easily from the soil, it might indicate grub activity.
Visible Grubs: Check under the turf for small, c-shaped grubs. More than 10 per square foot is a sign of serious infestation.

If you notice these signs, contact Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. for prompt treatment.

Our Fire Ant Control program targets the entire colony, including the queen, using a strategic approach:

Granular Bait: We use a special granular bait that worker ants mistake for food.
Colony Distribution: These worker ants take the bait back to their nest, sharing it with the queen, larvae, and other ants.
Effective Results: The bait, though appearing as food, is lethal to the ants. It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to completely eliminate all fire ant mounds in your lawn.

This thorough method ensures the entire colony is addressed, providing long-lasting relief from fire ants.

Moles and voles dig in yards looking for food that insectivores love including: grub worms, earthworms, and other insects they find in their tunnels while digging. This is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, however. They are active year-round because do not hibernate.

At Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc, we treat plant and flower beds twice a year for both pre and post-emergent weed control treatment plans. Each individual yard needs will determine the plan that is unique to each customer.

Honeycutt Landscaping provides knowledge and experience based on over 20 years of experience in the field. We take an individualized approach with each job ensuring the vision that the customer wants is met. Owner, Brandon Honeycutt, also has a degree in Forestry Management, pesticide licensing, and licensing in landscape contracting.

 About Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. – A Trusted Landscaping Company in North Carolina

With over 24 years of professional experience, Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. is a licensed and insured landscaping company proudly serving Union County and the Piedmont Region of North Carolina, including Wingate, Monroe, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Marvin, Stallings, and surrounding communities. Founded by Brandon Honeycutt, a seasoned expert with a degree in forestry management and extensive field knowledge, our team blends science, strategy, and superior service to bring every outdoor space to life.

As a full-service landscape contractor, we specialize in:

🌿 Landscaping Design & Installation: Custom plant selection, hardscapes, soil-specific planning, and drainage solutions
🌱 Landscape Maintenance: HOA and commercial upkeep, pruning, mulching, and seasonal cleanups
🏡 Lawn Care Services: Fertilization, aeration, weed control, and lawn health management for residential and small commercial properties
❄️ Snow Removal: Reliable winter weather services for industrial, medical, and commercial facilities

We proudly serve a diverse client base, including homeowners, property managers, HOAs, and business owners who depend on professional results that enhance curb appeal, support functional outdoor living, and deliver year-round landscape reliability.

Honeycutt Landscaping holds multiple credentials that demonstrate our commitment to regulatory compliance and safety, including:

✅ NC Landscape Contractor License #3161
✅ NC Landscape Corporate License #CL.1889
✅ NC Pesticide License #28785
✅ NC Septic Installer Grade IV #11873

From residential landscape makeovers to commercial site maintenance and storm-ready snow solutions, we approach every project with precision, transparency, and pride. We tailor every landscape installation and maintenance program to match the unique needs of North Carolina’s soil types, climate conditions, and seasonal changes, ensuring long-term results and customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re planning a full-yard transformation, need help with lawn health, or want a responsive partner for multi-site commercial property upkeep, Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. is the landscaping company North Carolina trusts for quality workmanship, local knowledge, and honest service you can count on.