Spring Lawn Care Tips for South Carolina Homeowners

By Garrett Calloway • Published March 15, 2025

As winter fades and spring approaches in Upstate South Carolina, it's time to prepare your lawn for the growing season. Here are essential tips for soil testing, aeration, early weed prevention, and fertilization to get your Greenville, Anderson, or Easley lawn off to a great start.

Step 1: Test Your Soil

Start with a soil test through Clemson Extension to understand your pH and nutrient levels. South Carolina soils are often acidic and may need lime to balance pH.

Step 2: Aerate Your Lawn

Core aeration relieves soil compaction and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach grass roots. Early spring is ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia.

Step 3: Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55°F consistently to prevent crabgrass and other summer weeds from germinating.

Step 4: Fertilize Appropriately

Wait until your grass is actively growing before applying fertilizer. Over-fertilizing too early can encourage weed growth over turf growth.