Lawn care in the Lowcountry

March has arrived, and it certainly feels like spring is right around the corner here in the Lowcountry. Over the past few weeks, we have experienced several warm days in the 70s and even the low 80s, while nighttime temperatures are still dropping into the 40s and 50s. After another cool winter, our lawns are having a hard time deciding how quickly to wake up from winter dormancy.

As we discussed last month, soil temperature is the primary driver of plant activity, and we are watching closely for the consistent 65-degree soil temperature mark that signals active growth for our warm-season grasses. While we are beginning to see some turf slowly greening up in sunny areas, most lawns are still in a transitional phase.

With the recent rainfall and warmer daytime temperatures, some grasses are starting to emerge from dormancy. This early activity is something we want to monitor carefully while avoiding any premature fertilizer applications. Applying nitrogen too early can push weak growth and make the turf more susceptible to disease.

Because daytime warmth is still paired with cooler nights, lawns can also be vulnerable to fungal issues such as large patch. Homeowners should keep an eye out for bright yellow or orange discoloration and circular patches in the lawn, which can sometimes indicate early fungal activity. To help minimize the chances of disease, it is best to avoid excessive irrigation and limit heavy foot traffic while the grass is still weak from winter dormancy.

So what should we be doing right now? There is still time to apply pre-emergent weed control, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent summer weeds such as crabgrass from appearing later in the season. Keeping the lawn free of leaves and debris will also allow more sunlight to reach the turf canopy, helping the soil warm more evenly.

Early spring is also a good time for minor lawn improvements. Filling low areas with sand can help prevent puddling during heavy rains, and small pieces or plugs of sod can be used to repair larger gaps in the turf. Light potassium applications can also support root activity and overall plant health as lawns prepare for the growing season.

In the landscape beds, many of our local shrubs are already responding to the warmer weather. Azaleas and loropetalums are beginning to bloom throughout the Bluffton and Hilton Head area. If pruning is needed, it is best to wait until these plants have finished flowering before trimming them back.

Gardeners can also begin preparing warm-season plants for the months ahead by removing dead branches and lightly feeding shrubs to encourage healthy spring growth. Refreshing landscape beds with about 2–3 inches of mulch will help suppress weeds and retain moisture as temperatures continue to rise. Just be careful not to pile mulch directly against plant trunks or stems—leaving a few inches of space allows air to reach the root zone and helps prevent rot.

With a little patience over the next few weeks, our lawns and landscapes will fully transition into the growing season. Early spring is one of the most important times to set the foundation for a healthy lawn. Proper weed prevention, disease monitoring and improving soil conditions can make a significant difference in how turf performs through the heat of summer. By paying attention to these early-season details, homeowners can help ensure their lawn stays thick, healthy and resilient as warmer weather arrives.

Zach Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.