Your January checklist
Leave dormant grass alone
Brown, dormant Bermuda is normal — it is not dead. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frosted grass, which can damage the crowns, and don't water unless the winter is unusually dry for weeks.
Service your mower
Sharpen blades, change the oil, and replace the spark plug now, before the spring rush. A sharp blade is one of the cheapest upgrades to how your lawn looks all year.
Plan spring projects
If you're thinking about new landscaping, drainage fixes, or sod, winter is the time to get quotes and get on schedules — contractors book up fast once March arrives.
Watch for winter weeds
Henbit and other cool-season weeds stand out against dormant grass. Spot-treat or pull them on a mild day so they don't set seed.
Pro tip
Take photos of your lawn now. Comparing them to summer photos helps you spot chronic thin or wet areas to fix in spring.