Your March checklist
Apply pre-emergent if you haven't
If soil temperatures haven't hit 55°F yet, there's still time. Once crabgrass sprouts, pre-emergent won't help.
Do a spring cleanup
Rake out dead grass, sticks, and leftover leaves. This lets sunlight reach the soil and warm it faster.
Scalp dormant Bermuda (optional)
Some homeowners mow dormant Bermuda very short in early March to remove dead top growth and speed green-up. Bag the clippings if you do.
Start mowing when growth starts
Once the lawn is actively growing, mow regularly at the right height rather than letting it get tall and cutting it back hard.
Turn on and audit irrigation
Run each zone and look for broken heads, leaks, and coverage gaps before summer heat arrives.
Pro tip
Don't fertilize Bermuda yet — wait until it's fully green and growing, usually late April or May.