Washington, D.C. Lawn Care Calendar

In Washington, D.C., crabgrass preventer typically goes down Mar 14 – Apr 15. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Washington, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Washington, D.C.

Typically Mar 14 – Apr 15. Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

City	Crabgrass preventer window
Washington	Mar 14 – Apr 15

Cool-season lawn calendar

Lawns across Washington, D.C. are mostly cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

City	Spring fertilizer	Overseeding & seeding	Fall fertilizer
Washington	Apr 8 – May 13	Aug 30 – Oct 19	Sep 24 – Nov 24

Frost dates in Washington, D.C.

City	Last spring frost	First fall frost
Washington	Mar 26	Nov 13

Median dates, 2016–2025. A dash means frost does not occur in most years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put down pre-emergent in Washington, D.C.?

Typically Mar 14 – Apr 15. Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Washington, D.C.?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Aug 30 to Oct 19 across Washington, D.C., while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Washington, D.C.?

Most lawns in Washington, D.C. are cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).