LawnWeather

Iowa Lawn Care Calendar

In Iowa, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Apr 10 and Apr 30: first in Des Moines, last in Cedar Rapids. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Davenport and Iowa City, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Iowa

Typically between Apr 10 and Apr 30, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Des Moines (around Apr 10) and last in Cedar Rapids (around Apr 17). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
Des MoinesApr 10 – Apr 27
Sioux CityApr 15 – May 12
DavenportApr 16 – Apr 27
Iowa CityApr 16 – Apr 30
Cedar RapidsApr 17 – Apr 30

Cool-season lawn calendar

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

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
Des MoinesApr 20 – May 25Aug 15 – Oct 4Sep 9 – Nov 4
Cedar RapidsApr 23 – May 28Aug 5 – Sep 24Aug 24 – Oct 30
Sioux CityMay 5 – Jun 9Jul 31 – Sep 19Aug 19 – Oct 29
DavenportApr 20 – May 25Aug 14 – Oct 3Sep 9 – Nov 5
Iowa CityApr 23 – May 28Aug 5 – Sep 24Sep 1 – Nov 1

Frost dates in Iowa

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
Des MoinesApr 21Oct 29
Cedar RapidsApr 26Oct 19
Sioux CityApr 24Oct 14
DavenportApr 22Oct 28
Iowa CityApr 24Oct 19

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 Iowa?

Typically between Apr 10 and Apr 30, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Des Moines (around Apr 10) and last in Cedar Rapids (around Apr 17). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Iowa?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Jul 31 to Oct 4 across Iowa, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Iowa?

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

Lawn care guides

Other states