LawnWeather

Rhode Island Lawn Care Calendar

In Rhode Island, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Apr 14 and May 15: first in Providence, last in Westerly. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Providence, Westerly and Warwick, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Rhode Island

Typically between Apr 14 and May 15, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Providence (around Apr 14) and last in Westerly (around Apr 25). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
ProvidenceApr 14 – May 13
WarwickApr 14 – May 10
WesterlyApr 25 – May 15

Cool-season lawn calendar

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

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
ProvidenceMay 6 – Jun 10Aug 22 – Oct 11Sep 2 – Nov 12
WesterlyMay 8 – Jun 12Aug 19 – Oct 8Aug 23 – Nov 12
WarwickMay 3 – Jun 7Aug 22 – Oct 11Sep 12 – Nov 12

Frost dates in Rhode Island

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
ProvidenceApr 7Nov 5
WesterlyApr 13Nov 2
WarwickApr 10Nov 5

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 Rhode Island?

Typically between Apr 14 and May 15, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Providence (around Apr 14) and last in Westerly (around Apr 25). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Rhode Island?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Aug 19 to Oct 11 across Rhode Island, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Rhode Island?

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

Lawn care guides

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