Southern California spring is deceptive. While it feels mild, your lawn and landscape are coming out of winter dormancy and gearing up for the intense heat of summer. What you do in February through April sets the tone for how your yard performs through October. Miss the spring window and you'll spend all summer playing catch-up.
This checklist is built specifically for the Inland Empire climate — hot, dry summers, frost risk in January-February, and clay-heavy soils in much of Riverside County.
February: Wake-Up Month
- Soil test — determine pH and nutrient levels before fertilizing
- Overseed bare or thin spots with appropriate grass variety (Bermuda or Tall Fescue for Inland Empire)
- Apply pre-emergent weed control before soil temps reach 55°F (typically late February)
- Adjust irrigation timer — increase run times as days get longer
- Prune frost-damaged growth on shrubs and perennials back to healthy tissue
- Sharpen mower blades — a dull blade tears grass, inviting disease
March: Growing Season Begins
- First fertilizer application — use a slow-release balanced fertilizer (16-4-8 or similar)
- Core aeration if soil is compacted — critical for clay Inland Empire soils
- Begin regular mowing schedule (weekly once grass is actively growing)
- Set mowing height: Bermuda at 1-1.5", Tall Fescue at 3-3.5"
- Trim shrubs that bloom in late spring (not spring bloomers — those trim after flowering)
- Add fresh mulch (2-3 inches) to all planting beds before heat arrives
- Check irrigation heads for damage from winter and adjust spray patterns
Aeration tip: Do it when soil is moist but not saturated. Water 2 days before aerating so the tines penetrate easily. Leave the plugs on the lawn — they'll break down in 1-2 weeks and return nutrients to the soil.
April: Transition to Spring
- Second weed control application (post-emergent for any weeds that made it through)
- Watch for grubs and surface insects — treat early before populations explode
- Fertilize again if using quick-release (skip if using slow-release from March)
- Plant warm-season annuals once night temps are consistently above 50°F
- Deep-water trees and large shrubs monthly (drip or hand water to root depth)
- Check and test irrigation system — replace any failed heads or emitters
- Begin monitoring for aphids, whitefly, and other spring pests on roses and ornamentals
Common Spring Mistakes to Avoid
- Fertilizing too early — cold soil can't absorb nutrients effectively; wait until soil temps hit 55°F
- Mowing too short — "scalping" stresses the lawn and invites weeds
- Skipping pre-emergent — crabgrass and spurge are nearly impossible to control once they germinate
- Over-watering in spring — cool temps mean slower evaporation; water deeply but less frequently
- Ignoring drainage issues — standing water after rain causes root rot and fungal disease
When to Call a Pro
Some spring tasks require equipment or expertise most homeowners don't have. Professional core aeration, irrigation system checks, and soil testing are worth delegating. Our spring lawn care service includes everything on this checklist for one flat price — most Riverside clients save time and money versus doing it piecemeal.
Green Valley did our spring aeration, fertilization, and irrigation tune-up in one visit. Our lawn has never looked better going into summer. — Michael T., Riverside
Based in Riverside, CA. Passionate about creating sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the Inland Empire since 2015.