When Does Lawn Care Season Start in Conway, SC?

If you are wondering when lawn care season truly begins in Conway, SC, the short answer is late winter into early spring, when soils start warming and our warm-season grasses wake up. For most neighborhoods from Downtown Conway to Red Hill and Lakeside Crossing, the first key cues arrive between late February and early April. That is when timing your first weed control, mowing, and nutrition choices make the biggest difference for a healthy yard. If you want a head start without the hassle, a full‑service lawn care program from Carolina Upkeep LLC aligns your seasonal schedule with local conditions.

What “Lawn Care Season” Means in Conway

In Horry County, warm-season grasses dominate: centipede, bermuda, zoysia, and some St. Augustine. They rest through winter, then begin to green as days lengthen and soils warm. Our average last frost lands around late March, so visible green-up usually follows soon after. The practical takeaway is simple: soil temperature matters more than the calendar.

Warm-Season Grasses Rule Our Yards

These grasses thrive when nights are mild and the ground stays warm. Centipedegrass is common across Conway’s sandy soils and prefers a gentle start. Bermuda and zoysia wake a bit faster once nights stay milder, while St. Augustine needs warmth and benefits from coastal air near the Waccamaw River. Each one starts strong when you time early-season care to match its growth, not the date on your phone.

Soil Temperature vs. Calendar: The Real Start Line

Watch the ground, not just the weather app. Summer annual weeds like crabgrass start moving when soils sit around the mid‑50s for several days. Warm-season turf begins meaningful growth as soils push into the 60s. That is why homeowners who plan by soil warmth get cleaner lawns by summer.

Key Thresholds for Weed Control and Green-Up

• Late February to early March: soils approach the low‑to‑mid 50s. This is the preventive weed control window for many Conway lawns.
• Late March to April: soils rise into the 60s. Turf breaks dormancy and green-up accelerates across centipede, bermuda, and zoysia.
• May: consistent warmth supports steady growth. This is when most warm-season lawns are fully active.

Curious how this fits your street or subdivision? Our team tracks Conway microclimates and shares seasonal notes on our lawn care tips page so your plan matches real conditions in your yard.

Month‑By‑Month Timeline for Conway, SC Lawn Maintenance

The dates below reflect typical patterns in Conway. Shaded lots, river breezes, and inland pockets can shift these by a week or two.

Late Winter: Mid‑February to Early March

This is the preventive weed control window that sets the tone for spring. Temperatures bounce, but soils begin to wake. Aim to have your early‑season plan in place as crabgrass season approaches. Never force growth while turf is still dormant; patient timing protects roots and color later.

Early Spring: Late March to April

Green-up shows in sunny spots first, with slower patches under live oaks or on north‑facing edges. This is usually when you can schedule the first regular mowing pass because the lawn is actively growing again. Keep cuts light as growth ramps up.

Late Spring to Early Summer: May to June

Warm nights mean steady growth. Centipede appreciates light, well‑timed nutrition after full green-up. Bermuda and zoysia respond quickly once soils hold warmth. This is the stretch where a consistent schedule pays off with dense, even color.

Summer: July to August

Heat and humidity define this period. Deep roots grown in spring help turf ride out hot, breezy afternoons from Coastal Carolina University to Bucksport Road. Watch for thinning in heavy‑shade pockets and adjust mowing intervals to turf growth, not the calendar.

Early Fall: September to October

As temperatures ease, Conway sees a second round of weed pressure. Another preventive approach keeps winter annuals from covering tan, dormant turf later. Keep mowing until growth naturally slows.

Late Fall to Winter: November to January

Growth tapers as lawns rest. Leaves from riverfront trees can mat on the surface, so stay ahead of heavy piles to prevent spots and winter stress. Plans made now make spring smoother.

When to Start Mowing, Fertilizing, and Weed Control

The start dates are about readiness, not rules. Your grass type and microclimate set the pace. Below are practical guardrails for Conway homeowners who want outcomes that look good by summer.

Mowing Start

Bump into mowing when the lawn is actively growing again, typically late March into early April. Start with a light pass to tidy winter stems and avoid scalping. In shady blocks near Downtown Conway or along tree‑lined streets by the Riverwalk, growth may lag a week behind sunnier lots. Keep blades sharp to protect tender spring leaves.

Fertilization Timing for Common Grasses

Fertilize warm‑season lawns after full green-up, not before. Centipede prefers a lighter touch and usually benefits from nutrition once May warmth settles in. Bermuda and zoysia accept nutrients a bit sooner after steady growth begins, but avoid pushing growth during cool snaps. The result is thicker turf and fewer summer headaches.

Weed Control Windows

Early spring preventive control belongs on the calendar before weeds break through, which in Conway often aligns with late February into early March. A second seasonal window in early fall helps block winter annuals that speckle dormant lawns. If visible weeds appear, temperature and turf activity matter before any spot treatments. Do not apply weed control during the sensitive spring green‑up period.

Local Factors That Shift Your Start Date

Not every yard warms the same way. These Conway‑specific factors can shift your lawn care season a bit earlier or later:

• Sandy soils that heat fast on sunny lots can kickstart growth sooner than shaded pockets near the Waccamaw River.
• North‑facing or heavily shaded sections in communities like Red Hill may green later and need gentler, slower mowing intervals at first.
• Newly sodded areas often follow their own timeline; give them a full season to establish before big seasonal changes.
• Low‑lying spots after heavy spring rains can stay cooler and wetter; wait for consistent growth signals before your first cut there.

For homeowners comparing notes block‑to‑block, it helps to track the signs. When nighttime lows stay mild, you see fresh runners across thin spots, and the lawn no longer shows footprints hours after walking, you are in the early‑season “go” zone. If you want those signals translated into a simple plan, Carolina Upkeep LLC designs schedules tuned to your grass type and neighborhood conditions.

A Conway‑Focused Plan That Puts You Ahead

A well‑timed start gives you the clean, even look you want by Memorial Day. That means aligning preventive weed control with soil temps, easing into mowing as growth returns, and feeding only after steady green‑up. If you prefer a pro to watch the weather, measure soil warmth, and time each visit, our professional lawn care team builds routes across Conway so your yard never misses a window.

Want to learn more about lawn care in Conway, SC and how seasonal timing boosts color and density? Browse our latest lawn care tips or tap a quick plan with Carolina Upkeep LLC that matches your grass and street.

Ready to Start the Season the Right Way?

If your goal is a greener, cleaner lawn by summer, the first step is timing. Conway’s season opens as soils warm and growth returns, not on a fixed date. Schedule a visit with Carolina Upkeep LLC and we will build a simple, season‑long plan for your address. Call us at 843-421-8732 or book your Conway visit through our lawn care services page today.