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Peoria Lawn Care Calendar: What to Do Each Month
A month-by-month plan for cool-season lawns in Peoria and central Illinois: when to put down crabgrass preventer, how high to mow, when to watch for grubs, and when to aerate, seed and feed.
The big dates
- April: crabgrass preventer
- May–June: peak mowing
- Mid-August: check for grubs
- Late Aug–Sept: aerate and seed
- Fall: main feeding
Short answer
What’s the most important time for lawn care in Peoria?
Early fall. From late August through September is when cool-season lawns recover best: it’s the right time to aerate, overseed and feed. Spring is second, mostly for crabgrass prevention and getting mowing height right before summer.
Month by month
The Peoria lawn year
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January–February | Stay off frozen or soggy turf. Plan spring projects. Watch for salt damage along drives and walks. |
| March | Rake up winter debris and matted spots. Fix plow and salt damage. Service the mower and sharpen the blade. |
| April | Crabgrass preventer when soil reaches about 55°F (forsythia in bloom). First mows as growth starts. Don’t pre-emerge areas you plan to seed. |
| May | Mow weekly at 3–4 inches. Light feeding if needed. Spot-treat broadleaf weeds. |
| June | Keep mowing high. Water deeply, about an inch a week including rain. Preventive grub control if your lawn has a grub history. |
| July | Raise the mower. Let the lawn go dormant or water consistently; don’t switch back and forth. Avoid heavy feeding in heat. |
| August | Check for grubs mid-month. Book fall aeration and seeding. Start seeding late in the month as nights cool. |
| September | Core aerate and overseed. Main fall feeding. Treat broadleaf weeds. |
| October | Keep mowing as needed. Mulch-mow light leaves; remove heavy layers. Another feeding if planned. |
| November | Final mow a little shorter. Clear leaves before snow. Last feeding before the ground freezes if planned. |
| December | Clean up and store equipment. Get leaves out before the last city yard waste pickup. |
Local notes
Peoria-specific things to remember
- Most Peoria lawns are tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass or a blend, all cool-season grasses.
- Heavy clay compacts easily, so aeration matters more here than in sandy areas.
- City of Peoria yard waste pickup runs April 6 to December 11 in 2026. See the yard waste guide.
- Grass and weeds over 10 inches can draw a city notice. See Peoria rules.
FAQ
Lawn calendar questions
When should I stop mowing in Peoria?
When the grass stops growing, usually in November. Make the last cut slightly shorter than usual.
Can I seed in spring?
Yes, but fall is better. If you seed in spring, skip crabgrass preventer on those areas or use one labeled safe for seeding.
How often should I water?
About an inch a week including rain, in one or two deep waterings rather than daily sprinkles.
Related: Lawn care · Aeration and overseeding · Fertilization · All guides
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