Lawn Care Calendar: Month-by-Month Tips for Billings Lawns

Caring for your lawn in Billings, Montana isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Our region’s four-season climate—with freezing winters, dry summers, and unpredictable spring weather—requires a lawn care strategy that shifts throughout the year. Knowing what to do and when can make the difference between a lush, healthy yard and one that struggles through each season.

At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we’ve created this month-by-month lawn care guide specifically for Billings homeowners. Whether you maintain your yard yourself or rely on professional help, here’s how to keep your grass thriving all year long.

January–February: Let It Rest
Stay off frozen or snow-covered grass to prevent compaction.

Avoid using salt near the lawn—opt for pet-safe, lawn-friendly alternatives.

Plan ahead: book spring aeration or irrigation system checks now.

March: Early Prep
Begin gentle cleanup of debris and leaves as the snow melts.

Inspect your yard for winter damage like snow mold or bare patches.

Schedule a soil test to understand your lawn’s nutrient needs.

April: Spring Awakening
Apply a pre-emergent weed control to prevent crabgrass and other early weeds.

Begin mowing (with a sharp blade!) once the grass hits 2.5–3 inches.

Fertilize with a light, balanced fertilizer as temperatures rise.

May: Growth Season
Water deeply and early in the day—aim for about 1 inch per week.

Continue mowing regularly, never cutting more than ⅓ of the blade height.

Watch for broadleaf weeds and treat selectively if needed.

June–July: Summer Smart
Raise mower height to reduce stress on the turf during heat.

Monitor for insects, especially chinch bugs and grubs.

Consider a mid-summer fertilizer if using slow-release products.

August: Drought Awareness
Keep watering consistent during dry spells—but avoid overwatering.

Address any brown spots with spot seeding if temperatures allow.

Plan for early fall aeration if needed.

September: Prime Time for Lawn Care
Core aerate your lawn to reduce compaction and promote root growth.

Overseed with cool-season grasses for thicker, healthier turf.

Apply a high-nitrogen fall fertilizer for winter hardiness.

October: Wind Down
Mow a bit lower for the final cut of the season (about 2 inches).

Rake up fallen leaves to prevent suffocation and disease.

Winterize your irrigation system before the first hard freeze.

November–December: Winterize and Wait
Let your lawn rest—do not fertilize or mow.

Avoid foot traffic on frozen or snow-covered turf.

Use this time to plan landscaping improvements or hardscape projects.

Billings-Specific Tips
Because Billings sits in USDA zones 4b–5a, we deal with intense temperature swings and low humidity. Here are a few local insights:

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass perform best here.

Aeration and overseeding are most successful in September.

Smart irrigation systems help conserve water while keeping your lawn healthy.

Make Every Season Count
Consistent, seasonal care is the secret to a resilient and beautiful lawn in Billings. If you’d rather spend your time enjoying the outdoors instead of managing it, Horizon Landscape & Irrigation is here to help with custom lawn maintenance plans, irrigation solutions, and seasonal services tailored to your yard.