Early Green-Up in Georgia: What It Means for Your Lawn & What We’re Doing About It

If you’ve noticed your lawn waking up earlier than usual this year, you’re not alone. Georgia saw an unseasonably warm start to the year, followed by a drastic temperature swing—from 80 degrees one week to snow and 17 degrees the next. This kind of weather rollercoaster isn’t just an inconvenience; it has real consequences for your grass, landscape, and weed control.

At T. Lake Environmental, we don’t react emotionally to the weather (even when it’s as wild as this). We take a time-tested, strategic approach to lawn care, working with nature rather than against it. Here’s what’s happening, what it means for your landscape, and what we’re doing to keep your lawn healthy.

Early Green-Up: Why It’s a Problem

The warmer-than-usual temperatures caused grass and plants to wake up early. That might seem like a good thing, but here’s the catch: once plants start growing, they become vulnerable. A late-season frost (which almost always happens in Georgia, usually around Easter) can do serious damage to young, tender growth.

This applies to more than just grass—trees, shrubs, and flowers that break dormancy early can get hit hard if the temperatures suddenly drop again. And given the unpredictability of Georgia’s weather, that’s exactly what happened. 

[If you're looking for ways to maintain seasonal interest in your winter landscape, check out these expert tips.]

Weeds Are Loving This Weather

If the early green-up wasn’t bad enough, soil temperatures also hit the magic numbers for weed germination way ahead of schedule:

• Crabgrass starts popping up at 55°F.
• Broadleaf weeds show up around 60°F.

Normally, we see turf weeds emerging in mid-March. This year, they started showing up in mid-to-late February. If you didn’t get a pre-emergent down last fall, you’re probably already seeing major weed issues. And if you did, timing and application rates are more critical than ever. 

Our sister company, Lawn Squad, specializes in expert lawn care and can help with tailored solutions to tackle these challenges.

The Right (and Wrong) Approach to Early Green-Up

Some companies and homeowners rush to fertilize or water their lawns at the first sign of green. Big mistake. That’s like waking someone up at 4 AM and expecting them to be fully functional—it’s just setting them up for stress and exhaustion.

At T. Lake, our approach is this:

1. We don’t force growth. We let grass and plants wake up when they’re good and ready. Fertilizing too early can encourage tender growth that gets hammered by the next frost.
   
   
2. We’re careful with pre-emergent applications. The erratic soil temps mean we have to be strategic with timing and rates.
   
   
3. We monitor conditions constantly. We don’t follow a set calendar; we follow nature. That means keeping a close eye on soil temps, weather patterns, and plant health before making any moves.

What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do

• DON’T start watering or fertilizing too early.
• DO watch for weeds—they’re ahead of schedule this year.
• DON’T assume your lawn is safe from frost just because it’s been warm.
• DO trust the experts who have been managing Georgia landscapes for decades.

Operate with Nature

Nature runs on its own clock, and the best lawn care approach is to respect that. At T. Lake, we operate with military precision, tackling challenges head-on, and not reacting emotionally. We don’t do excuses, and we don’t do shortcuts—we do what works.

So, if you’re seeing weeds early, wondering when to fertilize, or concerned about frost damage, trust us to handle it. We’ve got the experience, the discipline, and the expertise to keep your lawn healthy—no matter what Georgia’s wild weather throws our way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my lawn greening up earlier than usual?

This year, Georgia experienced an unseasonably warm winter, causing grass and plants to break dormancy earlier than expected. However, this early green-up can lead to vulnerability when the inevitable late-season frost arrives.

2. Should I fertilize my lawn as soon as I see green?

No. Fertilizing too early can stimulate tender new growth that is highly susceptible to frost damage. It’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures have stabilized.

3. When do weeds like crabgrass start germinating?

Crabgrass begins to germinate when soil temperatures reach 55°F, while broadleaf weeds start around 60°F. Due to the early warm-up this year, weeds are emerging much earlier than usual.

4. What can I do if I missed my fall pre-emergent application?

If pre-emergents weren’t applied last fall, you’ll likely see increased weed activity. A post-emergent herbicide application may be necessary to manage the outbreak effectively.

5. Is it safe to start watering my lawn now?

No. Watering too early can encourage premature growth that may not withstand late-season frost. It’s best to wait until consistent warm weather settles in.

6. How do I know when to apply pre-emergents for weed control?

The best indicator is soil temperature rather than the calendar. When soil temps reach 50-55°F, it’s time to apply pre-emergents to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from taking over.

7. How can I keep my lawn healthy despite these fluctuating temperatures?

Working with nature is key. Avoid forcing growth too early, apply pre-emergents at the right time, and trust professionals to monitor and adjust treatments based on real-time conditions.

8. What happens if my plants and lawn suffer frost damage?

If your lawn or landscape plants experience frost damage, recovery strategies will depend on the extent of damage. Often, patience and proper care (without overreacting) will allow your lawn to bounce back naturally.