Spring comes early in southern time zones.  Edge up inactive southern lawns with midwinter edging and trimming.

Fight growing winter weeds that are active and easy to spot in brown nonactive Southern lawns.

Check lawns for debris, twigs and stones before spring arrives.

It's time to treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before summer weeds and crabgrass grow. Crabgrass grows when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mow lawns once grass starts growing. Cut slightly lower than standard mowing guidelines for the first few times. Collect clippings if you suspect disease.

Apply soil improvement supplements such as fast-acting lime. This restores balance to soil pH and improves soil structure.

Treat unwanted moss, which is most vulnerable during cool damp months.

Plant new lawns and over-seed thin warm-season lawns with premium grass seeds. Warm-season grasses enters active growth as soil temperatures reach 65 Fahrenheit.

Mow at normal heights and leave clippings to decompose. This benefits soil structure and adds nutrients.

Repair lawn damage and its underlying cause. 

Aerate Bermuda Lawns during active spring and early summer growth. This reduces compaction, improves drainage and reduces risks of lawn disease.

Water established lawns so they get the equivalent of 1 to 1 1/4 inches of weekly moisture, including precipitation, as dormant grasses return to green use water conserving grass seeds.

Feed warm-season grasses every four to eight weeks during their active summer growth period. 

Raise mowing height to 1 to 1 1/2 inches above normal recommended heights. Taller blades of grass shade soil, reduce water evaporation and fight competing weeds.

Treat small, newly hatched lawn destroying grubs while they're close to the surface and damage is still limited.

Mow lawns only as needed to maintain taller seasonal heights.

Fertilize lawns to increase energy supply for winter months. Plan a final feeding six to eight weeks before the first winter frost is expected. 

Aerate and reduce watering of warm-season grasses due to potential increases in rain, but never allow turf grass to be stressed by lack of water, or it will affect spring green-up.

Treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before cool-season winter weeds germinate, when nighttime air temperatures approach 65 to 70 Fahrenheit.

Over-seed for temporary green winter color with cool-season perennial ryegrass. When warm-season grass begins losing color, it's time.

Keep newly over-seeded areas consistently moist while seeds establishes.

Aerate and mow warm-season grasses until they stop growing. Make final cuts slightly lower than normal.

Fertilize and continue maintaining cool-season grasses in over-seeded lawns.

Spot treat existing weeds with targeted, post-emergent herbicides.

Remove or mulch fallen leaves to improve air flow and reduce disease risks.

Maintain a regular watering schedule for over-seeded lawns. Water as needed to supplement rainfall.