LawnWeather

Ohio Lawn Care Calendar

In Ohio, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Mar 21 and May 3: first in Cincinnati, last in Cleveland. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron and Dayton, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Ohio

Typically between Mar 21 and May 3, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Cincinnati (around Mar 21) and last in Cleveland (around Apr 20). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
CincinnatiMar 21 – Apr 19
ColumbusMar 25 – Apr 26
DaytonMar 28 – Apr 21
AkronApr 13 – Apr 27
ToledoApr 19 – May 4
ClevelandApr 20 – May 3

Cool-season lawn calendar

Lawns across Ohio are mostly cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
ColumbusApr 19 – May 24Aug 19 – Oct 8Sep 12 – Nov 13
ClevelandApr 26 – May 31Sep 3 – Oct 23Sep 8 – Nov 17
CincinnatiApr 12 – May 17Aug 19 – Oct 8Sep 13 – Nov 18
ToledoApr 27 – Jun 1Aug 22 – Oct 11Sep 2 – Nov 12
AkronApr 20 – May 25Aug 19 – Oct 8Aug 27 – Nov 10
DaytonApr 14 – May 19Aug 18 – Oct 7Sep 15 – Nov 14

Frost dates in Ohio

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
ColumbusApr 16Nov 2
ClevelandApr 3Nov 17
CincinnatiApr 15Nov 2
ToledoApr 24Nov 5
AkronApr 24Nov 2
DaytonApr 21Nov 1

Median dates, 2016–2025. A dash means frost does not occur in most years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put down pre-emergent in Ohio?

Typically between Mar 21 and May 3, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Cincinnati (around Mar 21) and last in Cleveland (around Apr 20). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Ohio?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Aug 18 to Oct 23 across Ohio, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Ohio?

Most lawns in Ohio are cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

Lawn care guides

Other states