Spring Lawn Care

All cool season sod varieties go dormant during the winter. This makes Spring is a great time to give your lawn the opportunity to keep it looking healthy and green through the Summer.Spring is the time to start your lawn off to becoming well established and healthy for the Summer months. Here are some guidelines to follow to have a healthy, weed and disease-free lawn. Both bluegrass and tall fescue require the same treatment the first year.

Fertilizer/Herbicide       

A high quality, slow release nitrogen fertilizer with 3-5% iron i.e. (20-10-5+5% Fe), should be applied every 4-5 weeks the first year after planting to permit proper growth. Apply the rate as outlined on the bag label. If not utilizing a professional lawn care company, one can utilize a good ‘Weed and Feed” type of fertilizer at this time to control annual and perennial weeds. Spot application of herbicides may be applied to problem weeds. Your local garden center can assist you with the proper selections of fertilizer, herbicide and problem area identification, diagnosis and treatment.

Watering                                

In the Spring, it is most important when starting your sprinkler system to check for broken/frozen line damage and check all sprinkler heads for proper operation. Thereafter, one should monitor monthly checking for leaks, missing/broken heads and adjusted at the time of application and monitored and adjust monthly. Water application should be applied according to local regulations or less depending upon the moisture received from rain. New EvapoTranspiration (E-T) sprinkler controllers with moisture, temperature and rain sensors are an ideal way to apply the correct amount of water, for it adjusts automatically to daily conditions as well as adjusting biweekly to historical data. Otherwise, your local newspaper should provide you with proper E-T rates to apply proper amounts of water to your lawn to prevent wasting of our precious water! Do not over-water your lawn for water is too valuable to waste.

Mowing                                  

Mow with a sharp mower blade should start once your turfgrass reaches 2-1/2”- 3” in height. During the summer months, one might want to mow at a 3” height to conserve moisture as well as prevent weed invasion. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one mowing.

Aeration                                 

Core aeration (soil/thatch core removal) should done in the Spring to assist in increasing moisture retention and a healthier lawn.