Where the Green Grass Grows
by Brent Paulus and Tim Dougherty - March 2006
Brent Paulus and Tim Dougherty are Turf Managers with Ryan Lawn & Tree. They can be reached at 816.246.1707.
It's getting to be that time of year again. Winter is almost over and spring is coming soon. By March your lawn will begin to regain its green color. Take the proper steps in early spring to get the best lawn possible. A combination of proper mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weed control will keep the neighbors jealous of your thriving lawn all spring.
Mowing
Proper mowing is critical to maintaining a healthy, lush lawn. There are a few things you should always remember when mowing.
First, it is important to have your mower's blade sharpened at the beginning of the mowing season. If you mow with a dull blade, you will cause the tips of the turf to appear frayed and brown. It will also make you turf more susceptible to disease.
Second, always remember the one-third rule. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade when mowing. This can put your lawn into a state of shock that will slow root growth dramatically.
Third, make sure to switch the pattern in which you mow your lawn. If you mow your lawn in the same pattern every time, the wheels on your mower will begin to compact those spots and put ruts in the lawn.
Finally, bag the grass clippings only when absolutely necessary, or if you have a Zoysia lawn. Mulching the clippings will recycle the valuable nutrients and keep the lawn darker green.
Watering
Watering rates for your lawn depend on the season. In the spring and fall, most lawns need about one inch of water per week. Once we get closer to summer and temperatures begin to rise, you should increase your watering to up to two inches per week. From late May through August, avoid watering your lawn in the afternoon and evenings. Watering the lawn late in the day will increase the risk of truf diseases. Early in the morning is the safest and most effective time to water your lawn.
Fertilizing
Preemergent herbicides must be applied in the spring to prevent crabgrass, foxtail, and other nasty annual grasses from germinating in your lawn. There are plenty of types of granular preemergents out there that are easy for anyone to apply.
Be cautious that you don't under-apply your preemergent, which will allow grassy weeds to come out late in the season. However, over-applying a preemergent can cause the turfgrass roots to become "clubbed." Instead of long, fibrous roots, clubbed roots are short and thick, severely affecting the ability of the turf to get moisture and nutrients.
Whichever product you chose, be sure to apply it during February or March. For best results apply a second preemergent in April or May.
Proper fertilization for this year actually began last fall with a heavy nitrogen fertilizer. The nitrogen from last fall will be readily available to the turf this spring, greening it back up right away. Using a granular preemergent with a lower nitrogen fertilizer is the best way to fertilize in the spring.
Weed Control
The best form of weed control is a properly maintained, healthy stand of turf. If you have a thick, lush lawn, your turf will choke out weeds.
However, all lawns require some form of treatment for optimal control. Products like Trimec will control most broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, thistle, and chickweed. Your preemergent should control crabgrass and foxtail. Late in the spring, you will see nutsedge coming up. Sedgehammer, formerly known as Manage, is the best product to use on this pesky weed.
Thse are all of the steps you need to keep your lawn looking great this spring. Mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weed control will all work together if done correctly. With any luck, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood. If you have any questions, give Ryan Lawn & Tree a call at (816) 246-1707 or (913) 381-1505. Advice is free!