| Fertilizing
- Weed Control
The first time to fertilize your lawn is
usually April 1st when the lawn is just beginning growth. A fast release granular
fertilizer or one combined with a crabgrass preventer can be applied at this time. Greenview
makes an excellent product called Crabacide Green that will feed the lawn and
prevent crabgrass at the same time. Crabacide Green will give good results in most
years when applied in the month of April.
In the month of May, a slow release
fertilizer with a broadleaf weed killer can be applied. Remember to get good control
of broadleaf weeds, they must be in active growth. Just follow the directions on the
bag. Again, a good product to use is Greenview 2-Way Greenpower.
Four to six weeks after the application of
the weed & feed, a slow release fertilizer such as Greenview Greenpower may
be applied to carry the lawn through summer.
Labor Day is a good time to apply a weed and
feed again or a fall fertilizer such as Greenview Wintergreen (10-16-20) that
will strengthen the lawn's root system. Another application of Wintergreen
may be applied in mid to late October to "put the grass to bed" and help for a
quick green-up in the early spring. (back
to top)
Watering
Short frequent waterings to a lawn will do
more harm than good as only the top 1-2" of soil will be moist and grass roots will
tend to grow shallow. Waterings of once each week of 1" of water or more are
sufficient and will encourage deep root growth.
Never water late in the day or at night as
wet grass in the night causes disease in your lawn. (back to top)
Applying lime is essential as a soil pH that
is too low (acid) will inhibit the uptake of nutrients by the lawn. Most soils in
this part of Ohio and nitrogen fertilizers "create" acid in the soil. A
somewhat slightly acid to neutral pH is best (6.5 - 7.0)
In order to know how much lime to apply to
raise the soil pH, a soil test is helpful. Dayton's supplies soil test kits in which
samples may be sent to CCC labs for testing.
As a general rule, one 50 lb. bag of
dolomite pulverized lime per 2,000 square feet every other year will maintain a proper
pH. Dolomite lime is a type that supplies magnesium to the lawn as well as
calcium. Pelletized lime may also be used as it may be spread with a broadcast
spreader. Just follow the directions on the bag.
As far as timing, applying lime in November
is ideal as fertilizing has stopped. Lime and nitrogen will react with the resulting
nitrogen volatizing. Also, applying lime in late fall gives it time to react with
the soil before the next growing season. (back
to top)
A sharp lawnmower blade does wonders to keep
a healthy lawn. A mowing height of 2 - 2 1/2" in spring and gradually raising
the height to 2 1/2 - 3" in summer is ideal. Mowing too short in summer will
put the grass under stress and create a haven for weeds and disease.
Raking or catching grass clippings will not
prevent a layer of matted dead grass material called thatch. When a thatch layer in
the grass becomes 1/4" to 1/2" or more, problems will arise from insects,
disease and lack of water penetration to the soil once the thatch dries out. It is
best to remove a thatch layer by renting a mechanical thatch in April or September.
Then, overseed immediately with a grass mixture that includes a high percentage (70% or
more) of fine-bladed perennial ryes plus a starter fertilizer to rejuvenate the lawn. (back to top) |
