Lawn Care Tips

 
Every spring I get a few questions regarding home lawn care.  I thought the blog would be a good way to get some basic information out there that you may be looking for.  Below is a list of the most common questions.

Spring seeding:  although fall will always be the best time to seed, if your yard is still a little thin after last summers unforgiving weather, now is the time to put some seed down.  I prefer the early "dormant" seeding, as this allows you to still get a preemergent out before the summer weeds hit.  Renting a verti-seeder from one of the local rental stores is the best way to go.

Irrigation:  for those of you on a well, you have more flexibility on when to fire up the system.  At this point,there shouldn't be any issues with anything freezing underground.  If you are on city water, you run the risk of freezing up your above ground back flow preventer if you turn on too soon.  If you feel you need to water, pull a hose for the next month.  Mid to late April is usually a safe bet for turning on your system.

Preemergent:  if you are seeding this spring, it is best to wait as long as possible before this application is made.  The 2nd-3rd week of April is about as long as you want to wait.  If you did not seed, early to mid April is a safe bet.  A combination product that includes fertilizer is a good way to go, however, the bulk of your fertilizer should be applied in the fall (assuming Fescue is  your desired turf).

Grub Control:  for our area, July 1st is a good target for this application.  Apply too soon, and you run the risk of losing effectiveness in late summer.  Wait too long and you will fight grubs all summer.

Fungicides:  typically, I would not recommend fungicide applications for your home lawn.  Judicious irrigation practices, along with properly timed preemergent, grub control, and fertilizer applications should lead to a healthy yard.  You may see some Brown Patch later in the summer, but typically this should recover as we head into fall.  If you feel you need to apply fungicides, first identify the disease and find a product designed for the control.  The safer bet is to hire a trust worthy lawn service to address the problem.

Hope this helps!  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.