SPRINGTIME LAWN CARE

Preliminary Preparation

After the snow has melted, remove any debris, dead leaves, twigs or sticks which may have accumulated. The winter's build-up of debris can cause mold and suffocate turf, permitting unwanted weeds to flourish just after the last of the snow has melted. Soil is most receptive to turf grass seed and fertilizer in early spring. Reseed and fertilize damaged areas at this time to fend off any weeds that may have appeared and to promote new lawn growth. Removing debris allows sunlight to nourish and warm the soil, which will encourage new spring growth

To identify damaged areas, determine whether they are in shady or full-sun and consider how much wear-and-tear the turf might experience. These are the factors that will influence the type of seed mixtures and fertilizers chosen for the repair. Lightly rake the seed into the lawn, mixing it with the soil to refrain from damaging the roots where the grass is healthy. Fertilize only if the turf appears thin or was not fertilized in the fall. A light application is usually sufficient, since root growth is more important than top growth, which is stimulated by heavy fertilization. Water the lawn after fertilizing to ensure the fertilizer reaches the roots.

Controlling Weeds

Spring is the best time to apply herbicide to crabgrass-infested areas. Common areas include walkways, driveways, heavy traffic spots and bald or thin patches. The best time to apply herbicide to kill crabgrass is the last two weeks of March. Pasquesi Home and Gardens recommends Scott's Step One or Scott's Halts. Fertilizing will help rid lawns of crabgrass also. It will thicken the turf, forcing weeds to compete for fewer and fewer resources. Do not apply herbicide and seed to lawns at the same time.

Other weeds, such as dandelions and ground ivy, are best attacked in mid-May. When they are in bloom, a herbicide will control undesired growth reasonably well. Any herbicide containing 2, 4-D is most effective. Pasquesi Home and Gardens recommends Ortho Weed-B-Gon for dandelion and ground ivy problems.

Maintaining Healthy Lawns

Turf grass is remarkably durable in the face of hot, drought-like conditions. However, regular and deep watering is necessary to keep lawns green and healthy and to encourage new growth. Drench lawns with one to one-and-a-half inches of water once a week. This will promote deeper root growth than more frequent sprinklings of a lesser quantity. To ensure that sufficient amounts of water are reaching the root zone, place a coffee can near the sprinkler to measure the quantity of water being absorbed by the soil.

Good mowing habits lead to good grass. Sharpen mower blades and raise them up to a height of two-and-a-half to three inches. This higher setting will keep turf at a height that maximizes photosynthesis, encouraging deep root growth. Lawns with deep root systems will survive hot, dry weather better, and will crowd out unwelcome weeds by obscuring their seeds from sunlight.

A healthier lawn underground will, in turn, be a more attractive lawn above ground. Try mowing lawns in different directions each time to advance new growth and to create an attractive pattern. Or, use a mulching lawn mower and leave clippings on the lawn to return important nutrients back to the soil. It is better to mow according to need, rather than on a specific and regular schedule. Lawn growth should dictate cutting. It is very important to keep blades sharp. Blades usually require sharpening after every eight to ten hours of use.

All of these habits, from planting to fertilizing to maintaining, will contribute to a healthier, more richly colored lawn, robust in the face of environmental hazards.

Pasquesi Home & Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff is ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

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