Grass Facts By ScienTurfic Sod

Fundamentals of Lawn Care: Keeping your Lawn Healthy and Green

Your lawn, whether it has been newly sodded or an established turf, does not have to be a pain in the grass if you follow some basic guidelines. And you don't have to resort to the typical chemical applications of weed killers, fungicides, and so-called miracle products that are often filled with false promises. Following a few basic fundamentals of lawn care will keep your lawn thick, green, and healthy.

Fertilizing Basics
Newly sodded lawn and established lawns need to be fertilized on a regular basis.

ScienTurfic Sod Turf Fertilizer with an analysis of 20-20-10 plus 2% iron and 3% sulfur is an ideal formula for our soils and pH ranges. One of the easiest ways to remember when to apply lawn fertilizer is to time those applications around certain holidays. The first spring application can be put down around Easter, the second feeding around Memorial Day, the third application around July 4th, a fourth around Labor Day, and the fifth feeding around Halloween. This schedule helps keep you in step with the seasons in our fluctuating climate. If weather conditions are favorable and the ground is not frozen, another application can be made around Thanksgiving.

Fertilizing on a regular basis helps maintain a dense lawn that keeps weeds from invading. Weak, thin lawns are more prone to weed invasion since the bare spots are the prime target areas for weed seeds to land and germinate. For the occasional dandelion or bunch grass, simply dig the weed out with a sharp garden trowel. Get as much of the root system as possible to prevent the weed from growing back.

Make the fertilizer more effective by core-aerating the lawn ahead of time. The many holes left from aeration will permit the nutrients and organic material to filter down into the soil. Grass roots can assimilate the nutrients more efficiently, and air and water can enter the soil to enhance root and rhizome growth.

Recycle Clippings in Place
Mow your lawn at least weekly, twice a week when it's actively growing. You can recycle the clippings by mowing with a mulching mower. The key is to mow often so the clippings are finely chopped and will decompose. Grass clippings will provide a source of nitrogen as they decompose, insulate the soil, and retain soil moisture.  Keep the lawn mower blade sharp for a clean cut and to reduce the incidence of disease on new sod or established turf.

Wise Watering
Check your sprinkler system to make sure the heads are functioning properly and are not broken. Replace worn out parts and adjust the heads for uniform water coverage.

Following these simple fundamentals can help keep your sod healthy and happy. And in the long run, it can save you time and money.

 

John Cretti- Horticulturist/ScienTurfic Sod