
Lawn Care

Types of Lawn Grasses

March
Weed Control: spray to kill broadleaf weeds.
Apply a pre-emergent weed control. (see below)*
Mowing: Mow up left over winter leaves.
April
Fertilize with a slow-release organic fertilizer such as Milorganite, Earthalizer, Converted Organics or Chickity-Doo-Doo.
Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent weed control by April 15th if not done in March (see below).* Spray broad-leaf weeds as necessary.
Mowing: Mow grass at 3-4", leave clippings on yard if possible.
May
Weed Control: Last chance to apply a pre-emergent weed control. Continue spraying for broad-leaf weeds as necessary.
Grub Control: In mid to late May apply Imidicloprid or Mach II.
Mowing: Frequently as necessary. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
June
Water: deeply but infrequently as needed if spring rains are scarce.
Weed Control: use Sedge Hammer to control nutsedge. Spray for broad-leaf weeds as necessary.
Insect Control: Apply grub control if not done already. Use Deltamethrine to control fleas, ticks & chiggers or Yardsafe Natural Cedar Insect Repellant every 30 days.
Fungus Control: Apply F-Stop systemic fungicide to prevent brown patch, dollar spot, reapply in 30 days or spray Seranade Lawn Disease Control as an organic option every 7-10 days.
July
Watering: make sure lawn gets 1" of water once a week. Water between 6 & 10 a.m. to reduce week occurance. Never water at night.
Weed, Fungus and Insect Control: Apply as needed if not done in June.
August
Insect Control: Check for grub damage. Use Dylox as a late season grub control.
Watering: Soak your dormant lawn the last week of the month to start fall growth.
Note: If planning on a total lawn renovation, kill off your entire lawn in mid-August using glyphosate (Round Up).
September
Fertilize with a slow release organic or seed starter fertilizer if seeding. If not seeding apply your first Winterizer fertilizer application. Apply 1 1/2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
Aerate soil if soil is compacted.
October
Weed Control: Apply Dimension or Prodiamine to prevent winter weeds like henbit and chickweed. If using Prodiamine you will not be able to seed in the spring.
Mowing: Continue mowing at recommended height. Mow up fallen leaves.
November
Mowing: Continue mowing up fallen leaves.
December
Lawn Weed Control
Prodiamine (Barracade): Lasts all season, controls broad-leaf and grassy weeds, you must verticut in the fall if you plan on seeding.
Dimension: Lasts 3-4 months, controls crabgrass and some broad-leaf weeds.
Team: Lasts 8-12 weeks, usually used if you missed putting down Prodiamine or Dimension.
Tupersan: Use if you plan on spring seeding your lawn, only lasts 3-4 weeks, second application may be necessary.
Corn Gluten: Use as a natural herbicide, cannot be used within 60 days of spring seeding.
Some Common Lawn Weeds
Nutsedge

Purslane

Chickweed

Crabgrass

Wild Violets


Dandelion

Clover

Lawn Renovation
- Mow your lawn short and bag clippings.
- Verticut or power rake the area to be renovated. The goal is to get good contact between seed and soil.
- Use a spreader for even seed application or hand sow if you are just spot seeding. You should use:
Overseeding: Bluegrass 1 lb per 1,000 square feet
- Apply a seed starter fertilizer at recommended rate. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers at this time as they will burn your new seedlings.
- Top dress with straw to hold in moisture and keep the seed in place.
- WATER! This is the most important step. Water 2-3 times a day just enough to keep the seed moist. If the seed drys out it will die. Do this until the seed germinates. Then reduce watering until the grass is established.

Mowing Your Lawn

Here are the recommended mowing heights for cool season grasses:
Tall Fescue: Spring 2-3.5" Summer 3-4" Fall 2.5-3.5"
Bluegrass: Spring 1.5-2.5" Summer 2-3.5" Fall 1.5-2.5"
Perennial Rye: Sp. 1.5-2.5" Summer 2.5-3.5" Fall 1.5-2"
Creeping Red Fescue: Sp. 1-2" Summer 2-3" Fall 1-2"
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
1. Run your engine dry or add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank. Leftover gasoline can become gummy if left in the tank unused.
2. Drain and replace the oil. Oil should be changed once a year. Disconnect the spark-plug wire first for safety.
3. Clean the air filter. Wash foam filters in hot, soapy water. Blow clean paper filters.
4. Clean & inspect your spark-plug. Place a small amount of engine oil in spark-plug hole to reduce corrosion.
5. Clean and sharpen the blades. Sharpen your blades. Clean off any dirt or grass clippings on the under-carriage of the mower.