Take the Monthly Calendar Approach to Lawn Care

Manhattan, KS - infoZine - We run on it. We play on it. And sometimes we lie down and dream on it. Its easy to take that grass underfoot for granted, especially when temperatures are mild and rains are plentiful. A few steps through the year, however, will help fortify the green carpet we call lawns through tough times, according to Kansas State University horticulturist Ward Upham.

Taking the monthly calendar approach to lawn care for cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue can help make maintaining a healthy lawn seem more manageable through the year, said Upham, who is director of K-State Research and Extensions Horticulture Rapid Response Center. He provided month-by-month reminders for homeowners regarding how to care for a cool-season lawn.

April - Apply crabgrass preventer in April. If you have redbud trees in your area, take note of when theyre in full bloom. Thats an easy reminder to apply crabgrass preventer. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water will be enough to water in any of the products mentioned in this calendar. Remember that a good, thick lawn is the best weed prevention and may be all that is needed.

May - Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer if you water your lawn or if you receive enough rainfall that your turf normally doesnt go drought-dormant during the summer. If there are broadleaf weeds, spot treat with a spray or use a fertilizer that includes a weed killer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness of the weed killer, but the fertilizer needs to be watered in. If you are using a product that has both fertilizer and weed killer, wait 24 hours after application before watering in.

June through Mid-July - Apply second round of crabgrass preventer by June 15 unless you have used Dimension (dithiopyr) or Barricade (prodiamine) for the April application. These two products normally provide season-long control with a single application. Remember to water it in. If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing imidacloprid during the first half of July. This works to prevent grub damage. It must be watered in before it becomes active.

Late-July through August - If you see grub damage, apply a grub killer that contains Dylox. Imidacloprid is effective against young grubs and may not be effective on late instar grubs. The grub killer containing Dylox must be watered in within 24 hours or effectiveness drops.

September - Fertilize around Labor Day. This is the most important fertilization of the year. Water in the fertilizer.

Fertilize in the Fall for a Healthy Lawn

November - Fertilize. This fertilizer is taken up by the roots, but is not used until the following spring. Water in the fertilizer. Spray for broadleaf weeds even if they are small. Broadleaf weeds are much easier to control in the fall than in the spring. Spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours reduces the effectiveness. Use label rates for all products.

Remember, Upham said, these recommendations are for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Warm season grasses, such as zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and buffalograss require a different maintenance regime.

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Take the Monthly Calendar Approach to Lawn Care