Published: May 21, 2008 03:22 pm            

Give your lawn a spring tune up

Is your lawn in need of a spring tune-up? Now that our lawns are actively growing, it is a perfect time to make sure we are doing the right things at the right time. There are a few simple procedures that can be done to help your lawn to be healthy, lush and beautiful. At this point in the season, I have four following suggestions that will help your lawn flourish and become more attractive.

Now is a great time to apply fertilizer to your lawn. Most of us applied a small amount of fertilizer with our crabgrass preventer several weeks ago. Now it is time to feed the lawn with a heavy dose of Nitrogen fertilizer. Lawns should receive one pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at this time. Use a fertilizer that is at least 50 percent slow release. You can simply calculate how much fertilizer to apply by dividing the first number on the bags analysis into one. For example, a fertilizer that has the analysis of 25-3-8, (1/.25) would require you to apply four pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of turf.

If you still suffer from broadleaf weeds in your lawn, the timing is still great for controlling them. You can either use a fertilizer/weed control combination product, or you can use a liquid herbicide. It has been my experience that liquid herbicides applied as a spray yields the best results. Always read and follow the label when dealing with pesticides. If you are uncomfortable with using these products, contact your local lawn service for a weed control treatment.

Proper and consistent mowing will go a long way in improving the health and appearance of your lawn. There are three simple rules to live by when mowing your lawn:

Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade off in any one mowing. This usually means mowing more than once per week this time of year.

Alternate the direction of your mowing each time you cut. This helps to avoid ruts in the lawn and matting grass down.

Never mow below 3 inches. Less than this stresses the grass and provides an opportunity for weeds to invade.

Clean up the edges! A string trimmer or edging machine is the tool of choice for this task. Even though this task is tedious, it makes all the difference in your lawn’s appearance. Edge the grass along the sidewalks, driveway and patio. Using your tool of choice, create a crisp and clean border all around your lawn. In areas where your mower will not fit, use a string trimmer to keep the grass in that area in check. Be careful not to trim too short, trimming to the same height as you mow is the most logical. Trimming to short will cause the grass to stress and allow weeds to sprout.

Whether you are a “do-it-yourselfer” or you hire out your lawn service, now is a good time to make sure things are being done the right way. A simple four-step spring tune-up will help your lawn to thrive and look better.

Chris Arney is the owner of The Turf Boss, a Zionsville-based lawn and landscape service company. E-mail him at

Chris.arney@theturfboss.com.

        

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