caring for established lawns
Spring Clean-up
Once the snow has melted, the ground has thawed, and the soil has dried enough to cultivate; it is time to prepare your lawn for spring. 1. Remove dead grass, thatch, leaves, and debris from your lawn with a hand or power rake. For best results rake your lawn twice in directions that are at right angles to each other. 2. Apply a high nitrogen, slow release fertilizer; spreading it evenly over the entire lawn. Consult greengate staff for information on the various types of lawn fertilizer we sell and the recommended fertilizer application rates. Don't apply Weed and Feed type fertilizers in the spring. Weed and Feed fertilizers and weed sprays such as Killex are most effective when applied during warm weather when weeds are actively growing. 3. Water the entire lawn thoroughly so that the water penetrates to a depth of 10 to 15 cm. This encourages the development of a deep root system which is capable of maintaining the grass during dry spells. Lawns become green when soil warms up; south exposures will green up more quickly than north exposures. To maintain this spring green appearance continue to fertilize and water your lawn throughout the summer months.
Fertilizing
For best results fertilize your lawn four times a year: early spring (April-May), early summer (June-July), late summer (August-September), and early fall (September-October). Fall fertilizer applications are important. The slow release, low nitrogen fertilizer you apply in the fall develops strong roots which enables the grass to over winter well. Fall fertilizers are stored in the root system over the winter and provide nutrients for early spring growth. For this reason the fall is also a good time to control perennial weeds. As nutrients are being stored in the root system of your lawn herbicides can likewise be moved into the extensive root systems of perennial weeds. Spring and summer fertilizer applications replace the nitrogen you remove constantly, every time you mow your lawn. A constant source of suitable nutrients and adequate moisture is all your lawn requires to remain green and actively growing.
Watering
All garden plants, including your lawn, require regular irrigation. Less frequent, deep watering is better than light, frequent waterings. Except during rainy periods, water your lawn once a week for 1-2 hours per sprinkler setting.
Turfgrass Terms
Species
a group of plants that are able to interbreed such as Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), or Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra).
Cultivars
cultivated varieties including Baron, Fylking, Glade, Nugget or Regent of Kentucky Bluegrass
Blend
a combination of seeds of 2 or more cultivars of a single turfgrass species such as Kentucky Bluegrass
Mixture
a combination of seeds of 2 or more species such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Creeping Red Fescue
Mowing
In the spring, once your lawn has grown to about 5 cm. tall, it is time to start mowing. Set the mower to cut at a height of 4-6 cm. and mow the lawn. It is a good practice to cut the lawn before the mower has to cut off more than 2 cm. Don't mow your lawn in the same direction every time you mow. By mowing in the opposite direction to your last mow you can obtain a more even cut and prevent lines form forming in your lawn. If you are meticulous about your lawn mow it twice. By mowing twice, in opposite directions, you can attain an evenly cut, manicured lawn.
Preparing Your Lawn For Winter
A little preparation in the fall encourages early spring growth in your lawn. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop your lawn will stop growing. Now is the time to mow your lawn for one last time. Set your mower to cut 1-2 cm. lower than normal, mow the entire lawn, apply a slow release nitrogen winter formulation fertilizer, and then water the entire lawn thoroughly. This will ensure an ample supply of nutrients and moisture for early spring growth. If fall turns into an Indian Summer and the lawn dries out, continue watering your lawn until freeze up. Remember to drain outside taps or any items that are stored outside; for example, sprinklers, nozzles, or hoses. These articles can be seriously damaged by freezing water.
Renovating Old Lawns
Older, poorly cared for lawns will eventually require renovation. To renovate such lawns, aerate the entire lawn using a plug removing core aerator; rather than one that simply slices holes. This enables air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil surface to reach the root zone. Over the surface of the area, evenly spread a thin (1-2 cm. thick) coat of peat moss, topsoil or Soil Booster. Using a grass seeder, spread lawn seed at a rate of 1.5 kg. per 100 square meters over the entire area. Now fertilizer the area with a high nitrogen lawn food; follow the manufacturer's recommended application rate. Finally water the area thoroughly; allowing 2-3 hours per sprinkler setting. The combined growth of the old grass and the newly seeded grass will produce a quality lawn you can be proud of.