Does Your Lawn Need Attention?

Right along with Fall being the best time to plant trees and shrubs it is also the best time to renovate or establish a new lawn. This is as simple as 1, 2, 3 when the basics are followed.

1) Choosing the right time of the year, which you are doing if you are getting ready to core aerate, slice seed and fertilize your existing lawn or you are going to start from scratch. If you have more weeds than good bluegrass or fescue you might want to spray the area with Round Up and start over. If you're starting over get the Round Up on right away so you can begin preparation and seeding in about 2 weeks or so. Try to get your seeding completed from the middle to the end of September for best results.

2) Ground preparation is the next most important factor. If it is possible, roto-til to a depth of 4 to 6 inches this is ideal. Another consideration is to Core Aerate and then Slice Seed using machines from a rental store or hiring the service. Apply your lawn fertilizer after roto-tilling or before the core aerating and slice seeding. We have had adequate rains which will make it easier this year. You can begin to see why it is necessary to start early so there is time to get all the steps accomplished in order for your efforts to yield a great turf. Short cuts don't work in this area.

3) Choose the best seed, don't buy cheap. Check the germination % of the seed and the expiration date on the package - fresh seed is a must so there is a good stand of grass initially. Go to your local independent garden center so you can count on quality seed. There are two choices of seed for sunny areas. Either one of the better blue grasses or one of the turf type tall fescues. The fescues are more drought resistant and do not require as much fertilizer as do the blue grass types. Be sure you have a ready source of water and a good sprinkler so you can keep the area moist once the seed is planted. After the grass seed is sprouted it is critical not to let it dry out. A light straw cover at seeding time will help you maintain consistent moisture. Now see, it wasn't that difficult was it? There is more to it but these are the basics.

The question now is WHY is late summer and fall the best time to try and establish a lawn? There are several reasons:

  • Most weed competition is eliminated.

  • Soil temps are warm and the seed will germinate well.

  • Temperatures are typically cooler in the fall which is what the grasses that grow in this area favor.

  • We normally get regular rains that reduce the need to run sprinklers.

Best of the season to you, we'll all be looking for nice, green yards with new trees and lush turf.


30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com

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