Turf Tips by Chris Karcher

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April Turf Tips

This has been an exceptionally moist 1st quarter of the year for 2001.  Normal rainfall for this period is about five inches while this year we have already received over nine!  This, along with the below normal temperatures, has made lawns look sub-standard for this time of year.  One helpful fact is that the below normal temps have made for an extended window of opportunity to apply a pre-emergent crabgrass reducer to your lawn.  Normally people hear about forsythia's blooming and think applications of pre-emergent is too late.  This is not the case; this is a generalized rule of thumb if you don't look at a calendar, but not to be mistaken for the facts.  The fact is that you can apply a pre-emergent control for crabgrass until the soil temperature have been in the 50's for several consecutive days (not air temperatures, soil temps).

Mowing Frequency
Now that people will be cutting the lawn with more regularity, it is important to know when and how often to mow your grass.  For cool season grass the ideal mowing height is 3" tall.  You should cut the lawn so as to not remove more than 1/3 of the blade at any one time.  This means cutting at a bit over 4".  Warm season turf may not need mowing until the end of the month, then cutting at 2-2.5" would be fine.  Remember to change directions each week when you cut.  This will help make the grass stand up and be cut easier instead of bending over and producing less than desirable results.

Dicot Weed Control 
For best results you should decide if the lawn needs an application of weed control.  Are there a few dandelions or is the lawn covered in clover?  The truth of the matter is that no lawn can be completely free of weeds at all times.  You should not expect this or try to achieve it with the use of control materials.  If you decide to treat for weeds do not mow the lawn for at least 24 hours before the application.  READ THE PRODUCT LABEL!  If one ounce of material is recommended two ounces will NOT make the weeds die any faster!  Correct mixing of products is the most often overlooked detail of a weed control product.  Apply only during conditions that will insure good results.  This is typically a calm day (to avoid drift) with no threat of rain. [note: Professional lawn care services have products that allow applications in light rain and still achieve good results.]  You should see results within 3 - 5 days, but the weed may actually take up to a month to completely leave the lawn.  Do not apply more weed control product to make things go faster.  Allow the materials to work as they are intended!  Repeat applications may be made according to label directions.

Seed Care 
For those of you who have seeded your lawn, you should continue to follow the watering instructions completely.  The biggest reason for failure is that watering is stopped too soon and the roots don't develop correctly. Take care to mow when the grass is about 4 inches tall for the 1st time.  Don't apply any weed control until you have mowed at least 3 times or you risk the chance of herbicide damage.  Avoid any unneeded traffic on the seed unless you are mowing to allow good development.

Coming in May…Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! What to look for and when to treat them!

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Chris Karcher is a local franchise owner of NaturaLawn of America - the leader in organic-based lawn care and the only national service provider to promote Environmentally Responsible lawn care.  "Doing the right thing has never been this easy!"

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