We cannont stress enough the importance of routine watering, fertilizing and maintenance to ensure a healthy stand of turfgrass.
Continuous Care for Turf
Routine Watering
Newly seeded areas should be kept very damp to the touch until germination has begun (approximately 2-3weeeks). The soil should never be allowed to dry out and do not allow "puddling" to occur. Puddling will wash the seed away. Once germination has occurred, water thoroughly every other day to establish deeper root growth (from the time germination occurs 2-3 weeks following seeding to at least 6 weeks after seeding).
Once established (after the first mowing takes place; see below) your lawn should be watered as follows:
80 degrees and above: water thoroughly once daily.
Less than 80 degrees: water thoroughly every other day.
Keep
in mind that lawns generally need one inch of water per week to remain
growing through the summer. This can be supplied in the form of rainfall
or irrigation, so if consistent rainfall occurs, make sure to reduce the
amount of water applied by automatic sprinklers. Watering in the early
morning hours is best, since the rising sun will dry the leaf blades and
reduce the chances of disease.
The importance of proper watering cannot be stressed enough!! The seeds need water to sprout, the seedling must have water to survive, the maturing grass needs water to develop and the established lawn needs water to be healthy.
Routine Maintenance
After germination has occurred and the lawn has reached a depth of around 3 inches, the first mowing should be done. Since this grass is still tender, care should be taken to set the mower high (3"). Mow by hand when possible, avoiding the use of heavy equipment which could pack seed down, deterring further growth.
Once
a full healthy lawn has been established, mowing should occur on a regular,
as needed basis. Good practice is to mow every 7-10 days. Setting the
mower to a height of 2 1/2" - 3" tall is better than keeping the lawn
very short, since the taller grass will grow deeper roots and compete
with weeds more effectively. Do not allow your lawn to grow too high,
however, as damage can occur here also. Dull lawnmower blades provide
jagged cuts to the leaves of grasses and give the lawn a brownish cast,
so sharp blades are a must.
Routine Fertilization
Following the first mowing, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer preferably high in Nitrogen (28-10-3). Then fertilize on a routine basis at least 3 times per year. The following guidelines put out by Cornell Cooperative Extension should assist you with the basics.
March Take a soil sample to test for pH. Lawn grasses generally like a pH in the range of 6.2 to 7.0. Another good time to check pH of soil (and add lime if needed )is in the Fall.
April Apply a preemergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating. A general rule of thumb is to apply when the forsythia shrubs are in full bloom.
Late May Apply a slow-release and/or organic type fertilizer at the rate of approximately one pound of nitrogen per one thousand square feet. Apply again around Labor Day and Halloween.
Aug - Oct Check for grubs by cutting a section of lawn and examining the roots . Fewer than five grubs per square foot indicates a low population that will cause little damage, but finding higher numbers may be reason for concern.
Many lawn weeds, including the difficult to control ground ivy, are best tackled in the late summer and fall. A broadleaf weed control is recommended at this time.
If you are not a "do it yourselfer" Oligny's offers a complete Five Visit fertilization and weed control program. Our business is registered and certified by the DEC.
If you have any further questions or would like an estimate please call us at (518) 745-7604.
390 Wilton - Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Phone: (518)745-7604 Fax: (518)743-9024
info@olignys.com