Spring has arrived!
When should I plant my flowers, apply turf fertilizer, spot seed or start mowing? Answers to your most frequently asked questions are listed below. It’s officially spring, let’s kick it off the right way…your lawn, trees & shrubs will thank you for it!
Quick Tips For Spring Turf
Avoid planting flowers while there is still a good chance of hard night freezes or frosts (usually after May 1st)
The best time to apply spring turf fertilizer/crabgrass preventer or pre-emergent is late March until mid April
If you are spot seeding this spring, the optimum time to complete this process is through early April. Do not apply crabgrass preventers to newly seeded areas (as a reminder, early fall is always the best time to seed your yard)
It’s time to start mowing. Remember to sharpen your mower blades this spring and apply the “one-third” rule. Never remove more than one-third of the height of the grass at one mowing. (read more about mowing below)
Mulch around trees and shrubs…Mulching helps retain moisture, prevents water evaporation & discourages weed growth. (2″ – 4″ base is best)
Apply a chemical weed preventer to mulch & rock beds to help stop weeds from starting the growth process.
Trim back ornamental grasses & roses this spring. Ornamental grasses should be cut back to remove dead areas to get light to the plant, providing nutrients at new growth. Don’t be afraid to cut roses (especially knock-out roses) back because they look so beautiful or you think you’ll harm the plant. Shrub roses should be cut back to 6″-12″ from the ground every spring, thus creating a more dense and fuller plant in the future.
Turn on your sprinklers ~ check for leaks & make appropriate spray head adjustments to make sure you don’t overspray onto your driveway, sidewalks or street.
Additional tips for watering & programming your controller:
- Water when temperatures are cool to reduce evaporation
- Water each zone shorter time periods rather than longer sessions…this reduces water run-off
- Water when winds are calm
- Water when the sun is low (optimum time between 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
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More About Mowing
To create beautiful curb appeal, rotate your mow direction every 2 weeks. This will prevent the grass from growing at a specific angle and prevent ruts from the mower tires and cutting units. The general rule of thumb for cutting is to remove no more than one third (1/3) of the leaf blade during each mow. Mow when grasses are dry, as wet grass is more difficult to cut and may clog your mower. Safety first…wear earplugs, proper footwear and eye protection while mowing. Keep children and pets at a proper distance while mowing and always remember to turn off your mower when not in use.
Don’t forget to perform regular maintenance on your mower, which includes sharpening blades (dull blades can fray grass & result in brown tips), oil changes and checking tire pressure.
MOW HEIGHTS: Mowing at the appropriate height is important to the appearance and health of your turf. Mowing too low will result in a shallow root system, low density and potential disease infestation. Mowing too high results in a poor appearance and clumpy/wide leaf blades.
Recommended mow height 3 – 3.5 inches
Mowing at the recommended mow heights will result in deeper, stronger root systems and will keep your lawn healthy. During hot weather or drought conditions, stay at the upper end of the recommended height and during cool weather, cut at the low end of the recommended height.