By taking some simple measures now, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood in no time. Cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and perennial ryegrass. During the cooler months, these grasses grow to their peak. These warmer days and cooler nights of fall are perfect for establishing new grass or to nourish your existing lawn. If you have a cool-season lawn, here’s what you can do to make it beautiful.
January
As the winter ice settles in, use de-icing salts sparingly as salt buildup can damage your grass or plants. It is a good idea to avoid driving or parking vehicles on frozen grass, as this can lead to bare spots later one. Be sure also to get your mower and lawn equipment prepared by sharpening blades. If you need to get your mower or lawn equipment worked on, now is the time since repair shops tend to be less busy during the winter.
February
Have your soil tested so that you can determine the pH. This is essential for preparing your soil in time for spring. A general rule of thumb is to test healthy areas of soil once every few years, and problem areas annually.
March
Remove debris, leaves, and dead grass by raking your lawn. Raking also helps fight against snow mold or other fungal diseases that can develop in your lawn by circulating the air and preventing excessive moisture. If necessary, apply lime to your law, depending on your soil test results. Treat lawn moss during this cool, wet weather of early spring.
April
This is usually when growth begins, and you should start mowing your grass at this time, mowing slightly shorter than you normally would. Collect and dispose of grass clippings the first few times that you mow. Leaving them on your lawn could result in the spread of fungal disease. Apply herbicides such as crabgrass preventer before the soil reaches 55 degrees. Be sure also to repair any damaged areas and seed your lawn, if you have cool-season grass.
May
Mow lawn as usual. You can even leave your grass clippings at this point since they help provide nutrients to the soil. Spot treat weeds while they are small and still growing. Test your soil again as you may need to apply fertilizer.
June
During the warmer days of June, your lawn needs about 1 inch of water each week, which can include rainfall. Raise mower height to 3 to 4 inches. Keeping your grass a little on the longer side will help shade roots from the sun and heat, and encourage deep growth.
July
If you experience any grubs or pests causing damage to your lawn, treat those this month. Be sure to maintain taller grass throughout the entire summer. Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade during a single session of mowing.
August
If necessary, treat your soil so that it is ready for seeding in the fall. Now is the time to aerate your soil, dethatch the lawn, and plan for your upcoming fall tasks to prepare for the growth of your cool-season grass. Overseed approximately 45 days before the first predicted frost. As the temperatures begin to cool at night, but the soil remains warm during the day, overseed your law and fertilize for a cool-season lawn. The end of the summer and early fall is the best time to overseed.
September
Treat for weeds by applying a weed and feed product, which contain both a fertilizer and herbicide. Avoid applying a weed and seed in newly seeded areas of your lawn. Begin reducing mower blade height.
October
Have your soil tested again, and if necessary, add lime or other soil amendments. Be sure to rake fallen leaves as it can damage your grass. Reduce the amount of supplemental watering to only 1 inch every week and a half to two weeks.
November
Continue mowing until your grass stops growing. Your last mow of the season should be done using a lower than normal blade height to help protect the soil during the winter and to prevent damage from voles or even snow mold from growing. If necessary, continue watering your grass, as your lawn should remain hydrated, yet not overly saturated.
December
Prepare your lawn mower and tools for the winter by properly cleaning and winterizing them.
Lawn Maintenance in Johnson City and Kingsport
This year, leave the work and planning to us, at Promier Landscapes. Our experts know just the right time to weed and feed your lawn, and how to properly care for your lawn so that we can provide you with an outdoor space that makes you proud. Call Promier Landscapes today at (423) 872-2988 for a consultation. We serve clients in the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee areas.