A good turf maintenance program consists of multiple applications throughout the growing season. For a high quality turf stand, 2-5 lbs. of nitrogen (N) should be applied per year/per 1000 square feet. A soil test in the spring will give you the most accurate fertilization needs of your turf.

Spring:

Avoid heavy applications of N in the spring. About 1/3 of the 2-5 lbs of nitrogen for the entire year should be applied in the spring. Once soil temperatures reach 55 degrees for at least 3 consecutive days pre-emergent should be applied, as a general rule this is approximately March 15th, or when the forsythia shrub begins to bloom.

• 16-0-8 Mesa w/ Barricade- for pre-emergent control with slow release nitrogen (N)
• The apply .75 lbs of nitrogen (N) per application, apply 4.7 lbs. of product from 50 lb. bag per 1000 square feet
• This product cannot be applied in conjunction with seeding, if seeding in the spring see product below
• 12-24-11 w/ Tupersan for those that plan on seeding in the spring

Late Spring:

Two applications of pre-emergent are recommended for the longest control of crabgrass and other grassy weeds.

Grub and insect populations can vary drastically from year to year. Monitoring in the previous year is the best way to determine your need for preventative insect control. If large populations of heavy damage has been seen in the past you may want to conside preventative control.

• 10-6-4 w/ Merit provides good season long control.

Begin watching for fungus that forms, there are many types of fungicides for many different types of fungus. Make sure you apply the correct one if needed.

Summer:

Do not fertilize cool season grasses during summer months. This will weaken the turfs resilience and make your turf more susceptible to drought stress and disease. If no insect control was applied in late spring, monitor turf for insect or grub damage. If damage is noticed use a curative insecticide to control it.

• Talstar or Sevin are both available in granular or liquid formulations

A post-emergent spray or granular of herbicide can be used to remove any unwanted broadleaf weeds from your turf.

• Trimee is good for selective broadleaf weed control.

Fall:

Fall is the most important season for fertilization. It is essential to promote good turf health. Fall is also perfect time for aeration, topdressing and overseeding. All of this can be done in combination with each other. This is the time to apply the other 2/3 of your 2-5 lbs. of nitrogen (N). After aeration it is highly beneficial to top-dress with compost. After topdressing, overseed and rake the seed through the compost. Upon completions apply a starter fertilizer.

• Recommend Winning Colors Plus Tall Fescue w/ 10% Blugrass
• 12-25-12 New Lawn Starter

This can be reapplied multiple time throughout the fall and works also as a winterizer for turf, the high levels of Phosphorous promote strong deep root growth. By applying 6.25 lbs. of the product per 1000 square feet in September, October, and November you will have acheived 4.75 lbs. of nitrogen (N per 1000 square feet for the growing season. That includes the recommended spring applications.

Recommended Mowing Heights

Click here for a printable form of the 4 step process.