Fertilizing & Weed Control
The first time to fertilize your lawn is usually April 1st when the lawn is just beginning growth. A fast release granular fertilizer or one combined with a crabgrass preventer can be applied at this time. Greenview makes an excellent product called Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Food that will feed the lawn and prevent crabgrass at the same time. It will give good results in most years when applied in the month of April.
In the month of May, a slow release fertilizer with a broadleaf weed killer can be applied. Remember to get good control of broadleaf weeds, they must be in active growth. Just follow the directions on the bag. Again, a good product to use is Greenview Weed Control plus Lawn Food.
Four to six weeks after the application of the weed & feed, a slow release fertilizer such as Greenview Lawn Food may be applied to carry the lawn through summer.
Labor Day is a good time to apply a weed and feed again or a fall fertilizer such as Greenview Fall Lawn Food that will strengthen the lawn’s root system. Another application of Wintergreen may be applied in mid to late October to “put the grass to bed” and help for a quick green-up in the early spring.
Watering
Short frequent waterings to a lawn will do more harm than good as only the top 1-2″ of soil will be moist and grass roots will tend to grow shallow. Waterings of once each week of 1″ of water or more are sufficient and will encourage deep root growth.
Never water late in the day or at night as wet grass in the night causes disease in your lawn.
Using Lime
Applying lime is essential as a soil pH that is too low (acid) will inhibit the uptake of nutrients by the lawn. Most soils in this part of Ohio and nitrogen fertilizers “create” acid in the soil. A somewhat slightly acid to neutral pH is best (6.5 – 7.0)
In order to know how much lime to apply to raise the soil pH, a soil test is helpful. Dayton’s supplies soil test kits in which samples may be sent to CCC labs for testing.
As a general rule, one 50 lb. bag of dolomite pulverized lime per 2,000 square feet every other year will maintain a proper pH. Dolomite lime is a type that supplies magnesium to the lawn as well as calcium. Pelletized lime may also be used as it may be spread with a broadcast spreader. Just follow the directions on the bag.
As far as timing, applying lime in November is ideal as fertilizing has stopped. Lime and nitrogen will react with the resulting nitrogen volatizing. Also, applying lime in late fall gives it time to react with the soil before the next growing season
Mowing
A sharp lawnmower blade does wonders to keep a healthy lawn. A mowing height of 2 – 2 1/2″ in spring and gradually raising the height to 2 1/2 – 3″ in summer is ideal. Mowing too short in summer will put the grass under stress and create a haven for weeds and disease.
Raking or catching grass clippings will not prevent a layer of matted dead grass material called thatch. When a thatch layer in the grass becomes 1/4″ to 1/2″ or more, problems will arise from insects, disease and lack of water penetration to the soil once the thatch dries out. It is best to remove a thatch layer by renting a mechanical thatch in April or September. Then, overseed immediately with a grass mixture that includes a high percentage (70% or more) of fine-bladed perennial ryes plus a starter fertilizer to rejuvenate the lawn
FAIRWAY FORMULA
Spring Weed & Feed with Crabgrass Control
SPRING
Apply April 1st to April 25th
This professional grade product performs 3 tasks, crabgrass prevention, lawn fertilizer and broadleaf weed killer in just one single application. The broadleaf weed control is effective on over 200 weeds as listed on the label. Crabgrass is prevented and destroyed up to 4-weeks after germination, so you apply it when the dandelions bloom. This formulation also features both immediate release and controlled-released nutrients that provide continuous feeding for up to 12 weeks. 65% Slow-release nitrogen formulation, steady even feeding up to 12 weeks.
ORGANIC WEED PREVENTER
And Lawn Food
SPRING
Apply April 1st to April 25th
and/or Early Fall
Prevents dandelions, crabgrass and other common weeds. Provides long lasting greening that won’t burn. Children and pets can play on lawn immediately after application. Made from 100% pure corn gluten meal. For use on established lawns. Do NOT use when seeding a new lawn or over-seeding.
SPRING LAWN BOOSTER
SPRING
Apply April 15th
Safe for kids and pets. All Espoma Organic Lawn Products are specifically formulated to optimize the help of the lawn, and provide 2.5 times more slow release nitrogen (SRN) than conventional lawn programs. Won’t burn lawns or leach out of soil. Provides long lasting nutrition. Requires less frequent mowing.
WEED CONTROL
Plus Lawn Food with GreenSmart
SPRING-SUMMER
May 15th to June 15th
This step takes a little planning and timing. It is used to kill weeds that are actively growing in the lawn, not as a preventive. Do not get anxious and apply when you see the dandelions first appear. If you use it then, you will only kill the dandelions. 85% of the weeds that will grow will appear at a much later time. Follow directions as follows: mow your lawn a few days in advance, watch the weather closely so that there are a couple days with no rain anticipated. Apply when grass is wet, usually early morning dew works fine, or sprinklers. The product must stay dry for at least 24-48 hours while sitting atop the lawn (this allows the chemical to get into the system of the weeds). Then you will need to water it in thoroughly to activate the fertilizer.
ALL SEASON LAWN FOOD
SPRING OR SUMMER
Apply Around Memorial Day
Safe for kids and pets. All Espoma Organic Lawn Products are specifically formulated to optimize the help of the lawn, and provide 2.5 times more slow release nitrogen (SRN) than a conventional lawn program. All Season Lawn Food also contains Bio-tone Microbes that help make nutrients more available to your lawn. These microbes will help promote faster greening, deeper roots, and improved soil structure. Won’t burn lawns or leach out of soil. Provides long lasting nutrition.
LAWN FOOD
with GreenSmart
SUMMER
June 15th
This is to give you a good fertilizing to stimulate the grass during the hot summer months. At this point you should have your lawnmower raised to at least 3 inches, and if drought conditions are occuring, wait until there is some rain before you apply. Simply follow the directions on the bag for spreader settings, and water in thoroughly after application to activate the fertilizer. This is also a perfect time to put down any insecticide for surface feeding insects such as ants, spiders, fleas, chinch bugs, sod webworms and cutworms. Dursban is recommended control for surface feeding insects because it will not harm earthworms, which are beneficial to your soil. Note: Space this step at least 4 weeks from the 2-Way Weed & Feed so that the lawn is not over-fertilized.
SUMMER REVIVAL
Apply July 4th
Safe for kids and pets. All Espoma Organic Lawn Products are specifically formulated to optimize the help of the lawn, and provide 2.5 times more slow release nitrogen (SRN) than a conventional lawn program. Sumer Revitalizer also contains Bio-tone Microbes that help make nutrients more available to your lawn. These microbes will help promote faster greening, deeper roots, and improved soil structure. Won’t burn lawns or leach out of soil. Provides long lasting nutrition.
FALL LAWN FOOD
with GreenSmart
FALL
September 1st to 15thand/or
October 30th