Premium turf in the United States can be very challenging to achieve. Cool weather turf generally does better further north while warm weather species tend to do better further south. Here, “in the middle”, we do the best we can. This is where BMP’s come into play: best management practices.
Best Management Practices
Practically no lawns are installed with supreme topsoil blends and the actual turfgrass species of seed or seed blend can perhaps be suspect as well. So, what are the best band-aid approaches to achieve the best results overall?
Mow Tall and Often
For whatever blend of turf you have, mow at the tallest end of the acceptable finished cut, with a regularly sharpened blade. Mow often enough that the clippings can be returned to the lawn with minimal clumping. If you get behind, remember that turf blades are mainly water, so let the clumps dry for a day and mow over again as soon as you can.
Proper Irrigation
Irrigation can be tricky if not done properly leaving you with two options. One – Irrigate professionally and start your system early enough in the growing season that the turf never goes into drought. This will take an incredible amount of water and for most is not feasible. Two – Do not water at all and let nature put the turf into dormancy until conditions become more favorable. This is the most common solution for those with Mid-Atlantic turf.
No matter which option you choose, remember the worst practice is to water “a little bit”. When feasible water from 4 am to 9 am and avoid watering in midday or at dusk.
Weed and Feed
Well, that covers “curb appeal” for many of us. Now the bells and whistles, if you wish to pursue them. Properly timed feedings, weed control, and grub prevention can really make a property shine. Likewise if overdone they can be the bane of an otherwise nice lawn.
Generally, cool-season species (fescues, bluegrass, ryes) like a small taste of feed in the spring and all the heavy feedings August through early December. Warm season turf (zoysia, improved turf Bermuda) like all heavy feedings May through September only.
Postemergent broadleaf weed control is just as excellent in the fall, and possibly even better, as in the spring. Both times naturally is the best. Preemergent chemistry for holding off crabgrass and other grassy, not broadleaf weeds, is meant to be preventive, applied February through April.
Aeration
No matter what, it will not be uncommon to get thinning turf or even lose some turf to disease, drought, or insect/grub damage. When you deem serious enough, then it is time to get core aerated and while the holes that are plugged are fresh apply the best seed blend you can. Topdressing with compost on new plug holes is expensive and labor intensive but for many with that horrible original install, it is the best way to improve the soil over the long term.
Soil Testing
Finally, send your soil to the lab every 3-4 years for thorough testing, especially for pH to see if you need lime or sulfur. This is the best of the best management practices.
Ready to Take Care of Your Turf?
Turf in the mid-Atlantic is a tough business and these practices may be overwhelming at first. That’s why we recommend enlisting the help of experienced professionals like the lawn technicians at Big O Tree! Contact us for a free estimate today!