Purdue News
Purdue News
According to Zac Reicher, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service turfgrass specialist, it's time to scratch that itch. He has the following tips for spring lawn care:
Sharpen your mower blade. "A sharp blade gives a cleaner cut and healthier grass," he said. "Sharpen the blade two or three times annually, depending on the size of your lawn and the number of rocks and mole runs in the lawn."
Mow at a minimum of 2.5 to 3 inches. "Turf mowed at this height is healthier and will develop a better root system," he said. "Mowing at this height also prevents weeds like crabgrass from establishing."
Remove only one-third of the leaf blade in a mowing. "Repeated scalping will weaken the plants and increase pest problems," Reicher said.
Leave clippings on the turf. Not only is it quicker and less work, according to the specialist, it returns essential nutrients to the turf. He emphasized that it doesn't increase thatch.
Avoid rolling your lawn. Rolling can cause soil compaction and increase soil moisture stress. Rolling never should be used to correct improper surface grading, Reicher said, but light rolling can help ensure seed-soil contact after seeding and sod-soil contact on newly sodded areas.
Control crabgrass. "Crabgrass is a summer annual weed, which means it will germinate in spring and early summer, produce seed in late summer, and die with the first frost in the fall," Reicher said. "Crabgrass is very aggressive and will out-compete the desirable grasses in your yard during the heat of the summer." He suggests good cultural practices as the best way to control crabgrass. Mow frequently at 2.5 inches or higher. Irrigate deeply and infrequently. Apply the majority of fertilizer in the fall. If a herbicide is necessary, a pre-emergent one can be applied in early spring, but Reicher cautions homeowners to read labels carefully.
Source: Zac Reicher, (765) 494-9737; e-mail, zreicher@dept.agry.purdue.edu
Writer: Andrea McCann, (765) 494-8406; e-mail, mccann@aes.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
