(http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1533f1a.html).
Most Nevada lawns are comprised of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass or turf-type tall fescue. These cool-season grasses benefit the most from fall applications of fertilizer, usually sometime in October or November. Applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer in April may cause grass to grow too fast, before roots can grow to support the lawn. This makes a lawn less tolerant of summer heat (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1533f2a.html).
In most cases, an application of fertilizer in April is not needed when lawns were fertilized the previous fall or clippings are returned to the lawn. If an April application appears to be necessary, apply the fertilizer at a reduced rate. This may be followed by an early June application, a late August application and the most important application in October or November.
Cool-season grasses should not be given high-nitrogen fertilizers during the heat of summer. It causes excessive, lush growth that requires more frequent mowing and watering, and the lawn becomes more susceptible to insects and diseases. Conversely, warm-season grasses, such as buffalo grass and blue grama, should be fertilized in late June or July, when most growth occurs.
The following are some more spring time lawn tips that will help improve your lawn the rest of the year:
• March is considered the second best time (best is late August through October) to seed your lawn for repairs and to make it thicker or cover bare areas. Follow the label for proper seeding rates.
• This is a good time to have your soil tested. Keeping the soil pH in the 6.0 - 7.0 range is very important in maintaining healthy turf.
• If you had a crabgrass problem last year consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide later this month. If you are also re-seeding, be sure to select a herbicide labeled for use on new lawns, it can be found under the trade name Siduron or the chemical name, tupersan. Best control of crabgrass is achieved by splitting this herbicide treatment into two applications. Apply the first application of pre-emergent crabgrass killer in mid to late March and the second application in early April. The best prevention for crabgrass and other weeds is to improve the lawn and keep it mowed regularly at the proper height (2-3 inches for cool season grasses).
• Broadleaf winter annual weeds are starting to grow again at this time. They actually germinated last fall and were dormant throughout the winter. They can be treated with a labeled broadleaf weed herbicide when they are more actively growing later this month or throughout April. Small infestations can be pulled by hand. However, fall herbicide applications when these weeds are germinating often produce better control.
• Lawn areas plagued by compacted soil should not be aerated during wet spring conditions. Digging or disturbing the soil when it is wet actually results in more compaction. Wait until the ground dries out.
• This is the time to sharpen your lawn mower blades and service your mower. Dull blades tear turf grass and can lead to damage and disease problems. Remember to sharpen your mower blade a few times throughout the mowing season.
• The height and how frequently you mow your lawn is very important. Cool season grasses such as tall fescue, creeping fescue and bluegrass should be maintained at 2½ - 3 inches. Try not to remove more than one third of the leaf surface at any one time.
For more information on lawn care contact the Pershing County Cooperative Extension office at (775) 273-2923.
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