Alternative pest control for turn in Ontario. Tips for a healthy lawn to out-compete weeds.
Maintain ideal mowing height
• Ideal is between 6 and 9 cm (2.5 to 3.5 inches).
• Mowing too short will result in short roots and a less drought-resistant lawn. Longer grass keeps soil cool and prevents weed seeds from germinating. Cutting too long (over 9-10 cm) will lead to competition and shading within the turf stand.
• Mow frequently. Do not remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing.
Water to prevent drought stress
• Recommended amount of water is about 2.5 cm (1 in.) per week, including rainfall.
• Use a rain gauge to determine total water applied.
• Water in the early morning to prevent long periods of leaf wetness or loss from evaporation.
• Allow turf to go dormant in times of extreme drought to conserve water.
Maintain adequate fertility
• Recommended yearly rate of nitrogen is 2 kg/100 m2 (about 4 lbs./1,000 ft2) as four separate applications in: Late spring, mid-summer, late summer/early fall and late fall (dormant application).
• Leave clippings on lawn after mowing or use a mulching mower.
Overseed
• Overseed in the spring and fall if possible to thicken the stand to help prevent weed seeds from germinating. If large areas are bare or heavily weed-infested, try cultivating and either re-seeding or lay sod.
Control thatch
• Thatch is spongy material between the grass plant and soil layer and should be kept below about 2.5 cm (1 in.).
• Core-aerate to remove soil cores. This gives the roots air and breaks up thatch.
• If thatch thickness is more than 2.5 cm, consider power raking to remove large amounts of material.
Weed
• Remove weeds by hand for larger, well-established weeds. Ensure that you are taking the roots with the plant, or the weed will grow back.
