TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LAWN

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.