Spring is in the air!

It’s spring! I’m sure everyone is probably anxious to get out into their yard and spruce it up for the summer season to relax and enjoy.  If you’re thinking of fertilizing your lawn though – STOP! 

Spring is not the time to fertilize.  The best time to fertilize is in the fall, so the lawn root system can develop strong roots to crowd out any weed intruders. 

What you can do in April is add lime if needed (have Cornell Coop do a pH test to determine if this is necessary) and reseed bare spots making sure you rake the seed into the soil for good contact. 

Seed mix:  One good seed mix for the northeast is 65% Kentucky bluegrass, 20% fine leaf fescue and 15% perennial ryegrass.  Depending on what your demands are on your lawn, will depend on the seed mix you should use.   Keep in mind the sun requirements:  shade mix needs at least 4 hours of direct sun, and sun mix needs at least 6 hours of direct sun.  Of course, you can always reduce your lawn and add more gardens.  J

If you didn’t fertilize in the fall, your lawn may benefit from fertilizing in late spring. Spring fertilizing greens up your lawn fast, but you have tender growth that may allow diseases to come in. This may also influence lawn stress in the summer when the plants lack water.

The best defense against weeds and crabgrass is a healthy lawn with a good root system. You can remove broadleaf, dandelions and onion grass by hand using a trowel.  If you have a problem with crabgrass, you may apply a pre-emergent crabgrass killer when the forsythia bushes are in full bloom, but this is a chemical herbicide, so be careful.

Mowing:  Begin mowing your lawn when it is approximately one third taller than the height it will be maintained at (approx. 3” or higher).  Use a sharp mower blade for a good cut, and leave the clippings on the lawn to allow the nutrients back into the soil.  Do not leave “clumps” of grass on the lawn. A good rule is: mow your lawn at the height of 3” to promote a good root system. Taller grass will help maintain a healthy lawn by allowing deeper roots to develop, and water and nutrients to be absorbed from the soil.

Fertilizing: Lawns need nitrogen for healthy growth and a good root system.  Fertilizing is best done in fall when the grass has slowed growing, when the nutrients are best absorbed by the roots. 50-75% of the total nitrogen should be applied between August and October.  If you have winter injury to your lawn, which is unlikely here in the southern NY area, your lawn may benefit from fertilizer in late spring.

Watering: Your lawn needs approximately one inch of water per week.  If necessary, you should water in the morning, when there is less evaporation; do not “over water”.  If you see water running off of your lawn onto the hardscape, any pollutants present are being carried in that water into our storm drains.  Your lawn is a “filter”.  It filters all the rainwater before it goes into our water table.  Added pesticides on your lawn may not only be bad for the wildlife, pets & children while they are walking on it, but can get into our water system as runoff when we water our lawn or it rains, and harms our aquatic life and ultimately all of us.   

Aerating: Should be done in late summer/early fall. 

A healthy lawn may attract birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and all beneficial creatures, that will aid in keeping your yard in balance – naturally.    

If you have further questions, you can always contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-429-7085 for assistance.

By the way…if you have the occasional dandelion (and don’t use pesticides), dig it up and add the tender leaves to your salad.  Dandelions are extremely nutritious and full of vitamins. 

Laurie Lago Rispoli, Master Gardener