SPRING LAWN CARE
By Dr. Leonard PerryExtension Nursery and Greenhouse Crops SpecialistUniversity of Vermont
Your lawn has just go another longsighted wintertime . Inorder to restore it to its former lush , green resplendency , it will want to be rake , renovated , repaired , and inseminate .
First , ensure there is honorable drain . You cannotgrow grass in stand urine . drain may comprise ofditches or , if underground , drainage tobacco pipe or tile . Then rough gradation the region .
Add six inch of topsoil , if needed . A normal , well - drainedsubsoil may be adequate if richly fecundate . This maybe a reasonable gamble unless undersoil is poor . If itis , add constitutive topic . Figure on three gravid balesof peat moss per 1,000 hearty feet . Then mix it thoroughlyinto the top six inch of territory . Using any less thanthis amount of organic matter will have little impacton the shape of your soil .
You may need to add limestone if the soil acidity orpH is below 6.0 . To find out , have your grunge testedby the Agricultural and Environmental Testing Laboratoryat the University of Vermont ( 802 - 656 - 3030 ) or otherreliable laboratory .
train a politic seedbed free of stones , hollow out , andridges . run down off the old foliage , sticks , and otherwinter dust open your lawn a chance to breathe , aswell as makes it easier to repair and reseed .
Broadcast a unadulterated fertiliser or one of the commerciallymixed fertilizers specific to lawns . The exact gradeis not important if you use enough to supply two poundsof nitrogen per 1,000 satisfying feet . This translate to40 pounds of 5 - 10 - 5 ( N - phosphorus - potassium)or 20 pounds of 10 - 10 - 10 . This is double the usual lawnmaintenance rate .
consistent program at the proper rate is essentialfor safe closing results . If you are using a broadcaster , followthe place setting on the plant food bag or ask your lawn andgarden principal for the proper scene .
If you are reseeding or sodding the lawn , the earlieryou do it in the fountain the better . Remember to preparethe seedbed well , and water the lawn exhaustively . A lessfrequent , weighed down soaking of the lawn is better than frequent , scant tearing , but do n’t let the germinating seedsdry out ab initio .
When reseeding , choose the right mixture for your growingconditions . Zoysia , for instance , is not a good choicefor northern New England as it will turn browned in hotweather . A Kentucky bluegrass - cherry fescue mixture isideal . pick out one with 55 percent or more Kentucky bluegrassfor gay lawn in good grime . For teetotal soil , sunshine or shade , expend a mixture with 65 percent or more of ruby fescue . Avoid any mixture check bentgrass or tall fescueor more than 15 percent rye grass .
Broadcast seeds with a mechanical spreader using threeor four hammering per 1,000 hearty feet . Any more thanthat is uneconomical .
Rake the seedbed lightly , using just the tips of therake teeth . Go over the area with a lawn hair curler if convenient . Sprinkle the grunge gently , and keep it moist until theseeds germinate .
Mow once the Mary Jane starts to farm . Grass keep at aheight of two to two and one one-half inches can withstandheat emphasis better than closely cropped supergrass . Thismowing peak encourages rich rooting , so you don’thave to water supply or inseminate as often .
A goodish lawn is the good cure for widow’s weeds and pests . This admit proper culture . If problems occur , suchas insects and diseases , check with your local gardencenter for response . homeowner in Vermont and northernNew Hampshire also have the option of calling the bell - freeUVM Extension Master Gardener Hotline at 1 - 800 - 639 - 2230for a diagnosis of the job and serious solution .
Be mindful that if you are using a combination fertilizerand weed killer , this may be taken up by the tree andshrub roots under the lawn and injure them , too . Orif you practice residuary smoke grampus that mess about in thesoil to preclude future weed growth , these may bolt down manysoil microorganisms . This sometimes ensue in poorersoil , and thus , poorer lawn growth and muscularity .
If apply weed killers , be certain to properly identifyyour smoke problem before you select an herbicide . Thenselect the least toxic ware for the job , lookingat practical program rates and potential toxicity to plants , animals , and humans . say and follow all recording label directionscarefully . Always expend these products judiciously toavoid contaminant of body of water supplying and lakes , streams , and other surface waters .
Lawn pests , such as chinch bugs and Nipponese beetlegrubs , can be a problem in northern New England . However , control of these grubs is ordinarily ineffectual when donein the saltation .
Your local garden supplying storage will be able to answermany of your lawn concern question . For particular lawn treatmentssuch as upright film editing , dethatching , or coring toreduce soil crunch , consult a lawn upkeep professional .
