4-Step Fertilizer Program
Save time and money with our specially priced 4 step fertilizer program. This program offers you a savings of 10% over purchasing the bags individually through the year. We offer 2 programs covering 10,000 sq. ft. and 2 programs covering 5,000 sq. ft. These programs will cover your lawn’s fertilizer needs for the entire year. The first program is comprised of 4 fertilizers, including 1 combination fertilizer with crabgrass (Dimension) preventer. The second program offering is comprised of 4 fertilizers, including 1 combination fertilizer with crabgrass (Dimension) preventer and 1 combination fertilizer with grub control. All bags are labeled with the application time, so you know when they should be applied.
Japanese Stiltgrass
This invasive weed is relatively new to our area and is presenting itself to be a real challenge on many lawns. It is a shallow-rooted, fast spreading summer annual grassy weed (germinates in spring, grows actively over the summer and dies in the fall) that usually grows in woodlands, along the edges of heavily treed lawns, and other areas prone to damp conditions. In mown areas it is commonly mistaken for crabgrass (in appearance), but it starts germinating in MARCH, more than a month earlier than crabgrass. Unlike crabgrass, Japanese stiltgrass grows aggressively in the shade, making spring seeding of shady lawns even more difficult. We have seen good results by applying split applications of crabgrass control (Dimension) in March and May for several years in a row, and you’ll gradually reduce the stiltgrass encroachment.
Broadleaf Weed Control of Cool Season Weeds with TRIMEC
Dandelions, clover, plantain, and many other common perennial lawn weeds are not yet actively growing and thus cannot be effectively treated yet. Broadleaf weeds are controlled by herbicide absorption through actively growing leaves and roots. Apply liquid TRIMEC in April/May/June and you’ll eliminate the above-mentioned pests. Apply now and you may sting them but you won’t kill them. If you want a lawn free of these weeds every spring, apply liquid TRIMEC to your lawn every September. However, there are several cold season perennial lawn weeds that ARE ACTIVELY growing at this time: ground ivy, chickweed, veronica, wild onions, wild violets, and a few others. Spot treat them now with liquid TRIMEC and then, in another two weeks re-apply to stubborn weeds that either started late or were not controlled completely with the first application.
Spring Seeding
We STRONGLY DISCOURAGE spring seeding. Seed is very slow to germinate in cool/cold soil (below 60 degrees F), no broadleaf weed control or crabgrass control can be done with ungerminated seed on the lawn, and much of the grass that germinates from spring seeding will thin and/or die over the summer because it will not have had time to develop any significant root system. Heat, humidity, wet conditions and drought stress from our typical summers will diminish the new turf. However, if you have construction damage or another emergency situation, or a new home or pool area, and absolutely must seed this spring, please wait until April (when the ground has warmed somewhat) and seed only with Lawn Depot EVERGREEN HYBRID PERENNIAL RYEGRASS mix. It will germinate the fastest of the permanent seed mixes; it will produce a better root system faster than other seeds, and it will blend in nicely with your other lawn seeds when you overseed in the fall.
Mowing Lawns in March
Lawns begin to grow actively in late March or early April. However, there are several situations which could call for an early March mowing. You didn’t mow after early November and the lawn appears shaggy. There are leaves and sticks all over that you would prefer not to rake up. You’re anxious for spring to get here and like the idea of mowing grass on a nice spring day. If any of these situations applies, go for it! I will be mowing both here at home and at The Lawn Depot. However, you shouldn’t be mowing regularly because the grass won’t be growing much until the weather warms up a bit.
Liming in March
All lawns need regular liming to neutralize our typically acidic soils. Soils that are maintained at a pH level of 6.3-6.5 (slightly acidic) are ideal for growing healthy turf. Fertilizers work better in slightly acidic soil. The lower (more acidic) the pH, the less effective the fertilizer, at the nutrients become chemically bound with the soil and are less available for plants uptake. Liming of lawns should be done EVERY year. Pelletized lime products sold at The Lawn Depot are clean and easy to handle, go through a broadcast spreader easily and aren’t at all dusty. The first option we offer is regular Dolomitic Lime that is applied at the rate of 15 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. for maintenance liming, or 50 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. if you haven’t limed for several years. The second option is Cal-Turf Pro™ (a fast-acting lime) which is applied at 5 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. for maintenance applications or 12 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. to increase pH. Cal-Turf Pro™ is more effective than limestone in raising soil pH. It begins to neutralize soil acidity immediately, resulting in soil pH increases that can be measured in weeks rather than months, thus promoting better root development, vigor and growth, as well as drought and stress tolerance.