Spring Lawn Seeding, Treatment and Care

There are two important points in seeding: the first is that the seed should be spread uniformly. The time-tested procedure of scattering half the seed from one direction and the second half in a cross-direction is a good one to follow. Secondly, the seed needs a shallow soil covering. This can be done by a very light raking that stirs the top 1/4 inch of soil.

Rolling and watering after seeding are helpful but not necessary operations. If a light roller is available, use it to firm the soil at the surface after seeding. If you plan to water, make the application in the form of a fine mist. Do not water heavily at any one time, just moisten the surface. Several waterings per day may be necessary in dry’ weather. Discontinue watering as soon as the seedlings appear in abundance, as further watering at this time has no value and may even encourage disease to develop on the tender plants.

When summer approaches, weeds, insects, drought and disease are your lawn enemies. These are least troublesome on lawns that have a good cover of healthy grass at the approach of warm weather. Actually, there is more danger of doing too much in summer than too little. Some of the things to remember are these:

Do not fertilize the lawn after May 1. This will keep the grass more resistant to drought and disease. At this season the use of fertilizer is justifiable only when the turf is “starving,” and then only at light rates. Avoid the use of water as long as possible. Very few lawns die from drought; on the other hand, excess water and fertilizer encourage crabgrass. Only during extended dry periods, when the soil is dry in the root zone, is water necessary. When it is used, apply it slowly until the soil is wet to a depth of 4 or 5 inches. In developing a watering program it is important to remember that steep slopes and areas adjacent to trees will dry more rapidly.

Close mowing is usually a sure way to ruin a good lawn in summer. Never cut closer than 1-1/2 inches; even higher cutting is better. The higher cut may not look as fancy in June, but it will help insure a better lawn during July and August. Also, it may prevent a costly reseeding job in September.

Controlling Crabgrass

Crabgrass control does not start in June – it’s a year-round job. The fertilizer applied last September and in early April does its part. Wise abstinence from fertilizer and water in the late spring and early summer is also an important factor. Second to none is the importance of a high cut. Obedience to these fundamental rules will minimize the crabgrass problem after a period of several years.

Chemicals products and preparations can help in the struggle with crabgrass. Generally, it is not desirable to use them before crabgrass starts to spread rapidly, during late July or August. When using chemicals, apply them with caution and according to the manufacturers’ directions. This may require more time and effort, but otherwise costly failure may result.

The beauty of your lawn depends largely on the observance of simple fundamentals: using better grass seed, liming and fertilizing properly, avoiding close mowing and applying a minimum of water. Occasionally other factors may need attention, but simple observance of these requirements is sufficient in most seasons. With these you will have taken the biggest step toward a lawn that is a real asset and pleasure.

More on Spring Lawn Care

Spring Lawn Care and Maintenance
Spring Lawn Fertilizer and Care

by R Engel

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Spring Lawn Care and Maintenance
• Spring Lawn Fertilizer and Care
• Crabgrass Control the Dry Way
• Fall Lawn Care Maintenance Tips You Cannot Ignore

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