A nice 7-8 hour rain fall that would drop 1” of water would be
really nice about now…we have to have our dreams!
The renovation process should go forward as long as you have an
irrigation system and you are willing to run it EVERY day for 2-3 weeks (and maybe even
twice a day!?). We about 5” behind in rain fall in our area. If you don’t get
this free newsletter from the University of Missouri (http://turfpath.missouri.edu/reports/update09_05_13.cfm)
you should. It will single handedly provide you with enough information about
grass growing and when and how to do things as you can get. Dr. Lee Miller
produces this and I have relied on his information to explain a lot of weather
related problems. Sign up for the newsletter and you will better educated turf
grass decisions!
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to renovate your cool
season lawns:
Step-By-Step Cool Season Renovation Practices
- September is
the ideal month to do this. Your next chance will be March or early April.
- Decide if
herbicides are needed. Read the label and apply 2 weeks prior to seeding.
- Remove debris
in the yard and use top soil to level rough areas.
- Mow the grass
at 2”, but reset the wheel immediately back to 3.5 inches. You want to mow
it all into the winter until the last cut.
- Flag the
irrigation heads and utilities so they are not damaged by the machines.
- Spread organic
matter (compost, peat moss or top soil mix) if necessary.
- “Core” aerate
or power rake the lawn. You can’t aerate too much! If you power rake, you
have rake up and remove the thatch.
- Spread your
seed and fertilizer.
- Power rake or
hand rake areas to increase seed to soil contact! This insures the seed
won’t wash away and birds won’t eat it. Don’t apply straw!
- Top dress
areas that may need additional compost, peat moss or top soil. Bare areas
should be covered with Penn Mulch ®.
- Water EVERY
day for 2-3 week. Keep the top ½” moist, but puddle free. You may have to
water in the evening as well depending on the soil and the weather.
- Mow (with a
bag) after 2-3 weeks and then you can water 3-4 days a week after you have
even germination.
- After 3-4
mowings, go ahead spot spray weeds as needed. Fall is a great time to
control certain weeds!
- Keep leaves
removed all fall! Smothering leaves will kill all your new grass plants if
left on the ground. Chop them up or remove them every 3-5 days!
These steps have proven to be very effective, but if you have
your own spin on how to get things, then by all means do it your way. Over seed
rate for most lawn seeds is 35- pounds per 1000 ft sq or 8-10 pounds when
starting over! Next month I’ll give you tips on “winterizing” the lawn and late
fall weed control applications!
September 11 is coming up. I always have a little trouble
staying focused on that day. Immaculate Conception in Maplewood is having a blood drive from 3-7 (I
believe) and I’ve made a note to donate blood on that day. I will make me feel
good to visit the church and donate some A+ blood (with CMV Neg in it) to
someone who needs it. I hope all who read this will reflect on that day how
fortunate we are. Maybe for a day, our problems won’t be as bad?
Remember folks, it’s just grass!
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