SPRING 2015 IS COMING…I THINK

As of March 4^th another dusting of snow, 20 degrees and windy. I have to believe we are through with too many more days like today? It’s supposed to be warm this weekend and we can all get on with the best season of all! (My opinion anyway)

I’m sure we’ll get a late frost and have to cover tulips or something, but I’ll bet we’ll be mowing cool season grass in 2 weeks or so. This rain and freeze/thaw cycle will keep the ground wet so don’t jump the gun and start doing too much until it dries out. We can actually do more harm than good by working or walking on soil when it is saturated. Be patient…good things are coming.

I have to give shout out to my son Ben. He was recently hired by the Kansas City Royals to work on their field. He’ll graduate early and start his career in early May. Ben has worked very hard these past two years at Virginia Tech to get his Masters Degree in Turf Science and is ready to join the professional world. We are very proud of his accomplishments both on and off the field.

My suggestions this month will have some very specific suggestions as far as products go. I have always wanted this blog to NOT be a sales tool, but for it be an information site only. When I make product suggestions, please take them with a grain of salt and know you can use something close or ask me about alternatives. Like so many things in life…there are bunch of ways to doing things and still ending up with the same results.

Now that you have gotten the lawn mower checked out, do this in March:

*Get out your action plan for lawn care out and be ready to do something around March 25-30^th. We suggest a low nitrogen, high potash fertilizer with a season long application of pre-emergent. (7-0-22 w/.15 Dimension

*Always try to mow that cool season lawn @ 2.5“ two times before making the first application of ANY fertilizer. This cleans up the clutter collected by winter and will help insure a quick green up.

*DO NOT mow or do anything to Zoysia lawns this month. They are a “warm season” grass. Be patient!

*Spot spray early weeds with Turflon or some form or an Ester based herbicide. These work better in cooler temperatures.

*DO NOT spray weeds in Zoysia lawns. You will hurt the Zoysia!

*Rake up Sweet Gum balls and anything else that might get smashed into ground during mowing.

Don’t forget to “spring” your clocks ahead Saturday night before you go to bed! I hope you all have safe and sunny spring! Remember folks…it’s just grass.