Is spring actually here? Eastern North Carolina has been struggling to catch even a glimpse of warmer weather. However our turf grass knows what time it is!
Warm season grasses have a knack for being gullible. The minute we hit a few 60 degree sunny days, those blades start greening up! Have you started completing your lawn care check list?
Soil samples taken?
Appropriate weed control administered?
Do you know how high you're cutting your lawn?
"It takes a special kind of personality to enjoy watching the grass grow."― Forrest Pritchard
Well, if you haven't started considering any of these items, don't fret. Everything is within reach for even the most lax turf grass parent.
First things first, TAKE A SOIL SAMPLE. For some strange reason, many people think this step is unnecessary, when in reality this is the only way to even know where to begin with your lawn. Its a diagnosis of what you have, rather than blindly applying things that may or may not be killing your lawn. Your local extension offices offer sending your soil samples off to NC State for free. (given that you're in North Carolina, other states should check with their local extension offices, also) Soil reports from NC State are clear about what nutrients to add and even what fertilizer ratios to find. Of course, if you're unsure on how to interpret your results, talk with your Horticulture Extension Agent...that's what they're there for!
Secondly, weeds by definition are plants that we don't want growing in a particular area. Do you know if what's greening up in your lawn is actually grass or are they weeds? Of course, if you're just happy they're green you do you boo boo! But here is where I tell you to chat with your local Horticutlure Agent about some of the weeds in your lawn, identifying them and finding what ways are available for you to control them. My lawn uses a regular weed control routine consisting of pre-emergent spraying and post-emergent spraying. 4 simple spray stops on the calendar and 2 rounds of nitrogen (& other additives based on my soil report). My turf ain't perfect but its green.
& lastly, mowing height will go down in the books as one of the longest arguments next to whether or not the chicken or the egg came first. Safe rule of thumb is to legit use your thumb as a measurement. Initial beginning of spring mowing height should be lower than normal. Centipede being one of the more commonly grown turf grasses, should be cut at about 1.5" to 2". Once you've established this height you can move those blades up to between 2" to 3". Bermuda grass should be slightly shorter. Starting out with 1" to 1.5" at the beginning of spring. Moving up to 2" through the active growing season.
Seems a little overwhelming, but with a little practice and routine check ups it won't always be greener on the other side. Taking care of your roots will always lead to better days. In life and lawn.
stay green
-rjw
