If you have a lawn of tall fescue grass (cool season variety) and may be preparing for some amount of renovation, you may want to review the "basics".
Basic Lawn Renovation Notes:
1-Lime(pelletized): Do not assume you need lime for your lawn each year. Soil test first. Objective: pH of 6.2-6.5. If you apply lime when your lawn pH is in the mid 6s range, you'll have a problem later when the lime becomes activated in the soil some weeks thereafter.
2-Fertilizer: Quality is everything. Look for a high WIN number (water insoluble nitrogen) in the product description. Also, avoid fertilizers with salt. You do not necessarily need a "starter" fertilizer
(those with a higher phosphorous content).
3-Do Not Apply Lime & Fertilizer in the Same Application. Not compatible. Reduced effectiveness in fertilization.
4-Grass Seed: Quality - Quality - Quality. Don't skimp on quality. Do your own research. Look at the award winning varieties for tall fescue. Certified seed is a must. Look for minimum weed content.
Also, don't over-apply. Too much is not better.
5-De-Thatch First: Remove thatch, if you did not de-thatch last fall or this past spring. Cut the lawn to a heighth of 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches for de-thatching.
6-Core Aeration is a Must: The soil condition is highly improved and "breathes''when a core aeration is performed (core of soil is pulled). Do this after de-thatching.
See Dan's Post of September 15, 2008 for more helpful advice.
(Article content solely that of Dan Bonner, horticulurist and garden enthusiast, 2009.)
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