General Care Guidelines for Established Lawns

Mowing

Grass Species Mower Setting in spring/fall Mow When Grass is:
Kentucky Bluegrass 2 inches 3 inches
Turf-Type Tall Fescue 2 1/2 inches 3 1/2 inches
RTF® Water Saver 2 to 2 1/2 inches 3 to 4 inches
Turf-type Buffalograss 2 to 3 inches 3 to 4 inches
Zoysia 2 inches 3 inches

The above settings are appropriate in the spring and fall.  In June, July and August, raise the mowing height one inch to cool the turf plant and reduce stress, except the buffalograss, which can remain at the low mowing height.


Fertilization

Grass Species Fertilization Approximate Dates
Kentucky Bluegrass
May 1st, June 1st, September 1st,
and October 20th
Turf-Type Tall Fescue May 1st, August 15th and October 20th
RTF® Water Saver May 1st, August 15th and October 20th
Turf-type Buffalograss June 1st, July 1st and an optional August 1st
Zoysia June 1st, July 1st and an optional August 1st

In early spring a combination product that contains pre-emergent weed control may be applied to prevent weeds from emerging in your yard.  Follow label directions.


Watering

Grass Species Amount and Frequency
Kentucky Bluegrass
1/2 inch to 3/4 inch
twice per week
Turf-Type Tall Fescue
1-1/2 inches to 2 inches
every other week
RTF® Water Saver
1-1/2 inches to 2 inches
every other week
Turf-type Buffalograss
Only if plant shows stress
Zoysia
1 inch every other week

The best time to water is early morning, so less water is lost by evaporation.  The worst time to water is in the evening because the lawn stays wet all night, which encourages disease development.  Lawns watered too frequently tend to develop shallow root systems which may make them more susceptible to grub damage and heat/drought stress.

 

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Email: info@toddvalleyfarms.com
 
Revised May 15, 2008
    
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