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Maintenance Schedule for Kentucky Blue Grass Lawns
6/2/2003
Alan Helm
Area Extension
Agent (Agronomy/Weed Management)
Colorado State University
Extension
Golden Plains Area |
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And by: Joanne Jones, Golden Plains Area Summer
Horticulturist
Lawn care, especially in dry climates, can be difficult
to manage. There are several questions to be answered. When do I water? How
often do I water? How much water does my lawn actually need? How do I manage
diseases and weeds? The following guidelines for Kentucky Bluegrass are
provided as an aid in the care of your lawn.
Mowing
Mowing
height for Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be between 2.5 and 3.0 inches for
the entire growing season. This promotes root growth and provides an adequate
canopy to conserve moisture.
Fertilizing
Apply 1.0 lb. of
actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. in the time period from late April to early
May. Slow-release fertilizer carriers are preferred. In early summer, mid-June
to early July, fertilize with 0.5 to 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq.
ft. Again slow-release fertilizer carriers are preferred. From July to August
avoid fertilizing. Apply 1.0 lb. actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. during the
time period from early- to mid September. Utilization of a slow-release carrier
is recommended. From mid-October to mid-November, 1.5 to 2.0 lb. actual
nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. phosphorus and potassium can be applied during this
time period as well.
Watering
From April to November water
as needed to prevent wilting and drought. Approximately 1.0 inch of water per
week is required during the spring and fall, and 1.5 inches per week during the
summer. Water deeply and avoid daily light watering.
Herbicides
Pre-ermergent herbicides may be applied from late April to early May to
prevent crabgrass, goosegrass and foxtail weeds. Compounds such as trifluralin
and atrazine will provide excellent control of these weeds. During the month of
May, manage dandelion and winter annual broadleaf weeds only if they are a
problem. Good herbicides for this application are 2,4-D and Dicamba are good
herbicides. A second application of pre-emergent herbicides may be needed
during the time period from late May to late June, approximately six weeks
after the first application, to manage areas where crabgrass is a problem.
Insect Control
Control of adult billbugs should be done in
early to late May, especially on lawns with a history of infestations. In mid-
to late June check for sod webworm larvae and again in mid-July to mid-August
and control as necessary. Check for white grubs and control if necessary from
early August to late September. Your local home and garden store should have a
selection of compounds that control these pests.
Disease Control
From early April to mid-June, control leafspot on common Kentucky
bluegrass lawns, and again from mid-September to mid-October. Applications to
prevent summer patch on lawns that have had this problem in the past should be
done from late May to late July.
Aeration and Overseeding
Aeration and overseeding may be done from the first of April to the end
of April or from mid-September to mid-October. Core aeration is recommended
instead of power-raking. Overseed thin Kentucky bluegrass lawns with improved
cultivars at 0.75 to 1.0 lb. Seed per 1,000 sq. ft.
Sources:
NebGuide, Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn Calendar, CSU Fact Sheet 7.202
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Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
6/2/2003 |
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Colorado
State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kit Carson, Phillips,
Washington and Yuma counties cooperating. Extension programs are
available to all without discrimination. Where trade names are used, no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Colorado State University
Extension is implied. |
