Tips on Maintaining a Great Lawn
Fertilization
On warm-season turfgrass species, withhold the first spring nitrogen application until soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth are consistently 65° F. I receive questions all the time about applying fertilizer early in the year especially when we have a warm February. Soil temperature data can to obtained by www.georgiaweather.net. This past week (Week of April 20) the soil temperatures have been in the low 60s.
Phosphorous and lime applications should be based on soil test results. A common mistake is to fertilize centipede grass too early in the spring. Also, it is not uncommon for centipede grass to be over-fertilized. One pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year is ample nitrogen for most established centipede grass lawns.
Mowing height
Mow turf grasses often enough so that not more than 30 percent (1/3) of the leaf blade is removed in a single mowing. If more plant material is removed, the grass can become stressed and more susceptible to disease-causing organisms and insects.
Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades will shred the leaf tips, causing the turf grass to use more water, undergo undue stress, and have a ragged appearance. Raise the mowing height during stress periods such as drought.
According to Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA turf specialist, bermuda grass and zoysia grass need to have a mowing height of 1 inch. If you have a centipede lawn, then maintain a mowing height of 1.5 inches. St. Augustine needs to have a 2.0-inch mowing height.
Original Source: The Moultrie Observer
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