ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY STAFF
Long-term average timing for cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, and for warm-season grasses such as bermuda, zoysia and buffalo grass.
MARCH: Cool- & warm-season: Spot treat broadleaf weeds when air temps are at least 50 degrees F and rain isn?t likely.
APRIL: Cool- & warm-season: To control crabgrass with a traditional pre-emergence herbicide, make a first application by the 15th (or by the time local redbud trees reach full bloom). Follow label directions on when to make the next application (probably before June 15).
MAY: Cool-season: For improved ?looks,? apply a slow-release fertilizer. If the product contains both fertilizer and broadleaf weed killer, don?t water it in until 24 hours after applying. If the product contains a long-lasting, one-application crabgrass preventer (Dimension, Barricade ? applied in late spring OR late fall, but not both), water it thoroughly.
Warm-season: Remember each fertilizer application can increase odds for thatch buildup in bermuda and zoysia. Fertilize with one pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application:
— Bermuda?two to four applications;
— Zoysia?one to three applications;
— Buffalo grass?one application in early June, perhaps a second in mid-July.
JUNE: Cool- & warm-season: If started using a traditional crabgrass preventer in early spring, consider making a second application, probably before June 15.
Cool- & warm-season: If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing ?Merit,? which is an effective, safe grub preventer. Water in, to activate.
Warm-season: Core aerate, if necessary, to help ease soil compaction, increase the water infiltration rate, improve soil?s air exchange and control thatch.
LATE JULY AND AUGUST: Cool- & warm-
season: Too late to use ?Merit,? so if grub damage is occurring, apply a grub killer.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: Cool- & warm-season: Fertilize around Labor Day. (This is the most important feeding of the year.)
Cool-season: Core aerate in September or early October, if needed to alleviate compaction, control thatch and increase water infiltration rates.
Cool- & warm-season: Spray for broadleaf weeds, if they are a problem. Choose a day when air temperatures are at least 50 degrees F and rain (or irrigation) isn?t likely within 24 hours.
NOVEMBER: Cool-season: Fertilize between the 1st and 15th. If product contains Dimension or Barricade (crabgrass preventers applied in spring OR fall, but not both), water in thoroughly.
Source: K-State Research and Extension
Horticulture, March 2000
LAWN & GARDEN: Kansas Lawn-Care Calendar
