Rotating Extension Column

By: Daniel E. Mullins

Extension Horticulture Agent

Santa Rosa County

Lawn Care Questions Dominate as Spring Approaches

Many gardeners are concerned about the health of their lawn and questions concerning spring lawn care are already being received by local Extension offices. I am sure that lawn maintenance businesses, garden centers and nurseries are also busy responding to lawn care concerns. Following are some of the lawn care related questions that we have received this month.

Q. The lawn was partially destroyed during storm cleanup last fall. How soon can I begin re-establishing it?

A. Sodding can be done at almost any time of the year. However, there is no advantage in rushing. Very little leaf or root growth will occur until the air and soil temperatures have warmed up. Mid-March to mid-April is soon enough to begin seeding, sprigging or plugging.

Q. Most of my grass has survived, but I would like to fill in some areas and level up the yard. What should I use, and when is the best time of year to do this?

A. Use a weed free sandy based fill soil. Topsoil can be used, but only if you are sure that it does not contain noxious weeds. The best time for topdressing to level lawns is during the spring flush of growth. In our area, that is normally during early April.

Q. What is the best time to apply a “Weed and Feed” product to control weeds?

A. Most of these products contain a fertilizer and a pre-emergent herbicide. To be most effective, the application must be made just before weed seeds are expected to germinate. In our area, this is approximately March 1, but can vary from year to year depending upon temperatures.

Q. When should I fertilize my lawn and what kind of fertilizer should I use?

A. Wait until the lawn has experienced uniform green-up before applying fertilizer. This will be sometime between early March and early April in most areas. Choose a premium grade slow release fertilizer such as 15-5-15, 12-4-8 or similar analysis. Follow label directions and avoid heavy applications, especially on centipede grass.

Q. Before the storm I had St. Augustine grass growing under several trees. The trees are now gone. Will my St. Augustine live?

A. Yes, although St. Augustine grass is more shade tolerant than most other grasses, it actually prefers full sunlight.

Q. My entire lawn was inundated with salt water during the Hurricane and I fear that it is dead. What should I do?

A. Wait until well after spring green-up and evaluate the lawn. You might be surprised by the ability of the grass to recover. If fifty percent or more of the lawn recovers, then you only need to fill in with sprigs, plugs or sod.

Q. I have heard that St. Augustine grass should be limed. Is this true? If so, how much lime should I use?

A. The soils in our particular area of the northern Gulf Coast are acid by nature and lime is sometimes needed to raise the soil pH where St. Augustine lawns are grown. However, do not apply lime unless a soil test indicates the need. The test results will include the recommended kind of lime and the rate to be applied.