- When is the best time to topdress and/or aerate?
Normally when turf is about to be actively growing or during the active growing season. For warm season turf early Spring and Summer, and for Fescue late summer or early fall. Soil temperatures will determine the speed of recovery.
- How often does turf need to be watered?
Turf generally requires 1” of water per week during the active growing season. This will include water from any source, such as rain fall or irrigation systems. Turf areas under more stress which include sports fields or heavy traffic areas will require more water than normal.
- When should I water?
Water when the turf is already wet, typically when dew is on the ground, at night or early morning.
- How tall should I cut Bermuda or Zoysia turfgrass?
Bermuda should be cut at 1” or lower for best results. Cutting at that height will promote lateral growth and increased density. Turf cut lower requires less water resources.
- What is the best mower to use on turf?
For Bermuda and Zoysia, a reel mower will do the least damage since these mowers clip the leaf as opposed to tearing the leaf. For Fescue a rotary mower is best since Fescue will be cut at 3-4” in height.
- What is better, liquid or granular fertilizer?
Liquid or granular fertilizer is not the issue, but rather the source or attributes of its origin and how it releases. Either way, the slowest, most controlled release of nitrogen will grow the most leaf structure.
A soil sample is the best way to determine fertilizer requirements.
- How do I know if I need a soil sample?
If you do not have a soil sample or if your soil sample is more than two years old, you will need a soil sample analysis. Only by soil testing do you know parts per million of necessary elements, or relative soil pH. Determination of soil properties cannot be accurately performed visually. Take the guess work out of growing turf and unlock the power of biology with a soil sample analysis. Sampling saves time
- Why is pH so important?
Turfgrass is known to perform best in a certain range of relative pH. Certain elements cannot be utilized by plant life at low or high levels of ph. At low or high pH expensive fertilizers will not be used by turfgrass, even though applied to the soil.
- I water often and add nitrogen to the soil and my grass is still yellow. How can this be?
Here is a suggestion. Perform or look at your soil analysis and check the potassium level. Adjust according the soil analysis results. Feel free to call us and ask us why.
