Seems like it’s been three weeks since we last saw the sun. It was a pretty boring winter, with little snow and mild temperatures. The grass is starting to grow in areas that see the minimal sunlight we have received. Soil temperatures are still in the upper 40’s and when we do finally see the sun again, they should jump to mid-fifties quickly. However, your lawn hasn’t been resting all winter long, given the warm temperatures. While no visible growth has been seen through February and March, things were happening below ground. Your grass roots have been active, using nutrients supplied last fall. Your lawn and soil will require more nutrients than normal this spring since it has been out of dormancy for almost a month now. Most of the root building activity takes place in the spring when soil temperatures are below 65 degrees. The trick is using the right products and quantities to encourage the root growth and thickening of the turf without growth surges. By doing so, your lawn will be able to withstand drought, pests and disease during the summer months and require less watering. Another benefit of this approach is your grass will be greener earlier this spring and will stay green longer into the winter. Another result of a mild winter – we may see more issues with insects this year. Last year sod webworms and cinch bugs were a bigger problem than I have seen in any year’s past. I do not recommend “blanket” preventative pesticide applications as they kill all insects, including the beneficial ones. Instead, I’d rather diagnose your exact lawn’s needs and only treat that specific issue with the proper solution.
Please contact Quality Cut Lawn Care with any questions you have regarding spring lawn fertilization.
Thank you!