Warren, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2017 -- Winter Watering: Lawns can be affected by winter desiccation; this occurs when snow cover is not maintained during the winter and most commonly in heavy clay, compacted soils. Winter watering can minimize the effects of dry conditions. Check the forecast, water only when the soil is not frozen and air temperatures are above 40 degrees F. Do not water before a sudden temperature drop is forecasted since this can cause plants or the lawn to die. Apply water at mid-day so it can percolate down into the soil before colder nighttime temperatures and potential freezing. Try to moisten the top 6 inches of soil for turf grasses, and 12 inches for watering trees and shrubs. Do not use root feeders or other deep root watering devices in the winter. Water slowly so it can soak in rather than run off or freeze. If dry conditions persist, one or two careful irrigations per month may be needed.
Post-Winter Tips: Now that the frozen ground has thawed it is common to see patches of brown or bare spots on the lawn. Grass seed can be applied in March, or when the soil begins to warm (depending on the climate). Keep in mind there are many types of grass seed to choose from; quick germination, sun, shade and even play areas. Crabgrass control can be used until the end of April or when the soil temperatures reach 70 to 80 degrees. There are also types of grass; cool season grasses and warm season grasses. Knowing which type of grass is present and the optimal time to apply certain products can make a big difference when grass seed is spread and fertilizer or weed control products are needed. Weed killers need to be applied while the weeds are in active growth, and can be applied up until the time they quit growing in the fall. Keep in mind, pre-emergent weed control products will also stop grass seeds from germinating so doing both will not help your lawn.
Cool season grasses include fescue, bluegrass and rye. They have two growth spurts; a moderate one in the spring and a big one in the fall. They go dormant or struggle in the hot summer heat so with these grasses it is important to build up their strength for the summer months. Fertilizing is a good idea for spring but don't pile it on! The new growth will only be hurt by the summer heat if you pile on the fertilizer too heavy. A broadcast spreader mounted on a mower or utility vehicle can spread almost any type of granular or pelletized seed, fertilizer and even ice melting pellets making this task much easier to accomplish. A broadcast spreader can also help control the amount of product being spread.
Warm season grasses include Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede and Bermuda. These grasses thrive in the heat and hate the cold. Warm season grasses start growing after the last frost and peak mid-summer in the heat. Warm season grasses thrive in the summer, so planting grass seed in late spring when the temperature is reaching almost 70 degrees is a good idea. Fertilizing and weed control are best done at this time too, but choose which one is necessary at that time since pre-emergent weed control also stops grass seed germination!
Having the right equipment for the job can save time, energy and money. Do-Cut carries many types of mowers, chainsaws, trimmers and blowers to choose from, as well as broadcast spreaders, aerators, dethatchers, sprayers and debris cleanup equipment. Stop by a local Do-Cut store and knowledgeable and friendly staff members can help make any lawn green and lush again.
About Do-Cut Sales and Service Inc.
Do-Cut Sales and Service Inc. and its affiliates are family owned and operated since 1947. Brands of power equipment supplies sold include: Toro, Husqvarna, Stihl, Honda, Little Wonder, Mantis, MTD, JRCO, Ryan, Brown, Bluebird, EZ Trench, Trac-Vac, Trimmertrap, Jungle Jims, Velke and many, many more. Do-Cut Sales and Service Inc. is the trusted name in the outdoor power equipment industry.