By David G. Hallauer

Jefferson County Extension Agent, Agriculture

I don't think we can say that spring is here just yet, even with some pretty mild weather late last week, but it IS just around the corner, and that means its time to start thinking about taking care of your lawn.

Most of our lawn grasses are cool season in nature, meaning they like spring, may go dormant for a period in the summer, then perk back up again in the fall. Cool season grasses include tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Warm season grasses, like Bermuda grass and zoysia will require a little different care. For the sake of simplicity, let's focus on cool season grasses.

Weed control is always a big concern for homeowners. We just hate those little purple flowered henbit plants and the ever present dandelion. Fall is actually the best time for control of these annuals, as they are more susceptible to herbicide applications when they are newly emerged in the fall. Still, spring applications of certain herbicides can be successful as well. If you are going to treat for weeds, try to do so on a spot treatment only basis, and do so on a day that is 50 degrees F or warmer. This will help keep any undesired drift problems to a minimum. Herbicides vary in their drift potential, and even timing. Some of the newer broadleaf herbicides will allow you to apply when temperatures are below 50 degrees, so consider them as well. Remember, an irrigation or rain within 24 hours of applying the treatment will reduce its effectiveness so watch the weather accordingly.

March is NOT the time for all weed control applications. In fact, crabgrass preventer shouldn't be applied until April 1 to 15 or when the Eastern Redbud is in full bloom. If the product you are using has the active ingredient prodiamine, you may be able to apply two weeks earlier. Unlike broadleaf weed control products, crabgrass preventers do need to be watered in before they will start to work. A second application will likely be necessary, probably before June 15.

We often think that spring is a great time for fertilizer applications, but in most cases, fall is again a better time. Too much spring nitrogen will only result in a flush of top growth with inadequate roots to support it all when the summer turns warmer and drier. Hold off until May. A May application will also allow you to apply a "combination" product for weed control.

For a year-round lawn care program, contact the office for details.

Read and Follow Label Directions

We are fortunate here to be able to grow anything from turf to soybeans to vegetable and fruit crops. We do it in a variety of systems as well. As such, there are many different management systems in place, many of which include the use of chemicals for weed, insect, and disease control.

However, this diversity does sometimes cause us some problems, if these chemicals inadvertently harm a neighboring crop, landscape, or lawn or don't work like they should. Users of chemicals must be careful to read and follow label directions so that their own crops, those of their neighbors, or even those a distance away, are not harmed by improper application or management. Proper application will result in better efficacy of the product, while resulting in less crop damage and resistance issues that result from over or improper application. Labels are designed to protect the user, crop, consumer, and our environment. Following them properly will keep useful products available to us for many seasons to come.

Date: 3/24/05