Turf Care

Mow often enough so that no more than

1/3 of the grass blade is cut. Keeping the
grass too short results in scorched turf
during hot, dry summer weather. Letting
the grass stay too tall results in weak,
thin turf that has a difficult time crowding
out invading weeds. The optimum mow-
ing height is 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches. If brown
areas occur after mowing in the summer,
then raise the mowing level one notch.
Bermuda
Water turf slowly and thoroughly to
encourage deep root development; wait
as long as possible before watering again
so roots will grow toward the moist soil
beneath. A good rule of thumb: 1 - 2 of
water every week during summer;
1 - 2 of water every two weeks during the
spring and fall; 1 - 2 of water each month
during the winter.
Turf may need fertilization if leaf blades
are pale and growth has slowed. Ber-
muda, a warm season grass, should be
fertilized in late spring, summer, and
early fall.
Fescue
Mow often enough so that no more than
1/3 of the grass blade is cut. Keeping the
grass too short results in scorched turf
during hot, dry summer weather. Letting
the grass stay too tall results in weak,
thin turf that has a difficult time crowding
out invading weeds. Frequent and regular
mowing encourages dense turf which re-
sists weeds. The optimum mowing height
is 2 - 2 1/2 inches.
Turf must be kept moist during intensely
hot, summer weather and may thin badly
if not watered enough.
Fescue, a cool season grass, should be
fertilized in early fall and early spring.
St.
Augustine
Mow often enough so that no more than
1/3 of the grass blade is cut. Keeping the
grass too short results in scorched turf
during hot, dry summer weather. Letting
the grass stay too tall results in weak,
thin turf that has a difficult time crowding
out invading weeds. Frequent and regular
mowing encourages dense turf which
resists weeds. The optimum mowing
height is 2 - 3 inches. Do not de-thatch
St. Augustine.
Water turf slowly and thoroughly to
encourage deep root development; wait
as long as possible before watering again
so roots will grow toward the moist soil
beneath.
St. Augustine, a warm season grass,
should be fertilized in late spring,
summer, and early fall.
Mowing Watering Fertilization
New Seed/
Hydromulch
Mow only when turf reaches the desired
height or slightly higher, usually 2 - 3 for
new turf or after four to five weeks.
Proper watering is crucial for successful
germination - the soil must stay moist.
Water 2 - 3 times daily for 5 - 7 minutes
or as necessary to maintain moisture.
Continue this watering schedule until turf
is 1/2 - 1 tall (about two weeks). Then,
decrease watering frequency and increase
watering time to stimulate deep root
growth.
Approximately three weeks after seeding,
apply a lawn starter fertilizer. It is safe to
fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer
after the second or third mowing.
New Sod
Newly installed sod should not be mowed
for two weeks.
Proper watering is crucial for successful
sod installation. Immediately after
installation, soak turf thoroughly to a
depth of six inches. Repeat daily, as
often as necessary, to keep it moist, but
be careful not to flood. Then, decrease
watering frequency and increase watering
time to stimulate deep root growth.
Approximately three weeks after installing
sod, apply a lawn starter fertilizer. It is
safe to fertilize with a general purpose
fertilizer after the second or third mow-
ing.
-- --