Making Your Lawn The Envy of The Neighborhood – AG Matters
Want to have the lawn that the neighbors wish they had? Starting with the right grass seed for CNY is a big part of the answer. The Master Gardener program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County offers tips on growing, mowing and maintaining your lawn.
Cool -season grasses are the most popular in New York Use Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues. Nearly 60% of your lawns' growth will happen during spring. And the experts say now is the time to fertilize.
Fertilize the lawn when the grass is actively growing, now through the beginning of June is the best time. Another time to apply fertilize to a lawn is around Labor Day (Beginning of September).
If you plan to only fertilize once a year, it's best to wait until Labor Day.
Proper mowing techniques are important in maintaining your lawn:
- Set your mower at 3 inches or its highest setting
- Mow frequently when the lawn is actively growing (never mow fine fescues lawns during the summer if conditions of heat or drought stress)
- Do not use a bag or catcher; leave clippings on the lawn
- Use a sharp blade (blades should be sharpen at least once a year)
And when it comes to controlling weeds, make sure you know what weed your trying to control. Cornell University has a new online website tool, Turfgrass and Landscape Weed ID to help identify what is what.
Give your lawn a head start on spring by mulching in the fall. "Mulch your lawn with fallen tree leaves, it gives back nutrients to the soil and helps to suppress weeds for the following year.
Get more tips on growing the perfect lawn with Cornell"s Lawn and Garden fact sheets.
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