Landmark's Tips for Summer Lawn Care
Fertilizing Your Summer Lawn
Rule 1: Never make the mistake of
over fertilizing. Laying too much
fertilizer on your lawn will result in
burning (killing) your lawn.
Rule 2: If you think you have
applied too much fertilizer, your only
recourse is to water, water, water. Soak
the area in question until you feel
comfortable...then soak it some more.
Approximately 6-8 weeks after a spring
application of CRABGRASS PREVENTER, your
lawn is ready for a WEED & FEED type
fertilizer. This will control dandelions
and a host of other broadleaf weeds.
If you have not used a spring CRABGRASS
PREVENTER, a WEED & FEED can be applied
at the first sign of new weed growth
(mid to late April for our area).
If you do not have a weed problem, a
slow release, high nitrogen LAWN BUILDER
(26-7-13) can be applied just as soon as
your lawn has been raked and checked for
thatch build-up. (See Landmark's tips
for Spring Lawn Care). A LAWN BUILDER
type fertilizer can be applied every 6-8
weeks throughout the summer and early
fall.
Many of our customers prefer to use a
low cost fertilizer like 10-10-10 or
Milorganite. These are both fast
release fertilizers and should be
broadcast more often (every four weeks).
Aerating
During the summer, soil tends to become
compacted. You can decrease the
compaction by aerating. Aerating helps
water seep down to the grass roots and
brings air back into the sub-soil.
Sub-surface air and water are necessary
for turf to grow. During the winter,
mother nature will aerate the soil once
more by freezing and thawing.
Gypsum
Unknown by most homeowners, gypsum is
the wonder drug of yard care.
Inexpensive, it provides a wide range of
benefits to your property. It should be
applied twice a year to established
lawns and is especially beneficial when
broadcast after aerating. It helps to
break up hard clay type soils, and
provides all these benefits:
-
Allows air and water to penetrate
-
Improves drainage
-
Allows deeper root penetration
-
Increases fertilizer effectiveness
-
Counteracts salt damage (apply 20-40
lbs. per 100 sq. ft. of lawn)
While not considered a fertilizer, it
does provide small amounts of sulfate
sulfur and soluble calcium
On new lawns apply 10-30 lbs. per 100
sq. ft. -- work into the soil before
seeding.
On old lawns apply 40 lbs. per 100 sq.
ft. -- broadcast, then water.
On gardens apply 20-30 lbs. per 100 sq.
ft. -- work into the soil before
planting.
It is also beneficial to your shrubs,
evergreens and roses
- apply 1/2 to 1 lb. around each rose bush, twice a year
- apply 1-2 lbs. around each shrub spring and fall
- apply 2-3 lbs around each evergreen spring and fall
- and WATER WELL AFTER EACH APPLICATION.
Lime
When a soil test indicates a low PH,
broadcast lime at the rate of 4 lbs. per
100 sq. ft. for each point of PH below
6.5.
If you have questions about anything
on this page, please feel free to ask
us.
