Mow at a height of 1 ½ to 2 inches in spring and fall and up to 3 inches in summer during stress periods. Make sure your mower is properly sharpened. A dull mower can do as much damage to the grass plant as an insect or disease.
Grass requires 1 inch of water per week. Water heavily once a week. Avoid both excessive irrigation and frequent light watering. Excessive and/or light watering encourages stress on the grass plant.
When weeds become a problem, herbicides are suggested. Apply a pre-emergence herbicide in April to prevent crabgrass. Apply herbicides for broadleaf weed control in late May or September.
Thatch consists of a tightly intermingled layer of decay-resistant undecomposed grass roots that develop between the soil surface and the zone of green vegetation. When the thatch layer reaches ½ to ¾ inch, it should be removed with a power dethatching machine, either in spring or fall. Thatch retards plant growth, prevents air, water and fertilizer movement and harbors insects and disease organisms.
Aerification increases oxygen exchange, water infiltration, water retention, nutrient penetration and thatch decomposition. Use of an aerifier that brings up soil and reinoculates the thatch layer with soil and microbes is going to improve the probability of thatch decomposition benefit from the improved oxygen levels as much as the turf grass.
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Contact Information:
Black Creek Sod, Inc.
W6377 Newland Road
Black Creek, Wisconsin 54106
Phone: 920-984-3313
