This past summer was tough one for landscapes especially for lawns. The heavy rains in June, high heat and humidity in July and August put tremendous stress on lawns. Grass is a cool weather plant and when the temperature outside rises and it becomes real hot it naturally wants to go dormant. Of course, we want our lawns to be green and lush throughout the summer so we fertilize and water hoping that it stays green and looking great.
What we are doing is creating an environment that insects and fungi can thrive on. Eventually, unless we use a lot of toxic chemicals, we lose lawn or most of it and then have to rebuild it. September, with its warm days and cool nights, is the ideal time to rebuild. Fortunately, we can get our lawn back and save what's left with a little TLC and some know how. Here is my list of steps to follow:
1. Soil test. Determine the kind of soil you have and the nutrients that are needed to provide the growing medium that grass seeds can germinate in and thrive.
2. Rake out all the dead grass and scratch up the soil for new seed.
3. Core aerate the entire lawn. Core aerate opens the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients in. It also makes a good place for seed to get caught in.
4. Top dress the area with compost. Compost is comprised of organic matter that has beneficial microbes, fungi, which will improve the existing soil and make for a great environment for seed to germinate in.
5. Use seed that is formulated for Long Island. A blend of bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue.
6. Spread seed evenly with a spreader and lightly rake in to soil.
7. Apply a starter fertilizer.
8. Water regularly. Keep the seed moist all the time. Water approximately 3times per day for 5 to 10 minutes until germination. A week after germination cut back on watering to once a day for approximately 20 -30 minutes. Preferably in the morning hours when there is less evaporation.
9. Cut the grass once the new grass has reached the height of 3-4 inches.
10. Apply fall fertilizer before November 1. Use organic fertilizer.
11. Apply lime in the fall if the pH is below 6.0.
12. Keep leaves off of lawn as much as possible in the fall and throughout the winter. Grass roots will keep growing all winter long and will provide a great start for the following spring.
A beautiful lawn pulls a great landscape together. With a little bit of effort, know how, and timing your lawn can be looking great in a very short time. Additionally, putting in the effort now will produce great results next spring and make your lawn stronger for the following summer.
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