How do I properly maintain my new lawn?
After my new lawn is started, what should I do to properly maintain it? Once your new lawn is established, the most important aspect
in maintaining the health and overall appearance of your lawn is regular and proper maintenance. If you think of your lawn in terms
of a human being’s basic needs, it will help you with your lawn.
Those basic needs include:
• Food - fertilizer
• Water - basic for any growing organism
• Protection from injury, disease and pests - weed control and good mowing habits.
Although your choice of seed to plant for your lawn is very important, proper lawn maintenance is an equal part of that equation. Here are some basic tips to help you maintain that great looking lawn.
• Mowing - is essential for the health and lush appearance of your lawn. It helps discourage weeds and makes the lawn more resistant to pests.
- Mow to a height of 2½" to 3½".
- Try to mow frequently enough that you are cutting only 1/3 ofthe total length of the grass.
- Maintain a sharp blade. A dull blade tends to "rip" the grass instead of cutting it. This results in a grey/white cast to the newly mowed lawn and makes the grass more susceptible to insects and disease.
- Try to alternate directions each time you mow. Continually running a mower over the grass at the same spot creates permanent damage in those areas.
- Grass Clippings - if you mow frequently enough to maintain the "1/3 rule" above, it is not necessary to use a bagger. However, if your grass is too long accumulated clippings left on the lawn can damage the existing grass and harbor an environment for disease and insects.
• WATER - during dry periods, water thoroughly with approximately one inch of water. This "deep" watering is preferred over short, light watering, as it encourages deeper root growth and makes your lawn less susceptible to disease and heat stress. The best time to water is in the early morning when evaporation rates are low and the grass has time to dry. Watering in the evenings, particularly after dark, allows excess moisture, making the lawn more susceptible to disease.
• FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL - Your lawn requires three basic nutrients:
- N - Nitrogen - promotes growth and dark green color
- P - Phosphorus - promotes root growth under the soil surface
- K - Potassium - promotes root and plant growth
The AGWAY FOUR STEP PROGRAM is designed to address most of your lawn’s nutrient and weed control needs throughout the growing season…
• ADJUSTING SOIL pH (Limestone) - The use of pulverized or pelletized limestone adds additional nutrients to your soil (Calcium and in some cases Magnesium). However, its main purpose is to adjust the pH of your soil to the optimum level to promote plant growth. Most soils in the Northeast are acidic. Meaning the pH is lower than 7.0. The optimum pH level for growing grass is 6.8 to 7.0. If your soil pH is less than 6.4, it is a good idea to apply limestone to your lawn.
Stage® 1 Crabgrass Preventer & Fertilizer
Apply March through April. Tough crabgrass, foxtail and spurge preventer.
Stage® 1 New Seeding Option
For use on newly seeded lawns or new lawns that have not been mowed at least two times.
Stage® 2 Weed Control & Fertilizer*
Apply May through June. Gets rid of dandelions and other broadleaf weeds.
* Agway® Pelletized Limestone improves fertilizer effectiveness. Easy to spread.
Stage® 3 Insect Control & Fertilizer
Apply August through September. Good control for lawn damaging and nuisance insects
Stage® 4 Winterizer Fertilizer
Apply September through October. Specially designed for application in the fall for early spring green up.