Yes, it's normal. There are varieties that greenup earlier. Most of them are older ones though. Based on when you laid your sod, it's possible what you have are newer varieties, most of which green up quite late by comparison.

I have a question: After yours greens up, do you compare it with the others? Do you notice any differences? Would you say you like yours better except for the late greenup? Or, are there no noticeable differences?

Well, I guess that was several questions, huh? LOL

Another question: Why do you fertilize in winter? I can't really say the grass benefits by fertilizer so late. Or, did you mean late fall? The last fert of the year should be some time between late October and mid November, depending on your area. You'll know when it is time when the grass has stopped growing. You don't have to mow it any more, but it is still green. Once it goes into dormancy is too late.

I meant to add that well-timed late season fertilizer will help the grass green up earlier. It will likely prevent it from ever going completely brown during dormancy.

Bestlawn,

Yes, I meant late fall fertilizer, not winter. And yes, I do feel I have as nice if not nicer of a lawn when it does finally come in. It is thick and dark green. My sod was laid about 5 years ago and I was told it was a midnight mix. Since then I have overseeded with KC Bluemaster mix.

It just gets a little stressful to be the last lawn on the block to green up - other than that I can't complain :)

As long as I have your attention I have a weed question for you. I get alot of Henbent each spring that i have to spray and kill. Is there a way to be proactive and prevent it from ever taking hold?

Thank you - I appreciate getting advice from the more knowledgable and respected posters on here.

Two ways to be proactive.....
We here on the forum are learning fall is the best time to kill broadleaf weeds. If seeding in the fall, then late fall is best after mowing the new grass 3 or 4 times.

I like suggesting Portrait (scroll down) as a pre-m. An earlier than now application is warranted, but it might not be too late to prevent any more henbit and others like dandelion, clover, etc.

For the existing ones, zap them a week or two after fertilizing the lawn.

"Why does my backyard take so long to green up?"

Lack of fertilizer.

Check your soil PH, very important to bluegrass. The ideal range should be between 6 and 7.

Get a soil test if you can. I know it's a pain the rear, but the end result is worth it. You need to know what you are dealing with in the soil. Forget the kits you buy at HomeDepot or Lowe's.

Most of the fescue lawn around here turn brown like zoysia almost during the winter months because the lack of fertilizer, but my bluegrass stays green (nearly all winter long) because I fertize it.

I have an elite KBG lawn, and this is how I fertilized it during the winter:

12/01/07 = Scotts Turfbuilder 29-3-4 with 2% iron
02/02/08 = Scotts Turfbuilder 29-3-4 with 2% iron
03/19/08 = Scotts Turfbuilder with Crabgrass Pre. 29-3-4
Next application will be 05/17/08 Howard Johnson 13-2-13 for golf greens.
Then if we get a wet summer, I will do Milorganite or Espoma on July 04 weekend.

Thanks Auteck - every year I tell myself "you need to get a soil test done" but i never get around to doing it. I even know where the local extension is... this time I'm going to get it done.

You fertilize more than I do, and I thought I did alot.

Auteck, I hope you aren't suggesting ceighmey follow your fertilization protocol. That is really "out there" for a cool season lawn in zone 5.

Most zone 5 region universities, including KSU, warn against early spring fertilization and recommend concentrating on fall fertilization, with the first fertilization of the year being late spring after the flush of growth the lawn will already do on it's own, around mid spring.

Ceighmey, see the attached for KSU guidelines. Sounds like you have a nice lawn and would follow the "high quality" lawn recommendations for KBG.

Here is a link that might be useful: KSU: fertilization of lawns

Thanx, Subywu. I was tired of disputing stuff like that.

Most of those recommendations are for your "average homeowner" they are guidelines for those with little or no experience/knowledge about turfgrass.

No, I'm not suggesting someone in zone 5 should follow my fertilization schedule for zone 7, nor I'm suggesting that an "average homeowner" in zone 7 should follow my fertilizing schedule - that's up to whomever wants to do that. What I am suggesting is that you don't have to follow every thing writen in lawn books because their approach to lawn maintenance is VERY conservative at best.

ceighmey asked why his lawn takes so long to green up when his neighbors' fescue lawn are already green. My suggestion is based on personal experience and good observation of turfgrass during . Because I fertilize my lawn even in the winter is that I have green grass nearly all winter, and most if not all of my neighbors' fescue lawn are nearly straw color - just the opossite ceighmey observation.

For many years I followed NCSU recommendation with little to no success, specially during the summer months. Trial and error, years of hard work, searching, reading, ect, and a tremendous desire to succed put me where I am today. I can finally grow grass like sod farmers do in the transition zone. I can grow grass where most people fail... Someone once said, "one size does not fit all." It certenly holds true for many things in life, what you read in those lawn books does not necessarily translate into success.

The advise is solid and based on proven results, not books alone.

ceighmey, where exactly in Kansas are you located?

I live in the burbs of Kansas City.

I understand that most people have a plan or routine they use for their yard and it does not apply to every lawn. I appreciate all your thoughts and information - I went ahead and gathered my soil samples last night and will be paying a visit to the local KSU extension on my lunch break.

I have a feeling all of you will be right in some respects and hopefully I can come back on here when my results are in to discuss further with you?

It is great to get the feedback... from all sides!

Curt