Great news for last fall renovators

16 years ago

All the slow growth and weed problems have had me as baffled as most of you. As far as slow growth, I and others have submitted that soil temps simply aren't favorable yet and to be patient where that's concerned. However, what has had me most baffled is your weeds problems. I've been afraid to suggest one way or the other, being not quite sure of herbicide applications with such limited growth, being torn between time's maturity and taking label instructions literally. Sooooo, I decided to find out for certain because I am as disappointed for some of you as I've no doubt you are.

Following is the definitive answer. He kindly took the liberty to confirm some other points also.........

Weed controls, both pre and post, can certainly be used on Fall planted turf. The Âmow firstÂ rule is typically used when applications are considered the first month or so after planting. For turf planted six months ago and coming through a winter, theyÂve certainly hardened off enough to cope with some weed control. As always follow those label rates!!

Another important consideration is keeping an eye on the weather. Spring Âheat wavesÂ can pop up quickly so care needs to be taken in watching local forecasts. For example, weÂve been unseasonably cool this spring with only a day or two in the 70Âs, yet, Thursday through Sat is forecasted for high 80Âs Â low 90Âs. You wouldnÂt want to apply a post emergent on a new lawn heading into that type of heat.

As for the low-mow lawns in springÂÂÂitÂs important for the folks to remember that soil temperature is a significant factor in spring growth. Typically soil temps lag a few weeks behind air temps and cold soils do not favor much growth. Lawns may green, but show little top-growth. Cold soils also do not favor the nitrification process that provides readily available N to lawns and other plants. For those on ÂorganicÂ programs or using Urea-based nitrogen products, cold soils translate to ÂhungryÂ lawns. IÂd suggest the use of products featuring some nitrate and / or ammoniacal sources of N to jump start a lawn. KBÂs typically donÂt start moving much before the low Â50Âs in the soil.

Another factor is the broad use of KBÂs that exhibit very slow spring green-up. There are a significant number of elite, low-growing KB varieties that are extremely slow to green up in the spring. TheyÂre all beautiful varieties, widely used, and slow as molasses! They basically grow when theyÂre ready and not much before!

So spray away as much as label instructions allow to get rid of those weeds. And when temps rise and become steady enough to allow the soil to warm up, you'll be well on your way to the beautiful lawn you expected this summer to be.

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Comments (9)

paulinct
16 years ago
Thanks for posting that!
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egghead2004
16 years ago
yeah, Thanks! Makes me feel a bit better too.
I usually have mowed the back 2 or 3 times by now...so far not once. And the new renovation well, the pics I posted speak for themselves.

I can't wait for the warmer weather to get here and that microheard will begin to devour the milargonite creating much micropoop to feed the grass.
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gryd
16 years ago
My renovated lawn of last fall is growing really good. What's got me concerned is the area that didn't take that I seeded early April. It germinated ok but it's been peach fuzz for a while now. I planted TTPR & Fine Fescue. The soil apparently warmed up enough to germinate the seed but not enough for good growth? Any thoughts?
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User
16 years ago
The soil apparently warmed up enough to germinate the seed but not enough for good growth? Any thoughts?

Time heals all wounds and all that crud. I have the same in my dormant-seeded areas--only the weeds are growing. There I won't use herbicides yet, it's too young, but at least I can now use it on the older stuff! It should start to grow soon, after the roots are set up.

Eh, although I think I'm on my tenth mow already or something like that. Still, I tend to be very conservative.
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paulinct
16 years ago
I second morpheus, and will just add that I am in Clinton, just up 95 from you a bit, and this has been a very slow spring for us, much like last year. Hang in there, I'm sure it will turn out fine, just keep up your fertilization and watering schedules.
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gryd
16 years ago
Thanks Morpheus and Paul. By the way Paul, I drive through Clinton every day on my way to Westbrook Middle School where I teach. Gas prices are killing me.
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arjo_reich
16 years ago
So....

Since I have a spring KBG renovation growing up on me, when do you suppose would be a safe time to put down a layer of halts or dimension to control weeds... specifically; henbit, clover, spurge, dandelion and crabgrass.

The seed was sown 04/05 and has grown up quite well but I'd like to be able to get an application of some kind of selective herbicide in before the heat of summer sets in and stresses my grass out further.

To complicate matters further, I will be leaving on a holiday to miami on 05/22 and will not be returning until 06/01 so the lawn will be unmaintainable during that period. Weather has been kind to me by way of free water thus far and it should hold up until I get back - neighbor will turn on the sprinklers otherwise, however by the time I get back the air temps will start averaging 82-86(F) and the soil temps will follow quickly behind them.

Think I could/should risk it this week? Also, should I hold off on giving it my lawn the other half of it's half-dose (1.5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. of 34-0-0 urea) that I started off with when seeding or should I wait until after the herbicide... or is it the other way around, fertilize first and then wait a week and apply the selective herbicide second. I get confused on that one.
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parafly9
16 years ago
I just checked weather.com and the entire week is supposed to be in the mid-60's. I'm assuming we are looking for at least 70's for any appreciable soil warm-up and growth.
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grayentropy
16 years ago
I use greencast online to monitor soil temps. We were briefly at 55 C in late April when the forsythia and trees bloomed. Since then, we have been at 50 or below. The next 10 days seem closer to historical averages according to weather.com (since when are they right?).
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Great news for last fall renovators

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paulinct

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