Lawn Care

Watering – Lawns

1. Watering of a new lawn is essential to good lawn growth
2. Lawns should be watered so that water penetrates the soil to a depth of 3-4”. Light watering is not recommended because it causes shallow roots and grass will not survive through drought periods
3. When establishing a new lawn, care should be taken to keep straw in place until it deteriorates.  This will keep the soil moist after watering.

Watering – Shrubs & Trees

1. Watering new shrubs and trees in accordance with weather conditions. Trees and shrubs should have approximately 1 ½ - 2” of water applied per week. 
2. Do not over water trees and shrubs. Feel soil around the base and roots of trees and shrubs. If the soil is moist-do not water. Over watering can be as harmful as under watering. 

Fertilizing of Lawn

1. As soon as new grass emerges through the straw, the lawn should be fertilized.  Fertilizer should have an analysis of at least 12-12-12. This is an agriculture fertilizer and can be purchased from any farm supply store. This should be done for three consecutive months, weather permitting.
2. After the first year of lawn growth it is acceptable to apply broadleaf herbicides
3. In the Spring of the year, post-emergence weed control should be applied. This will remove crabgrass, broad leaves and weeds. 
4. When applying fertilizer and weed control chemicals, follow manufacturers instructions for rate of application. Most granular fertilizer should be applied at 10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
5. Apply granulated fertilizers with a broadcast spreader to prevent striping of the lawn.

Mowing

1. A new lawn should be mowed as soon as the lawn has reached 4” in height
2. Lawn should be mowed to a height of 2 ½ - 3”. Mow lawn ½” longer than you would normally mow. This will protect grass roots from heat stress and keep the lawn green. This procedure should be followed the first year.
3. Grass clippings should not be removed from the lawn unless it is excessively long or contains weeds. Clippings contain nutrients which stimulate lawn growth.

E. Lawn Rolling

1. The lawn should be rolled in the Spring of the year, as soon as the weather permits.  Rolling should be done after the frost is out of the ground and there is no danger of freezing. 
2. If over seeding is to be done, it should be done before rolling. This will push the seed into the soil and stimulate faster growth.

F. Bare Spots

1. Unless perfect weather conditions prevail, it is possible your lawn will have bare spots when it emerges.  In the event this happens and you would like assistance, Ideal will be happy to supply you with seed and/or fertilizer as necessary to repair the bare spots during the first growing season.