Summer Lawn Tips

Landmark’s Tips for Summer Lawn Care

Fertilizing Your Summer Lawn
Rule 1: Never make the mistake of over fertilizing. Laying too much fertilizer on your lawn will result in burning (killing) your lawn.
Rule 2: If you think you have applied too much fertilizer, your only recourse is to water, water, water. Soak the area in question until you feel comfortable…then soak it some more.
Approximately 6-8 weeks after a spring application of CRABGRASS PREVENTER, your lawn is ready for a WEED & FEED type fertilizer. This will control dandelions and a host of other broadleaf weeds.
If you have not used a spring CRABGRASS PREVENTER, a WEED & FEED can be applied at the first sign of new weed growth (mid to late April for our area).
If you do not have a weed problem, a slow release, high nitrogen LAWN BUILDER (26-7-13) can be applied just as soon as your lawn has been raked and checked for thatch build-up. (See Landmark’s tips for Spring Lawn Care). A LAWN BUILDER type fertilizer can be applied every 6-8 weeks throughout the summer and early fall.
Many of our customers prefer to use a low cost fertilizer like 10-10-10 or Milorganite.  These are both fast release fertilizers and should be broadcast more often (every four weeks).

Aerating
During the summer, soil tends to become compacted. You can decrease the compaction by aerating. Aerating helps water seep down to the grass roots and brings air back into the sub-soil. Sub-surface air and water are necessary for turf to grow. During the winter, mother nature will aerate the soil once more by freezing and thawing.

Gypsum
Unknown by most homeowners, gypsum is the wonder drug of yard care. Inexpensive, it provides a wide range of benefits to your property. It should be applied twice a year to established lawns and is especially beneficial when broadcast after aerating. It helps to break up hard clay type soils, and provides all these benefits:

• Allows air and water to penetrate
• Improves drainage
• Allows deeper root penetration
• Increases fertilizer effectiveness
• Counteracts salt damage (apply 20-40 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. of lawn)

While not considered a fertilizer, it does provide small amounts of sulfate sulfur and soluble calcium

On new lawns apply 10-30 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. — work into the soil before seeding.
On old lawns apply 40 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. — broadcast, then water.
On gardens apply 20-30 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. — work into the soil before planting.

It is also beneficial to your shrubs, evergreens and roses
  – apply 1/2 to 1 lb. around each rose bush, twice a year
  – apply 1-2 lbs. around each shrub spring and fall
  – apply 2-3 lbs around each evergreen spring and fall
  – and WATER WELL AFTER EACH APPLICATION.

Lime
When a soil test indicates a low PH, broadcast lime at the rate of 4 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. for each point of PH below 6.5.

If you have questions about anything on this page, please feel free to ask us.