F.S. 101

Ohio State University ExtensionLake County99 East Erie StreetPainesville, OH 44077Phones: 440-350-2582

EXTENSION 440-918-2582440-428-4348

Fax: 440-350-5928

LAWN CARE CALENDAR FOR NORTHEASTERN OHIO

This month by month lawn care calendar is designed to help you understand lawn care and organizeinformation so that you can confidently maintain your lawn. Alternatively, it gives you information todeal with a lawn care service and evaluate the treatment options they offer. Information listed isprovided for all lawn care practices you will likely undertake as a homeowner. Extension fact sheetsand bulletins that give more information are listed on the last page. These publications may beobtained from your local county Extension office or from the website.

Of course, not all items listed will pertain to your lawn care situation. However, items are listed by themonth(s) when maintenance is usually performed or pests are more likely to be a problem. It is helpfulto remember as you work in the world of lawn management that a lawn is a unique and dynamicbiological system. The soil type and condition, weather, site orientation of your lawn, and the geneticsof the grass population are factors that merit awareness and appreciation when setting your level ofexpectations.

~ Timing is given for a "normal" season and is geared for northern Ohio. For example, if springtemperatures are abnormally high or low, then the schedule for insect and weed control must beadjusted. Moisture, either an excess or deficiency, will also alter the schedule somewhat. Rememberthat the lawn is a dynamic system, so maintenance you choose to provide and the inherent conditionsof the site are interrelated and affect lawn quality.

When pesticides are recommended, be sure to read and follow all label directions for proper use andprecautions. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to follow all current labeldirections for the specific pesticide being used. If any information in these listings orrecommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendations must be disregarded. Noendorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned.Some chemicals mentioned may be restricted to commercial applicators only.

March

Lawn Clean UpRemove sticks, leaves, and debris from thelawn. A one-time early spring mowing at a lowercutting height can be used to remove deadgrass blades and encourage spring green-up.

Seeding, OverseedingSow seed as soon as soil is workable. Seed mustmake soil contact for successful establishment.Seeding may be carried over into early April, if

necessary. Be sure there is adequate moisturein the soil to promote good germination. Newseedlings need to be watered frequently toprevent them from drying out, especially if theseeds start to germinate. Keep new seedlingsmoist, not soaking wet.

Core Cultivation (Aeration)Core cultivation can be done in spring when soilis moist, so that the operation pulls adequatesoil cores, at least 2"-3" in length. However,weed seed brought to the surface during theprocess may germinate and cause a weed

infestation. Fall is perhaps the better seasonto aerate.

Wild Onion and Wild Garlic ControlEarly spring control is best using 2,4-D esterformulation (this may be difficult to locate).Control may be fair. Be sure to apply theseproducts before plants start to grow in thespring.

Winter/Early Spring Lawn DiseasesPotential diseases are pink snow mold, graysnow mold, leaf spot, red thread, fairy ring,necrotic ring spot, and yellow patch. Refer toFact Sheets listed at the end of this guide.

April/May

fertilizationIf late fall fertilizer was applied last Octoberor November, then make only one fertilizerapplication this spring, preferably in late Aprilor early May, using no more than 3/4# actual Nper 1000 square feet. Generally, a 3-1-2 ratiois recommended for Ohio lawns with 35-501'0 ofthe nitrogen being in slow release form.

If a late fall fertilizer was not applied, thenmake two applications this spring: one aboutApril 1, the other May 25, using 112# actual Nper 1000 square feet each time (112# of N per1000 ft2 is equal to 1.5# of a 30-5-10fertilizer per 1000 ft2).

If your plan is to fertilize your yard only once ayear, delay your fertilization until late fal/. SeeOctober recommendation.

MowingBluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and the finefescues should be mowed at a height of 2" to2 112"; tall fescue is mowed at 2 112" - 3". Mowoften enough so that no more than one-third ofthe grass blade is removed at anyone cutting.Make sure the mower blade is sharp for cleancuts. Remember, leave grass clippings on thelawn. Grass clippings return nutrients to thesoil and DO NOT contribute to thatch build up.

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IrrigationIt may be necessary to water the lawn if thespring season is dry. Water deeply once a weekearly in the morning if possible, applying 1" ofwater slowly to wet the soil to a depth of 6-8inches, if rainfall is insufficient. Check soil witha trowel to see if soil is wet to a 6" depth. Youcan also measure this by placing cans out untilthey fill to a depth of 1".

Lawn Insect ControlWhite grubs resume their activity as the soilwarms in the spring. These grubs, however, arelarge and fairly resistant to insecticidaltreatment and they do not feed heavily in thespring. Should a spring treatment be necessary,use trichlorofon (i.e, Dylox or Proxol) butexpect only a 40-501'0 kill. Contact insecticideslike these are best applied in late August toearly September when the grub is small. Theseproducts must be watered in to becomeeffective. It is best to have a commercialcompany apply an insecticide.

Watch for populations of these insects andmanage them as needed:Bluegrass billbug larvaeChinch bugSod webworm

These insects along with next month's grubs,can be controlled with a late May application ofGrub X (Mach2™ or Halofenozide), or Merit ™(Imidacloprid). Apply only when moisture ispresent in the soil. It is best to water theseproducts in with 112 inch of water afterapplication. This one application should givecontrol through August.

Pre-emergent Crabgrass ControlPre-emergent herbicides can be applied duringthe first weeks in April for control ofcrabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtai I, and otherannual grassy weeds. Treatment deadline isApril 25 for northeastern Ohio. Some annualbroad leaf weeds such as chickweed, oxalis, andprostrate spurge can also be controlled withthis application. Five to seven moist nights

with 50°F soil temperatures are required forcrabgrass to germinate.

Pre-emergent herbicides available tohomeowners include Balan, Betasan, Chipco,Dacthal, Ronstar G, and Pendimethalin. Anorganic product is corn gluten meal. The onlypre-emergent product that can be used forcrabgrass control over spring seeded lawnareas is Tupersan(or Siduron). Be sure to readproduct labels for correct use.

Broadleaf Weed ControlWeeds must be actively growing for herbicidesto be effective and temperatures above 50°F;May is generally a good month for broad leafweed control. Selective post-emergentherbicides available to homeowners include2,4-D, MCPP,and dicamba. Some of theseproducts occur in combination with fertilizerand both tasks may be accomplished at thesame time.

Granular weed control needs moisture on theleaves of weeds to be effective. For thisreason, granular weed control is generally notas effective as liquid applications.

Yellow Nutsedge ControlNutsedge wi II resume growth in May and canoften be found through the summer. Basagranand halosulferon (Dimension) is labeled fornutsedge. Herbicides must be applied whenplants are young, for best results, with arepeat application made 10-14 days later.

Late Spring DiseasesDiseases which may be active in May includestripe smut, red thread, necrotic ring spot,yellow patch, slime molds, and fairy ring. Formore information, refer to Fact Sheets or callthe Extension office.

June

fertilizationEight to ten weeks after the springfertilization (if lawns are irrigated or ample

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rainfall occurs), apply 1/2 pound actual N per1000 ft2 using a complete fertilizer with 501'0in slow release form. If no fertilizer wasapplied in spring, make a June application withadequate moisture present of 3/4# of N per1000 ft2. A 30-5-10 is equal to 1.66# of thatfertilizer per 1000 ft2.

Broadleaf Weed ControlTreatments using 2,4-D, MCPP,or dicamba cancontinue into early June as long as weeds areactively growing and the weather is not hot(over 80°F) and dry.

MowingSame as in May. Be sure blade is sharp.

IrrigationSame as in May.

Lawn Insect ControlSee May recommendation for most lawninsects.

For grubs, apply an early June application ofGrub X (Mach 2TMor Halofenozide), or Merit ™(Imidacloprid) if not applied in May.

Crabgrass ControlUse post-emergent controls (DSMA or MSMA)where pre-emergence was not used or wasineffective. Apply when crabgrass is less than1" tall; treating later is ineffective. Repeattreatments are necessary. Some discolorationof the grass may be expected.

Commercial companies have newer herbicides(i.e. Drive and Dimension) that provideexcellent control with no lawn discoloration.

Small areas of crabgrass can be controlled byhand pulling before seed is set.

MowingRaise cutting height 112" to increase shadingeffect on soil and grass crowns for the summer

stress period. Depending on temperatures andrainfall or watering, grass may be going into adormant state and mowing will be less frequentthrough July and August.

IrrigationFollow these guidelines for watering tomaintain a green lawn through the summerstress period, assuming rainfall is insufficient:

o Apply 1" of water per week (take somemeasurement to insure you are applyingthis amount). Check soil at 6" depthwith a knife or trowel for moisturecontent.

o Water in the morning.o Be aware of water use: a 7,500 square

foot lawn will require 4,680 gallons ofwater per week.

If the grass is allowed to go dormant andrainfall is sparse, a light irrigation of 112" ofwater every 3-4 weeks is recommended to keeproots and crowns alive, but will not regreen thelawn. If dormancy is lengthy and temperaturesare excessively high, some loss of lawn isprobable.

Summer and Early Fall DiseaseDiseases that may be active July throughSeptember include: brown patch, do liar spot,slime mold, powdery mildew, rust, anthracnose,fairy rings, melting-out, stripe smut, necroticring spot, and summer patch. Refer to FactSheets listed at the end of this guide.

August

fertilizationAt the end of August or early September(after the first rains occur), make the firstfall application of a complete fertilizer, using1# actual N per 1000 ft2 of a 3-1-2 ratiofertilizer. 35 to 50,},oshould be in slow releaseform.

MowingDepending on temperatures and moisture,mowing will be less frequent in August.

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IrrigationSame as in July.

Lawn Insect ControlWatch for populations of these insects andmanage as needed:Chinch Bug - mid to late AugustSod Webworm - through AugustWhite Grubs - Control action is needed whengrub populations are greater than 10 persquare foot. Treat about mid to late Augustwith trichlorofan (i.e. Dylox or Proxol). Checkturf 2-4 weeks after treatment to make surelate season grubs are not present. Reapply ifnecessary.

September

Seeding, OverseedingIdeally, any seeding, overseeding, or otherrenovation is done by September 15 for bestfall establishment. If seeding cannot be doneby October 15 in northern Ohio, postpone thejob until spring. Weather variations mayshorten or extend the window for seeding.

Core Aeration - Thatch ManagementIf thatch is 1/2" or greater in thickness, itshould be managed with core aeration. Coreaeration can be done to reduce soil compactionor to prepare soil for overseeding. The machineshould be run in three or four directions overthe lawn to create at least 9 holes per squarefoot (more if you are overseeding). Soil shouldbe moist to pull good cores; cores should be 2"to 3" in length.

In heavy thatch situations, hiring a commercialcompany that can provide equipment with morecore capacity may be necessary.

fertilizationApply 1# actual N per 1000 ft2 if none wasapplied in late August with 30-35'7'0 in slowrelease form. Best applied early in the month.If only one fertilizer application is to be madein the fall, make it in late September or earlyOctober.

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EXTENSION BULLETINS AND FACT SHEETS FOR HOME LAWN CARE

Fact Sheets*Cultural CareHYG-1l91 Lawn Care Plans'"HYG-4001 Broadleaf Weed Control in

LawnsAnnual Grass Control'"Managing Moss and Algae in theHome LawnFertilization of Lawn'"Thatch - The Accumulation inLawns'"Yellow Nutsedge Control inHome Lawns'"Turfgrass Species Selection'"Lawn EstablishmentLawn Mowing'"Understanding a Fertilizer LabelWhat To Look for in a Lawn CareService'" .Lime and the Home Lawn'"Lawn Grass Cultivar Selection'"Interpreting a Soil Test forLawns'"Managing Turfgrass underDrought Conditions'"Growing Turfgrass in the ShadeNatural Organic Lawn Care forOhio'"

Bulletins*#546#L-187

HYG-4002HYG-4005

HYG-4006HYG-4008

HYG-4010

HYG-4011HYG-4019HYG-4020HYG-4022HYG-4025

HYG-4026HYG-4027HYG-4028

HYG-4029

HYG-4030HYG-4031

Lawn Establishment'"Management of Turfgrass Pests,Weeds, Diseases, and Insects"

The Lawn Care Calendar was prepared by:Jane C. MartinOhio State University ExtensionFranklin CountyJanuary 1989

Revised for Northeastern Ohio in March 2007.

EntomologyW-ll Controlling Moles in the Home

LawnSod Webworm Management inLcwns"White Grubs in Turfgrass'"Billbugs in Turfgrass'"Chinch Bug in Turfgrass'"

HYG-2011

HYG-2500HYG-2502HYG-2503

Lawn DiseasesHYG-3074 Slime Mold on Turfgrass'"HYG-3075 Dollar Spot on Turfgrass'"HYG-3081 Powdery Mildew on Turfgrass'"HYG-3082 Summer Patch on Turfgrass'"HYG-3084 Brown Patch on Turfgrass'"

Contact your local Extension office for currentprices on bulletins and mailing information onfact sheets.

'" - available online at http://ohioline.osu.eduand click on the Yard and Garden icon

Where trade names are used, no discriminationis intended and no endorsement by Ohio 5tateUniversity Extension is implied. Although everyattempt is made to produce information that iscomplete, timely, and accurate, the pesticideuser bears responsibility of consulting thepesticide label and adhering to thosedirections.

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversityand is committed to ensuring that all research and relatededucational programs are available to clientele on anondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion,sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity orexpression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is inaccordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and theUSDA. Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Vice President forAgricultural Administration and Director, Ohio stateUniversity Extension. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or614-292-1868 .

MowingLower cutting height back to 2" - 2 1/2" (2 112"- 3" for tall fescue). Mowing frequency willlikely increase with cooler temperatures andmoisture.

IrrigationSame as August, if needed.

Lawn Insect ControlWhite grubs may be present in September andOctober. These late season, older grubs arevoracious feeders and chemical control may bedifficult. Use trichlorofon (i.e. Dylox or Proxol)and be sure to irrigate well after application,or have a commercial lawn care firm treat forthese grubs.

Broadleaf Weed ControlBroadleaf weeds will resume growth with coolertemperature and moisture. Fall is often thebest time to control weeds since the grass fillsin as the weeds die, and there is less chance ofinjury to flower and vegetable gardenscompared to spring applications.

October

Seeding, OverseedingAccomplish no later than October 15 fornorthern Ohio. Success of germination willdecline with cooler soil temperatures.

SoddingSod should be laid no later than 4 weeksbefore the ground freezes for good rootestablishment. Follow good watering practicesfor establishment.

MowingContinue mowing as long as grass is activelygrowing.

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Leaf RemovalFallen tree leaves should remain no longer thantwo weeks on grass. Grass may becomestressed and discolor if sunlight is limited forlong periods.

Mulching mowers lessen the need for leafremoval by chopping up the leaves andreturning organic matter to the soi I. Mowingwill need to be more frequent to accomplishthis.

Fall DiseasesWatch for powdery mildew and rust, twodiseases that may be active in October.

Late Fall FertilizationApply 1# - 2# actual N/lOOO ft2 in a fastrelease (water soluble) fertilizer in lateOctober or early November after the firsthard frost. Grass should still be green and airtemperatures typically below 55°F. This is themost important fertilization of the year forturfgrass. Note: Research has shown that theearly fall application of fertilizer is critical toattaining the full benefit of the late fallfertilization.

November & December

Late Fall FertilizationApplication should be made no later thanNovember 15. See October note for details.

MowingFor the last mowing of the season, cut thegrass at 2" to avoid problems with snow mold,especially if you are in an area where wintersnow cover is common.