We’ve all heard the saying “the best defense is a good offense” applied to situations from national security to sports.  It can also be applied to managing your bluegrass turf under Colorado climatic conditions.  While we’re not in the “turf business” at Phelan Gardens, we do carry the fertilizers and chemicals to help you win the offensive battle.  And since we are often asked lawn maintenance questions, let us offer you a few suggestions.

Repeatedly the turf growers we deal with, as well as the CSU Cooperative Extension make the point that to eliminate many of the diseases and weeds that might affect lawns in Colorado, the homeowner, first and foremost, needs to follow good cultural practices.  These include:

• Watering  In our dry Colorado climate, year-round irrigation is essential for all landscape, including lawns, to prosper.  During the growing season it is recommended that turfgrass be watered to a depth of 6 to 8 inches as infrequently as possible depending on soil type.  Clay soil needs two applications of water over a short period of time to avoid run off.   Sandy soil, due to its pores nature, will require more frequent watering.  A hardened lawn attained through less frequent, but deep irrigation often withstands minor draught and generally has fewer diseases.  It also prevents the moisture buildup necessary for weed seed germination.  Watering, ideally, should be done between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. so that the moisture has a chance to soak in and not be lost to evaporation.  Contrary to the popular belief, night watering does not encourage lawn disease in our region.

• Mowing  It is recommended that lawn height should be maintained between 2.5 and 3 inches year-round in Colorado.  Mowing less than 2 inches can result in less tolerance to draught conditions and increased possibilities of insects, diseases and weeds taking hold in the lawn.  When mowing take off no more than 1/3^rd of the grass blade height and let clippings fall back into the lawn.  Clippings decompose quickly and provide a source of recycled nutrients and organic matter, which promote healthy turf.  The popular belief that clippings cause thatch buildup is also false.   A sharp lawnmower blade is important as the ragged cut of a dull blade can foster diseases.

• Fertilizing  Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for turf color and growth, but over stimulation can lead to thatch buildup as well as less draught and pest resistance.  The general guideline for fertilization is to apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area.  Applications should be made 4 times a year-round the holidays of Easter, Memorial Day, 4^th of July and Columbus Day.  If grass clippings are left on the lawn, the 3^rd application might be skipped.  Under drought conditions a slow release fertilizer applied less often could be your best choice. If the grass does not respond to nitrogen fertilizer, a soil test will help to determine if other nutrients are lacking.

• Aerating  Core cultivation, more commonly known as aerating, is very beneficial to the health of the lawn.  Plugs that are 2 to 3 inches deep and spaced no more than 2 inches apart improve the root zone by relieving soil compaction and controlling thatch accumulation.  Spring aeration is common, but if disease, especially necrotic ringspot, is present, or there are areas of high traffic volume, a second aeration might be considered during the growing season.

Turfgrass under stress is more susceptible to infection and weed germination, but proper lawn management as discussed above can prevent or reduce most of the problems the homeowner might face.  At times, however, in severe cases it is necessary  to apply a fungicide or herbicide to eliminate the situation.  This should be the course of last resort.  Keep in mind that earthworms and other beneficial micro-organisms that help aerate the soil and improve grass health might be negatively impacted by chemical use.  And indiscriminate use of herbicides can be harmful to surrounding vegetation such as trees, shrubs and perennials.  Severe situations may warrant the use of a fungicide or herbicide, but chemicals are most effective when combined with good cultural practices. 

Bottom line, if you want beautiful turfgrass in the Pikes Peak region, proper lawn management practices are your best line of offense.     

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!  

For additional information, check the following links: 

• Lawn Care
• Efficient lawn watering
• Fertilizing lawns in spring & summer