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Tifway 419
Bermuda
Maintenance
Fescue Maintenance
El Toro Zoysia Maintenace
Fertilization, watering and mowing are very important to the growth and
health of sod.
Tifway 419 Bermuda
Fertilization
Nitrogen is the element that is essential to having a healthy Tifway 419 lawn in this
area. Either too much or too little nitrogen can cause problems. The standard
recommendation is one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn. Use the "Major
Holiday Rule" which means apply a complete fertilizer (2-1-2) ratio which
equals one pound per 1000 square feet at Easter, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Fourth of
July apply nitrogen only at one pound per 1000 square feet. This is an easy way to
remember when fertilizer should be applied.
Mowing
Mowing is very important in the maintenance of
Bermuda sod. Less frequent mowing
enables the grass to grow to a length that following mowings may remove an excessive
amount of leaf surface. Clipping amounts should not exceed 1/4 to 1/3 of the total leaf
surface at any mowing. The removal of larger amounts of leaf surface could possibly result
in a physiological shock to the plant causing the plant to turn brown and gray and very
much limit the photosynthetic production of food resulting in a depletion of root
reserves. Additionally, the build-up of excessive grass clippings could smother the grass
and provide an environment for disease and insects.
Young tender grass should be cut with a very sharp, well-adjusted mower to avoid
mechanical damage. The mowing of wet grass should be avoided if possible.
Cutting heights slightly lower than normal in the early spring promotes lateral growth
which promotes density and prevents weed growth.
Watering
If a beautiful Bermuda lawn is desired throughout the growing season, the
Bermuda
should be watered as soon as the grass shows signs of wilting. Provide water enough to
moisten the soil to a depth of a minimum of six inches. This will develop a deep root
system which will survive the summer droughts. It may be necessary to water several times
per week during the hot summer temperatures of July and August in the Southeast.
For
Spring
Transition Management of Overseeded Bermuda click
here.
Fescue Maintenance
Water Requirements
Upon installation, Fescue Sod should be watered every two (2) to
three (3) days depending on temperature and windy conditions. Walk in your
sod, if it will not spring back, water it! Fescue requires one (1) to two
(2) inches of water per week once it has rooted in well.
Mowing Height
Maintain fescue at a height of two (2) inches to 3 inches. Mow at
taller height during the hot summer months.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer two (2) to (3) times per year to fescue grass.
In early fall, apply fertilizer formulated just for the fall season. These
fertilizers are designed to promote strong root system and prevent injury
from the cold winter months.
In late winter months (mid-February early-March), apply a slow release
fertilizer high in nitrogen. This will promote a healthy green color.
Apply another application of slow release fertilizer in early to mid-May.
Do not fertilize fescue during the summer months! Fertilizer will promote
rapid growth that will put stress on the root system during the hot summer
months. Summer fertilization also promotes the development of disease on
fescue grass.
Weed Control
The best way to control weeds is to prevent them. Apply a weed and
feed combination in the spring and fall. These products are pre-emergent
that put a barrier on the soil that prevents crabgrass and many other
weeds from germinating. You may apply another application in May to
prevent summer weeds.
El Toro Zoysia Maintenace
Water
Requirements
Upon installation of new sod, water your sod until it is good and
soaked. Continue watering daily until the sod is well-rooted into the soil.
After sod is rooted in, provide one (1) to two (2) inches of water per week
depending on heat or windy weather. Do not water El Toro during the night,
generally between 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Mowing Height
El Toro should be mowed weekly during the growing season. Mowing height
should be between one (1) and two (2) inches depending on your preference. Never
remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade length per mowing. Remove grass
clippings or use a mulching mower.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer monthly during the warm growing season. The first
application should be made in the spring when your lawn is 50% green, at this
time use a slow release, high nitrogen fertilizer. Generally use a 4-1-2 ratio
fertilizer at a rate equal to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
In the fall (mid to late September) use a 1-2-3 ratio fertilizer at a rate equal
to 1/4 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Weed Control
Apply a pre-emerge in late September to early October to prevent winter
weeds. A second application should be applied in mid to late February to
prevent crabgrass and certain other weeds. A well maintained healthy El Toro
lawn will rarely have weed problems. Always read the label to make sure that the
herbicide you select can be safely used on Zoysia grasses. Herbicides generally
work best when temperatures are 85ºF or less.
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