Fertilization & Weed Control

Fertilization:

The major goal of turfgrass management programs is produce attractive turf that is healthy, and able to withstand the rigors of its intended use. Fertilization is one of the most basic and important components of a turfgrass management program.

Turf fertilization contributes greatly to lawn color, density, uniformity, and growth. Properly fertilized grass can compete with weeds and is able recover from damage caused by environmental stresses faster than improperly fertilized lawns. When developing a turf fertilization program, a number of factors need to be considered.

These factors include:

• minerals required for turf growth and development;
• natural soil fertility;
• fertilizer selection;
• turfgrass species, desired quality, and use;
• environmental and management conditions; and
• application schedule.

 

3 basic types of lawn weeds

For lawns, there are three basic types of weeds: grassy type weeds, grass-like weeds, and broad leafed weeds. Each require a different method for control.

Some common lawn weeds are annuals. Sprouting from seeds, they develop, blossom and form new seeds, then die in the fall, repeating the process each year. Crabgrass is one such weed. Once these types of weeds take root, they are difficult to remove without harming the lawn. The ideal control prevents them from developing in the first place.