Resources

General Maintenance Tips

Types of Grasses to Use
In the Piedmont area of North Carolina. "warm-season" grasses are generally used for lawns. These grasses grow actively from April to October. They are: Bermuda, Buffalo, Zoysia, Centipede, Bahia, and St. Augustine.

Watering
Water your yard in early morning or late evening - but never during the hottest part of the day. Between the hours of 11am to 5pm or later, watering your yard can actually burn it, not to mention the loss of water due to vaporization. If lack of rain is a problem, you yard needs to be watered every 3 to 5 days (depending upon your type of grass) letting the water soak at least 2-3 inches into the soil.

Fertilizing
In the spring fertilize with a ratio of 2:1:1 (ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash). In the fall use 1:2:2 ratios for healthy root growth during the winter.

Weeds & Pests
Treat weeds and pests immediately.  Don’t wait for the problem to get out of hand.

Fall Lawn Maintenance

Thatch removal: de-thatch your lawn, by raking; for bad cases of soil compaction, you may have to employ the technique known as core aeration, for which lawn equipment known as "aerators" are needed. Your lawn needs to be aerated to allow it to breath and accept fertilization.

Your lawn needs final fertilization. These nutrients will be stored in your lawn's root system and will be used at the first sign of spring.

Apply herbicides to broadleaf weeds.

Correct soil pH. If a soil test should show a need to reduce acidity, apply lime now. If alkalinity needs to be reduced, apply sulphur.

Rake leaves, or use a leaf vacuum, so the leaves do not smother your grass over the winter.

Remove all debris like lawn furniture, toys, etc., from your yard. These objects can smother and weaken your grass and can leave your lawn vulnerable to diseases.

Off-Site Links

Dealing with Weather Extremes

Dogs and Lawn Burn

Dog-it-on Lawn Problems - Dr. Steve Thompson, DVM

Lawn Care Myths

Lawn Care Problems

Lawn Chemical Safety for Your Pets

Lawn Disease

Lawn Pests Information and Control

Mulch Guide

Summer Lawn Care Tips