Homeowners want a great looking lawn and in order to accomplish this proper fertilization, mowing height, disease control and irrigation practices need to be considered.
On warm-season turfgrass species, withhold the first spring nitrogen application until soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth are consistently 65° F. Many people question about applying fertilizer early in the year, especially when we have a warm February. In mid-April the soil temperatures were in the low 60s.
Phosphorous and lime applications should be based on soil test results. A common mistake is to fertilize centipedegrass too early in the spring. It is not uncommon for centipedegrass to be over-fertilized. One pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year is ample nitrogen for most established centipedegrass lawns.
Mow turf grasses often enough so no more than 30 percent of the leaf blade is removed in a single mowing. If more plant material is removed, the grass can become stressed and more susceptible to disease-causing organisms and insects.
To view the full original article, please click here.
