~Danny Lauderdale~
As temperatures warm, many homeowners who do their own lawn care are ready to get their lawns off to a good start for the growing season. Unfortunately, some tasks done in the spring are not needed and can cause damage to warm-season lawns. If you have bermudagrass, centipede, St. Augustine, or zoysia, then pay attention to what not to do in early spring to get your lawn off to a great start and finish in 2016.- First, avoid weed-and-feed products on warm-season lawns during March and April. These months are not the right ones to fertilize warm-season grasses, and the weeds growing at this time are winter annual weeds that are near maturity and difficult to control.
- Avoid spraying lawns with weed killers during lawn green-up. Again, weeds are large and difficult to control, and many grasses are sensitive during green-up. Control winter weeds in February, and wait until May to start on summer weeds.
- Do not fertilize most warm-season lawns until May. If disease issues have occurred in past springs, such as large patch in centipede, wait until June.
- Do not use a power rake, verticutter, or motorized dethatcher on your centipede or St. Augustine lawn. Because these grasses spread by surface runners only, these devices cause too much damage. Core aerification with hollow tines in May or June is a better option. Many companies offer this service, and core aerators are available at many rental centers.
- Avoid spring treatment for white grubs; fall is a better control time.
- While damage from large patch is obvious now, hold off on applying fungicides until late summer. This disease will stop developing as soil temperatures rise above 70° F. Applying fungicides now is not necessary nor very effective.
