Advice for Better Lawns

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR LAWN MAINTENANCE IN MARYLAND

KEY POINTS

·         Tall fescue is the best all-purpose turf species for Maryland.

·         September is the best time to plant tall fescue seed.

·         Seed mixes that contain annual ryegrass or perennial ryegrass are not recommended.

·         Proper mowing, nitrogen fertility and weed control are the most important needs for healthy turf maintenance.

 

IRRIGATION AND WATER CONSERVATION ON HOME LAWNS

KEY POINTS

·         A lot of water can be saved if turf is watered by need and not by rule.

·         Lawns should be watered when the grass shows signs of drought stress (footprints remain for several minutes or the grass develops a blue-gray color).

·         When water IS needed, try to apply enough water so that the soil is wet from 4 to 6 inches below the surface.

·         Increase mowing height in the summer months and avoid fertilizing cool season grasses in spring and summer.

·         It’s best to irrigate when the air is cool either early morning or early evening, but not at night.

 

THE SLACKER’S GUIDE TO A GREAT LAWN (Consumer Reports)

KEY POINTS

·         Let the lawn go brown during dry spells

·         Fertilize less frequently

·         Let the grass grow a bit longer

·         Live with certain weeds and pests

·         Mulch, don't bag

·         Give low-maintenance grasses a look

 

Nurseries (Consumer Checkbook)

KEY POINTS

·         Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Meadows Farms Nurseries scored, on average, lower than most of the independent nurseries

·         But for the selection of plants they sell, these three big chains look very good for price.

·         For specific plants, we found enormous nursery-to-nursery price differences.

·         Provides advice on judging plant quality.

 

You Bet Your Garden (YBYG) Answers from Mike McGrath (Use this A to Z index to find the Questions of the Week you're looking for.)