By JEFF BURBINK
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County

Jeff Burbrink

GOSHEN — The warm weather triggered a flurry of calls last week about lawn care. Here are a few tips to help your lawn get off to a good start this spring.

Moss In The Yard

The lack of snow encouraged moss growth this spring. Moss tends to grow in poorly drained conditions, acidic soils, medium to dense shady areas, compacted soils, and/or locations where the lawn is repeatedly cut too low. If the area does not get more than six hours of sun daily in the summer, don’t waste too much effort on trying to establish grass to compete with the moss.

Even the shade tolerant grasses need at least six hours of sun. If the moss is growing where grass is doing reasonably well, make sure the grass is getting fed at least two to three times a year so it can compete. Grass should be mowed to a height of no less than 3 inches, and water the grass infrequently and deeply when you water. Daily watering will encourage moss growth over the grass.

Seeding Shady Areas

Like I mentioned above, most grass species need six hours of direct light to thrive. Don’t waste time and money establishing Kentucky bluegrass in shady areas. It will grow for about six months, then fade away.

Some species of grass may tolerate shade a bit better. Tall fescue, fine fescue and some perennial ryegrasses can be considered, but in all fairness, they still need six hours of good quality light in the summer to thrive the way most people want them too.

Consider planting ground covers like pachysandra, periwinkle, English ivy or purple wintercreeper in those areas. Shade gardens, stone pavers and mulch can also be used to re-landscape the shady areas.

Timing Of Crabgrass Preventers

Crabgrass preventers keep the seed from germinating. They need to be in place before the seed germinates. After germination, they have no effect on the crabgrass. Purdue recommends putting the preventers on at least two weeks ahead of germination. Around here, that is typically mid-April. However, the warmer than normal weather has increased the chance of early germination. Based on growing degree days, it looks like the first week of April will be the optimum time for our area. You can track of growing degree days here.

The crabgrass preventer herbicides are often combined with fertilizers. It has been shown that fertilization of grass should be minimized in the spring to prevent disease issues later in the season. If you cannot find crabgrass preventer sold without fertilizer, then consider using products with most of the nitrogen in slow release forms such as methylene ureas or sulfur/polymer-coated ureas.

Avoid products with mostly quick release nitrogen such as urea or ammoniacal nitrogen. Wait to fertilize until after the early spring flush of growth occurs in your lawn, usually about the second week of May most years. Then apply that first dose of fertilizer. 

For more lawn care tips, visit the Purdue lawn care publication page here.