If you are like most Polk County homeowners, your lawn is more than likely seeded with a cool season grass.

Locally that means your lawn is either tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass or a combination of both.

One chore that should be completed soon is the feeding of these turfgrasses. According to Dr. Art Bruneau, retired Extension Turfgrass Specialist from North Carolina State University, Valentine’s Day or mid-February is the first time cool season grasses should be fed.

In general the February application uses a one-pound feeding of nitrogen.  This can be obtained by spreading ten pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of lawn area. Turf-type fertilizers are great; just follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bag.

“Fertilizing turfgrasses like tall fescue should be completed in late winter,” said John Vining, extension director for Polk County. “If you don’t have your fertilizer applied by April 1, you should wait until September.”

In addition to fertilization, pre-emergence herbicides for control of crabgrass should be applied early. Timing is important. The recommended application should be put on when the forsythia (yellow bells) are in full bloom.

“Research has shown that the crabgrass seed germinates about the time the forsythia blossoms have faded. By treating when they are in full flower, you know you should get adequate control,” added Vining.

– article submitted by Sarah Gottfried