Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
March 14, 2003

    The turf test plots at the Extension Office are still straw-brown. However, the tops of lawns throughout Rowan County are slowly turning green underneath. Lawn mower blades should be sharpened and engines tuned as the mowing season is about to begin.
    Now that the weather has broken, cool season lawns should be fertilized. Properly fertilized vigorously growing turf withstands summer droughts, diseases and other pest problems that plague most homeowners.
It is important to test the soil every two to three years to monitor soil pH and phosphorus levels. Cool season turf grows best at a slightly acid pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
    Turf specialists recommend one pound of actual nitrogen to be applied before May. Nitrogen can be applied in split applications during the spring. Many homeowners still choose to apply agricultural grade fertilizers such as 10-10-10, 17-17-17 or 30-0-0. These fertilizers are quick release fertilizers promoting rapid growth.
    Split applications of grade fertilizer now (1/2 pound nitrogen per 1000 square feet) and again before April are recommend providing one pound of total nitrogen. Five pounds of 10-10-10 per 1000 square feet delivers 1/2 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of turf, or 215 pounds of 10-10-10 to fertilize per acre of turf.
    Excessive rain and rapid uptake quickly deplete nitrogen and potassium. Late nitrogen applications in late April and May jeopardize healthy turf by predisposing the turf to brown patch. Brown patch is the fungal disease that makes huge brown circles in the lawn during late June and July.
Slow release, turf-type fertilizers contain a coated mix of nitrogen and other elements that slowly release nutrients. Some slow release fertilizers last the entire growing season, therefore it is best to apply these early. Temperature, moisture or bacteria trigger the release of the coated nutrients.
    Slow release type fertilizers are popular because of the slow even feeding that produces a deep, green turf without excessive growth. Rapid growth generated by grade fertilizers promotes extra mowing in the spring. Slow release fertilizer produces short, even turf growth in the spring.
    Another reason to consider slow release turf type fertilizers is the ease of application with the bags pre-measured to cover 5000 to 10,000 square foot turf areas. Micronutrients or trace elements are standard features of turf type fertilizers. Trace elements are essential for growth and development of a lawn.
    Over fertilization in the spring is a common mistake made by homeowners. Applications of one pound of nitrogen per one thousand square feet in February don't seem like quite enough, but it is an ample supply for good turf growth. Be very careful in measuring lawns and determining fertilizer rates.
Fertilization alone does not ensure a beautiful lawn. Weed control, coupled with proper mowing and pest control contribute much to the beauty of a lawn.   

    Cooperative Extension will present information at the Historic Salisbury Foundation's Annual Flower and Garden Show on Sunday, March 16th at 4:00 pm. Darrell Blackwelder will present information on Spring Turf Management, including seeding, fertilization and weed control for cool season lawns. There is a $1.00 admission fee for the program. Call Historic Salisbury at 704-636-0103 for more information.