THE PERFECT LAWN
	BY BRUCE ZIMMERMAN

 To obtain or maintain the perfect lawn the following procedures are offered for your consideration.

First analysis your lawn's problems.  Then select the curative steps from the list below.

 Step 1:   Ensure one inch of moisture every seven to ten days (measure with a rain gauge)

 Step 2:   Early spring raking with a leaf rake to remove most dead grass and thatch.

 Step 3:   Fertilize in early April with high nitrogen fertilizer plus Crabgrass Preventer or Corn Meal Gluten.

 Step 4:   Fertilize in May-June with high nitrogen fertilizer (21-7-7). To control weeds, hand pick or dig out.  For large problems or difficult to control weeds (Creeping Charlie, Bindweed etc.) Spray with a weed spray combining 2-4-D, Mecaprop, and Dicamba. Spray weekly until controlled – spray on Wednesday, cut the lawn on Saturday, Water Sunday to Tuesday

 Step 5:   Fertilize in late June with high nitrogen fertilizer (21-7-7)

 Step 6:   During the summer heat the lawn will be cut higher 2-2 ½ inches or higher depending on the type of grass and environmental conditions.

 Step 7:   Fertilize the lawn as often as its rate of growth slows to cutting less than once a week and it's colour pales.  During the summer fertilize with non burning organic based fertilizer, Milorganite or a low nitrogen milorganite based fertilizer.

 Step 8:   In mid August it is decision time.  If your lawn does measures up to your expectations you can continue with your lawn fertilizing and watering program.  If not, then now is the time to prepare to seed the thin or bare areas.

 Step 9:   Continue feeding as necessary to keep your lawn healthy and growing until the ground freezes.

Step 10:   After the turf area is frozen apply 
a high nitrogen fertilizer.

 Some further tips to produce the perfect lawn

1.   Rolling lawns even with a light roller can compact your soil.  Roll only where frost heaving has occurred.  Where heavy rolling has gone on aerate your lawn and top dress with weed free organic material in the spring (peat moss)

 2.   Grass clippings may be left on the lawn if they are small enough to quickly decay and not build up excessive thatch.  These small grass clippings will add organic material and nutrients back into the soil.

 3.   During the moist cool spring and autumn your lawn will be cut short at a height of 1 ½ to 2 inches.

 4.   Cut your lawn in alternating patterns.  This week east to west, next north to south, next week diagonally.

 5.   Never cut off more than 40% of the leaf area at any one mowing.  This severely weakens the lawns ability to produce food.  This reduces your lawns vigour and allows weeds and diseases to gain a foot hold in your lawn.

 6.   Water in very early morning and water heavily to provide deep penetration.  Light sprinkling induces shallow rooting which is more susceptible to water and heat stress.

 Bug Control:

Do not use a pesticide to control minor problems.  Spray for bugs only if heavy infestation occurs.

You can check this by cutting back a bit of sod. The general rule is do not treat your turf grass unless there is more than five White Grubs per square foot.  Or if your lawn is being heavily frequented by nocturnal animals digging, then spray. Remember that these animals are a natural control and you can keep repairing the turf each morning by pressing it back down or re-seeding. Where White grubs are a serious and persistent problem have your Turf Care Professional apply Merit™.

Spray only according to the label directions and in a safe manner.