Six essentials for maintaining a lush lawn

Not so long ago there was a veteran extension agent here in Benton County whose specialty was the production of bermudagrass hay. He says there are three things you need for good hay production: rain, rain, and more rain! Well, May and early June 2015 sure fill that bill, and your lawn may look like a hayfield as a result. Arkansas summers can become hot and dry quickly, so let's consider several management practices that will help keep your bermudagrass lawn green from now until frost.

Mowing: Bermudagrass turf can be mowed every 5 to 7 days unless the lawn becomes drought stressed. Be sure to maintain a sharp lawnmower blade, which creates a clean cut. When mowing, remove no more than 1/3 of the plant per cutting.

Watering: Soil should be kept moist to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, encouraging growth of a deep root system. This requires about an inch of water per week, or roughly 600 gallons of water per 1000 square feet of lawn. If rainy weather patterns continue, shut off your irrigation system until it is needed. When you do irrigate, set the timer so watering begins about sunrise and then kicks off after the specified irrigation time for your lawn has passed. Early morning irrigation greatly reduces evaporative water losses. The "specified time" is determined mainly by your soil type. Loamy soils accept water more quickly, while heavy soils may require split applications to avoid runoff. It is time to irrigate when leaves wilt or curl, turn a bluish-gray color, or you notice foot-printing on the lawn.

Cultivation: Thatch removal and aeration are usually only needed every three to five years. This practice should be completed early in the summer before drought stress is likely.

Insect control: White grubs are probably the most common insect pest in our bermuda lawns, and severe infestations may allow turf to be rolled back like a carpet due to root damage. Insecticide granules are recommended in mid to late August if grub numbers exceed 5 per square foot. Be sure to read the insecticide label for rate and application instructions. Also be aware some of these products are very toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Apply with care if your lawn borders a stream, pond, or lake. An alternative grub control option involves application of certain parasitic nematodes.

Weed Control: Weed control should begin with correct weed identification and may be followed by selection of an herbicide labeled for that weed. Broadleaf weeds are easier to control in actively-growing bermuda lawns than grassy weeds such as crabgrass or dallisgrass as products that kill grass weeds also harm bermudagrass. Some weeds can be pulled easily enough, which may be the best option if they aren't numerous.

Renovation/Fertilization: Bare areas should be re-seeded, sprigged, or re-sodded before summer gets hot and dry. Bermudagrass seed should be sown onto a smooth, firm seedbed at the rate of 1 pound per thousand square feet. Sprigs can be dug from existing, healthy turf and should be planted on 6- to 12-inch centers. If sodding, be sure purchased sod is green and healthy. Keep newly established grass well-watered. Be certain to fertilize according to soil test recommendations. A good thumb rule is one pound of actual nitrogen and one pound of actual potassium per thousand square feet in June, July, and August. Soil pH should be maintained between 6.0 and 6.5.

Remember, soil testing is a free service in Arkansas through your county Cooperative Extension office, as well as plant disease diagnoses and weed identification. Feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your lawn care needs.

The Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

General News on 06/28/2015