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Managing Northwest Lawns Soil Adequate topsoil is essential for water and nutrient retention and for proper rooting. A lawn planted on thin soils or in low, wet areas will generally provide less than satisfactory results. In situations where there is inadequate topsoil and cost prohibits the addition of large amounts of soil, some of the following might be considered. Think small; maybe a small lawn would be adequate. Use stone, bark, wood chips to create other open areas. You might consider using ornamental ground cover or a meadow of wildflowers. Low-growing native plants can also be good materials that will tolerate the extremes that turf grass will not. Although some topsoil will contain some weed seed, you should avoid purchasing any soil containing large amounts of weed seed or noxious weed seed. It is important to know the source of the soil you are planning to use (Jobrina's Hydroseeding uses only the highest quality topsoil on all projects). For new lawns, mix any soil amendments (lime, fertilizer) with the existing soil. Then add a minimum of 2-4 inches of topsoil. pH A minimum pH of 5.5 to 6.0 is required for establishment of most lawn grasses and to provide adequate nutrient availability. Whether topsoil is brought in or existing soil used, the pH should be checked. If lime needs to be added to raise the pH, make any addition as far in advance of the planting date as is possible so that the pH will have time to adjust. Liming materials may be applied to an already established lawn, but be aware that pH adjustment is quite slow, due to lack of mobility of these products in the soil. Fertilizer Lawns that are provided with the correct nutrients throughout the growing season discourage weed growth through competition. Too little fertilizer can leave turf thin and vulnerable to invasion by weeds. Too much fertilizer can lead to disease problems, or to ground or surface water contamination. The three major elements necessary for turf health which need to be replaced on a regular basis are, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Other nutrients that are required in lesser quantities are called secondary nutrients and micronutrients. These are usually supplied in sufficient quantities by our native soils, and deficiencies of these elements are not normally a problem in Northwest lawns. Fertilizer should be applied at least twice during the growing season at a rate of 8 pounds of a balanced fertilizer (16-16-16, 10-20-10 or similar analysis) per 1000 square feet. In areas where rainfall is frequent or sometimes heavy, four applications per season at one half the above rate would be advised. In dry areas irrigation may be necessary to move the fertilizer into the root zone, but to avoid over irrigation, which can leach fertilizer past the area where it can be used by the plant and into areas where it may contribute to groundwater contamination. Established lawns should be sampled approximately every three years to determine nutrient status of N-P-K. Grass Selection If the variety you have chosen is not suited to the climate or environmental conditions in your area, even the best maintenance program will not produce a thick, healthy lawn. There are several varieties that do well in Kitsap county, and Jobrina's Hydroseeding would be glad to give you a list of seeds and seed mixes right for your area of Washington. Mowing Most grasses that are adapted to Northwest growing conditions will do well if kept approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches in height. Mowing should be done frequently, so that no more than 1/3 of the leaf is removed in any one mowing. For a lawn to be maintained at 2.0 inches in height, mowing should take place when the grass is 2.5 to 3.0 inches high. If excessive leaf material is removed, lawn grasses lose there ability to photosynthesize, and weeds gain the advantage. Grass that is mowed too closely must use energy stored in the crown of the plant to produce new leaf tissue. This process, when repeated over and over again throughout the season, depletes critical plant food reserves and affects overall vigor. Mowing should be determined by grass height, not by the calendar. Watering Symptoms of a water stressed lawn include: grass that does not spring back when walked on, rolled leaves and/or a change in the normal color of the grass- for example, from bright green to a dull green or bluish cast. Watering that only wets the soil surface promotes shallow rooting and produces a lawn that will need more frequent watering and will be more susceptible to injury. Water should be applied in amounts sufficient to wet the soil to a minimum depth of 3 inches. The amount of water required to do this will vary with soil type. You can calculate how much water is required to wet the soil to a 3-inch depth and also calculate the length of time needed by setting out a number of large diameter containers and measuring your sprinkler output. Keep track of the time, the amount of water in the container, and the depth of soil wetting. After your initial measurements you can use your watch or container as your guide for adequate watering. Tips for a low maintenance lawn
Jobrina's Hydroseeding Premium Service for a Premium Lawn 360-479-4253 or e-mail
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