Time for Spring Lawn Repair

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Time for Spring Lawn Repair

Cheryl J. Shenkle, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Jefferson County, Coordinator

May 7, 2022

 

Now that we can actually see where the grass is growing and where it is bald as an Eagle, it’s time to quickly get out the soil test kit, rakes, grass seed and other miscellaneous tools that I’m sure you faithfully cleaned, oiled and stored last fall, correct?  Oh well.

Spring is not the best time of year to work on the correcting lawn problems, but it’s probably the most popular because everyone is in the mood to see solid green instead of white or brown.  Toss in some floral shades, a blue sky and we’re ready to break out the barbecue grill. 

But don’t wait too long or you’ll be wasting time and money while watering and fighting off birds, and watching much of your newly planted grass expire under a broiling sun and drought conditions.  It’s time now.

Get your soil test done quickly and be sure to mark “lawn” as the crop on the green sheet of your Penn State soil test kit.  Check the box indicated to have it sent via e-mail and you’ll be surprised as how soon you will get it back.  In our area, you can generally buy tests from DuBois Feeds, Mahoning Valley Mill, Agway and any other local farm and feed store.  Call ahead to be sure they have some in stock.  You can also have one sent to you from the Penn State Soil Lab or pick one up from your county Extension.  It will normally range from $9 to $11 depending on where you get it from.  The cost of mailing, if done correctly, will be about $5. 

While you are waiting, invest in either sun or shade seed depending on the amount of either in your lawn.  Don’t be fooled by grass seed carrying the name of a college, because it has nothing to do with the college, it’s just a brand name.  You will want a Cool Season grass seed meant specifically for our region.  Warm season grasses may initially grow here but will die out in the winter.  If you buy a blend, then be sure that Kentucky Blue Grass and other quality grasses such as Perennial Ryegrasses and Fine Fescues are first on the list of seed included in the mix.  Unless you are seeking a particular texture for your lawn, this blend will work very well over all.

Rake bare spots lightly and level soil.  Mow the grass to a slightly lower level than normal and give the lawn a thorough clean up in preparation for seeding. 

Once the soil test arrives, immediately take the test to a reputable seed dealer who knows correct answers to any questions you may have from your own experience or from the soil test.  Generally that will be a locally owned farm, feed or landscape business.  A seasonal clerk at a store that only sells grass seed may be as clueless as you may be.  If you’re going to invest in your lawn, then you want good results at the lowest possible cost.  That means someone needs to know researched information with which to answer your needs.  That would be your county Extension Certified Master Gardener.  Every county has them.  They are volunteers who paid for their extensive training because they love to make things grow and help others to do the same! They are all trained to research the best answers to your questions.

If you would like to develop a natural lawn native to our area, then be sure to call a Master Gardener for suggestions such as  Miniature Clover which will need very little mowing, or even native grasses for a “Meadow” look that you may not want to mow at all.

A better time to develop a magnificent lawn is in the early fall when the temperatures are cooler and the soil moisture is more even.  You would have had all summer to work on the weeds, dig out humps, fill low spots and fertilize if needed.  Mossy areas can be treated, brush removed and weedy areas cleaned out and made ready to receive seed.  Your grass seed will have more time to develop with much less stress and will grow healthier than it can in the summer heat and dryness.  You will also be able to note where paths have developed from foot traffic, and possibly add mulched or solid surface walkways. 

Be sure to store extra seed in a cool dry place to use as patches in the spring.  Clean, oil and store your tools because in the next spring, you will be ever so happy that you did so.

If you have a gardening question, please forward it to the main office using the Master Gardener Extension.  We will also do presentations for any group making a request.  We look forward to suggestions for articles also.

Come see us at the Jefferson County Fair in July and at various farm markets throughout the summer.

Master Gardener Classes will begin again in early October, so if you have ever dreamed of spending time learning about Horticulture with friends, this is your chance.

Certified Master Gardeners are local volunteers trained by Penn State to answer Horticulture questions with properly researched information. For a “best practices” answer to your question, call Penn State Jefferson County Extension to leave a message at 849-7361, Ext 508, e-mail cjs5618@psu.edu, or mail your question to 186 Main Street, Suite 3, Brookville, PA 15825. 

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.