As warm weather is here to stay, many people are eager to get outside and work on their lawns. However, UW-Extension Turf Specialist Doug Soldat says starting with your mower is key.
“The most important thing is to sharpen your mower blade,” Soldat explains. “A dull blade tears the grass and causes stress.” When grass is torn, it grows poorly and invites weeds. Therefore, Soldat recommends sharpening your blade at least once a year.
“If you’re mowing a lot or hitting rocks and sticks, sharpen it several times a year,” he adds.
As the season progresses, lawn care needs change. “When soil temperatures reach the 60s and 70s, crabgrass starts to grow,” Soldat says. “Apply a preventer now.”
On the other hand, seeding thin or bare patches is best done in the fall. This avoids heavy weed competition and gives grass a better start.
Choosing the right seed also matters. “In Wisconsin, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are your best bet,” Soldat advises. Fine fescues include red, hard, and chewings fescue. These varieties perform well, especially in shaded areas. Soldat also cautions against using too much perennial ryegrass and recommends avoiding annual ryegrass entirely.
When it comes to fertilizing, timing and moderation are key. “Two to three applications per year is usually ideal,” he says. Applying too much fertilizer can harm your lawn and the environment. It also leads to shallow roots and disease.
For mowing, Soldat recommends a higher height. “I mow at three inches,” he says. “Two and a half is okay, but two is too short. ”Following the one-third rule helps reduce stress on your grass. “Don’t cut more than one-third of the grass height at once,” he says.
Watering also plays a role. “Lawns need about one inch of water per week during a drought,” Soldat explains. You can subtract rainfall from that total. Most lawns can survive without watering, though they may go dormant.
