Improving Your Lawn in One Season

Introduction

• Many people have neglected yards or new yards needing care.
• Aim is not a full renovation but improving what's there in one season.
• Patience is required as changes don't happen overnight.
• Overview of steps and lessons learned from a previous project lawn.

Grass Types

• Cool Season Grasses: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescues.
  • Thrive in spring and fall, may go dormant in summer.
• Warm Season Grasses: Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede.
  • Best in summer, dormant in winter.
• Transition Zone: Mix of cool and warm season grasses.
  • Can be challenging but manageable.
• Importance of knowing your grass type for better care.

Soil Testing

• Initial soil testing is recommended to understand nutrient needs.
• Helps determine the right fertilizers and avoid unnecessary applications.
• Simple test kits are available and provide guidance on what your lawn needs.

Mowing

• Frequent mowing is key to lawn improvement.
• Avoid letting grass grow too long before cutting.
• Cool Season: Keep at about 3 inches; frequent mowing if shorter.
• Warm Season: Bermuda and zoysia benefit from lower cuts.
• Keep mower blades sharp for best results.

Pre-emergent Application

• Useful for lawns with past crabgrass issues.
• Can be applied separately or with fertilizer.
• Ideal to apply before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees.

Weed Control

• Identifying and treating common weeds like dandelions and clover.
• Use store-bought broad-spectrum weed control products suitable for your grass type.
• Follow up with spot treatments as needed.

Fertilization

• Cool Season: Fertilize late spring and fall.
• Warm Season: Fertilize during summer for best growth.
• Avoid heavy fertilization in summer for cool season grasses.

Irrigation

• Decide on letting cool season grass go dormant in summer or irrigating.
• Warm season grasses benefit from irrigation during dry spells in summer.

Fall Season Care

• Cool Season: Apply multiple nitrogen applications in fall.
• Warm Season: Reduce fertilization as winter approaches.

Future Steps

• Consider overseeding or renovating after the first successful season.
• Address any thin areas by moving plugs or further treatments.

Conclusion

• Basic steps to improve a neglected yard in one season.
• Further detailed information available in the project playlist.