Maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn can be deeply satisfying for homeowners. In the Transition Zone, where the climate varies considerably throughout the year, crafting the right lawn care plan is essential. A specific strategy for cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass is vital for success. This guide walks homeowners through a year-round plan aimed at nurturing their fescue lawns effectively.
The Transition Zone & Tall Fescue Turfgrass Lawn Care
The Transition Zone poses unique challenges for lawn care of Tall Fescue and Ryegrasses due to its mix of hot summers and cold winters. It is suitable for both warm-season and cool-season grasses but often frustrates homeowners trying to achieve an ideal lawn.
Tall Fescue is the primary cool-season grass for this zone, known for its deep roots that can withstand heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. In fact, according to studies, Tall Fescue can survive drought conditions where other species fail, due to its ability to grow roots up to 4 feet deep. Meanwhile, Perennial Ryegrass is commonly used for overseeding, providing lush color and quick growth, often germinating within 7 to 10 days. Understanding these grass types and their needs is the first step in mastering your fescue lawn.
Spring
As winter retreats and temperatures rise, it's time to prepare your lawn for the growing season ahead.
Early Spring (March - April)
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen pre-emergent herbicide. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient prodiamine. Read the label and apply a 6-month rate.
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Maintain your turfgrass at a 2 - 2.5 inch cutting height. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass.
Fertilization: Apply a nitrogen heavy fertilizer (ratio 1:0:0 such as an 28-0-0 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass. Micronutrient inputs are suitable at this time as well. Please refer to your soil test results for micronutrient formulation recommendations.
Grub Control: Apply a systemic insecticide labeled for white grubs. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient imidacloprid. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Late Spring (May)
Post-Emergent Herbicide Spot Treatment: Select and apply your chosen broadspectrum weed killer. At this time of year, we prefer Tenacity as it contains active ingredients targeting broadleaf weeds, many grassy weeds, and, most importantly, sedges.
Mowing: Allow your turfgrass to grow out to a canopy height of 3.0 inches and maintain this height. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass.
Watering: Turn on and test your irrigation equipment.
Fertilization: Apply a nitrogen heavy fertilizer (ratio 1:0:0 such as an 28-0-0 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass. Micronutrient inputs are suitable at this time as well. Please refer to your soil test results for micronutrient formulation recommendations.
Summer
This will be the toughest part of the year for your cool season turfgrasses. You should weight the expenses of maintaining a cool season grass against your desire for curb appeal to arrive at your specific tolerance threshold.
Early Summer (June - July)
Post-Emergent Herbicide Spot Treatment: Select and apply your chosen broad-spectrum weed killer. At this time of year, we prefer Tenacity as it contains active ingredients targeting broadleaf weeds, many grassy weeds, and, most importantly, sedges.
Mowing: Maintain a 3 inch canopy height to insulate soils against exposure. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass.
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 1 inch of water every 7 days. Monitor weekly rainfall totals and supplement rainfall with irrigation. Adopt a deep but infrequent watering philosophy to get the most from your lawn.
Fertilization: N-P-K fertilization at this time of the season is not recommended as it adds additional stressors to the grass.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly.
Late Summer (August)
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended to address breakthrough broadleaf weeds as you near the end of your pre-emergent herbicide application's lifespan. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a 3 inch height
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 1 inches of water every 7 days adjusting run times upward by as much as 50% for sandy or quickly drying soils.
Fertilization: N-P-K fertilization at this time of the season is not recommended as it adds additional stressors to the grass.
Grub Control: Apply a systemic insecticide labeled for white grubs. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient imidacloprid. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly.
Fall
This is the second growing season of the calendar year for cool season turfgrasses in our area. Fall is the BEST time of the year to plant cool season turfgrass seed.
Early Fall (September - October)
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a 3 inch height
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 1.25 inch of water every 7 days, adjusting run times upward by as much as 50% for sandy or quickly drying soils. Water inputs now will help your lawn rebound from the stresses of an Oklahoma summer.
Fertilization: Apply a starter fertilizer (ratio 3:4:2, such as a 18-24-12 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1 pounds of phosphorus (P) per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass.
Dethatching: A relatively uncommon need in our area, this is the window for mechanical dethatching.
Overseeding: Overseed your lawn to improve turfgrass density and rejuvenate its appearance.
Late Fall (November)
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen pre-emergent herbicide ONLY IF you are not applying seed in the Fall or Spring. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient prodiamine. Read the label and apply a 6-month rate.
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide ONLY IF you are not applying seed in the Fall. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a minimum of 3 inches to insulate your turfgrass' stolons and crowns against exposure based death. Give your lawn a final mow after dormancy for a clean appearance
Watering: Winterize your irrigation equipment.
Fertilization: Apply a Nitrogen heavy fertilizer (ratio 6:1:2, such as a 18-3-6 fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pounds of nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass. Micronutrient inputs are suitable at this time as well. Please refer to your soil test results for micronutrient formulation recommendations.
Test Soil: Conduct a comprehensive soil test to identify the nutritional needs for the next growing season. A comprehensive soil test will also indicate soil-borne issues (pH, CEC, nutritional build-up or deficiency) that can be amended during the dormant season.
Winter
Although not entirely rare in our region, cool season turfgrasses might enter dormancy during the coldest weeks of the year. Otherwise, your cool season turfgrasses will gradually but steadily process nutrients and grow over winter.
Early Winter (December)
Equipment Maintenance: Service your lawn equipment to ensure it's ready for the next season.
Change oil
Lube chassis
Replace blades
Winterize fuel system
Tree Trimming: Remove branches growing or reaching down to within 8ft of your lawn surface. Consult with an arborist for appropriate pruning windows and methods for your specific tree varieties.
Late Winter (January - February)
Planning: Start planning your lawn care strategy for the upcoming growing season
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide ONLY IF you are not applying seed in the Fall. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Fertilization: Apply a Nitrogen heavy fertilizer (ratio 6:1:2, such as a 18-3-6 fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pounds of nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass. Micronutrient inputs are suitable at this time as well. Please refer to your soil test results for micronutrient formulation recommendations.
Following this seasonal lawn care plan tailored for cool season turfgrass lawns in the transition zone will set you on the path to mastering lawn maintenance. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy and lush lawn. So, put on your gardening gloves and get ready to transform your lawn into an impressive masterpiece!
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