Lawn Care Next
    Some people think that they must be slaves to the green expanse they call a lawn. Others are convinced that it takes professional expertise to maintain a quality lawn. Some people believe that lawns are toxic, environmental disasters. However, lawns capture runoff, control erosion of soil, reduce glare, and filter pollutants from the air. Gardeners can maintain an attractive, environmentally sound lawn with a reasonable commitment of time and energy.

    The level of care a lawn is given is determined by several factors. The use of the area will affect turfgrass selection and cultural requirements. BENTGRASS is a high-maintenance grass used on golf-course putting greens. TALL FESCUES are used in playgrounds and parks because they tolerate heavy use, soil compaction, and drought conditions much better than finer types of grasses.

    Grasses grown in the home landscape can require less maintenance if proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices are followed. Grass cultivars for home-andscape lawns are usually moderate-to-high maintenance types.

    Grass varieties for Ohio are called “cool-season” grasses. They look their best and grow most rapidly during the cool weather of spring and fall. Common cool-season turfgrasses include KENTUCKY BLUEGRASSES, TALL and FINE FESCUES, and PERENNIAL RYEGRASSES.

    Mowing frequency is highest during the cool weather of spring and fall. The “once-a-week-no-matter-what” mowing schedule may result in a lawn mower clogged with clippings during these times. During the heat of summer, growth is greatly reduced. If drought conditions occur, mowing may not be required. While drought reduces mowing frequency, it may drastically alter the appearance of the lawn.

    During summer months when rains are scarce and temperatures soar, turfgrasses slow their growth and may even go dormant. As with other plants, grasses need to be fertilized more during periods of rapid growth. For Ohio, this means fall and spring are the critical times to fertilize. Plants do not need large doses of fertilizer when they are dormant or growing slowly.
     1. Mowing
     2. Mower types
     3. Mowing techniques
     4. Mower maintenance
     5. Mowing myths
     6. Watering
     7. When to water
     8. Depth of roots
     9. Soil conditions
    10. Type of grass grown
    11. Weather conditions
    12. Watering practices
    13. Watering myths
    14. Fertilization
    15. Fertilizer ratios
    16. Fertilizer burn
    17. Timing of fertilizer applications
    18. Combined fertilizer-herbicide products
    19. Fertilizer spreaders and application rates
    20. Fertilization myths
    21. Turf problems
    22. Thatch control
    23. Weed control
    24. Annual grass weeds
    25. Perennial grass weeds
    26. Broadleaf weeds
    27. Insect control
    28. Disease control
    29. Other turf problems
    30. Lawn-care services
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