April showers mean a gorgeous lawn

April is an important month for lawn care, especially for weed control and fertilizing.

These activities don't take a long time, and the results are well worth it for the carefree and lush yard you'll enjoy during the months to come.

Especially in keeping the dandelions, crabgrass and purslane at bay.

Now for the tips

• In April in most zones, you'll be faced with a limited window of time in which to have success with pre-emergent weed control. It should be done in the early spring and spring. In most zones, this is from mid-March until about late April, possibly early May. The reason is that pre-emergent chemicals only work on weed seeds, stopping them from sprouting. Conversely, a weed-and-feed formula only kills weeds that are already growing. You will apply that in May.

• Important notes: DO NOT apply pre-emergent weed controls if you have put down new grass seed or new sod.

• Fertilize established lawns with a regular, all-season fertilizer in April. If you have re-seeded or are starting new seed in April, apply a lawn-starter food but not a regular fertilizer, which is too strong and will damage the tender grass shoots.

• In general, spring is not the time to overseed mature grassy areas. Sod is best used at this time. For a large area, consult an expert landscaper.

• To fill in small bare spots, prepare the soil and broadcast seed or apply seed patch material. Do not allow these areas to dry out. Keep well watered, even with the spring rains, until new grass plants are established. Be careful when mowing over these areas.

• If you have spread grass seed or laid grass-patch, these must be kept watered daily, except during rain. Do not allow the soil to dry out between rainfall and waterings.

• New sod must be kept well watered. If you see weeds in the sod, cut them out. Mow sod about two inches high, as needed, until June 1st. Then, start mowing new sod with the blade at the highest level.

• Do not fertilize zoysia in April. It is dormant in most zones now. However, when you do mow it the first time, give it a "buzz cut." Do this about mid-April, and then continue mowing zoysia short, at about two inches, through the growing season.

• After mid-April, apply controls for white grubs and mole crickets, which can severely damage grass plants. These controls can also be applied in May, June or July, as needed.

• April is a good month to aerate ("plug" or "core") mature sod. This gives established grass plants more air and growing space. It’s best done with a machine, which can be rented.

• During normal mowing, if grass is very long, collect the clippings. If it is not too long, mulch the clippings. They will decompose quickly and release nitrogen back into the soil.

• April isn't too late to get a lawn mower tune-up. You may have to wait longer at this time of year, because of the demand on service shops, but it’ll be worth it and the cost is usually minimal. A mower tune-up should include: blade-sharpening, replacement of spark plugs, oil and oil filter change, fuel filter cleaning or change, and any other repairs or replacements that will bring the mower into top running condition.

Information provided by Free Home Gardening Tips