Best Time to Aerate Cool and Warm Season Grasses in Oklahoma
Maintaining a beautiful lawn is crucial for property owners, whether it’s for aesthetic or functional purposes. Aeration is a vital lawn care practice that creates small holes in the soil to promote the growth of healthy grass roots. In Oklahoma, the best time to aerate varies depending on the type of grass. This article will guide you on the optimal time to aerate cool and warm season grasses in Oklahoma for improved lawn health.
Best time to aerate cool season grasses in Oklahoma:
Cool season grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are prevalent in Oklahoma. They grow actively in the fall and spring, while their growth rate slows in the summer months. Aeration should take place during the fall, between late August and early November. Aerating during this period enables the grass to recover and develop deeper roots before the winter season sets in. Avoid aerating during summer months as it can cause grass stress and potential damage.
Best time to aerate warm season grasses in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma has several types of warm season grasses, including Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and buffalo grass. These grasses grow vigorously in the hot summer months and become dormant in winter. Late spring or early summer, between late May and early July, is the best time to aerate warm season grasses. Aerating during this period enables the grass to recover and develop deeper roots before the hot and dry summer months set in. Avoid aerating during the fall and winter as the cooler temperatures can cause grass stress and damage.
Lawn aeration is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn, but the timing of the aeration process is essential for optimal results. In Oklahoma, the timing varies based on the type of grass you have. For cool season grasses, aerate in the fall, while warm season grasses should be aerated in late spring or early summer. At TurfWorks, we provide the best aeration services to meet the unique needs of your lawn. Contact us today to schedule your lawn aeration service and improve the health of your lawn.
Oklahoma, and Zone 7 more broadly, gets its fair share of all kinds of weather, temperatures, and moisture levels throughout the year. That means your lawn care strategy needs to be flexible and able to adjust with the seasons. While every lawn is unique and requires its own type of care, here’s a general roadmap to keeping your Oklahoma lawn healthy, strong, and beautiful all year round.
January-February
Pre-emergent Herbicide Application: Now’s the time to give your lawn a good dose of pre-emergent herbicide to prevent annual weeds like crabgrass from sprouting and gaining a foothold in your yard. Pre-emergent herbicide should be applied when the soil temperature is around 55°F, typically late February or early March in Oklahoma. This preventative step will help save you expense and headache on weed treatments later in the year.
Tree and Shrub Trimming: Winter is the perfect season for trimming trees and shrubs. Doing it now minimizes the stress on the plants and helps keep diseases from spreading. Snip away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and shape them how you like.
March-April
Spring Clean Up: Warming weather is a good time to clear away any leaves or debris that has collected on your lawn. This allows sun, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively.
Feeding the Lawn: Your lawn has been dormant all winter, but now it’s ready for the nutrients it needs to green up and grow. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, but make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can burn up the grass.
Core Aeration: Core aeration is essentially pulling up small plugs of soil from your lawn. This helps to alleviate soil compaction, improve water and nutrient absorption, and stimulate root growth. While this is usually a spring task, it can be a great way of preparing your lawn in the fall as well.
Overseeding: If your lawn is looking a little thin or patchy, you may need to overseed it to fill in any bare spots and boost the overall density and health of your lawn Choose an appropriate grass variety for your lawn that thrives in Oklahoma, like Bermuda, perennial ryegrass, buffalo grass, zoysia, or fescue. The right type of grass depends on factors like your existing lawn, the amount of shade it gets, and your watering schedule.
May-June
Watering: As the temperature rises, so does
your lawn’s water requirement. Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including whatever the rain brings.
Mowing: Establish a mowing schedule that keeps your grass about 2.5 to 3 inches tall. This helps shade the soil (which reduces water evaporation), keeps pesky weeds in check, and prevents the grass from getting too thick to mow efficiently.
Post-emergent Herbicides: Post-emergent herbicide is a good way to treat weeds that may have survived or cropped up after your pre-emergency treatment. Weeds compete with your grass for sun, water, and nutrients, so get rid of them before they take over.
July-August
Summer Upkeep: Summers in Oklahoma can be brutally hot and dry, a big departure from the cool, wet spring. Evaluate your mowing, water, and weed control schedules. You may need to mow less frequently, or mow at a higher level to help the grass stay cool and moist. If the weather’s particularly hot and dry, you might need to water a bit more often, and try to avoid using pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers on hot or dry grass.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for signs of lawn pests, like brown spots, and treat as needed.
Disease Control: The summer heat and humidity can sometimes encourage lawn diseases. If you see any strange spots or discoloration, it might be time for a fungicide treatment.
September-October
Fall Feeding: A good feeding in late fall can help prepare your lawn for winter and encourage faster greening when spring rolls around.
Fall Tidy-Up: Keep your lawn clear of fall leaves and debris that can suffocate grass, cause mold or mildew, and harbor pests.
Trust TurfWorks for a Healthy Yard All Year Long
Keeping a beautiful, lush lawn healthy all year in Oklahoma is no small feat, and knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it for the best results takes expertise and know-how. Don’t leave the condition of your lawn to the mercy of Mother Nature; rely on the professional lawn care services from TurfWorks to figure out how to get the most out of your yard.
TurfWorks is a local full-service lawn care and landscaping company providing everything you need to enjoy a lawn that’s truly enviable. From fertilization and irrigation systems to landscape design and flower bed maintenance, we help your commercial or residential property put its best face forward with stunning aesthetics and maximum curb appeal. What’s more, we’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with the quality of our work that we guarantee our services and never require a contract.
Why try to wrangle your yard when you can call the pros? Contact TurfWorks today to request a free quote and find out how we work with your budget and schedule to deliver the results your lawn deserves!
Lawn Aeration Timing Guide for Cool and Warm Season Grasses in Oklahoma
Best Time to Aerate Cool and Warm Season Grasses in Oklahoma
Maintaining a beautiful lawn is crucial for property owners, whether it’s for aesthetic or functional purposes. Aeration is a vital lawn care practice that creates small holes in the soil to promote the growth of healthy grass roots. In Oklahoma, the best time to aerate varies depending on the type of grass. This article will guide you on the optimal time to aerate cool and warm season grasses in Oklahoma for improved lawn health.
When is the best time to aerate cool season grasses in Oklahoma?
Cool season grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are prevalent in Oklahoma. They grow actively in the fall and spring, while their growth rate slows in the summer months. Aeration should take place during the fall, between late August and early November. Aerating during this period enables the grass to recover and develop deeper roots before the winter season sets in. Avoid aerating during summer months as it can cause grass stress and potential damage.
Best time to aerate warm season grasses in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma has several types of warm season grasses, including Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and buffalo grass. These grasses grow vigorously in the hot summer months and become dormant in winter. Late spring or early summer, between late May and early July, is the best time to aerate warm season grasses. Aerating during this period enables the grass to recover and develop deeper roots before the hot and dry summer months set in. Avoid aerating during the fall and winter as the cooler temperatures can cause grass stress and damage.
Choose TurfWorks for Your Lawn Aeration Services
Lawn aeration is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn, but the timing of the aeration process is essential for optimal results. In Oklahoma, the timing varies based on the type of grass you have. For cool season grasses, aerate in the fall, while warm season grasses should be aerated in late spring or early summer. At TurfWorks, we provide the best aeration services to meet the unique needs of your lawn. Contact us today to schedule your lawn aeration service and improve the health of your lawn.
Welcome to TurfWorks, your go-to resource for everything lawn care-related. In this post, we’ll provide you with the ultimate guide to weed control and fertilization for a lush lawn.
Achieving a healthy and green lawn takes effort and know-how. Two critical factors for a thriving lawn are weed control and fertilization. We’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you achieve the lawn of your dreams.
Weed Control
Weeds can be a nuisance to any lawn. They compete with grass for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. Here are some weed control tips that can help you achieve a weed-free lawn:
Proper mowing: Mowing your lawn to the right height is crucial for weed control. Mowing too short can stress the grass and create bare spots, which can make it easier for weeds to take root.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn can help improve the health of your grass and reduce the likelihood of weeds taking root. By aerating, you allow water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the soil more easily, promoting stronger roots and better overall health.
Post-emergent herbicides: Post-emergent herbicides can be applied directly to weeds that have already emerged. These herbicides work by killing the weed and leaving the grass unharmed.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your lawn provides it with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Here are some fertilization tips that can help you achieve a lush, green lawn:
Soil testing: Before applying fertilizer, test your soil to determine its nutrient content. This will help you choose the right type and amount of fertilizer for your lawn.
Organic fertilizer in late summer: Late summer is an excellent time to apply organic fertilizers. These fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients to your lawn. Organic fertilizers also improve soil health and promote microbial activity, making them an excellent choice for long-term lawn care.
Timing is key: Applying fertilizer at the right time is crucial for optimal absorption by the grass. Apply fertilizer during the growing season and avoid fertilizing during drought or extreme heat.
Watering: After applying fertilizer, be sure to water your lawn to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the grass roots.
Weed control and fertilization are essential elements for achieving a lush, green lawn. By following these tips and tricks, you can help ensure that your lawn stays healthy, strong, and beautiful year-round. Remember to always read and follow the instructions on any products you use and to be mindful of any environmental concerns related to lawn care. With a little effort and know-how, you can enjoy a lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood! If you need any help or have any questions, feel free to contact TurfWorks, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Maximizing Your Irrigation System During Hot Weather
Dealing with the hot temperatures as of late, you may be wondering if your irrigation can keep up with the lack of rain and hot temperatures. Well, let’s take a little time to discuss your irrigation system.
First off, during drought conditions, always remember that your irrigation system was designed to supplement water to your lawn, not be the only source of moisture. This is, to some extent, why it may take longer watering times to deliver the moisture necessary to keep you turf green and your plants happy.
The easiest way to extend watering times with the current program is to use the seasonal adjustment setting on your modern timer. It will adjust all of the times for all of your zones in one simple step. (How to video HERE)
The next step is taking a little time to make sure your plants are getting enough water. Your bedding plants will be feeling the pressure from the lack of rain and high temperatures, but most species and especially established woody plants can be kept looking pretty good during these times of drought with a little supplemental watering. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t look wilted from under or over watering.
As far as turf is concerned, make sure to keep enough water on any parts of your lawn that are Fescue. Any Fescue that dies is dead forever. Fescue will not go dormant like Bermuda and bounce back after it receives adequate moisture. In this respect, taking care of Fescue has a bit of a steep learning curve. Some die back will be inevitable year after year, however, with proper over-seeding, preferably slit seeding, each fall you should be able to easily replace Fescue that has died from normal attrition. Moving on to Bermuda, you’ve got a little easier task. Currently, most Bermuda lawns without irrigation are definitely showing some areas of dormancy. To bring Bermuda out of dormancy only requires consistent, substantial watering. On most lawns with typical irrigation systems we would recommend starting with 30 minutes on rotor zones for each area of Bermuda in full sun. Your watering can definitely come down some once we start to see cooler temperatures and substantial rainfall later this summer or early fall. Additionally, sandy soils that are unable to hold moisture may need even more water, or unfortunately, be unable to support Bermuda without watering at least daily.
If you have additional questions about maintaining your landscape during these inhospitable conditions, feel free to give us a call at 405-494-6020 or fill out our contact form here. We have irrigation technicians available to diagnose and repair your irrigation and get your lawn and landscape watered efficiently.