Late summer through early fall is an optimal seeding window for our region. Cooler temperatures and fall rains promote rapid turf establishment, and we experience less pressure from broadleaf weeds and annual grassy weeds (e.g. crabgrass and foxtail) at this time of year. We may not always have the luxury of waiting until fall to begin seeding.
Here are some reasons we need to begin to seed this spring:
- The turf entered winter in a weakened condition due to drought, heat stress, or over use.
- Due to limited snow cover and cold, windy conditions, turf was exposed to significant winter desiccation (drying).
- Planned site activities for the coming season do not allow for seeding to be done in fall.
If you do need to seed in spring, it’s important to remember these key items to ensure effectiveness:
- DO NOT apply any preemergent to the area that needs to be seeded. Preemergent will keep the good grass seed from germinating. By using preemergent, you may need to be prepared to use more expensive post emergent crabgrass control products in these areas.
- Be very careful about which weed control products are used in newly seeded areas. There is a new product on the market that can control weeds in newly seeded areas but most will damage young developing seedlings.
- As with fall seeding, moisture, fertilization, proper seed bed preparation and seeding rates, are critical to the success of the project. If you are considering spring seeding, to ensure seeding’s effectiveness, make sure all of these factors are taken into consideration.
Contact Riegler Management (859-802-2530) today to plan a spring seeding!
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