Lawn care experts in Delaware recommend applying 65 to 75% of your total amount of nitrogen fertilizer between September and November. Nitrogen in fertilizer promotes vigor and density in your grass and a darker green color.

Delaware residents may apply phosphorus, potassium and lime at any time of the year, but lawn care experts advise that you apply these materials in the late fall. A soil test is necessary to best determine the amount of these amendments your lawn needs.

Phosphorus stimulates root growth when you overseed and promotes the vigor of seedlings. If your lawn is turning yellow in patches, a lime application may solve the problem by balancing your soil’s pH level. The following effects of applying potassium to your landscape also help promote a healthy lawn:

• Promotes development of plant stems and leaves
• Strengthens plant cell walls
• Regulates hydration to enhance wear, stress and drought tolerance
• Promotes resistance to diseases

The best time to put down pre-emergence herbicides for crabgrass and broadleaf weeds is in the spring. Crabgrass often spreads quickly during the summer months and produces thousands of seeds between mid-summer and early fall. By putting down a pre-emergence treatment in the spring, you greatly reduce crabgrass invasion throughout the summer and subsequent seed production.

Homeowners in Delaware usually notice the first signs of grub damage between late July and early September, so it is important to pre-empt grub activity before it becomes detrimental. The time between mid-May and mid-June is recommended for applying grub control treatments to your lawn.

Without proper treatment, grubs feeding on the root system of your lawn can lead to wilt and/or yellowing and thinning, and possible death to large areas of the lawn. This process may occur quickly over a period of several days.

While conducting research is a beneficial first step towards developing a lawn care program, speaking with a knowledgeable Delmarva professional allows you to ask questions and receive advice on our region’s unique lawn care methods. Contact a lawn care expert at Lawns Unlimited today to discover your best lawn maintenance routine.

Ready to learn how to design a year-round lawn care program for your landscape? Receive guidance on growing a healthy lawn all year.