Fertilizing my lawn for initial spring application

BCClone

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Not exactly sure.
I think the deeper issue with my yard is that the sod was placed directly onto clay. I've aerated and plan to apply about 7 bags of pelletized gypsum to help breakdown the clay later this fall.

One option, May be spendy though. Start spreading worm casting and that will take care of fertilizer, help tilth and organic matter. Company in Hancock county produces it. Can cut middleman and get a quantity discount.
 

spierceisu

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I am moving into a new house at the end of October. It was built in 2016 so the grass is established but fairly new. I am thinking I would like to get some fertilizer down yet this fall since I don't know the history of fertility. Is late October/early November too late to put down fertilizer? I know getting fertilizer in the fall helps in the spring.
 

chuckd4735

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I am moving into a new house at the end of October. It was built in 2016 so the grass is established but fairly new. I am thinking I would like to get some fertilizer down yet this fall since I don't know the history of fertility. Is late October/early November too late to put down fertilizer? I know getting fertilizer in the fall helps in the spring.
Most fall lawn foods can go down before Thanksgiving.
 

HardcoreClone

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I aerated/overseeded on Oct 2. I have an extra bag of Earl May Lawn Food (28-0-4), however, I was told by someone that high Nitrogren can burn the grass seeds? If I wait another couple weeks to make sure any seeds have germinated and established, can I still apply this before winter? Or should I just hold onto it for next year?
 

tim_redd

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I aerated/overseeded on Oct 2. I have an extra bag of Earl May Lawn Food (28-0-4), however, I was told by someone that high Nitrogren can burn the grass seeds? If I wait another couple weeks to make sure any seeds have germinated and established, can I still apply this before winter? Or should I just hold onto it for next year?
I think you're probably good up until thanksgiving.
 

aforstate

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End of season lawn care rundown from the IPR hort club and an ISU turf specialist.

 
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cyfan92

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End of season lawn care rundown from the IPR hort club and an ISU turf specialist.


Never used a lawn mower and a shovel within 48 hours before...
 
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alarson

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End of season lawn care rundown from the IPR hort club and an ISU turf specialist.


So do i put the fertilizer on top of the snow?
 
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CloneGuy8

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Not necessarily a lawn care question, but I have a question about a maple tree I planted 4 years ago. I was told by someone that I should cut off the while right growth, and then stake the other growth to straighten it out. For those that know a lot about trees, is this good advice?
20201105_153522.jpg
 

CyCrazy

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You bought a **** tree, that thing will split in time. But you could always cutt the right half off and stake it. Its a good option. Other wise its a lost case with a leader split that low.
 
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cycloner29

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Time to rev this thread back up. Had tree removed a couple of months ago and now see a lot of saw dust around. Is it good for the soil or do I need to find a way to remove it all? I plan on doing the Epsom salt decomposition thing to get rid of the stump. TIA!!
 

DeereClone

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Time to rev this thread back up. Had tree removed a couple of months ago and now see a lot of saw dust around. Is it good for the soil or do I need to find a way to remove it all? I plan on doing the Epsom salt decomposition thing to get rid of the stump. TIA!!

As long as it isn't thick enough to choke out the grass I haven't had any trouble with wood chips/sawdust causing trouble.
 

TXCyclones

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Time to rev this thread back up. Had tree removed a couple of months ago and now see a lot of saw dust around. Is it good for the soil or do I need to find a way to remove it all? I plan on doing the Epsom salt decomposition thing to get rid of the stump. TIA!!

If the stump is dry enough put a couple/few bags of charcoal over it and let it do its own thing.
 

TXCyclones

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Is it a good time to put down grass seed in central IA?
 

Turn2

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Not necessarily a lawn care question, but I have a question about a maple tree I planted 4 years ago. I was told by someone that I should cut off the while right growth, and then stake the other growth to straighten it out. For those that know a lot about trees, is this good advice?
View attachment 77878
Just an FYI if you do or don't try to save half of it. All trees should be surrounded by a ring of mulch, but not up against the trunk. This should prevent the debilitating mower damage that you see on all young trees subjected to mower grazing and impacts.
 

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