Fertilizing my lawn for initial spring application

[dmclone]

Tree cleanup. Yes, I ignore these trees for 17+ years.

 

[mynameisjonas]

Looks like temps are remaining high for the next couple weeks, still seeding on Labor Day?

 

[Agclone91]

Looks like temps are remaining high for the next couple weeks, still seeding on Labor Day?

Probably fine as long as you're willing to keep a ton of water on it.

 

[CycloneSpinning]

It appears to be a red maple?? Maple trees are a species that tends to have roots exposed at the surface, because they're shallow rooted. Another possibility is compacted. poorly draining soil: although most people don't realize it, roots need oxygen, compacted or habitually wet soil may not allow oxygen to penetrate to the roots, so the roots basically come to the oxygen level of the soil.

You can put a LITTLE soil over top, but generally not more than an inch or the roots will suffocate and die, and thus the tree will die. The best solution at this point is to either mulch over the roots (being careful not to suffocate the roots with a thick quantity, or plant some sort of groundcover.

Note that the tree will be competing with the groundcover and very possibly will out-compete it, so it can be difficult to sustain groundcover under the tree. Select a groundcover that doesn't require a significant amount of water if you choose that option, give it a try and hope for the best.

If replacing the tree, be cognizant of its tendencies, select appropriately.

It IS awfully close to the sidewalk, which will probably cause future problems such as heaving the sidewalk. Something else to consider, even though 18 years old at this time, as it gets larger it will be more expense to remove the tree and repair the sidewalk, and you'll be behind in the growth of a replacement tree.

It’s a lot of work for a stupid mistake by the builder, but wouldn’t a better choice at this point be to bury a sidewalk shield (rather than remove the tree I mean)?

 

[mkadl]

Looks like temps are remaining high for the next couple weeks, still seeding on Labor Day?

I am done. New grass is about 1" tall. Patches only not a huge area. Water the heck out of it and cover with clippings.

 

[wxman1]

With how dry it has been is it even worth fertilizing etc.?

 

[Trice]

With how dry it has been is it even worth fertilizing etc.?

Hope so because my guy is coming today. [shrug emoji]

 

[somecyguy]

With how dry it has been is it even worth fertilizing etc.?

I've been wondering the same thing. I noticed a neighbor down the street had their scheduled service come last week. I could see pellets all over the driveway and into the street. Unless he waters liberally, it's all just going to roll away.

My yard is as hard as concrete right now. I'd like to aerate soon, I suspect even that will be difficult.

 

[MushroomPinball]

With how dry it has been is it even worth fertilizing etc.?

Looks like were finally coming out of the hot spell we've been in for the last few weeks. Still not a lot of rain in the forecast but cooler temperatures for sure. I'd wait until before we're going to get some solid rain. Looks like that might be Monday so if the forecast holds this weekend would probably be a good time to fertilize. Of course all this could change in a few days and be in the 90s next week so who knows.

 

[Donqluione]

It’s a lot of work for a stupid mistake by the builder, but wouldn’t a better choice at this point be to bury a sidewalk shield (rather than remove the tree I mean)?

OP didn't like the roots protruding on the surface, that will always tend to be a problem

 

[DevilDog]

I got grass seed from Grass Pad & put it down last Saturday. Been running my sandpoint non-stop since.

 

[brianhos]

I am waiting a few weeks to get my lawn aerated, it's just too hard right now. Then fertilizer and some tall fescue seed.

 

[CycloneSpinning]

OP didn't like the roots protruding on the surface, that will always tend to be a problem

Oh I see. I thought the concern at this point was the sidewalk. Yes, a shield would not help with the protruding roots. Thanks.

 

[ClonerJams]

Couple of questions for you composters.

1. When do you start your compost pile for the year?
2. My hesitation with composting is that I don't want to attract unwanted critters in my yard. Would something like this keep them away? https://tinyurl.com/2s36727p

 

[JM4CY]

If chunks of my lawn are totally in dormant mode due to the heat and drought the last month, does it do any good to throw fertilizer on those parts of my yard before winter?

 

[cyfan92]

If chunks of my lawn are totally in dormant mode due to the heat and drought the last month, does it do any good to throw fertilizer on those parts of my yard before winter?

Yes, slow release fertilizer is still a good idea

Yard and Garden: Fall Lawn Care

Proper lawn care in fall helps ensure an attractive, healthy lawn next season. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share tips on fall lawn care practices, including controlling broadleaf weeds, mowing, fertilizing and aerating.

www.extension.iastate.edu

 

[spierceisu]

I just had my lawn aerated yesterday and got some fertilizer down with the rain we had coming today and this weekend. I was hoping for some more rain before aeration to get deeper plugs, but it was the time the company could work me in. I also put some grub killer down as I noticed a few while digging a flower bed area so thought it couldn't hurt.

 

[cyfan92]

I think I'm on deck to get aeration next week... PRAYING for a lot of rain this weekend so that the plugs go deeper..

 

[cycloner29]

Is it better to dethatch first then aerate?

 

[ianoconnor]

Is it better to dethatch first then aerate?

I don't think it's super critical. I just did the reverse order this past weekend, mostly because I found out about my neighbor's aeration guy coming out with only a couple days notice.