Q: I have brand new zoysia sod. How soon should I allow my yard service to apply a preemergence herbicide? And should I let them fertilize now?

From Clint: “Do not apply preemergence on brand new sod until it has rooted. Do not waste your money on fertilizing warm-season turf grasses quite yet; wait until soil temperatures are 65 degrees and rising (it’s still too early for much root activity).”

Q: When is the best time to plant fescue, and do I need to cover with straw or not after seeding? Can I buy some bags of something like potting soil mix it with something to stretch it further then hand broadcast fescue?

From Clint: “Ideally, you want to seed tall fescue in the fall, because it gets to strengthen during two growing seasons before the heat stress of summer. You can seed now, but expect to see some seedling loss or mortality. For now, split the seed rate in half, so put out 3-4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. Cover with straw or even pine straw to 1) keep seed in place, 2) improve germination and 3) to retain moisture. Finally, it’s not necessary to use potting soil as a ‘filler’, fescue seed alone is fine.”

Q: If I core aerate my Bermuda, do I need to break up the plugs that come out or just leave them on top of ground?

From Clint: “Do what you can to rake or blow them off. Or run the mower over them to break them up.”

Q: What is a turf that is a little more durable against dog urine?

From Clint: “TifTuf is a Bermudagrass, and Bermuda is generally a little tougher.”

Q: What is proper mowing height on fescue?

From Clint: “Mow down to where it is 2-3″ high. It can certainly be left taller than warm-season grasses, like Zoysia and Bermuda. *The best height to mow Bermuda is to 1 - 1.5″ tall.”

Spring Mowing Tips:

—Maintain the same mowing height

—Recommended to not bag grass clippings. They provide nitrogen back to the soil. Soil microbes break down the grass clippings.

—Don’t remove more than one-third grass height in a single mowing.

©2022 Cox Media Group