Introduction
This calendar provides a guideline for typical maintenance of Indiana lawns of cool season grasses. The maintenance level that you choose depends on your expectations of your lawn and your time commitment.
Author
Zac Reicher and Clark Throssell
Purdue University Turfgrass Specialists
Reviewed by Tom Voigt, Univ. of Illinois
Maintenance Calendar for Indiana Lawns
For purposes of this publication, maintenance levels were defined as:
High: For those who want the densest, greenest, healthiest lawn and are willing to commit considerable time and money to maintenance.
Medium: For those who want an acceptable-looking lawn, but are not willing to commit significant time and money into upkeep.
Low: For those who want an average-looking lawn with a minimal amount of inputs.
| Maintenance Level | - | - | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | High | Medium | Low | Practices | Notes |
| March | X | - | - | Watch for snow mold damage as snow recedes. | Snow mold is possible under snow or matted leaves, rake infected area to help dry out. |
| April | X | X | X | Mow at 2.5-3.5". | Begin mowing as soon as lawn greens-up and begins growing. |
| April | X | X | - | Apply a preemergence herbicide if crabgrass has been a problem in the past. | Use a product containing little or no nitrogen. Any N in the product should be a slow-release form such as sulfur- or polymer-coated urea, urea formaldehyde, or a natural organic. Avoid applying more than 0.75 lbs N/1000 ft2. |
| May | X | X | X | Continue mowing at 2.5-3.5”. | Frequent mowing is needed during this time to avoid removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade during a single mowing. |
| May | X | - | - | Aerification and/or power raking if needed. | Aerification will help alleviate compaction and thatch while power raking will help alleviate only thatch. |
| May | X | - | - | Apply 0.75-1.0 lbs. N/1000 ft2 | Use a product containing mostly slow-release N, but do not fertilize now if fertilizer was applied with a preemergence herbicide in April. |
| May | X | X | - | Dandelions can be spot sprayed with a broadleaf herbicide. | Wait until flowering to apply herbicide in spring, Safer and more efficient dandelion control is achieved with broadleaf herbicide applications in October. |
| May | X | X | - | Watch for red thread in slow-growing lawns. | Red thread can be minimized with fertilizer application. |
| June | X | X | X | Continue mowing at 2.5-3.5”. | - |
| June | X | - | - | Irrigate as needed. | Irrigate thoroughly, and then do not water again until the first signs of drought stress are seen |
| June | X | X | - | Watch for red thread, dollar spot in slow-growing lawns. | If disease outbreak is severe, consider applying 0.5-0.75 lbs N/1000 ft2. |
| June | X | - | - | Apply postemergence herbicide if undesirable amount of crabgrass develops. | Follow label directions carefully, and do not apply when temperatures are over 80oF or to drought-stressed turf. |
| July | X | X | X | Continue mowing at 2.5-3.5”. | - |
| July | X | - | - | Irrigate as needed. | - |
| July | X | - | - | Apply 0.75 lbs. N/1000 ft2. | Fertilize only on irrigated lawns or during summers with above average rainfall and use a product containing slow release N. |
| July | X | X | - | Start scouting for white grubs. | If lawn has a history of white grub damage, consider applying insecticide containing Merit in early July. |
| August | X | X | - | Irrigate as needed | - |
| August | X | X | - | Reseed thin or bare areas starting in the middle of August | Optimum seeding window is Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 in central IN. |
| August | X | X | - | Watch for rust in slow growing lawns | Irrigate to encourage growth and if disease outbreak is severe, consider applying 0.5-0.75 lbs N/1000 ft2 |
| August | X | X | - | Continue scouting for white grubs | If grubs are found, or lawn has a history of white grub damage, consider applying insecticide other than Merit in early August. |
| September | X | X | X | Apply 1 lb. N/1000 ft2. | - |
| September | X | - | - | Aerification and/or power raking if needed. | Should be done only when grass is growing vigorously |
| September | X | X | - | Watch for rust in slow-growing lawns. | Irrigate to encourage growth and the application of fertilizer should help minimize damage. |
| September | X | X | - | Watch for white grub damage. | If grub damage is found, increase irrigation and consider application of the insecticide Dylox. |
| October | X | X | X | Control dandelions and other broadleaf weeds now. | Spot sprays or blanket applications of broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP are most effective. |
| October | X | X | X | Continue mowing at 2.5-3.5”. | Continue as long as grass is growing and to mulch tree leaves into turf. |
| October | X | X | - | Watch for rust in slow-growing lawns. | Irrigate to encourage growth and if disease outbreak is severe, consider applying 0.75-1.0 lbs N/1000 ft2. |
| November | X | X | X | Apply 1.5 lbs. N/1000 ft2. | Use a fast release N product such as urea and apply after the final mowing but while the grass is still green. |
| November | X | X | X | Continue mowing at 2.5-3.5”. | DO NOT reduce the mowing height for the last few mowings; continue mulching tree leaves into the turf. |
This calendar relies on more detailed information found in other publications. Please refer to the following publications for more information:
- AY-6: Zoysiagrass for Indiana Lawns
- AY-7: Irrigation Practices for Homelawns
- AY-8: Mowing, Thatching, Aerifying and Rolling Turf
- AY-9: Control of Broadleaf Weeds in Homelawns
- AY-10: Control of Crabgrass in Homelawns
- AY-22: Fertilizing Established Lawns
- AY-26: Should I Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service