1. Get rid of fall and winter yard debris<\/span><\/h2> ![\"two](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1rsz_33717906860_c673dafe1b_c.jpg\")
Hilary Halliwell | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Those frozen leaves and broken branches aren\u2019t going to remove themselves. Before attempting to begin your new masterpiece, it\u2019s crucial to start with a clean, blank canvas — just make sure the snow has melted and the ground is fully dry before raking. <\/p>
Not sure what to do with all those sticks and twigs you\u2019ve collected? How about trying out one of these fun and creative DIY projects here<\/a>? <\/p> 2. Apply herbicide<\/span><\/h2> Beginning in March, apply pre-emergent herbicide before weeds have time to germinate. <\/p>
How pre-emergent herbicide works: <\/strong>Pre-emergent herbicide creates a chemical barrier on the soil’s surface that prevents weed seeds from growing. It’s different from post-emergent herbicide, which kills weeds only after they’ve been established, not before.<\/p> Starting in May, apply a post-emergent herbicide to established lawns and actively growing weeds. Do not use herbicides on newly seeded areas. <\/p>
How post-emergent herbicide works:<\/strong> Post-emergent herbicide combines a mixture of chemicals and works by traveling down the plant stalk and entering the root system of existing weeds. One thing you will want to be mindful of when selecting a post-emergent herbicide is whether it is selective or non-selective. Although non-selective herbicide is more powerful, it may kill grass and other blooms around it. A selective herbicide is targeted and will kill specific types of weeds. <\/p> What are some common weeds found in Milwaukee lawns:<\/p>
- Dandelion<\/li>
- Crabgrass<\/li>
- Chickweed<\/li>
- Mayweed<\/li>
- Cheatgrass<\/li><\/ul>
Want to learn more about getting rid of stubborn weeds? Check out this detailed guide that covers everything you need to know about weed control and herbicides<\/a>.<\/p> 3. Test your soil<\/span><\/h2> ![\"soil](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_1024px-csiro_scienceimage_1739_testing_soil_ph.jpg\")
CSIRO | Wikimedia Commons<\/a> | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> After winter has left your grass stressed, test the soil to see what the nutrient levels are. Just like a blood test can detect any issues in our bodies, a soil test can identify when something is off or missing in your soil. Common amendments your soil might need include lime, magnesium, and phosphorus. There’s no way to know exactly what your soil needs until you get it tested. <\/p>
You can buy a DIY kit to take your own sample to provide basic information. Or, you can get a more detailed soil analysis from the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Laboratory<\/a>.<\/p> 4. Fertilize to promote growth<\/span><\/h2> After you get the soil test results, it\u2019s time to apply the right fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer to prevent unnecessary and excessive applications. Applying unnecessary nutrients to your lawn can cause disease issues and nutrient runoff, which is harmful to the environment and a waste of money. For grass growing in the sun, apply the label rate of fertilizer you have chosen. For grass growing in the shade, apply half the label rate. <\/p>
Curious about when to fertilize your lawn? Follow the recommended \u201choliday schedule.\u201d The University of Wisconsin-Madison recommends using a controlled-release or slow-release formula around three main holidays — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. If you are the type to remove grass clippings from your lawn, apply a fourth application of controlled-release fertilizer in October. <\/p>
Those frozen leaves and broken branches aren\u2019t going to remove themselves. Before attempting to begin your new masterpiece, it\u2019s crucial to start with a clean, blank canvas — just make sure the snow has melted and the ground is fully dry before raking. <\/p>
Not sure what to do with all those sticks and twigs you\u2019ve collected? How about trying out one of these fun and creative DIY projects here<\/a>? <\/p> Beginning in March, apply pre-emergent herbicide before weeds have time to germinate. <\/p> How pre-emergent herbicide works: <\/strong>Pre-emergent herbicide creates a chemical barrier on the soil’s surface that prevents weed seeds from growing. It’s different from post-emergent herbicide, which kills weeds only after they’ve been established, not before.<\/p> Starting in May, apply a post-emergent herbicide to established lawns and actively growing weeds. Do not use herbicides on newly seeded areas. <\/p> How post-emergent herbicide works:<\/strong> Post-emergent herbicide combines a mixture of chemicals and works by traveling down the plant stalk and entering the root system of existing weeds. One thing you will want to be mindful of when selecting a post-emergent herbicide is whether it is selective or non-selective. Although non-selective herbicide is more powerful, it may kill grass and other blooms around it. A selective herbicide is targeted and will kill specific types of weeds. <\/p> What are some common weeds found in Milwaukee lawns:<\/p> Want to learn more about getting rid of stubborn weeds? Check out this detailed guide that covers everything you need to know about weed control and herbicides<\/a>.<\/p> After winter has left your grass stressed, test the soil to see what the nutrient levels are. Just like a blood test can detect any issues in our bodies, a soil test can identify when something is off or missing in your soil. Common amendments your soil might need include lime, magnesium, and phosphorus. There’s no way to know exactly what your soil needs until you get it tested. <\/p> You can buy a DIY kit to take your own sample to provide basic information. Or, you can get a more detailed soil analysis from the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Laboratory<\/a>.<\/p> After you get the soil test results, it\u2019s time to apply the right fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer to prevent unnecessary and excessive applications. Applying unnecessary nutrients to your lawn can cause disease issues and nutrient runoff, which is harmful to the environment and a waste of money. For grass growing in the sun, apply the label rate of fertilizer you have chosen. For grass growing in the shade, apply half the label rate. <\/p> Curious about when to fertilize your lawn? Follow the recommended \u201choliday schedule.\u201d The University of Wisconsin-Madison recommends using a controlled-release or slow-release formula around three main holidays — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. If you are the type to remove grass clippings from your lawn, apply a fourth application of controlled-release fertilizer in October. <\/p> 2. Apply herbicide<\/span><\/h2>
3. Test your soil<\/span><\/h2>
4. Fertilize to promote growth<\/span><\/h2>
![\"infographic](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_overseeding_map.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>