K-State horticulture expert outlines tips for maintaining warm-season lawns
MANHATTAN, Kan. – While cool-season grasses are more common in Kansas, many parts of the state are more ideal for warm-season grasses, or those more tolerant of high temperatures and drought conditions.
Zoysia grass, bermuda grass and buffalo grass are the most common warm-season grasses in Kansas. Of these, buffalo grass is thought to require less maintenance because it can survive with less water and fertilizer than the other two varieties.
The following calendar – provided by K-State horticulture expert Ward Upham — will give homeowners a good plan for maintaining warm-season grasses in Kansas.
March
Zoysia grass and bermuda grass – Spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Treat on a day that is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce its effectiveness.
Buffalo grass – Spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary; fall treatments are more effective. Spray early enough in March that the buffalo grass is still dormant. Treat on a day that is 50 degrees F or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce its effectiveness.
April
Zoysia grass and bermuda grass – Apply crabgrass preventer between April 1 and 15, or apply preventer when the eastern redbud is approaching full bloom. If using a product with prodiamine, apply two weeks earlier. Crabgrass preventers must be watered in before they will start to work.
Buffalo grass – Apply crabgrass preventer between April 1 and 15 or when the eastern redbud is in full bloom. If using a product with prodiamine, apply two weeks earlier. Crabgrass preventers must be watered in before they will start to work. Avoid using broadleaf herbicides as the buffalo grass is greening up, which may cause injury.
May through August 15
Zoysia grass and bermuda grass – Fertilize with one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Follow recommendations on the bag. More applications will give a deeper green color, but will increase mowing and lead to thatch buildup in zoysia grass. Bermudagrass can have problems with thatch buildup, but is less likely.
For bermuda grass, consider 2 to 4 applications. For zoysia grass, consider 1 to 2 applications.
Depending on what you decide, the suggested timeframe for applications includes:
• One application – apply in June.
• Two applications – apply in May and July.
• Three applications – apply in May, June and early August.
• Four applications – apply in May, June, July and early August.
June
Zoysia grass and bermuda grass – If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing imidacloprid (May through June) or chlorantraniliprole (May). These products must be watered in before they are effective. June is a good time to core aerate a warm-season lawn.
Buffalo grass – Fertilize with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. If desired, fertilize again in July. If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing imidacloprid (May through June) or chlorantraniliprole (May). These products can also be applied in mid-May if there are problems with billbugs or May beetle grubs.
Late July through August
Zoysia grass and bermuda grass – Apply a grub killer if you see grub damage. If imidacloprid has been applied previously, this should not be necessary. Grub killers must be watered in immediately.
Buffalo grass – Apply a grub killer if you see grub damage. If imidacloprid has been applied previously, or if grubs have not been a problem in the past, this should not be necessary. Grub killers must be watered in immediately.
Late October
Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass – Spray for broadleaf weeds if they are a problem. Treat on a day that is at least 50 degrees F. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours reduces the effectiveness of the spray. Use the rates listed on the product label.
Buffalo grass – Spray for broadleaf weeds if they are a problem. Look carefully because such winter annuals as chickweed and henbit are small and easily overlooked. Use a product that contains 2,4-D which increases effectiveness on dandelions. Treat on a day that is at least 50 degrees F. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours reduces the effectiveness of the spray. Use the rates listed on the product label.
Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.
Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at [email protected], or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
K-State Horticulture Newsletter, https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html
K-State Research and Extension local offices, www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Ward Upham
785-532-6173
[email protected]
