Tips for Winter Lawn Fertilization
Lawns in Louisiana continue to grow into the fall but it is getting time to put up your fertilizer spreader for the winter.
Lawns should continue to be mowed and watered as needed well into fall but as nighttime temperatures dip into the 50s, warm season lawn grass growth will be reduced and go dormant as terperatures get even lower.
Fertilizing lawns correctly can produce benefits next spring but applying incorrectly may cause problems.
Fertilizing warm season grasses -- St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede -- during the fall with high nitrogen or summer-type fertilizers or winterizers containing nitrogen are not recommended for southern lawns. Stimulating fall growth with nitrogen leads to increased brown patch disease and winter kill.
The only fertilizer that should be applied in the fall is potash. Muriate of potash (0-0-60) may be applied in September or October to provide increased cold tolerance. Apply at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 1000 square feet.
For extra color on fall turf, apply a foliar iron spray. This will help in extending greeness into fall.
Contact your local Extension office at 318-728-3216 or visit us at 702 Madeline Street in Rayville, La.
Keith Collins
County Agent
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| Last Updated: 9/22/2010 3:24:32 PM |
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