Welcome to Allens Seed - Turf Maintenance

Allens Seed 4 Step Turf and Ornamental Maintenance Program

Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall Other Options
Recommended Program for established Turf High nitrogen fertilizer plus crabgrass pre-emergent for long term control of crabgrass High nitrogen fertilizer plus broadleaf weed control Slow release fertilizer to maintain turf vigor and growth High potassium fertilizer to maintain turf strength for the winter and to insure early spring green. Milorganite is an effective organic fertilizer containg iron, excellent for safe green-up
Recommended Program for Immature Turf Starter fertilizer for new grass plus Tupersan crabgrass pre-emergent (the only product that allows new sd to germinate) Re-application of Tupersan plus a turf builder fertilizer to stimulate growth of new turf. Continue until 6th mowing of new grass Apply longer lasting crabgrass prevention plus a fertilizer with low chance of shocking heat stressed turf High potassium fertilizer to maintain turf strength for the winter and to insure early spring green Ask about our other lines of organic products for your lawn
Recommended Additional Applications Control of existing grub problem, if any Apply preventative products for grub control Ideal time to begin re-seeding summer damage spots Control of existing grub problem, if preventative measures were not taken Milorganite late in the year can help improve spring green-up as well
Additional Applications As Needed Preventative fungus control, to be re-applied every 14-30 days for effective results Use Aquatrols for the reduction of heat stress and overall improvement of turf health Use insecticides to control common surface feeding insects, such as ants, chinch bugs and much more Maintain a proper ph balance through the use of lime or SoluCal
                     
   

Allens Seed Watering Protocol

 

Most lawns require about one inch of water each week to remain actively growing during summer months. Vegetable crops require about one to two inches each week depending on root depth, growth stage, and soil type. This represents a lot of water.

 

When there is a lack of weekly rainfall, it is crucial that irrigators pay close attention to the weather and water wisely. Not only does improper irrigation waste valuable water, but excess irrigation water can also carry fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants to ground and surface waters.

 

Use a rain gauge to measure weekly rainfall and apply only the amount of supplemental water needed.

 

Avoid frequent watering (unless seeding) as it encourages shallow root depths and can weaken plants.One or two thorough watering events each week is ideal.

 

Use low pressure/low volume watering systems such as soaker hoses and drip irrigation for gardens and beds. This reduces water losses due to evaporation, and the low flow rates minimize the potential for water leaching below the root zone or running off the surface. Water is also applied at or near the root zone where the plant needs it.

 

When using sprinklers:

Avoid irrigating during hot, windy parts of the day to reduce evaporation loss- early morning is best as wet plant foliage during evening hours can increase susceptibility to disease.

 

Be sure that automatic sprinklers have a manual control option- irrigate according to weekly rainfall amounts and not a set, automatic schedule.

 

Be sure your automatic sprinkler system is off when it is raining. Don't be a water waster.

 

Avoid irrigating paved surfaces, roads and driveways. Use shallow cans or a rain gauge to measure the amount of water being applied.

 

Adjust the flow rate to the sprinklers to avoid surface runoff.

 

Obtain and install a soil moisture sensor as part of your irrigation system.

 

Other important tips:

Consider planting drought tolerant plants - especially in those spots where the soil is already very dry and sandy. Soils differ in the amount of water they can hold, so save moisture-loving plants for areas with finer, heavier soils. During a serious, prolonged drought consider allowing lawns to go naturally dormant, because watering can actually stress the grass more by forcing it to grow under such adverse conditions.

 

Allens Seed Plant Feeding Protocol