Get Ready for Green This Spring!
As spring arrives, we need to focus on many things to care for our turf and plants; and if we approach things properly, we can turn the spring challenges we face into opportunities.
Seeding/Overseeding
Spring seeding is best when applied early- March 1 to April 1. Applying a professional starter fertilizer like our 16-28-12 with patented Armament ZnB will help the new grass establish faster and healthier. Do not forget to apply a late pre-emergent to protect the newer grass from crabgrass and summer annual weeds later in the season.
A second option is to apply a 21-22-4 starter fertilizer with Mesotrione which is a combo of pre-emergent and starter fertilizer in one. This is a newer product and will be valuable for seeding in the spring and summer to protect the newer grass from being overrun with crabgrass and weeds. Mesotrione is very popular with hydroseeding, but there was a gap when doing traditional seeding. This new product will fill the void.
If salt damage is an issue, use a granular gypsum at the recommended rates to control elevated salt contents and to help establish new stands of turf.
Spring Fertilization
Fertilizing in the spring will provide the GREEN and the nutrients the lawn desperately needs. It also helps the turf rebound from the stress of winter and disease. Snow mold (brown matted areas) should be raked to allow air circulation and promote recovery. Seeding may be needed for some of the thin and bare areas.
Using a good extended feed professional fertilizer will help give an even feeding. This provides a healthier turf as well. If you are blanket spraying for weeds you should include the patented Foliar-Pak Armament Concentrate. Armament will help the plant pick up 20-30% of the nutrients in the soil which are normally plant unavailable. Armament will also help the products be more efficient and provide better results as well.
Landscape Plants and Beds
Spring plant fertilization will promote plant health and recovery from winter stress. Using a granular or liquid landscape fertilizer with special nutrients or features will be key in providing plants with the nutrients they desperately need. Granular Healthy Grow 2-4-3 w/Armament or 14-14-10 Armament/organic base will be a great option. An incredible liquid program is Foliar-Pak’s Ultimate Ornamental Program which consists of 12-6-6 Bio, Chloroburst L, and Colonise Bio LTO as a combo. Grow-In is also another option. Adding ArmorTech IMD 2SC (Imidacloprid) as a drench will help manage pests along with specialty TriTek oil foliar spray.
Do not forget the pre-emergent program for your beds. This is a necessary step and is very profitable as well. We can help guide you through the options: BroadStar, Freehand, Snapshot, Trammel, etc.
Lime and Soil Testing
You should do a soil analysis, especially if you have not analyzed the soil in the last couple of years. The soil analysis will allow you to zero in on the correct fertilizer to be applied and will paint a picture of whether you need to add lime and exactly how much and which type to apply. Liming may be essential to improve your PH and can increase nutrient uptake from your fertilizer. Lime also provides calcium and magnesium which are essential to proper plant growth. We offer soil testing and can guide you every step of the way.
Please contact your sales representative at ATS for guidance on all of your turf care and landscape needs this spring and throughout the season. Think green!
Todd Smith
Sales Representative
