A. BROWN TURF? MOW PROBLEM! Warmer temperatures and rainfall have
encouraged turfgrass to regain its dark green color and top growth, revealing uneven growth patterns within lawns and in comparison to neighboring lawns. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, both with bunch type growth habits, appear as upright patches in a lawn of prostrate growing Kentucky bluegrass, plus cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass regain green color at different rates. Turfgrass health last year attributes greatly to the overall regeneration of spring growth, plus an application of fertilizer in early fall, and another in late fall-early winter, will encourage root growth during the winter months and early "greening" in the spring. Newer, improved cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass are slightly slower to respond in the spring, as they require warmer soil temperatures than the older cultivars. To obfuscate the unevenness of mixed turf species in a stand, and remove the brown blades left from last year, mow the turfgrass at the recommended height as soon as possible, when leaf blades are dry. The turfgrass will benefit by receiving more sunlight and air circulation after the old, dead blades are removed, and quickly regain
turfgrass growth. Remember to mow frequently enough to remove only 1/3 of the leaf blades at a time to avoid scalping the grass. Mowing at the higher recommended setting will provide the turf with the optimal potential to produce and store carbohydrates and obtain a good root system. This is especially important in the spring when maximum rooting of cool season grasses occurs. Refer to OSU Extension Fact Sheet HYG 4020, "Lawn Mowing" for more information.

B. NO MOW TILL YOU KNOW. Before dragging the lawn mower out to the yard,
make sure that the lawn mower is properly adjusted and the blade swings freely on a level plane. Always use a sharp blade to reduce tearing and bruising of the leaf blades. Perennial ryegrass is especially susceptible to tearing, and the ragged, brown leaf tips are not only unsightly, but allows moisture to escape, and pathogens access into the leaves.

C. NOT SO DANDY DANDELIONS. Dandelions are blooming in Central Ohio as
well as many other broadleaf weeds and many people want to treat now, however post emergent herbicides are not effective unless conditions are conducive for the weeds to absorb and translocate the herbicide. Broadleaf weeds are generally controlled with amine formulations when day time temperatures are between 55F and 60F, and soil temperatures are 55F consistently. Dandelions are best controlled when they enter the "puffball stage", when the seeds are formed, as at that time, carbohydrates are sent
back to the roots for storage, along with the herbicide. Although ester formulations work well at cooler temperatures, they are more likely to volatilize and injure adjacent desirable broadleaf plants.

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All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Admin. and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

Revised November, 2001