Timing is important when planning a lawn care plan in the Midwest. Turf in the Upper Midwest is composed of cold-season grasses, which have their periodic cycle. Match Midwest spring, summer, and autumn lawn care to the turf’s seasonal requirements for the greatest results.
Upper Midwest Turf Cycle
Lawn maintenance is comparable to and coordinated with the local seasonal changes in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. This region’s cool-season turf grasses follow a particular growth cycle:
Turf grass in the Midwest has a growth spurt in the spring. Deep roots that are rich in nutrients from the autumn should be present.
Summertime temperatures cause cold-season grass to grow much more slowly. In very hot weather, the roots may suffer harm.
When the weather cools down in the fall, the grass has another burst of growth. The springtime surge is larger than this one, which is smaller.
The grassroots begin storing energy and expanding deeper in the autumn to prepare for becoming dormant in the winter.
When to Fertilize a Lawn in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin
August through October are the ideal months to fertilize grass grown in cold climates. The fall is the critical time for the roots to absorb nutrients to store for the winter. You may fertilize as well in early May and early June.
Do not fertilize in the early spring. This promotes excessive leaf growth when it might yet get too chilly. Also, avoid fertilizing on hot summer days. This may harm the grass.
One of the most crucial elements for grass development is nitrogen, although moderation is key. The annual nitrogen requirement for normal grass is four pounds (1.8 kg) per 1,000 square feet (92 square meters). Apply no more than one pound (0.5 kg) of product at a time. Too much nitrogen may even scorch the leaves and hinder root development.
Mowing During the Growing Season
To maintain the health of your lawn, mow it properly. From spring until autumn, mow as often as necessary, but avoid getting the grass too short. Maintain it at or below three inches in height (7.6 cm). Also, never mow your lawn more than three-quarters of the way down.
When the turf’s growth is drastically reduced on the warmest summer days, you may cease mowing. Continue mowing as necessary if you often use the water in the summer. Instead of bagging, leave mulched grass clippings in the yard.
Midwest Lawn Watering
From spring through autumn, cool-season turf grass requires one inch (2.5 cm) of water every week. It is essential to water your grass if it is not receiving enough moisture due to a lack of rainfall. Put a few empty cans all around the grass to gauge the water output of your sprinkler.
Summer is the best time to cease watering the lawn. The grass will return when the weather worsens if you let it grow dormant and brown. You will likely need more water in addition to rain if you want a green lawn throughout summer.
Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota Lawn Dethatching Season
Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass and other organic matter from the soil’s surface. While removing it every few years is helpful for the lawn, it is not an annual duty. Thatch buildup prevents nutrients, oxygen, and water from reaching the roots. Pests and illnesses may also spread due to it.
In the upper Midwest, early spring and late autumn are the optimal seasons to dethatch. Avoid doing it in the summer when the grass may get strained. Fresh grass should not be dethatched, either. Wait a few years before beginning this task.
Managing Weeds
On the grass, weeds are not always an issue. A lawn with greater variety is healthier. Timing is crucial if you wish to regulate them somewhat, however. In warmer temperatures, avoid using herbicides. The grass may suffer severe harm as a result.
Use a pre-emergent herbicide to control crabgrass between mid-April and mid-May. Before it truly emerges in the grass, you must capture it.
In the upper Midwest, seasonal lawn maintenance corresponds to the cool-season grass’s growth cycle. Take care of your grass for a healthy, green lawn, and schedule your duties properly.