May lawn care: weed, feed and water

• In early May, you can still apply pre-emergent lawn care controls for crabgrass and broadleaf weeds, though many weeds will have already sprouted.

  Usually late March and April are the best time for this. But pre-emergent controls applied now will still prevent weed seeds from germinating.

• In mid-May, apply weed-and-feed formula to all lawn areas to control already-growing weeds. The package will inform you. This application includes zoysia, which should be starting to green up. This weed-and-feed application, which often should be applied after turf is wet from dew or have been sprayed down, should take care of weeds that are already visible and growing. The granules stick to the wet weed leaves and stalks.

• If you are starting new seed or have overseeded or patched areas, be careful about applying pre-emergent weed controls. Wait until the grass is up, and then if you see any weeds, simply pull them out by hand or lightly apply a weed control.

• In newly seeded areas, (not those that have been sodded) fertilize with a seed-starter formula, not a regular fertilizer, which is too strong. On newly laid sod, treat it just as you would growing turf, with weed and feed applications.

• Remember to water new grass generously, whether started from seed or from newly laid sod. Usually the rainfall in May is sufficient for established turf, but new grass plants need daily watering.

• Any time in May you can apply insect controls. Granular applications, such as Diazinon or Dursban will help control crawling insects, such as ants, pillbugs, spiders and ticks, etc. Read directions and wear protective clothing, especially goggles and gloves, when handling these chemicals.

• In mid- to late May, start mowing grass at 2 inches to 3 inches high, which is usually the highest blade setting—for a more lush turf and to prevent soil moisture loss as the weather gets warmer.

• Make sure the mower and all other power garden tools are in good repair. If you haven’t had a mower tune-up yet, it’s not too late, although getting it serviced could take several weeks during this busy season. There are tuneup kits available for DIYers.

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