Basic Lawn Maintenance

Mowing

Keep the mower blade sharp. Benefits: A dull blade tears the grass. A sharp blade slices the grass, which results in a healthier and more vibrant looking lawn.
Do not cut the grass shorter than two-and-a-half inches. Benefits: Longer grass keeps out weeds and turf insect pests. Also, roots grow deeper and the soil remains cooler.
Mow often enough so that only 30% of the grass blade is cut. For example, if your grass is four inches tall, remove one inch. Benefits: Because mowing damages the grass blade, cutting only 30% off the leaf blade will enable it to have a quicker recovery.
The grass does not need to be cut shorter going into the winter season. Benefits: Your lawn will experience a quicker spring green-up.
Do not pick up grass clippings. Only dispose of the grass if the lawn is diseased or the cuttings are wet or too long and completely covering the grass. Benefits: Grass clippings shade the soil surface, which impedes evaporation. Also, they can serve as a natural, safe, and inexpensive fertilizer for the grass. In fact, clippings are equivalent to one application of fertilizer per year.

Watering

Rainfall and soil type determine how much and how often a lawn needs to be watered:

Clay soil (the most common soil in Golden Valley) should be watered infrequently, but for longer periods. (Many people make the mistake of watering their lawn several times a week for shorter periods.) It is best to apply one inch of water to your lawn per week. Measure the amount of water used in sprinkling by placing straight-sided cans in various locations throughout the yard. Benefits: By allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings, the grass plant will have time to develop deep root systems and will be able to withstand stressful conditions.
Sandy soils have a high infiltration rate and should be watered more frequently, but for shorter periods.

Remember, adjust weekly watering schedule according to amount of rainfall.

Overwatering can be more of a health risk to lawns than underwatering, causing:

more weeds
lazy grass with shallow roots
soil that lacks sufficient oxygen
an environment more prone to fungal disease
essential nutrients to be washed away

Sprinkling Bans

During seasonal droughts, the City of Golden Valley may be required to issue a sprinkling ban and/or restrictions. Generally, homes not on City water are not affected by such restrictions. Sprinkling bans are broadcast on local television stations and on WCCO-AM 830 radio. To find out if Golden Valley is covered by a ban/restriction, call 763-593-8030.

Fertilizing

Before you fertilize, have your soil tested through the local county extension office. Benefits: All soils have different natural levels of nutrients. The test will determine the proper amount of elements that should be in a fertilizer mixture.
Always read the label carefully for directions on how to apply the fertilizer.
If possible, use a phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer. However, if your lawn needs phosphorus, use a fertilizer containing only a small amount. Benefits: Curbing use of phosphorus will cut down on algae growth in local lakes and make them healthier.
Fertilize your lawn in late summer or fall. If you fertilize too soon, your grass will be forced to use up stored energy. Benefits: Lawn will stay greener longer in the fall and will experience early spring green-up. Also, grass will have higher energy reserves and will not be as prone to disease in the summer.
Use moderate amounts of fertilizer regularly instead of large amounts sporadically. Benefits: Used correctly, nitrogen helps grass grow vigorously and develop a dark green color. If not, nitrogen will burn the grass and cause other problems.
Use a rotary spreader and spread the fertilizer in two directions. Benefits: It will speed up the distribution process and lawns will not have noticeable striping.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are nutrients in a fertilizer. For example, a fertilizer that has an NPK of 35-0-10 has 35% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.

Be Responsible

While fertilizer may benefit your lawn, it will not benefit community lakes if carelessly applied. Fertilizer that is spilled and not cleaned up will find its way to the nearest lake through storm water runoff. In turn, the aquatic life will be poisoned by these toxic chemicals. When fertilizing, remember to:

Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces (sidewalks, driveways) and sweep up any accidental spills.
Sweep up and recycle grass clippings that fall on the driveway, sidewalk, or street. Leaving clippings on hard surfaces is like leaving them in a lake.

Lawn Maintenance Calendar

Spring

March and April: Dandelions and crabgrass areas may be treated with weed killer. Do not fertilize during these months. By late April to early May, crabgrass may be controlled with a pre-emergent (pre-germination) weed killer.
May and June: Annual weeds are germinating. To decrease the chance of weeds, do not aerate the soil at this time. Only use a fertilizer with weed control additives if the lawn needs it.

Summer

July: Summer dormancy begins. Do not treat weeds or fertilize.
Mid-August to September 30: Apply some fertilizer. Best time to aerate and seed.

Fall

September and October: Best time to fertilize and treat perennial weeds with herbicides (after a frost). Can aerate through October.

Winter

November: Winter dormancy begins.