READY, SET, GO!

It appears that spring is about to arrive in most of the northern most states after a long winter and a spring that has been stubborn to show up.  With warmer weather patterns now developing, cool season turfgrasses will get 'kick started' by this warming as they have re-hydrated and have become physiologically prepared for regrowth. 

Annual bluegrass seedheads will begin to emerge rather rapidly leaving a smaller window for proper timing of PGR applications.  Remember to supplement what ever growth regulators you might be using, with foliar nitrogen and bio-stimulant sources.  These supplements will enhance the activity of the chosen PGR and facilitate movement throughout the plant.  Carefully examine some of the Poa plants in order to monitor seedhead development in the 'boot stage' of development.  When developing seedheads are visible, application timing is right!

If the warmer weather pattern holds, summer annual grasses (particularly smooth crabgrass), could still germinate early.  Monitor soil temperature (remember to measure soil temperature in the upper half inch of the profile) and when the temperature is 55F in the morning before heating from the sun occurs, for three days in a row, make your preemergence application and be sure to irrigate it into the ground.  Incidentally, this phenomenon coincides very closely with the first petal fall of forsythia (a good phenotipical indicator). 

Your comments are always welcome and let's get the growing season started!!!

Dr. Tom-Turfgrass Expert