Maintenance

As the maintenance manager at Green View in Champaign, Illinois, I have spent years perfecting the art of lawn care. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn is understanding the importance of timing and temperature. These two factors are pivotal in determining the success of a lawn care routine. In this blog, I will share my insights on the significance of timing and temperature in various aspects of lawn care, including fertilization, watering, mowing, and pest control, specific to Illinois. 

Fertilization 

A well-timed fertilization schedule is essential for promoting a healthy lawn. The ideal timing and temperature to fertilize your lawn vary based on the type of grass you have. In Illinois, cool-season grasses are prevalent, so my recommendations will focus on those types. 

•  Cool-Season Grasses 

For cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fescues, the best times to fertilize are during the spring and fall. The ground temperature should range between 60-75°F, as this is when the grass is actively growing. Fertilizing in the spring helps your grass recover from winter dormancy, while fall fertilization prepares it for the cold months ahead. Fertilizer applied during the spring and fall has the greatest benefit due to the grasses actively absorbing and using the nutrients. Be sure to let us know if you plan to seed in the spring, and we will not apply pre-emergent fertilizer.  We are happy to prevent weeds and crabgrass but do not want to prevent your seed from growing.

We aim to fertilize your lawn at the highest rates in mid-to-late April and then again in mid-October. The fall application is especially important, as it helps your grass build up energy reserves to survive the harsh Illinois winter. 

Watering 

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a lush and healthy lawn. The key is to strike a balance between overwatering and underwatering and to pay close attention to both timing and temperature. 

• Best Time of Day for Watering

The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, ideally between 4 am and 10 am. Watering at these times allows the grass to absorb the water before the sun's heat causes evaporation. Watering during the evening or night can lead to prolonged dampness, which may promote disease and fungal growth. 

• Temperature Considerations 

During the hot summer months, you may need to water your lawn more frequently to prevent it from drying out. However, keep an eye on your local weather forecast and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If heavy rain occurs, then taper back your watering. If a heavy drought persists, then it may be time to water slightly more. In general, cool-season grasses in Illinois need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week during the growing season, either from rainfall or irrigation. 

Mowing 

Regular mowing is essential for maintaining a neat and healthy lawn. The timing of mowing and the height of the grass will depend on the type of grass you have and the season. 

• Mowing Frequency 

In Illinois, cool-season grasses typically require mowing once a week during the active growing season. You may need to mow more frequently during the spring and fall when the grass is growing rapidly. Always aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing to avoid stressing the grass. 

• Mowing Height 

The ideal mowing height for cool-season grasses in Illinois is between 2.5 and 4 inches. During hot and dry summer months, maintain a slightly higher cutting height to provide more shade for the grass roots and help retain soil moisture. Lawns that are consistently mowed at a height of over 2.5 inches maintain a darker shade of green.

Pest Control 

Effective pest control is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. Timing and temperature play a significant role in managing various lawn pests in Illinois. 

• Grub Control 

Grubs, the larvae of beetles, can cause severe damage to your lawn by feeding on grass roots. The best time to apply grub control products in Illinois is during late spring to mid-summer when the soil temperature reaches 60-70°F. This is when the grubs are most active and susceptible to control measures. Applying preventative treatments too early or too late may not provide the desired results. 

• Broadleaf Weed Control 

Broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, and plantain can detract from the appearance of your lawn. The best time to treat broadleaf weeds in Illinois is during the fall when the weeds are actively storing nutrients and are more susceptible to herbicides. Applying herbicides during the fall when the temperature is between 50-70°F will provide optimal results. 

During the summer months, improper use of herbicide can severely damage turf grasses. Green View takes extra precautions and spot sprays lawns to avoid any unnecessary lawn stress while still maintaining a neat and tidy lawn.

Overseeding 

Overseeding is the process of adding new grass seed to an existing lawn to improve its density and appearance. The timing of overseeding can significantly impact the success of this practice. 

• Best Time for Overseeding 

In Illinois, the best time to overseed cool-season grasses is during the early fall, from late August to mid-September. At this time, the soil temperature is still warm, and there is less competition from weeds, allowing the new grass seed to establish itself more effectively. Additionally, overseeding during this period gives the new grass plenty of time to grow and develop a robust root system before the winter. A fall Slit seeding with Green View is one of the most cost-effective ways to create a thick and thriving stand of turf.

• Soil Temperature 

For cool-season grasses, the ideal soil temperature for germination is between 50-65°F. Green View makes sure to monitor soil temperatures and plan your overseeding project accordingly to ensure the best possible results. Considering the proper soil temperatures can ensure the effectiveness of the herbicide and any type of fertilization.

Overall, understanding the importance of timing and temperature in various aspects of lawn care is crucial for maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn in Illinois. By paying close attention to the specific needs of your lawn during different seasons, we can adjust your lawn care practices accordingly so you can enjoy a lush, green, and inviting outdoor space all season long. Our Peoria, IL, Springfield, IL, and Bloomington, IL branches are also available to make your lawns magnificent! 

Skyler Pumphrey-Maintenance Manager