The information in this sheet applies to Kentucky bluegrasses, tall fescues, fine-leaf fescues, and perennial ryegrasses or mixtures of these grasses.

Culture

Mowing--Following establishment, begin mowing when grass exceeds one-third the desired height, and continue mowing as needed. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at any one mowing. Clippings contribute little to thatch buildup and should be returned to turf when mowing at proper intervals. Mowing heights may be reduced within the acceptable range during spring and fall when grass is growing rapidly. Raise mowing heights, within the accepted range, during warm-hot periods or when turf is stressed due to drought, disease, shade, insects, or traffic.
Mowing Heights

Improved Ky.Bluegrass Blends: 2"-2.5"
Ky. Blue, Perennial Ryegrass Mixes: 2"-2.5"
Ky. Bluegrass, Fine Fescue Shade Mix: 2"-2.5"
TallFescue Blends: 2"-3"

Watering--Irrigate turf on an "as needed" basis. Supplement natural precipitation to provide turf with about 1"-1.5" total water per week during the growing season. Watering early in the day can reduce turf disease problems and excessive water loss due to evaporation. Water infrequently and deeply, wetting soil to a minimum depth of six inches.

Fertility--Supply nitrogen (in pounds of actual N/1,000 ft V year) as shown:
Improved Types of Ky. Bluegrass Blends: 2-4
Ky. Blue, Perennial Ryegrass Mixes: 2-4
Ky. Bluegrass, Fine Fescue Shade Mix: 1-3
Turf-type Tall Fescue Blends: 2-4

Supply low- to medium-quality turf with mineral nutrients in two applications per year and higher quality turf in three or four applications per year. Never apply more than one pound of soluble nitrogen/1,000 ft. 2 at any one application. Supply phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and iron as indicated by soil test results. Adjust soil pH to between 6 and 7.
Thatch Removal and Cultivation (core aerification, dethatching, power raking, and vertical mowing - Take actions to reduce thatch buildup when it exceeds 0.5" thickness under most growing conditions and when it exceeds 0.25" in cold, heavy soils. Avoid excessive watering, nitrogen fertilization, and fungicide use to slow thatch development, and adjust soil drainage and pH (6-7) to benefit soil organisms responsible for thatch breakdown. Core aerification not only speeds thatch breakdown, but can also improve water and gas infiltration into the soil and reduce soil compaction. Other mechanical thatch removal methods can be successful, but when large quantities of thatch exist, much live turf may be removed. These practices can be destructive and should be undertaken only during periods of active turf growth in spring and fall to encourage turf recovery.
Establishment and Renovation All cool-season turf grasses used in Illinois can be established easily by seed. Seed establishment is best during late summer/early fall, with midspring a second choice. The late summer/early fall period is preferred because weed competition is reduced and turf root development is great during this period. During both periods, soil temperatures are in the proper range for seed germination. Keys to successful seed establishment are adequate moisture availability and good soil-to-seed contact Select quality turf seed blends or mixes after carefully considering turf disease resistance, and the use, maintenance level, and environmental conditions of the site. Kentucky bluegrass sod is readily available and can be installed any time during the growing season provided adequate irrigation is available. Select sod grown on soils similar to the planting site.

Pesticide Application

The first step in turfgrass pest control is maintaining a healthy, dense, vigorous turfgrass. Select turfgrass mixtures or blends appropriate for the given environment use, and maintenance level. Maintain turf using proper mowing, watering, fertilizing, and cultivation practices. Should herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides be required to control weeds, insects, or diseases, read, understand, and follow pesticide label directions for safe, effective application.

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