Crabgrass and Weed Control in Southeastern Wisconsin
As the last snow melts away here in Southeastern Wisconsin, it’s time to invest in your home’s curb appeal. After all, this is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. It makes financial sense to do everything you can to increase its value! A well-kept, low-maintenance lawn is inviting to guests, and it is part of the foundation of a home’s value.
You’ll likely be entertaining friends, family, and neighbors throughout the Summer season. There really is a sense of satisfaction when your guests marvel at the lush green carpet you’ve created. Aside from that, there is nothing like a well-manicured lawn to increase curb appeal and value. How do you make it happen? At Plennes Property Management, we advocate planning now, to meet your goals come June, July, and August. This article is meant to assist you in creating that plan.
As April weather permits, plan to rake and clean up the remnants and debris left behind from Winter. If you notice bare or thin spots, now is the time to throw out a couple handfuls of grass seed. This month, you should also apply a pre-emergent crabgrass and weed preventer, avoiding any areas freshly seeded. If weather is particularly nice, you may even be able to complete your first mowing of the season.
As the calendar rolls into May, your lawn will have emerged from its dormant state and will be growing actively. This is the time for a Spring aeration if there is excessive thatch build-up. Right around Memorial Day, plan to apply fertilizer. Here in Wisconsin, you’ll want to use a controlled release formula with an herbicide for any broadleaf weeds that might be beginning to show. Note that the label’s application rate is most often based on a sunny exposure. When applying your fertilizer to areas of shade, you’ll need to dial that rate back.
In June, you should keep an eye out for any signs of insects / pests, disease, or any other problems. This is also the time to plan for the coming dry months. We recommend that you choose a path of either watering regularly, or allowing the lawn to go dormant. A mixed approached to either of these plans will likely lead to a burnt out lawn.
July and August are the months to implement your plan of watering, or dormancy. August is also the time to apply a second round of controlled release fertilizer. You can skip this application if you’ve decided to allow the lawn to go dormant, or if you’ve been leaving clippings to serve as a natural fertilizer.
By September, your lawn will be ready for another round of herbicide to treat broadleaf weeds. Of course, do not apply the herbicide to any areas that were seeded earlier in the season. You may also want to aerate the lawn at this point if you have not done so previously. If you’ve followed this plan, October and November will only require mowing until the lawn goes dormant.
If life has you too busy, or for any other reason, you don’t want to manage this process yourself, there is an option other than the costly annual contracts. Consider allowing Plennes Property Management to apply treatments as you request them. We don’t require a seasonal package of visits. Rather, we are available when you need us. Give us a call at 414-899-2223 when your lawn is in need of a little TLC. Learn more at www.PlennesPropertyManagement.com or www.facebook.com/PlennesPropertyManagement.