Idaho Lawn Care Calendar

Sustainable lawn care routines will support the natural life cycle: In the cooler months, 32°F and above soil temperature stimulates cool-season root growth. In early spring, when temperatures are 50-65°F, roots are long and full of nutrients stored from the fall. Shoots, the part of grass visible above ground, use this stored energy for growth.

In warmer temperatures, leaf and root growth slow down. Plants rest during heat and drought as roots can be damaged when soil temperatures are above 85°F.

During the fall, shoots start to grow again, and nutrients begin the process of being stored for the winter. Optimal shoot growth occurs in air temperatures of 55-75°F.

SILC Lawn Tips!

• A correct watering schedule is imperative to keep lawns healthy. The goal is to apply 1’’ of water weekly to encourage deeper rooting. Watering early in the morning, before sunrise, is ideal as it prevents the water from evaporating in the summer heat. It is best to avoid night watering as it can lead to fungus.
• Preventative maintenance can protect your lawn from pests like sod webworms and billbugs. Treat areas prone to damage or areas with previous damage in mid-to-late May for best results. Keep in mind that applying too much insecticide can harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
• Do not add fertilizer too early in the spring. Early fertilization may encourage the grass to grow when it should be dormant. When the weather is consistently above 50 degrees, fertilization can begin.
• Do not spray to control weeds when it is windy or temperatures are above 80 degrees. These conditions can cause drift, where the herbicide can become gas and damage non-target plants.
• Crabgrass develops in late spring or early summer, so don’t apply herbicide to prevent emerging crabgrass in the fall.

Watering: April-October
1" of water weekly, It is best to water first thing in the morning. 

Fertilizing: Spring & Fall
Fertilizers that made for the specific season to provide different nutrients. 

Mowing: March-November
Any lawnmower with sharp blades that are set to no shorter than 3".

Sodding: April-October
Local, fresh sod is best. Don't use if cut more than 1 week prior.

Aerating & Dethatching: Spring or Fall
Dethatch prior to aerating.

Seeding: Spring or Fall
Bluegrass and Fescue are common in Southern Idaho. Seed after aeration and dethatching. 

Pest Control: Spring
Weevils {Bill Bugs} and sod web-worms can be controlled by spot-treating problem areas with any Pyrthin based product. 

Crabgrass Control: Spring
Typically a granular that is mixed in with spring fertilizer. "Weed & Feed"

Broadleaf Control: Fall
Any herbicide listed for lawn use, 2,4D/Dicamba are common.