Landscaping Tips from WDW

[Jeff]

At ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, there’s a lot of attention paid to keeping the playing fields in tip top shape partly because the pro athletes demand it but more importantly because America’s youth athletes compete there virtually every day. Even though you don’t have big-league ballplayers playing on your lawn, you can still try to keep it in immaculate condition with the help of our sports complex experts.


The staff that grooms all 220 acres of the Complex, known as the Sportscape team, will be passing along their tips and tricks to help you treat your lawn like the pros. To start off our series of tips here are some on general lawn care:

1. Remember, a thick and healthy turf is the best weed control. It can be beneficial to apply a weed preventer called a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn twice a year. The first application should be applied in February for summer weeds and another in September for winter weeds.
2. Fertilize your lawn using a slow release fertilizer during the growing season (March – November) every 6-8 weeks. Use a complete fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorous, potash and if possible some micro-nutrients such as iron and sulfur. This will feed your turf and keep it green and lush.
3. It is better that your lawn receives one good soaking either through rainfall or watering once per week, versus several small applications. Also, it is best to water your lawn during the early morning hours if possible to help prevent disease.
4. Most lawns need to be mowed at a height of 3.5 – 4 inches tall. This height will keep it greener longer, with less water and less stress on the turf. Keep the cutting blade(s) sharp so you are cutting the turf and not ripping it.

[imagine]

Great tips!! I'm going to have to use them on my new lawn, at my new house, next summer