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I live in North New Jersey and most of my lawn is clay/soil with little soil depth (~3-4") so I use fertilizer nearly every 6 weeks to compensate. I had quite a bit of crab grass in August/September with mild amount of weeds that I would like to combat with some pre-emergence/crab grass killer in Mid March. However, I was hoping to overseed as well. Should I overseed first or use the pre-emergence? How long do I need between both applications? I keep getting conflicting information.
We too have clay and were told to do the preemergent and wait 3 weeks and then over seed. Theory being the weeds won't be fertilized. I guess the answer depends upon the experience of the advisor.
The guy said we should apply pre emergent by no later than 3/30 and the over seed by mid April in De. Again, he seemed knowledgeable but I am more going by the local landscapers who have just started this past week to put down the pre emergent. I will watch for the seeding.
This is where my frustration lies. I have heard and read that you should not seed in the spring as fall is better but also to avoid issues with pre-emergence. However, there should be some duration of time between applications that make this possible. Your source is saying 2 weeks is possible while I am reading 8-12 weeks... What is the truth?
This is where my frustration lies. I have heard and read that you should not seed in the spring as fall is better but also to avoid issues with pre-emergence. However, there should be some duration of time between applications that make this possible. Your source is saying 2 weeks is possible while I am reading 8-12 weeks... What is the truth?
It works by making a chemical vapor over your lawn, which impedes germination. Since these chemicals are quite strong, you will need to allow them to dissipate for between 5 to 8 weeks. So it figures that you should time them to spread Before weeds emerge, and early enough so you will still have mild Spring conditions for your grass seed several weeks later.
Not sure Fall over-seeding is better! Here it is far too dry in fall with temps still high.
It's not an either/or question.
You need to do all of these things... in the right sequence.
Aerate, fertilize and seed in the FALL.
You can do these anytime but not much will come of it in spring or summer.
That isn't right. You don't need to aerate. And, I fertilize nearly every 6 weeks.
Also, you can overseed in the spring.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ebbe
How are you aerating your lawn? Rental equipment? I was going to aerate this spring.
I am not. I know plenty of folks with beautiful lawns that do not aerate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Westerngardner
It works by making a chemical vapor over your lawn, which impedes germination. Since these chemicals are quite strong, you will need to allow them to dissipate for between 5 to 8 weeks. So it figures that you should time them to spread Before weeds emerge, and early enough so you will still have mild Spring conditions for your grass seed several weeks later.
Not sure Fall over-seeding is better! Here it is far too dry in fall with temps still high.
Interesting. What time should I be laying down the pre-emergence? If I wait 5-8 weeks, can I overseed right after that? I have a multi-zone sprinkler so I can seed in the fall but I can see how folks would have issues as fall can be dry.
SAgosto,
The preemergence should be laid as soon as the forscinthia blooms in your area.
You know, that big yellow blooming shrub.
usually around St. Patty's Day, which is now.
To be safe, go buy it this week, and as soon as there is no snow on your lawn,
put it down.
I did mine in Feb. right after Valentines Day.
You are in North Jersey, so you should be doing it this week or weekend.
Grass seed LOVES nice warm soil.
The warmer the soil, the faster it will germinate.
SO, you can seed anytime, as long as it's nice and hot.
After you seed, or right before, don't fertilize you might burn the seedlings.
The fall is usually recommended only because with cool season grasses, in the
fall, September, the ground is really warm. It is perfect for the seeds.
SO, just apply your preemergence really soon, and wait til the end of May,
and seed anything you want, and water like crazy for 3 weeks.
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how the stuff works
