Question
Hi,

I just moved from L.A., where my lawn was St. Augustine, to Portland, Oregon.  I am not sure what type of grass my new lawn is, but I want to take good care of it.  

St. Augustine was so easy to care for, and I have no idea where to begin with this lawn.

1. When is the best time to fertilize?
2. What type of fertilizer would you recommend?
3. Clover has taken hold in the lawn.  I know it can be beneficial but I want to limit its spreading.  What are your thoughts on how to control it.

Thanks for the response,

Stephen


Answer
Typical cool season grasses are fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue.

Fertilize lightly in late spring, and then again in early fall and late fall. May, September and NOvember is good times.

I recommend a fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen, such as Scott's Turfbuilder 29-3-4. Other brands are fine, too. Just make sure they are formulated for lawns (will say so on the lable). Always apply to a DRY lawn and then water in immediately with plenty of water (see note below for exception).

To eradicate clover, you can use a fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control (such as Scott's Turfbuilder 2+2 or any other fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control. Not the one for crabgrass, but the one for perennial weeds).

Spread the fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control on a WET lawn so the granules stick to the leaves. Let stay on for 2 days before watering. Best used in early fall as temperatures fall below 85F in daytime.

Instead of using herbicides mixed with fertilizer (which can be difficult to apply and not always effective) you can also buy a bottle of Ortho's WEED-B-GON and spray it directly on the clover. You can also use any other brand which is said to be safe to apply to lawns and which lists clover on the back. Do not apply when daytime temperatures are above 85F. Do not buy so-called all purpose herbicides (kills grass and weeds. Example of such would be Round-Up or Kleen-Up and should not be used).