Lawn fertilization in Little Rock, The most important substance in the maintenance of green spaces is nitrogen. The best times to fertilize are early fall (September), early winter (early November), early spring (March-April) and late spring (May). Fertilization should be done in the morning or afternoon when the soil temperature is the lowest. Fertilizer should not be applied to wet grass. After fertilizer application, it is necessary to water abundantly for the fertilizer to pass into the soil.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, the timing for fertilizing your lawn depends on the type of grass you have. Little Rock is located in USDA hardiness zones 7b and 8a, which means it experiences a warm and humid climate. Here are some general guidelines for when to fertilize your lawn based on the type of grass:

1. Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede): Warm-season grasses are the most common in Little Rock. Fertilize these grasses primarily during their active growing season, which typically begins in late spring and continues through summer and into early fall. You can follow this schedule:
   • Late Spring (April to May): Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) when the grass starts to green up.
   • Early Summer (June to July): Apply a second round of fertilizer to sustain growth and color.
   • Late Summer (August to early September): Apply a lighter application of fertilizer to promote root health and prepare the grass for the upcoming fall.
2. Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Fescue): Cool-season grasses like fescue can be overseeded in the fall in Little Rock to maintain green lawns during the cooler months. Fertilize as follows:
   • Early Fall (September to October): Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio to support the growth of cool-season grasses during their peak growing season. This is typically done when overseeding.
   • Late Fall (November to December): Apply a winterizing fertilizer with a higher potassium (third number) content to help the grass withstand winter stress.

Remember to follow the recommended rates and guidelines on the fertilizer packaging, and always water your lawn after applying fertilizer to ensure it is properly absorbed into the soil. It’s also a good practice to perform a soil test to determine your lawn’s specific nutrient needs, as this can help you tailor your fertilization schedule and nutrient balance more accurately.

Keep in mind that local conditions and weather can vary from year to year, so it’s essential to adjust your fertilization schedule based on the current state of your lawn and any specific recommendations from your local agricultural extension office or a lawn care professional.

What months and how to cut the grass in Little Rock?

In Little Rock, Arkansas, the timing and frequency of grass cutting depend on the type of grass you have in your lawn. Little Rock’s climate falls within USDA hardiness zones 7b and 8a, which means it has a warm, humid climate that primarily supports warm-season grasses. Here’s how and when to cut your grass in Little Rock:

Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede):

1. Spring: As temperatures rise in late spring, your warm-season grasses will start to grow vigorously. Begin mowing when the grass reaches a height of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Mow at this height for the first few cuts, gradually lowering the mower blade to your desired height, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches, depending on the specific grass type.
2. Summer: During the peak growing season, typically from late spring through summer, you may need to mow your warm-season grass every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the growth rate and your desired lawn height. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time to prevent stressing the grass.
3. Fall: As temperatures start to cool in the fall, you can gradually raise the mowing height back up to the higher end of the recommended range for your grass type. Continue mowing as needed until the grass goes dormant.

Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Fescue):

If you have overseeded with cool-season grasses like fescue to maintain a green lawn in the winter, the mowing schedule is different:

1. Fall: Overseed your lawn with cool-season grasses in the early fall (September to early October). Mow your existing warm-season grass shorter than usual to promote good seed-to-soil contact.
2. Winter: Mow the cool-season grasses as needed during the cooler months to maintain the desired height, which is typically around 2 to 3 inches for fescue.
3. Spring: As the warm-season grass begins to green up in the spring, gradually raise the mowing height of the cool-season grass. You can continue mowing it as needed until it naturally thins out as temperatures rise.

Regardless of the grass type, always follow these general mowing practices:

• Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut and avoid tearing the grass blades.
• Avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent clumping and potential lawn diseases.
• Alternate your mowing patterns to prevent soil compaction and a worn appearance.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn as mulch unless they form thick clumps, in which case, you can bag them.

Adjust your mowing schedule based on the specific growth rate of your grass and the desired height of your lawn. It’s also a good idea to consult with a local lawn care professional or your county’s extension office for tailored recommendations based on your lawn’s condition and specific grass type.