This chart summarizes when turf management practices are most effective as to timing of fertilization, mowing, irrigation, liming, soil testing, cultivation, and planting activities. These dates are only guidelines and are not intended to indicate absolute start and end dates for all regions of Massachusetts. Consult the appropriate pest sections in this guide for cultural practices recommended for pest management.
| Weeds | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | may | jun | jul | aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Comments | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cultivation (aeration, dethatching) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Practice during peak shoot growth; terminate 2 weeks before low or high temperature stress. Fall cultivation is often preferable due to annual grass weed pressure in spring. | ||||||||||||||||
| Fertilization | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | If 1 time per year, apply in early fall. If 2 times per year, apply in spring and early fall, If 3 times per year, apply in spring followed by early fall and late fall. | ||||||||||||||
| Irrigation | ✓ | ✓ | Irrigate at leaf roll/fold (mild stress), avoid over-watering. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Apply any time the ground is not frozen, more effective with aeration. | |||||||||||||
| Mowing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Continue to mow using the ‘⅓ Rule’ until shoot growth ceases. | ||||||||||||||
| Planting (seeding, overseeding) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Late summer - early fall plantings are preferred followed by spring. Avoid early summer and midsummer plantings. | |||||||||||||||
| Soil testing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Sample anytime the ground is not frozen; avoid recently fertilized and limed areas. | ||||||||||||
