TechNotes Tips - 11.09.01

Continue to mow cool season turfgrasses until the turfgrass stops growing. Allowing the turf to grow long going into the winter increases the chance of Microdochium patch (pathogen: Microdochium nivale). This disease is also known as pink snow mold or fusarium patch. On home lawns, disease symptoms usually appear in late winter/early spring. By allowing the turf to grow relatively tall, the “matting of the turf” associated with this disease increases.

Late season fertilization applications should be made in the northern United States when topgrowth ceases but the turf is still green. Another key is when soil temperatures drop to around 50 F. Late season application of fertilizer will extend the greening period through late autumn and enhance greenup in the spring. No shoot growth should be associated with this application of fertilizer. The type of nitrogen carrier (slow or quick release) can vary, but the amount of nitrogen applied in this application should be at least 1 pound per 1000 square feet or higher.

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