Southwest Utah Turfgrass Management Calendar

Seeding

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer/early fall is the optimum seeding time in southeast Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for seed germination than the wet and cool soil conditions of the spring, allowing for faster germination (allow 4-6 weeks before expected first frost). In addition, cool-season grasses planted in the late summer will have both the cool fall and spring growing seasons to establish before the heat and dryness of the summer months return. Annual weed pressure is also lower in the late summer and early fall than during the spring months. In the hotter areas of the region, spring seeded grasses may be stressed during the summer months, requiring overseeding in the fall. Warmseason grasses, such as buffalograss or blue grama, should be seeded, sprigged or plugged in the early summer months to take best advantage of the warmer temperatures that they prefer.

Refer to Preparing Soil for Turfgrass Establishment Southern Utah

Turfgrass Cultivars for Utah

Turfgrass Management Calendar
Fig. 1. This southwest Utah, area turfgrass management calendar applies to Beaver, Iron,
Millard and Piute counties, as well as portions of Sanpete, Sevier, Garfield, and
Kane counties. (Image credit: Terence Larson) 

Management Calendar

  March April May June July Aug Sept. Oct.  Nov.
Seeding-Cool Season
Grasses
         
Seeding-Warm Season
Grasses
             
Overseeding-Cool Season
Grasses
         
Sodding    
Fertilization-Cool Season
Grasses
           
Fertilization-Warm Season
Grasses
             
Aeration- Cool Season
Grasses
           
Aeration- Warm Season
Grasses
           
Preemergent Weed Control              
Broadleaf Weed Control          
Irrigation        

*These are general guidelines based on average weather conditions. Adjustment will be necessary during extremes of temperature or
precipitation.

Overseeding

Overseeding bare patches or areas of thinning turf may be accomplished in late winter, early spring, or fall. In the spring and fall, a disk-type seeder may be used to drop seed into slits in the soil. Alternatively, overseeding may be done following routine aeration practices.

Refer to Preparing Soil for Turfgrass Establishment Southern Utah

Turfgrass Cultivars for Utah

Sodding

Sodding may be done at almost any time of the year provided water is available for irrigation. However, sod should not be laid when the soil is frozen. Sod may be laid prior to freezing, but care should be taken to keep it from drying out during the winter months. Appropriate soil preparation will also improve sod root growth. 

Fertilization

Fertilization is the most important management practice for improving the overall quality of turfgrasses. Have soil tested every 2-3 years to obtain fertilizer recommendations for phosphorus and potassium. Routine soil tests for nitrogen, however, are not available. Instead, recommended nitrogen applications of 2-4 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. annually are based on turfgrass research performed at Utah State University. Standard recommendations are to apply 1 pound of actual N with each fertilization.

Soil testing is available through the Utah State University Analytical Laboratory and soil testing kits and instructions are available at all USU County Extension offices. 

Mowing

Mowing is the most basic management practice and one of the simplest things that may be done to improve grass appearance. In northern Utah, mowing should start when active growth begins in the spring and should continue until the grass stops growing in the fall. Ideally, no more than one-third of the total length of the grass blades should be  mowed off at one time and clippings should be
recycled into the lawn. For example, if the grass is 4 inches high, mow no lower than 3 inches. Higher mowing heights improve grass resilience to hot weather. Consider a minimum mowing height of 2.5 to 3 inches. The exception would be the last mowing, which should be shorter (1.5 in.) to help avoid disease issues over the winter/early spring months.

Aeration

Aeration removes plugs of turf and soil creating a system of large pores that facilitates air, water and nutrient movement into the soil. Aeration may also improve soil compaction and encourage microbial activity to break down excessive thatch. Aeration should be timed to coincide with periods of active grass growth (early to mid-spring and/or late summer to early fall for cool season grasses and early to mid-summer for warm season grasses). Core aeration using a hollow tine aerator (3-4” length, ¼-¾” diam.) is recommended. For best results, aerate in one direction and once again at 90 degrees to the first direction. If aeration is performed in the spring, consider an application of preemergent herbicide where weeds have been prevalent.

Weed Control*

Establishing and maintaining a healthy, dense turfgrass stand is the best defense against weeds. However, there are several options for weed control should weeds become problematic. Control of annual weeds (crabgrass, spurge) may be accomplished by applying preemergence herbicides prior to weed seed germination in early to midspring. Broadleaf weed control may be accomplished by applying postemergence herbicides during periods of active weed growth. For both preemergence and postemergence herbicides, choose products labeled for control of the weeds of concern and carefully follow label instructions to avoid non-target plant damage.

Weed Control Options for Residential Lawns in Utah. 

Irrigation

Irrigation is typically necessary to support healthy turfgrass growth in northern Utah, though different turfgrass species have different water requirements. The efficient use of water for irrigation is also critical, not only to conserve limited water resources, but also for the health of the grass plants. In addition to following a schedule based on turfgrass water requirements, irrigate early in the morning to avoid evaporative losses of water and avoid windy times of the day. Also, check irrigation systems monthly for leaks, broken or clogged
sprinkler heads, and other maintenance issues.  

Month Irrigation Interval
Startup until April 30 Once every 6 days, IF needed
May Once every 4 days, IF needed
June Once every 3 days
July Once every 2 days
August Once every 3 days
September Once every 6 days
October 1 until shutdown Once every 10 days, IF needed

Reference Simple Sprinkler Performance Testing fact sheets. 

Salinity

Issues with excess soil salinity, or the amount of salt within the soil, can be prevalent in the hot and dry valleys of southeastern Utah. Areas with high clay content soils, poor drainage characteristics, or high water tables may be particularly problematic and deserve special attention. Improperly irrigating turf by providing overly frequent but shallow watering not only wastes water resources and does little to promote overall grass health, but can also increase soil salinity to harmful levels. Following recommended irrigation schedules and providing deep watering can help alleviate salt buildup or even reduce soil salinity to acceptable levels. Different types of turfgrasses vary in their tolerance to salinity and areas with persistent salt issues can benefit from selecting salt tolerant grass varieties.

Growing Turf on Salt-Affected Soils

*Precautionary Statement: All pesticides have benefits and risks; however, following the label instructions will minimize the risk and maximize the benefit. Pay attention to the directions for use and follow precautionary statements. Pesticide labels are considered legal documents containing instructions and limitations. Inconsistent use of the product or disregarding the label is a violation of both federal and state laws. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use.

Published April 2021
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet

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Authors

Kelly Kopp, Candace Schaible, Mark Nelson, and Steven Price

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Kelly Kopp

Kelly Kopp

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Candace Schaible
Candace Schaible

Candace Schaible

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor | Horticulture and Waterwise Landscape | Iron County

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Mark Nelson

Mark Nelson

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Steven Price
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Steven Price

Steven Price

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steven.price@usu.edu

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