Several things can result in earlier spring green up of cool-season grasses in March. Here are a few thoughts:
- In general, Kentucky bluegrass tends to green up faster than tall fescue – species selection can make a difference.
- Good nitrogen fertilization in autumn enhances spring green up. More details on fertilizer strategies and how they affect growth are HERE.
- Grasses growing close to concrete will exhibit faster spring green up (photo below). In addition, if traffic has thinned turf, it may green up faster as well, as sunlight warms the soil surface in that area. Note – installing concrete and imposing traffic are not recommended just to enhance green up!
Grasses growing close to concrete experience warmer conditions and green up early. Turf exposed to traffic that is thinner also greens up fast. - Mowing low in early spring will enhance green up. Tall grass intercepts sunlight (photo below). By cutting the canopy lower, more light reaches the surface and the soil warms more quickly. In addition, you’re also removing that portion of leaves that has exhibited necrosis (browning) due to cold winter weather – new emerging leaves will then be visible sooner.
Tall fescue mowed at about 1 inch (in circle) in February is greening up faster than that still mowed at 2-3 inches.
- If low mowing continues through the spring or turf is thin near concrete, expect weed emergence to happen sooner (e.g., crabgrass emergence). This would require timely application of herbicides.
