Fertilizing lawns during the spring and early fall is ideal for Nevada's cool season grasses. Excessive summer fertilization promotes thatch, weakens roots and may cause leaf burn. Growth of cool season grasses is reduced during the hot summer months. A lush, dark green, vigorously growing fertilized lawn during mid-summer becomes weak, because it is using stored energy that would otherwise be used for winter survival. Use of fertilizers is usually necessary to achieve complete establishment of plants when revegetating or landscaping.
Overuse is harmful.
Fertilizers should not be used in or near stream channels or wet areas. Correct mowing heights Research has shown that cutting cool season grasses too low causes roots to die. Roots should grow as deep as they can to take advantage of as much of the available moisture as possible. Cut bluegrasses and ryegrasses at 2 to 2.5 inches high and all fescues at 2.5 to 3 inches. Mow when the grass has grown a third higher.