When to Weed & Feed Zone 7

Before You Weed and Feed

• Cooperative extension offices provide affordable soil tests that measure pH levels, determine soil deficiencies and recommend fertilization solutions to correct these deficiencies. Extension offices also provide information on how to convert synthetic chemical fertilizer recommendations to organic options.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

• All grasses do not perform well in all regions of the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture uses geographical average-low-temperature increments to define discrete plant hardiness zones. A "turf transitional zone" exists throughout part of the central United States and includes micro-climates within some regions of Zone 7. Colder than average weather in regions of this transitional zone makes it more difficult to sustain warm-season grasses, while warmer-than-average weather in regions of this zone makes it more difficult to sustain cool-season grasses. University extension services have recommendations for specific kinds of locally bred turf grasses that perform best in the turf transitional zone.

Warm-Season Grasses

• Throughout most of Zone 7, warm-season grasses are the best performers. They endure hot weather while sustaining minimal cold-weather damage. Turf types that thrive throughout most of Zone 7 include Bermuda, centipede, zoysia and St. Augustine.

  Fertilize established Bermuda grass and St. Augustine lawns after they green up in spring and every six weeks thereafter, with the last application by mid-September. Fertilize established centipede and zoysia lawns after spring green up and again in mid-summer. Apply pre-emergent weed killers in February and October and post-emergent weed killers as needed.

Cool-Season Grasses

• Microclimates in Zone 7 turf-transitional areas prompt some gardeners to grow both warm-season and cool-season grasses. Overseeding established warm-season grass with cool-season grass seed is one way of enjoying a year-round green lawn.

  Cool-season grasses for Zone 7 include fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. Fertilize established lawns two or three times between September and April, based on soil-test recommendations. Apply pre-emergent weed killers in February or March and again in September or October. Apply post-emergent weed killers as needed.