Spring (March – May)

Mowing - Always keep a very sharp mower blade for maintaining SeaDwarf lawns.  Initial mowing should be in mid to late April at about 1 inch when grass has greened up and is less than 2” tall.  Mow as needed throughout the spring months being mindful that if you have to mow frequently, the grass may have too much fertilizer.  Higher mowing heights will reduce turfgrass density and increase weed problems.
 
Fertilization - SeaDwarf responds best to low Nitrogen rates. 1 – 2 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn per year will produce a good quality seashore paspalum lawn in the Carolinas.  Never apply more than ½ lbs. of N (.5 in the Fertilizer Calculator) at a time.  Potassium requirements for Seashore paspalum are generally higher than Nitrogen and should be applied at a 2 to 1 ratio. For instance, a fertilizer ratio of 8-4-16 will provide a full pound of potassium with only a ½ pound of Nitrogen going out at the same time.  In early May the initial ½ lb N per 1000 square feet should be applied (with the full lb of potassium).  Calcium is a crucial element with paspalum and can be applied through liming in early March.  Ideal soil ph for growing paspalum is 6.5.  It is always recommended to obtain a soil test through your County Extension Service to determine the exact amounts of fertilizer needed.  If they do not offer Seashore paspalum as a turf variety, obtain the results and send them to Modern Turf for analysis.   
 
Insect Control - In general Seashore paspalum has few problems with insects. Possible damage could from infestations of mole crickets, sod web worms, white grubs, spittlebugs, cutworms or fall army worms.  If injury is visible from any of these pests it is safe to use any product available to the homeowner to treat paspalum.  For any insecticide application read and follow label directions carefully.

Weed Control - Current herbicides available to the homeowner are generally not labeled for seashore paspalum.  Herbicides that do not injure paspalum include pendimethalin, halosulfuron and mixtures of 2,4-D, dicamba and MCPP.  The use of table, Epsom or rock salt applied directly to weeds is also an effective weed control.  If weeds are persistent be sure to have Ronstar preemergent herbicide applied in the fall and spring by a certified pesticide applicator.  While we consider ourselves environmentalists we also believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.
 
Aeration - None at this time
 
Irrigation - Seashore paspalum has excellent drought resistance but will appreciate regular irrigation like other grasses.  The telltale signs of a dry lawn are rolled leaf blades, wilting and footprints that remain on the lawn after walking on it.  As these signs of water deficit apply ½ to ¾ inches of irrigation to the entire lawn.  Do not apply light infrequent amounts of water (example: 15 minutes every other day) as this will not encourage root growth and will promote insect and disease activity.
 
Thatch Control - Do not dethatch at this time.

Summer  (June – August)

Mowing - Keeping mower blades sharp, mow as needed at ¾” to 1½”.  If grass appears scalped and brown after mowing, mow more frequently and sharpen blades.  Seashore paspalum does not like to be scalped.  Avoid mowing when grass is wet or the soil is soggy.  If the lawn is under stress from drought, shade, insects, disease or nutrient deficiencies it is a good idea to raise the height until the stress pressure is relieved.  Mulching mowers with mulching blades will help minimize thatch by making smaller blades that will decompose faster.  Returning clippings to the lawn rather than collecting them can reduce the amount of Nitrogen fertilizer needed by the plant by up to 25%.    If a scheduled mowing is missed and clippings clump on top of the SeaDwarf, bag or vacuum clippings to reduce shade-out and excessive thatching.
 
Fertilization - Apply ½ pound of N per 1000 square feet of lawn each month through August.  At the minimum, apply equal amounts of potassium during this period.  Ironite can also be applied during this time to enhance your lawn’s color without promoting extra growth. 
 
Insect Control - In general Seashore paspalum has few problems with insects. Possible damage could from infestations of mole crickets, sod web worms, white grubs, spittlebugs, cutworms or fall army worms.  If injury is visible from any of these pests it is safe to use any product available to the homeowner to treat paspalum.  For any insecticide application read and follow label directions carefully.
 
Disease Control - If nutrient levels are properly maintained there should be little disease pressure on seashore paspalum.  Fusarium blight may occur under hot humid conditions and dollar spot is known to affect seashore paspalum.  Helminthosporium disease may also occur under high humidity or compacted soil conditions.  If these diseases occur first identify the disease then treat as directed on fungicide product label.  For any fungicide application always read and follow label directions carefully.  

Weed Control - Current herbicides available to the homeowner are generally not labeled for seashore paspalum.  Herbicides that do not injure paspalum include pendimethalin, halosulfuron and mixtures of 2,4-D, dicamba and MCPP.  The use of table, Epsom or rock salt applied directly to weeds is also an effective weed control.  If weeds are persistent be sure to have Ronstar preemergent herbicide applied in the fall and spring by a certified pesticide applicator.  While we consider ourselves environmentalists we also believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.
 
Aeration - If soil is compacted this is a good time of year to aerate.
 
Irrigation - Seashore paspalum has excellent drought resistance but will appreciate regular irrigation like other grasses.  The telltale signs of a dry lawn are rolled leaf blades, wilting and footprints that remain on the lawn after walking on it.  As these signs of water deficit apply ½ to ¾ inches of irrigation to the entire lawn.  Do not apply light infrequent amounts of water (example: 15 minutes every other day) as this will not encourage root growth and will promote insect and disease activity.

Thatch Control - Thatch is the layer of dead and decomposing leaf blades and stems on top of the soil surface. Thatch occurs naturally but can become excessive due to over fertilization and poor mowing practices. Vertical mowing is the proven remedy for thatchy lawns.  Thatch accumulations greater than 1 inch should be removed as excessive thatch is a breeding ground for harmful insects and diseases. It is possible to harm the grass during this process so it is recommended to have a turf professional who has experience with the equipment perform this task.  Vertical blades should be spaced 2-3 inches apart for best results on seashore paspalum.  Vertical mowing should only take place when the grass is actively growing to maximize recovery time.  Vertical mowing should only be performed on healthy non stressed grass.  

Fall   (September – November)

Mowing - Several weeks prior to the first frost raise mowing height by ½ inch.
 
Fertilization - Unless otherwise directed by soil test recommendations use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer such as a 5-10-30, or supplement a nitrogen fertilizer source with 1 pound of potash(K2O) using 1.6 pounds of muriate of potash (0-0-60), 2 pounds of potassium sulfate (0-0-50), or 5 pounds of sul-po-mag (0-0-22) per thousand square feet. (consult Fertilizer Calculator)
 
Insect Control - None should be necessary at this time.
 
Disease Control - None should be necessary at this time.
 
Weed Control - If weeds are persistent be sure to have Ronstar preemergent herbicide applied in the fall and spring by a certified pesticide applicator.  While we consider ourselves environmentalists we also believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.
 
Irrigation - If dry periods persist irrigate your SeaDwarf lawn to insure it gets water once a week.

Winter   (December – February)

Mowing - Keep lawn free of leaves and debris throughout the winter months.   
 
Fertilization - Do not fertilize paspalum that has not been overseeded.

Weed Control - Apply broadleaf herbicides as needed to control weed such as chickweed, henbit, and hop clover. Selective herbicides can be applied in November or December to lawns that have not been overseeded to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and several winter annual broadleaf weeds. Be sure to verify that the product you have selected is safe for use on seashore paspalum lawns.  For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.

Irrigation - Dormant paspalum may have to be watered periodically to prevent desiccation, especially when cold, windy weather prevails. Watering is particularly important for lawns that have been overseeded and newly sodded areas.  If dry periods persist irrigate your SeaDwarf lawn to insure it gets water once a week even while dormant.