How do I improve my lawn while preserving crocuses? - Ask Extension
We have purchased a grand fixer upper. We have been told by long time residents in the neighborhood that the yard used to be known as a beauty. We ha...
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How do I improve my lawn while preserving crocuses? #754134
Asked June 05, 2021, 12:19 PM EDT
We have purchased a grand fixer upper. We have been told by long time residents in the neighborhood that the yard used to be known as a beauty. We have discovered that interspersed in our scraggly lawn are thousands of crocuses. How do I feed, fertilize, enhance the grass while not destroying the crocuses?
Isabella County Michigan
Expert Response
Avoiding any sort of broad leaf or non-selective herbicides (will also target the grass) will be key. I suggest avoiding the "weed and feed" products because these usually contain a preemergent herbicide that targets crabgrass and some broad leaf weeds.
For fertilizer, I would stick to a fertilizer that will meet the needs of your lawn. It should be just fine for the crocus, too (minus any type of herbicide.) If you are not sure about what to use, I suggest getting a soil test that will give you recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus (usually adequate in MI soils) and potassium. You can get started here: MSU Soil Test
Thank you.
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