It's been about four weeks since we planted our new lawn (ryegrass and bluegrass). We've had a TON of rain in the last month and we're thinking that maybe instead of waiting until six weeks to fertilize the lawn (as per seed manufacturer's instructions), we should do it now because of all the rain. We heard somewhere that heavy rain "washes away" the fertilizer. We're noticing many weeds and little critters in the lawn. What are your thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

Thank you very much for the inquiry. I agree with you, it is time to fertilize the lawn again. On new seedings, I like to go at 4 and 8 weeks after seeding. Keep using a starter fertilizer that has a soluble N source. This will provide nutrients quickly to young plants. You can go with a more traditional combination slow and quick release nitrogen fertilizer this fall.

Once you have mowed the lawn twice, go ahead and start if you have not already, you can control the broadleaf weeds with a three-way herbicide like Tri-Mec. If you have crabgrass, you may want to add Drive (quinclorac) at a 1/3 rate.

Again thanks for the inquiry.

Respectfully,

Trey Rogers
The Yard Doctor