Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Lawns > Cultural Information > Tips Offered For Managing Shaded Lawns [Image: Groundcover] Having a good lawn in a tree-shaded landscape is a challenge since all of the warm-season turfgrasses were developed to grow best in full sun, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting Dormant Sod [Image: sod] Dormant-season sodding can be successful. Planting dormant grass is simply more risky; winter environmental conditions may end up taking some of the sod. In some cases, risks have to be taken. Topdressing Turfgrass Sod [Image: dress] The term ‘topdressing’ is used for both the material used and the process of adding a thin layer of material to the surface of a sod or seed bed. Drought-dormant Lawns [Image: dormant] Without good irrigation and resources to do so, allowing your turf to go dormant during extended summer drought may be the best management practice.  more articles... Irrigating Louisiana Lawns and Turf [Image: ET and Rainfall] Louisiana has an abundant supply of water; even so, the demand for water sometimes exceeds the amount readily available. This publication will help homeowners and turf managers make better irrigation choices as to when to irrigate and how much. Best Mowing Practices for Southern Turf [Image: mow] The good mowing practices are okay with most lawns and tall-cut turf. Tall cut grass often has more abuse tolerance by nature of more leaf area and more root mass. Low-cut turf does not have these extended benefits to draw from and requires the best mowing practices to sustain decent quality. Observe Your Fall Lawn To Take Preventive Action Fall is not a time to do much to your Louisiana lawn – mow, remove fallen leaves and irrigate as needed. Warm-season grasses are slowing down and trying to go dormant. "We must let them do so," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Falling Leaves – Pretty, But Dangerous To Waterways [Image: Fall leaves] Grass clippings are a constant in yard maintenance, but fall introduces leaves into the mix. This year the nuisance is worse because hurricanes and storms have defoliated more trees. Louisiana Lawns Best Management Practices (BMPs) [Image: Louisiana Lawns BMPs] A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition. 32-page, full-color guide. Cost: $5 plus tax (free shipping). To order this book, use the Order Publication link below. Use Sod For Quick Repair Of Damaged Lawns "A patch of dead grass, even a small one, in an otherwise acceptable lawn can be an eyesore and a weed magnet," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Use turfgrass to patch the lawn. It’s easy, immediate and permanent and checks soil erosion. Pay Attention To Seed Analysis Tag When Buying Grass Seed Starting a lawn from seed is a tough proposition even when all things are done right. Poor fertility, too much or too little moisture, rain washouts, ants, weeds and disease all can cause havoc during establishment. Don't Bag It Lawn Care [Image: Dont' Bat It Lawn Care] If we manage our lawns correctly and use proper cutting practices, we can have nice lawns and rarely be bothered with clippings. Learn how to leave clippings in place without creating problems for your lawn. Culture Calendar for Warm Season Grasses The cultural activites for lawn care may be the same on warm-season and cool-season grasses, but they are often 180 degrees opposite in timing. This chart covers Louisiana with its two cold hardiness zones. Recommended cultural activities in north vs. south Louisiana will vary by two to four weeks in when they start and end because of the start of spring and fall seasons. Culture Calendar for Cool Season Grasses The cultural activites for lawn care may be the same on warm-season and cool-season grasses, but they are often 180 degrees opposite in timing. This chart covers the entire state of Louisiana with its two cold hardiness zones. Recommended cultural activities in north vs. south Louisiana will vary by 2 to 4 weeks in when they start and end because of the start of spring and fall seasons. Click for more information...