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Here are some tips for your yard to
help it looks its best each season:
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Fertilize
at least twice a year.
Once in the spring with a
pre-emergent and once in fall with a winter fertilizer. The
first number on the fertilizer bag represents Nitrogen which the plants use
to produce color and growth. The middle number represents Phosphorus
which the plants use for their roots, and the last number represents
Potassium. Potassium is also for color and growth.
Remember
that there different fertilizers made for your
turf that feeds the turf and other fertilizers that are made for ornamentals
to produce vibrant color. Check the numbers on the bag and what the
bag states the fertilizer is made for!
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Check
time on lawn sprinklers.
Set your control box differently in spring, summer , fall and winter.
Changing the setting several times of the year will control the amount of
water on the yard and ornamentals. Watch for signs of brown patch
(yellow or brown rings that spread in circular patterns) that happens from
over watering during the spring rainy season, and watch for chinch bugs
(brown dead patches) that happens in the heat of summer when the turf does
not get enough water. |
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Apply
preventative treatments of Diazinon or an equal
product twice a year to prevent pests on your plants and in your
yard.
Raccoons, opossums, skunks or moles will dig up your lawn
to get grubs. Grubs, as shown in the picture to the left, are also a
problem that can be The best time to treat your entire yard is once in spring and once in fall.
If you treat your entire yard you will also prevent any critters from
entering your home such as ants, roaches and silverfish! |
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Here are two
major problems with turf here in Houston: |
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Brown
Patch
When there is a lot of rain or
moisture on the yard brown patch is the most common disease problem for St.
Augustine. Brown patch begins in small yellow or brown rings and continues
to become larger in a circular pattern. While brown patch does not
actually kill St. Augustine it does kill the leaf surfaces, causing them to
become brown and weak making it susceptible to other diseases and insects.
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Prevention
of Brown Patch
Prevention
is nothing more than knowing the conditions that promote brown patch and
controlling or eliminating them. Cooler temperatures (65-70 F) at nights and
(70-80 F) days, excessive moisture and high rates of nitrogen fertilizer
contribute to brown patch. Reducing time on lawn sprinklers and providing
good drainage will help control excessive moisture in turf areas.
Fertilizer with low nitrogen (15% or less), low phosphorus (5% or less) and
higher potassium (10% or more) fertilizer. Lastly, a
preventative
application of turf fungicide will control brown patch.
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Treatment
of Brown Patch
Treatment should begin at first
signs of yellow or brown rings in the lawn. We use a chemical service, but
if you want to do it yourself, several effective fungicides are available such
as Terrachlor, Bayleton and Daconil 2787. Treatment
applications are usually 14-30 days and should continue as long as conditions
are favorable of brown patch. Always follow label directions on chemical
containers.
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Chinch
Bugs
When there is NOT a lot
of rain or moisture on the yard, chinch bugs become a problem. Chinch
bugs attack turf in a group so their damage is quickly visible. They eat
until all the turf is gone so you must
be prepared to battle them quickly. They damage the grass with their
piercing, sucking mouth parts. They inject a salivary fluid into the
crowns and stems and then they suck out the plants fluids. Their saliva
disrupts water conducting vessels in the blade causing it to turn yellow, orange
and then brown. The turf blade becomes brittle as if it were burned by
heat or chemical.
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Their favorite grass
would have to be St. Augustine, but most any grass can be a target. You
must be able to detect and identify them to stop them. The biggest mistake
someone can make is to assume that the turf is hungry and needs fertilizer or
thirsty and needs water. Water and fertilizer intensifies the attack of
the chinch bug.
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The chinch bug is very
small and fast so visually spotting them is tough. They will hide from you
before you can find them.
A very easy way to check for Chinch Bugs is with a coffee can. Cut both ends out
of the can (empty the coffee out before cutting open the bottom). Sink the can
into the edge of the damaged area and fill the can with water. Be sure and don't
let the can go dry or over flow. Within a few minutes you will see small black
specs floating on the surface of the water.
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Do this test anytime
you suspect that you might have them. As soon as you see a hot spot,
test it immediately. If you do have them, insecticides such as Dursban,
Oftanol, Sevin, Tempo and Turcam will kill them easily. Repeat
applications may be needed.
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Helpful Links to Lawn Care Information and Solutions:
Neil Sperry's Gardens
Contact Information Telephone:
Office: 281-218-9829
Toll Free Fax:
1-866-838-7086
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 591449
Houston, Texas
77259-1449
General Information and Sales:
Email:
clear_cut2003@yahoo.com
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