TURF CARE
Mowing: Warm season turf should be mowed low and often, with a recommended mowing height between 1 and 2.5 inches. Fescue should be mowed every 7-14 days, at a height of no less than 4 inches. It is okay to let the yard get as high as 6 or 7 inches before mowing, just make sure to take no more than 1/3 of the grass off the top.
Watering: With the heat comes the temptation to water the lawn a little more frequently. Although we want and need you to water, be aware that overwatering and watering at the wrong time of day can be just as damaging to the turf as not watering at all. Please water after 5:00 a.m. and be finished (if possible) by 9:00 a.m. Watering in the afternoon and evening is not only damaging to the turf and its’ root zone, it is generally ineffective and wasteful. The root zone of the turf is the key to summer survival and overwatering creates a weak, shallow root zone. The lawn needs 1 inch of water per week, and this should be applied in as few irrigation cycles as possible. If you need help setting up your irrigation, please let us know.
Grassy Weed Control: August is just around the corner and fescue lawns need to have their grassy weeds sprayed out prior to aeration and overseeding. We will be evaluating lawns to determine if these applications are needed for your lawn. Please note that Bermuda grass will take several applications to control.
Brown Patch Fungus: We are in the middle of fungus season, and brown patch is a common problem for almost all fescue lawns. Hot weather is causing one of the worst fungus seasons in recent memory. The high temperatures and heavy downpours are making fungus control very difficult. Fungicide treatments will only be effective for 21-25 days in this weather. Please be aware that fungicide treatments in these climatic conditions will not improve the lawn, they will only prevent more fungal damage from occurring; however, they are still necessary to keep us from losing the lawn entirely.
Nutsedge is here in full force. This weed is difficult to control and requires a specialty application. If not properly controlled, each plant will produce around 6 new plants for next year. Please call if your lawn needs this weed treated. If you are on our inclusive program, nutsedge control is included in the price of your program.
Virginia Buttonweed: Is very aggressive in its spreading habit, and is difficult to control. We need to treat this weed on two week intervals to be effective. Please call if you have this in your lawn.
ORNAMENTAL TIPS
• Scale bugs, Japanese beetles, bagworms, and Lace bugs are all active. Please be on the lookout for abnormal stress to your ornamental plants. Some of these pests are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, so if they are stressed let us know and we will evaluate your shrubs for free.
• Be a water conservationist!!!!!!! With heavy, infrequent downpours, managing runoff and irrigating our shrubs in a sensible manner are of the upmost importance. Rain gardens (gardens that feature plants that absorb and hold water), the use of rain barrels and cisterns, and grouping shrubs together based on irrigation requirements can all be effective ways to save water. Give us a call if you would like more information on water conservation.
:: Download our Summer Newsletter ::
Helpful Resources:
www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/
www.ncstate-plants.net
www.ncsu.edu/wrri/uwc/xeriscape.pdf
www.ncwater.org
