Summer Stress Arrives Early on Cool Season Lawns

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Summer Stress Arrives Early on Cool Season Lawns"

Transcription

1 Summer Stress Arrives Early on Cool Season Lawns Figure 1. A fall installed tall fescue sod showing the first signs of summer stress following the arrival of record setting heat in central Virginia in mid June Today s topic is generated by numerous questions from homeowners, sales reps, and observations for the late June 2015 period. After much of Virginia suffered warm season turfgrass damage from the winter of , Mother Nature has decided to hit our state with a double whammy on its cool season grasses with a major heat wave beginning in mid June. This heat wave has had a very tropical like weather pattern for much of the state with record setting temperatures being accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms. Warm season lawns have generally responded favorably to this pattern, and in many cases, the heat and moisture has led to fairly rapid recovery from the winter damage. However, this pattern has caused a serious decline in the performance and quality of our cool season turfgrasses that looked awfully good during a spring period that was running 2 3 weeks behind in temperature average for quite some time that is no longer the case. Visible stress such as that in Figure 1 is very common on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass with the arrival of the heat, especially in our warmer climates. Observations and comments: In almost every case has received for analysis, the primary culprit has been soil related rather than the s Page 1

2 anticipated disease we were asked to check. Any limitations in a soil due to inappropriate nutrition or ph, low soil water holding capacity, and/or physical compaction are going to be exaggerated under these temperature extremes, and even with the rainfall events that much of the state has received, the soil will dry out very quickly where the rootzone is very shallow. There are no quick fixes for these areas but if they have been identified, it will certainly help over time to remediate by way of conducting soil tests and to improve both the physical and chemical properties of the soil with an application of ¼ inch of a quality compost material 1 2 times annually to build up soil organic matter in these low quality soils. Many of our significant diseases of coolseason turf will display some form of a characteristic symptom (visible turfgrass response to the disease) or sign (the physical presence of the fungus itself) that will aid in the diagnosis of whether the problem in the lawn is being incited by an abiotic (non living) or biotic (living) Figure 2. These patches of distressed tall fescue are caused by Rhizoctonia blight, aka Brown Patch. Figure 3. The characteristic necrotic tissue patterns of Rhizoctonia blight on tall fescue leaves. entity. By far the most prevalent lawn disease during the summer in Virginia is Rhizoctonia blight (aka Brown Patch) on tall fescue. This disease is noted for its symptomology rather than actually seeing the fungus (usually by way of a cottony thread like material called mycelia that we see with other diseases). Diseased turf will have random patches of blighted turfgrass leaves that may or may not have a circular pattern (no s Page 2

3 particular pattern is really evident in Figure 2). However, with a little practice and patience, one can quickly become quite accurate in identifying Rhizoctonia blight by carefully inspecting the characteristic symptoms and shapes of the necrotic tissues of the blighted leaves (Figure 3). You can have your local county extension agent assist in the diagnosis of the disease, and if it truly is a disease, they can also help provide a chemical control strategy if it is desired. Use your smart phone to snap shots of your lawn and any symptoms or signs of the disease, and consult with the agent or turf professional on just how to collect and submit an appropriate sample for disease analysis. Should you decide to spray a curative treatment before confirming what disease it is, then use a broad spectrum fungicide that controls a lot of diseases (typical active ingredients for this type of treatment would be chlorothalonil or myclobutanil). However, it is always best to get the disease properly identified so that you can make the best choice in a pesticide possible. Be aware that not just any fungicide will control brown patch. Consult the Virginia Tech Pest Management Guide for the active ingredients and application levels and strategies of the best products ( 018/ html). The best thing about something as seemingly unsightly as brown patch is that it typically does not completely kill the turfgrass plant and the grass recovers when cooler temperatures arrive. The challenge for homeowners is that lawns already are under stress from this disease in 2015 and the calendar has not yet turned to July. s Page 3

4 Figure 4. The weight of the lawn tractor tires has killed the turf in the trafficked areas of a grub infested tall fescue lawn. One other point that turfgrass specialists are always preaching: Mother Nature does not kill in defined lines or patterns. If you see either straight lines (as evidenced in Figure 4) or perfectly manicured curves etc., then suspect that some form of human interaction with a sprayer, spreader, tiller, or the like is likely responsible for the problem. Again, more times than not the problem is an underlying soil condition. Most definitely conduct a soil test if one has not been done over the past 3 4 years to determine if nutrient or ph limitations are contributing to the problem. What can be done during the heat? Very often the best answer is nothing, and that is not intended to be a sarcastic answer! It is meant to convey don t do anything to cool season turf when it is under extreme heat and/or moisture stress. However, nothing has some limitations when folks are searching for answers, so in no particular order of importance (because they are all important) here are the most important tips in surviving the summer stress. 1) Remove all traffic and raise the cutting height to its highest setting and/or refrain from mowing until temperatures moderate and the turf has produced distinct new growth. This should have been done already for cool season grasses, but if it has not, then it should still be done now. Don t expect to have cool season lawns to look every bit as good in a Virginia summer as they do in a Virginia spring. These grasses thrive in temperature ranges of degrees F, not 90 degrees plus. The easiest tip to remember about mowing is this: grass doesn t need mowing if it isn t growing. Resist that compulsion to mow a turf that has shut down its s Page 4

5 growth due to heat and moisture stress. Trafficking a turf under extreme stress can actually kill the turf as seen in Figure 4, where a grub infested fescue turf was damaged by the weight of the tires from a small tractor pulling a clipper over the turf area. 2) Choose an appropriate irrigation strategy: apply no water at all or irrigate deeply and infrequently. Grasses naturally enter a dormant state during periods of environmental extremes outside their optimums. Warm season grasses have a very defined winter dormancy period, and while it is not as well defined because our summer temperatures and moisture patterns are so variable, cool season grasses can have a dormancy phase as well. Let your lawn enter its dormancy phase and stay off the lawn during these periods with either foot or equipment traffic. If you do have an irrigation system, then practice deep and infrequent irrigation, thoroughly soaking the soil with as much water as it will hold in one event rather than providing frequent, light watering. When possible, run the irrigation during the early morning hours to reduce the effects of any wind and limit the leaf wetness period that can promote disease. 3) If you suspect a disease, then be sure to get samples to a turfgrass professional or your local extension agent for an accurate diagnosis. Specific fungi often require specific fungicides in order to control the disease. However, one advantage of dry conditions is that disease pressure is likely to be quite low. It s the persistently hot, moist conditions that typically cause our largest disease outbreaks. 4) If you have had a history of white grubs or are seeing an inordinate number of beetles in and around your lawn and landscape this year you might have a grub problem later this summer. Your cool season lawn is going to inherently have a very limited root system due to the environmental stress, and the lack of roots is s Page 5

6 only going to be confounded by significant grub pressure. The turf as seen in Figure 4 with the distinct wheel tracks from the mower turned out to have very heavy white grub pressure in the rootzone (Figure 5). The weight of the mower, combined with the feeding pressure on the fescue roots, was enough to kill the turf in those areas. Figure 5. Large numbers of white grubs feeding on the roots, combined with the stress from the weight of the wheels of a mower, have killed turf in very distinct lines on this fescue lawn. You might have to do some scouting in your lawn with a flat edged shovel to determine how many grubs are present at the top 1 of the soil in your lawn. The typical threshold range that can cause appreciable damage in cool season lawns (especially cool season lawns under temperature and moisture stress) is 6 10 grubs per square foot. There are several insecticides available for white grub control and they are detailed in the Pest Management Guide. Typical application times to optimize the effectiveness of most of the readily available grubicides is usually early July to mid August in Virginia. 5) Refrain from using nitrogen fertilizers in an attempt to rejuvenate your lawn. Periods of extreme heat are simply not going to be times when you get a desired response from N based fertilizers on cool season grasses (plus there is more potential for causing water quality problems at this time of year since the plant is not going to efficiently utilize the nutrient). Save your N sources for the end of summer/first of fall after the arrival of persistent fall temperatures and take s Page 6

7 advantage of periods when both roots and shoots are actively growing to apply your nitrogen. Summary. The challenges associated with lawns in the transition zone will almost always be with us because when you live in a region that truly offers four distinct seasons; winters and summers will present extremes from time to time, it is just that they usually don t follow each other so closely. Do keep in mind that sometimes doing nothing is the most appropriate response at getting your coolseason grasses through some of these most difficult periods. s Page 7

Fertilizer, Weed Control, Grubs, and General Application Questions

Fertilizer, Weed Control, Grubs, and General Application Questions Lawn Care FAQ s Fertilizer, Weed Control, Grubs, and General Application Questions Why do we have so many weeds? Dandelions in particular, weeds in general, do not seem concerned about how long lawn has

More information

GENERAL WATERING & CARE GUIDE

GENERAL WATERING & CARE GUIDE GENERAL WATERING & CARE GUIDE Between 30-60 percent of water applied to lawns and gardens is never absorbed by the plants. Water is often wasted because it is applied too quickly and runs off, evaporates

More information

PREVENTING PEST DAMAGE IN HOME LAWNS

PREVENTING PEST DAMAGE IN HOME LAWNS PREVENTING PEST DAMAGE IN HOME LAWNS Quick Tips Summary Use mixed grass seeds rather than a single variety Fertilize with composted organics or slow-acting synthetic products Keep soil at ph 5.8 6.5 Keep

More information

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LAWN?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LAWN? WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LAWN? Lawn problems can occur in small areas or larger patches and entire lawns can be affected. Sometimes the problems are due to poor growing conditions, improper lawn care practices,

More information

Best Lawns News. Late Spring 2014 Edition Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Unit. Featured in This Issue

Best Lawns News. Late Spring 2014 Edition Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Unit. Featured in This Issue Best Lawns News Late Spring 2014 Edition Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Unit Featured in This Issue Stilt Grass 2 National Arboretum s Grass Roots Exhibit 4 Grub Control 5 All content was

More information

Maintaining a Healthy Lawn

Maintaining a Healthy Lawn Maintaining a Healthy Lawn in Western Oregon A.M. VanDerZanden and T. Cook EC 1521 Reprinted February 2001 $1.50 The typical home lawn is an evolving ecosystem that gets more complex each year. At first,

More information

Oak Trees BASIC GROWING REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR

Oak Trees BASIC GROWING REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR They are beautiful in their peace, They are wise in their silence. They will stand after we are dust. They teach us, and we tend them. G.A. MacDunelmor BASIC GROWING REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR Oak Trees The

More information

Phone: 989.673.5300 x 304 Caro MI 48723 URL: www.tisd.k12.mi.us Email: aslagh@tisd.k12.mi.us

Phone: 989.673.5300 x 304 Caro MI 48723 URL: www.tisd.k12.mi.us Email: aslagh@tisd.k12.mi.us AGRI SCIENCE LANDSCAPING / TURFGRASS TECHNOLOGY SYLLABUS SCHOOL: Tuscola Technology Center Instructor: Arlon Slagh ADDRESS: 1401 Cleaver Road Phone: 989.673.5300 x 304 Caro MI 48723 URL: www.tisd.k12.mi.us

More information

Tree Care Guide. W.A. Industries: 3655 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 (888) 333-9352 www.megagro.com

Tree Care Guide. W.A. Industries: 3655 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 (888) 333-9352 www.megagro.com Tree Care Guide Think of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment and considering many tree species live for many decades, they are a wonderful legacy. How well your tree, and investment, grows

More information

Flooding on Sports Fields

Flooding on Sports Fields www.stma.org Flooding on Sports Fields Flooding events caused by excessive rainfall can be extremely detrimental to sports fields. Flooding saturates a rootzone and creates an unfavorable soil environment

More information

Self-Certification Checklist

Self-Certification Checklist Rhode Island Department of Environmental Managment Sustainable Turf Management for Landscaping Self-Certification Checklist Sustainable Turf Management for Landscaping Certification Program Rhode Island

More information

Easy-To-Follow Do-It-Yourself 4-Step Lawn Care Program

Easy-To-Follow Do-It-Yourself 4-Step Lawn Care Program Easy-To-Follow Do-It-Yourself 4-Step Lawn Care Program Easy-To-Follow 4-Step Lawn Care Program - Phosphate Free Lawn Step 1 - Crabgrass Control Apply MAXLAWN Crabgrass Preventer 22-0-4 with Crab-Buster

More information

Virginia Gardener http://www.hort.vt.edu/envirohort

Virginia Gardener http://www.hort.vt.edu/envirohort The Virginia Gardener http://www.hort.vt.edu/envirohort Name Help Sheets: Things Plants Need There are certain things that every living thing needs in order to live and grow. Just like you, plants need

More information

BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY LAWN

BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY LAWN BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY LAWN It s good for the air A healthy lawn releases enough oxygen daily for a family of four, has the same cooling effect as three home central air conditioning units, and cleans the

More information

Turfgrass Traffic and Compaction: Problems and Solutions

Turfgrass Traffic and Compaction: Problems and Solutions PUBLICATION 8080 Turfgrass Traffic and Compaction: Problems and Solutions M. ALI HARIVANDI, University of California Cooperative Extension Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Alameda, Contra Costa, and

More information

Empire Landscaping Company, Plano Texas

Empire Landscaping Company, Plano Texas ** Lawn Maintenance Service Details from Empire Landscaping ** The following is a guideline of our service details. Please read carefully and email me with confirmation, questions and/or information or

More information

BENEFITS OF USING IPM

BENEFITS OF USING IPM Edward J. Bechinski and William H. Bohl Potato growers who use IPM consider all available pest control tools. Alternatives to conventional pesticides are the foundation of every IPM plan. Pesticides play

More information

CULLINAN IRRIGATION & LAWN CARE 763-913-1670 CULLINANIRRIGATION.COM

CULLINAN IRRIGATION & LAWN CARE 763-913-1670 CULLINANIRRIGATION.COM Get ready for the growing and mowing months with a maintained mower and irrigation system. Give your sprinkler system a spring tune-up. Activate the system by closing drain valves, turning the water on,

More information

Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington

Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington EM 9100 November 2014 Stan Baker, Alec Kowalewski, Brian McDonald, and Rob Golembiewski A number of new lawn seed products have become

More information

Factors Contributing to Major Problems in St. Augustinegrass Lawns 2006-2007

Factors Contributing to Major Problems in St. Augustinegrass Lawns 2006-2007 Factors Contributing to Major Problems in St. Augustinegrass Lawns 2006-2007 By James A. McAfee, Ph.D. Extension Turfgrass Specialist Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at Dallas Loss of St. Augustinegrass

More information

publication 430-400 www.ext.vt.edu

publication 430-400 www.ext.vt.edu The public s interest in having high quality lawns has been the driving factor in the development of the lawn service industry. The idea of having someone else responsible for fertilization and pest control

More information

PUTTING FORAGES TOGETHER FOR YEAR ROUND GRAZING

PUTTING FORAGES TOGETHER FOR YEAR ROUND GRAZING PUTTING FORAGES TOGETHER FOR YEAR ROUND GRAZING Jimmy C. Henning A good rotational grazing system begins with a forage system that allows the maximum number of grazing days per year with forages that are

More information

Environmental Issues In Your Backyard

Environmental Issues In Your Backyard Environmental Issues In Your Backyard How to Keep a Healthy Lawn In the pursuit of maintaining green, weed-free lawns, some homeowners may over-apply fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth and pesticides

More information

Information for pest management professionals and pesticide applicators. Diagnosing Lawn Disorders

Information for pest management professionals and pesticide applicators. Diagnosing Lawn Disorders Information for pest management professionals and pesticide applicators Green Bulletin Vol. 1 l No. 4 l October 2010 Diagnosing Lawn Disorders T he most common lawn complaint among homeowners is likely

More information

Turfgrass Management of Bermudagrass Football Fields

Turfgrass Management of Bermudagrass Football Fields HLA-6600 Turfgrass Management of Bermudagrass Football Fields Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Dennis Martin Extension Turfgrass Specialist The first step in developing a turfgrass management program

More information

earth-wise guide to Is damage patchy or not patchy? Patchy (throughout lawn) Not Patchy Are problems occurring during wet or dry conditions?

earth-wise guide to Is damage patchy or not patchy? Patchy (throughout lawn) Not Patchy Are problems occurring during wet or dry conditions? earth-wise guide to Lawn Problems In this Fact Sheet: Chinch bugs Grubs Brown Patch Take All Patch Drought Stress Iron Chlorosis Shade Stress Quick Tips to avoid lawn problems Establish a healthy soil

More information

Busting the Most Common Lawn Myths and Misconceptions Aaron Patton

Busting the Most Common Lawn Myths and Misconceptions Aaron Patton DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE R E S E A R C H & E X T E N S I O N University of Arkansas System Agriculture and Natural Resources FSA6142 Busting the Most Common Lawn Myths and Misconceptions Aaron Patton Assistant

More information

Virginia s Turfgrass Industry

Virginia s Turfgrass Industry Virginia s Turfgrass Industry Published August 2006 Compiled By National Agricultural Statistics Service Virginia Field Office USDA/NASS Virginia Field Office 02 Governors St. LL20 Richmond, VA. 2329-3676

More information

March Madness & Avid for Nematode Control

March Madness & Avid for Nematode Control Weather Temperature ( F) 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 5 Columbia, MO March Daily Max/Min Temperature Normal vs 2012 vg Max Temp vg Min Temp 2012 Max Temp 2012 Min Temp Mar 1-15, 2012 vg: 53.5 F Dept. from Norm:

More information

BANANA PRODUCTION. ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops. Banana Production - English

BANANA PRODUCTION. ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops. Banana Production - English BANANA PRODUCTION ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops Banana Production - English BANANA PRODUCTION Compiled by Directorate Communication National Department of Agriculture and W. Willemse,

More information

Identification and Prevention of Frost or Freeze Damage By Linda Reddick, Kingman Area Master Gardener

Identification and Prevention of Frost or Freeze Damage By Linda Reddick, Kingman Area Master Gardener KINGMAN IS GROWING! COLUMN Identification and Prevention of Frost or Freeze Damage By Linda Reddick, Kingman Area Master Gardener Again this year we have been experiencing some very cold weather, with

More information

Waterwise Landscaping: Designing a Drought-tolerant (and deer-resistant) Landscape and Garden

Waterwise Landscaping: Designing a Drought-tolerant (and deer-resistant) Landscape and Garden Waterwise Landscaping: Designing a Drought-tolerant (and deer-resistant) Landscape and Garden Basic principles of xeriscaping How to Design and Implement Plants and Practical Information UCCE Master Gardeners

More information

UTAH CERTIFIED NURSEY PROFESSIONAL UCNP TEST SYLLABUS

UTAH CERTIFIED NURSEY PROFESSIONAL UCNP TEST SYLLABUS UTAH CERTIFIED NURSEY PROFESSIONAL UCNP TEST SYLLABUS Contact Information: Utah Green-UNLA 1174 E 2760 S #16 Salt Lake City UT 84152 801-484-4426 or unlautahgreen@aol.com UCNP Program Description: The

More information

o d Propagation and Moon Planting Fact Sheet

o d Propagation and Moon Planting Fact Sheet o d Propagation and Moon Planting Fact Sheet Propagation Propagation is actually quite simple and requires very little effort on your part. Most seeds are ready to go, complete with all the nutrients and

More information

Frequently asked Questions about Weeds

Frequently asked Questions about Weeds Frequently asked Questions about Weeds Q: Why do I have so many weeds in my yard? A: Some combination of the following factors will contribute to high weed populations: A large number of weed seeds or

More information

Early Season Fungicide Applications. Document Classification: PUBLIC

Early Season Fungicide Applications. Document Classification: PUBLIC Early Season Fungicide Applications Controlling Dollar Spot Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homeocarpa) is becoming an increasingly troublesome disease to control. Several key factors and changes in golf course

More information

Key Idea 2: Ecosystems

Key Idea 2: Ecosystems Key Idea 2: Ecosystems Ecosystems An ecosystem is a living community of plants and animals sharing an environment with non-living elements such as climate and soil. An example of a small scale ecosystem

More information

For all turfgrass areas. Now you can test soil reaction at different levels in the soil profile. Check Soil ph on:

For all turfgrass areas. Now you can test soil reaction at different levels in the soil profile. Check Soil ph on: Turf-Tec ph Meter Test soil ph in the mat, thatch and above and below the root zone. ph can be checked, 0" to 4" inch level right on the turfgrass area. Simply insert probe to desired depth, allow to stand

More information

Hydroseed Care Guide

Hydroseed Care Guide Hydroseed Care Guide Please read carefully and sign the invoice in the space provided to show us that you have received the Instructional Care Guide and acknowledge your responsibility to read and implement

More information

City of Casey Tree Guide

City of Casey Tree Guide CASEY.VIC.GOV.AU City of Casey Tree Guide Version: 2.1 Date updated: Adopted 16 December 2014 Responsible Department: Parks & Reserves A guide for living with trees Casey s Trees Guide (Version 2.1) 2

More information

LANDSCAPING & GROUNDS CARE BIDDING CHECKLIST

LANDSCAPING & GROUNDS CARE BIDDING CHECKLIST LANDSCAPING & GROUNDS CARE BIDDING CHECKLIST 1. Insurance Certificate 2. Form of Contract Executed and Notarized 3. Certifications Executed and Notarized 4. Bid Proposal Executed and Notarized 5. Pages

More information

System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Ramasamy Selvaraju Climate, Energy and Tenure Division (NRC), FAO Fifth annual Investment Days, Rome, Italy; 17 December 2013 Contents What is SRI? Main concepts of

More information

Planting and Tree Care for Roxborough Park. Keith Worley, Forester ISA Certified Arborist

Planting and Tree Care for Roxborough Park. Keith Worley, Forester ISA Certified Arborist Planting and Tree Care for Roxborough Park Keith Worley, Forester ISA Certified Arborist Where We Live: High elevation at the edge of Mountains and Plains. Harsh climates with: High winds. Drought periods

More information

Turfgrass Management. for the Texas Panhandle. Grass Types Establishment Lawn Care Weed Control Insects and Diseases SCS 2012 03

Turfgrass Management. for the Texas Panhandle. Grass Types Establishment Lawn Care Weed Control Insects and Diseases SCS 2012 03 Turfgrass Management for the Texas Panhandle Grass Types Establishment Lawn Care Weed Control Insects and Diseases SCS 2012 03 The formatting for this document has been modified from the original. For

More information

J&L Garden Center. Lawn Care Guidelines

J&L Garden Center. Lawn Care Guidelines 2013 J&L Garden Center The All Season Gift and Garden Center 620 North 500 West Bountiful, Utah 801-292-0421 info@jlgardencenter.com www.jlgardencenter.com Lawn Care Guidelines A healthy lawn is not an

More information

Onion & Leek Planting Guide

Onion & Leek Planting Guide Onion & Leek Planting Guide Important Remove plants from box immediately. Do not put in soil or water before planting. Keep cool and dry until you can plant. Follow the instructions inside for best results.

More information

Tree Integrated Pest Management. Dan Nortman Virginia Cooperative Extension, York County

Tree Integrated Pest Management. Dan Nortman Virginia Cooperative Extension, York County Tree Integrated Pest Management Dan Nortman Virginia Cooperative Extension, York County IPM Refresher Definition: The use of a combination of appropriate pest control tactics to reduce pest population

More information

Wildfire Damage Assessment for the 2011 Southeast Complex Fires

Wildfire Damage Assessment for the 2011 Southeast Complex Fires Wildfire Damage Assessment for the 2011 Southeast Complex Fires Chip Bates & Mark McClure, Forest Health Management Background: On March 24, 2011, multiple wildfires began across southeast Georgia. Strong,

More information

How To Care For A Lawn

How To Care For A Lawn Way to Grow Thicker, Greener, Healthier SIMPLE STEPS TO YOUR LUSHEST LAWN EVER You ve seen people who are so determined to have the best lawn on the block that they spend their weekends seeding, mowing,

More information

NO-TILL AND NITROGEN FIXING INOCULANTS

NO-TILL AND NITROGEN FIXING INOCULANTS NO-TILL AND NITROGEN FIXING INOCULANTS Tom Wacek R & D Director for Urbana Laboratories St. Joseph, Missouri Nitrogen fixation is the utilization of the free gaseous nitrogen in the air by soil bacteria

More information

Water Conservation: responsibility. The principal goals of Earth-Kind include:

Water Conservation: responsibility. The principal goals of Earth-Kind include: Water Conservation: An adequate supply of high quality water has become a critical issue for the future prosperity of Texas. Booming populations have increased the demand on the state s already limited

More information

Perspective of Green Industry Professionals from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA)

Perspective of Green Industry Professionals from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Perspective of Green Industry Professionals from the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) My name is Erica Santella: I am here representing the green industries, including the Lawn & Ornamental Service

More information

Diagnosing Disorders of Trees

Diagnosing Disorders of Trees 148 Appendix A Diagnosing Disorders of Trees Diagnosing tree problems can be difficult. Symptoms and signs can be subtle or only visible using special techniques, important information can be missing,

More information

ROVRAL GREEN GT FLOWABLE FUNGICIDE

ROVRAL GREEN GT FLOWABLE FUNGICIDE 2008-2599 19-MAR-2009 ROVRAL GREEN GT FLOWABLE FUNGICIDE GROUP 2 FUNGICIDE For control of Brown patch, fusarium patch, dollar spot, leaf spot, Snow moulds and melting out in turf COMMERCIAL: READ THE LABEL

More information

WET/DAMP BASEMENTS ANSWER: BASEMENT WALLS AND FLOORS CAN BECOME WET BY A LEAK, CAPILLARY SUCTION OR CONDENSATION.

WET/DAMP BASEMENTS ANSWER: BASEMENT WALLS AND FLOORS CAN BECOME WET BY A LEAK, CAPILLARY SUCTION OR CONDENSATION. WET/DAMP BASEMENTS PROBLEM. IS THIS BASEMENT LEAKING OR COULD WE HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM? Water line arching up on wall in corners of basement. Water collecting on concrete floor starting in corners. ANSWER:

More information

It can be easy..without using pesticides you can increase the health of your landscape allowing it to naturally fight insects and diseases.

It can be easy..without using pesticides you can increase the health of your landscape allowing it to naturally fight insects and diseases. The Pesticide By-law Think Outside the Box It can be easy..without using pesticides you can increase the health of your landscape allowing it to naturally fight insects and diseases. Let us help you. Your

More information

2744 Tanaga Basin New Lenox, Illinois 60451 (t)708.860.8310 (f)888.354.0955 www.agemalandscape.com

2744 Tanaga Basin New Lenox, Illinois 60451 (t)708.860.8310 (f)888.354.0955 www.agemalandscape.com Maintaining YOUR Landscape Annual Calendar 2744 Tanaga Basin New Lenox, Illinois 60451 (t)708.860.8310 (f)888.354.0955 www.agemalandscape.com MARCH - Clean winter debris, leaves, and twigs from your lawn

More information

suscon Green One application. 3 years control against grass grub. Grass grub damaged pasture

suscon Green One application. 3 years control against grass grub. Grass grub damaged pasture suscon Green One application. 3 years control against grass grub. Grass grub damaged pasture suscon Green is a dust free, controlled release granule that controls Grass Grub in newly established pasture

More information

BROWN PATCH and TAKE-ALL PATCH - Warning Signs

BROWN PATCH and TAKE-ALL PATCH - Warning Signs BROWN PATCH and TAKE-ALL PATCH - Warning Signs It is extremely well documented that Brown Patch is caused by the soil borne fungus (Rhizoctonia solani) and Take-All Patch is caused by the fungus Gaeumannomyces

More information

Questions and Answers Regarding the Watering Index and ET (EvapoTranspiration)

Questions and Answers Regarding the Watering Index and ET (EvapoTranspiration) Questions and Answers Regarding the Watering Index and ET (EvapoTranspiration) What is the Watering Index? The Watering Index is a scientifically based guide that was created to help people adjust watering

More information

First, determine the scope of your. Second, determine who will provide. An attractive landscape can add considerable value to a home.

First, determine the scope of your. Second, determine who will provide. An attractive landscape can add considerable value to a home. C An attractive landscape can add considerable value to a home. Note: Landscape installation can only be done by a licensed landscape contracting business. Choosing the right landscape contracting business(es)

More information

Helping Trees Recover From Stress

Helping Trees Recover From Stress Helping Trees Recover From Stress INTRODUCTION Trees are the dominant component in the natural and managed landscape in New England. For the most part, trees in forests thrive and, typically, live more

More information

3.1. Succession, Recovery, and Renewal in Natural Communities. A35 Starting Point. What Happens to a Vacant Lot?

3.1. Succession, Recovery, and Renewal in Natural Communities. A35 Starting Point. What Happens to a Vacant Lot? 3.1 Succession, Recovery, and Renewal in Natural Communities Here is a summary of what you will learn in this section: Ecosystems change in predictable ways known as succession. Ecosystems can establish

More information

SAMPLE CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR SOUTHWEST LANDSCAPES

SAMPLE CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR SOUTHWEST LANDSCAPES SAMPLE CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR SOUTHWEST LANDSCAPES GENERAL Proper landscape maintenance sustains the quality and health of a landscaped area and preserves the intended design concept. Landscaping is intended

More information

Ecologically based weed management! Chuck Mohler! Cornell University!

Ecologically based weed management! Chuck Mohler! Cornell University! Ecologically based weed management! Chuck Mohler! Cornell University! Outline! Understanding weeds! Behavior of wandering perennials! Tillage and emergence cues! Life and death of weed seeds in the soil!

More information

Cold Protection of Ornamental Plants 1

Cold Protection of Ornamental Plants 1 ENH1 Cold Protection of Ornamental Plants 1 Dewayne L. Ingram and Thomas H. Yeager 2 Winter temperatures in Florida are frequently low enough to cause cold injury to tropical, subtropical, and occasionally

More information

Water Conservation Best Management Practices for Sports Facilities

Water Conservation Best Management Practices for Sports Facilities www.stma.org Water Conservation Best Management Practices The demand for potable water for agricultural, residential, and industrial use is expected to increase in the future while our supply of naturally

More information

Determining Problems of Woody Ornamentals Over the Phone

Determining Problems of Woody Ornamentals Over the Phone Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service 5339 County Rd 579 Seffner, Fl., 33584-3334 813-744-5519 Fax 813-744-5776 http://prohort.ifas.ufl.edu/ Determining Problems of Woody Ornamentals Over the

More information

Dieback, Twig blight or Canker (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides- asexual stage, Glomerella cingulata.)

Dieback, Twig blight or Canker (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides- asexual stage, Glomerella cingulata.) Camellia Camellia spp. Propagation Camellias are usually propagated by cuttings of new growth taken just as the stem is changing from green to brown. Wound the stem, use 3000-8000 ppm IBA-talc and grow

More information

How To Plan A Buffer Zone

How To Plan A Buffer Zone Backyard Buffers Protecting Habitat and Water Quality What is a buffer? A buffer (also called a riparian buffer area or zone) is the strip of natural vegetation along the bank of a stream, lake or other

More information

Managing of Annual Winter Forages in Southwest Texas

Managing of Annual Winter Forages in Southwest Texas r r r rr EDUCATION RESEARCH EXTENSION The Texas A&M University System Soil & Crop Sciences Managing of Annual Winter Forages in Southwest Texas Mr Charles Stichler Assocaite Professor and Extension Agronomist

More information

Selecting Daylilies and Daylily Culture

Selecting Daylilies and Daylily Culture Selecting Daylilies and Daylily Culture We are always meeting and finding new gardening friends when we are around daylilies. Daylily people are willing to share information at the drop of a hat. One of

More information

Why Fruit Trees Die D. B. Meador, Extension Specialist (retired) University of Illinois

Why Fruit Trees Die D. B. Meador, Extension Specialist (retired) University of Illinois Why Fruit Trees Die D. B. Meador, Extension Specialist (retired) University of Illinois Occasionally, fruit trees decline and often die. Diseases affecting the leaves, fruit, and twigs of fruit trees usually

More information

Fungicides for Control of Turfgrass Diseases

Fungicides for Control of Turfgrass Diseases AGRONOMY SERIES TIMELY INFORMATION Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University, AL 36849-5633 May 2004 Fungicides for Control of Turfgrass Diseases David Y. Han,

More information

1. THE GROWER 2. GREENHOUSE STRUCTURE FEATURED 3. CROPS GROWN. Hung Nguyen: 0408 696 949, hung_si_hing@hotmail.com

1. THE GROWER 2. GREENHOUSE STRUCTURE FEATURED 3. CROPS GROWN. Hung Nguyen: 0408 696 949, hung_si_hing@hotmail.com 1. THE GROWER Hung Nguyen: 0408 696 949, hung_si_hing@hotmail.com Hung is a new grower in his third year of independent farm management. He completed a Diploma in Horticulture while working on his parent

More information

Strawberry Production Basics: Matted Row

Strawberry Production Basics: Matted Row Strawberry Production Basics: Matted Row David T. Handley, Vegetable and Small Fruits Specialist University of Maine Cooperative Extension Highmoor Farm, P.O. Box 179, Monmouth, Maine 04259 (207) 933-2100

More information

Natural Yard Care. Five steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live.

Natural Yard Care. Five steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live. Natural Yard Care Five steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live. Fourth Edition 2008 Why go natural? Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, great spaces for relaxing.

More information

College of Agriculture, P.O. Box 210036 Tucson, Arizona 85721-0036

College of Agriculture, P.O. Box 210036 Tucson, Arizona 85721-0036 Irrigating Citrus Trees ISSUED FEBRUARY 2000 BY: Glenn C. Wright Associate Specialist ag.arizona.edu/pubs/ crops/az1151.pdf This information has been reviewed by university faculty. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

More information

What is Integrated Pest Management?

What is Integrated Pest Management? SLIDE 1: This is Steve Johnson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, bringing you information on Integrated Pest Management. It is possible to receive a Maine Board of Pesticides Control recertification

More information

The Sadler Lawn Club Handbook

The Sadler Lawn Club Handbook The Sadler Lawn Club Handbook "A Beautiful Lawn Doesn't Happen by Itself" From the Sadler Green HOA MARCH A New Lawn Season Approaches Warmer temps, sunny/rainy/windy weather, daylight savings time almost

More information

Chapter D9. Irrigation scheduling

Chapter D9. Irrigation scheduling Chapter D9. Irrigation scheduling PURPOSE OF THIS CHAPTER To explain how to plan and schedule your irrigation program CHAPTER CONTENTS factors affecting irrigation intervals influence of soil water using

More information

The Basics of Tree Pruning

The Basics of Tree Pruning The Basics of Tree Pruning By John Ball, Forest Health Specialist and Aaron Kiesz, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist Until the end of the 19 th century, trees were not a common sight in many parts

More information

Care of Mature Backyard Apple Trees

Care of Mature Backyard Apple Trees Education Center and Info Line practical solutions to everyday questions Toll free Info Line 1-877-398-4769 M-F 9 AM - 2 PM Care of Mature Backyard Apple Trees Introduction Backyard apple trees can be

More information

TEXAS SMARTSCAPE Landscape Design

TEXAS SMARTSCAPE Landscape Design TEXAS SMARTSCAPE Landscape Design and Maintenance for Water Quality Water Conservation Dotty Woodson Extension Program Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Texas A&M University System Texas SmartScape Developed

More information

KINGMAN IS GROWING! Column

KINGMAN IS GROWING! Column KINGMAN IS GROWING! Column Protect Plants When Temperatures Drop By Charlee Ware, Kingman Area Master Gardener Fortunately for us, we had three extra weeks of warm fall weather. In most years, that 32-degree

More information

Plant Doctor as IPM Consultant. Dr. Christian F. Miller Glades Crop Care, Inc.

Plant Doctor as IPM Consultant. Dr. Christian F. Miller Glades Crop Care, Inc. Plant Doctor as IPM Consultant Dr. Christian F. Miller Glades Crop Care, Inc. Miller: Professional Background Originally from Palm Beach County, FL Graduated with Botany BS from UF (1996) Designed & maintained

More information

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LANDSCAPING AND LAWN MAINTENANCE FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3 TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON MERCER COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LANDSCAPING AND LAWN MAINTENANCE FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3 TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON MERCER COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LANDSCAPING AND LAWN MAINTENANCE FIRE DISTRICT NO. 3 TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON MERCER COUNTY PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY: APRIL 4, 2014 Hamilton Township Fire District No. 3 Office of

More information

NORTH COUNTY TRANSFER CENTER METRO Contract Numbers 01756/01862 100% - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT SECTION 32 90 13 NEW PLANTING MAINTENANCE

NORTH COUNTY TRANSFER CENTER METRO Contract Numbers 01756/01862 100% - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT SECTION 32 90 13 NEW PLANTING MAINTENANCE SECTION 32 90 13 NEW PLANTING PART 1 - GENERAL 1.01 INTENT A. The intent of the landscape maintenance program is to maintain the landscape areas (lawn and shrub plantings) in a vigorous, healthy and attractive

More information

A DISCOVERY REGARDING THE DEATH OF ASH TREES IN THE PLYMOUTH AREA

A DISCOVERY REGARDING THE DEATH OF ASH TREES IN THE PLYMOUTH AREA A DISCOVERY REGARDING THE DEATH OF ASH TREES IN THE PLYMOUTH AREA As you are probably aware, we have seen a significant amount of dying ash trees in the Plymouth, Canton, Northville area. This prompted

More information

Maintaining Cactus and Succulents

Maintaining Cactus and Succulents Maintaining Cactus and Succulents Master Gardener Education February 22, 2011 Jack Kelly University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Pima County Cooperative Extension Tucson, Arizona

More information

There are three steps to determining a watering schedule for a drip irrigation system:

There are three steps to determining a watering schedule for a drip irrigation system: Master Gardener Sonoma County Calculating Drip Irrigation Schedules The biggest challenge in drip irrigation is accurately determining how much and when to water. Fortunately, UC websites contain a goodly

More information

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management Chapter 2 Integrated Pest Management In This Chapter Keywords After learning the information in this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Define Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 2. List and describe the 5

More information

MATH 110 Landscape Horticulture Worksheet #5

MATH 110 Landscape Horticulture Worksheet #5 MATH 110 Landscape Horticulture Worksheet #5 Ratios and Percentages All fertilizers have three numbers on the label, which indicate the fertilizer analysis, or "percentage by weight" of nitrogen, phosphate

More information

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan Athletic Fields

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan Athletic Fields Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan Athletic Fields Concordia University Texas Austin Campus Ron Petty Director of Facilities Management Concordia University Texas 11400 Concordia University Drive Austin,

More information

by Erik Lehnhoff, Walt Woolbaugh, and Lisa Rew

by Erik Lehnhoff, Walt Woolbaugh, and Lisa Rew Designing the Perfect Plant Activities to Investigate Plant Ecology Plant ecology is an important subject that often receives little attention in middle school, as more time during science classes is devoted

More information

Irish potatoes are one of America s most

Irish potatoes are one of America s most E-511 11-10 Easy Gardening Joseph Masabni, Assistant Professor and Extension Horticulturist, The Texas A&M University System Irish potatoes are one of America s most popular vegetables the average American

More information

LiveRoof Maintenance Protocol

LiveRoof Maintenance Protocol LiveRoof Maintenance Protocol The LiveRoof Maintenance Protocol is simple and takes you through the year season by season. It is based upon sound horticulture and lean processes, and is designed to protect

More information

LAWN CARE PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE FOR YOUR HOME. Bodie Boudreaux!

LAWN CARE PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE FOR YOUR HOME. Bodie Boudreaux! LAWN CARE PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE FOR YOUR HOME Bodie Boudreaux! Table Of Contents Introduction 3 Starting from Scratch 4 Grass Varieties 6 Best for Shady Areas 7 Best for Hot Climates 7 Best for Cold Climates

More information

Yearly Calendar for St. Augustinegrass Care and Culture 1

Yearly Calendar for St. Augustinegrass Care and Culture 1 Fact Sheet ENH-73 1995 Yearly Calendar for St. Augustinegrass Care and Culture 1 L. B. McCarty and John L. Cisar 2 St. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing, warm-season turfgrass used extensively in Florida.

More information

Important Pests of Ornamental Aspen

Important Pests of Ornamental Aspen Important Pests of Ornamental Aspen F. A. Baker, Forest Pathologist Karen Shotwell, Extension Diagnostician Diane Alston, Extension Entomologist Sherman Thomson, Extension Plant Pathologist 1993 HG 243

More information