AUGUST NOTES: It is late Summer and the Summer annual weeds are in full bloom. Spurge and Nutsedge are rampant. Crab grass is also growing along edges of lawns and in bare spots. It is difficult, even in a properly pre-emerged lawn to keep crab grass and weeds out completely. Where turf is thin or close to a heat source...such as a driveway or walkway...some pests are likely. The good news is the fungi that have been plaguing lawns all over New England is drying up, and the grass is beginning to recover. Now is the time for good soakings to speed the recovery from disease and heat stress. As we move toward September the focus should be on feeding the grass and eliminating weeds and crab grass. Though this may seem simplistic, remember that we can use the seasons here in the northeast for lawn building. As the weeds and such die off, we seed to feed the holes. The turf is strengthened, and we stand a much better chance of avoiding many of these issues the following year. Remember: -It is better to water for a longer period fewer times each week than short times daily. If you only water 60 minutes per week, it is best to water once for 60 minutes, or twice for 30 minutes each. -No two lawns are the same. Listen to you lawn...it will tell you when it needs water. General rule of thumb: if the tips of the grass are drying out you want to water the following morning. -Morning is when you want to water. When you water in the morning, the Sun has a chance to burn off excess water. When you water in the afternoon or evening, three things can happen. 1. The cold water can shock the hot grass. (How does it feel when we get hit with 50 degree water when weve been out in 90 degree weather all day? 2. Excess water can pool and fester. This is a common contributor to lawn fungi such as red thread, dollar spot, and leaf spot. 3. When water is applied to hot soil, very often the first few minutes of water dont make it into the soil. The water can puddle up and evaporate quickly. Watering in the afternoon or early evening can be far less efficient than in the morning. Be well everyone, and feel free to message with any questions.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:12:32 +0000
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