News - One Two Tree

I Love My Turf
Enjoy the beauty of my lawn, but please use the Side Walk

Officially spring is here!!! And your landscape has awakened from a semi-dormant state. Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures have sparked this change. This is also one of the most stressful periods, the height our drought season. Many of us are now have the time to either work in our lawns or spend time enjoying them. How does your lawn look?

If you do not use irrigation; your turf probably appears yellow, brown or mixed with some green leaves. This turf still remains semi-dormant due to the lack of water. Unless you intend to irrigate on regular basis, it is best to wait for the summer rains before your grass should be green and weed free. If your turf is not green; when did you last apply fertilizer? Generally, turf needs about 6 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year. If you use a slow release fertilizer, 4 applications will suffice. Otherwise, 6 applications are recommended. To determine how much actual nitrogen is in a bag of fertilizer. Multiple the first number on the label (which represent the percentage of nitrogen), times the weight of the bag. (Example: a bag of 24-5-11 that weighs 50 lbs.; .24 x 50 equals 12 pounds of actual nitrogen) When applying fertilizer to turf, 1 to 1 ½ pounds of actual nitrogen should be applied per 1,000 square feet of area. Do not apply to wet turf unless you are going to irrigate immediately. If the turf is dry, irrigation may be applied at any time, but is require to active this process. It will take 7 to 10 days and 3 to 4 irrigation cycles to notice results. Tip: Save some fertilizer to touch up areas of poor coverage and/or areas that require more nitrogen due to low fertility. There are many other components in a bag of fertilizer; all of which are important. But, when using a balanced fertilizer, using the nitrogen content is a simplistic guide for success.

If you have developed a weed problem over the winter, your most likely problem is over watering. Once turf is green, watering should only occur just prior to the lawn showing a gray appearance or before the blades of grass begin to fold in half. Weed & Feed products may be of some help, but in this region atrazine the active ingredient, is primarily a pre-emergence herbicide (preventative) on most of our weeds. There are some selective herbicides for your purchase at stores, but it is wise to leave this work for a trained professional. Water promotes growth. In the winter turf grasses are semi-dormant. Thus, if you are irrigating; you are primarily promoting the growth of winter annual weeds. When irrigating, apply 1 inch of water in the early hours of the morning.

Keys to having beautiful turf in order of importance:

A correct irrigation plan
Proper cutting

St Augustine maintained at highest possible height (3 to 4 inches).
Frequent cutting, never cut more than 1/3 of height at a time
Sharp blade

A balanced fertilization plan
A spray program to address insect, disease and weed problems.

This program should be based upon regular inspections and treatment only exist. Most disease and weed problems are a result of poor irrigation, cutting or insect control programs. Chemical control programs for disease and weeds are temporary solutions. Cultural programs must be corrected in order to provide long term results.

If you have any questions regarding these recommendations or any other turf, ornamental plant, shrub or tree related issue; I would be happy to speak with you