OK, so I'm going to try to blog about something other than the market conditions, etc. I know that sometimes it may seem somewhat depressing to you. I still wanted to give you helpful information, nevertheless.
Well, it's May, the A/C is on, we haven't had enough rain, it's already in the 90's almost every day. You got to love, but ‘oy' how does your lawn feel about it?
Firstly, you should have already fed your lawn. This should be done at least twice a year. I usually do mine in March, July & again in October. There are some that also feel that you can do a late spring feeding in May - June and also a late fall feeding in November - December.
Now, to watering. I see too many people water incorrectly & this does not help you lawn in the long-term. As a general rule, most lawns require about one inch of water per week. The best time to water a lawn is early in the day. You don't want to water during the heat of the day, because you will lose a lot of that watering due to evaporation. Secondly, it is illegal to water from 10am to 4pm in most parts of Florida due to our drought restrictions. You also don't want to water in the late evening, because then you may be putting your lawn at risk for developing mildew and fungus disease.
Don't water more often than twice a week. This actually hinders your lawn more than help it. And, surely, don't give your lawn light sprinklings. This will only promote shallow roots.
Two types of weeds show up in lawns: broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds. Basically, any plant growing in the lawn that does not resemble grass is a broadleaf weed. If your lawn is full of weeds, the best solution is to use a broadcast herbicide to kill them. A few weeds can be pulled up by hand, but many will grow right back because of their deep tap root. It may appear that the entire weed was pulled out, but the tap root simply breaks and what is left in the soil sprouts new weed growth above the soil.
Grassy weeds are a bit tougher to control. Typically, grassy weeds like crabgrass die in the fall and drop thousands of seeds that germinate the following spring. This is why a crabgrass preventer is recommended in the spring.
The best defense against weeds is a thick lawn that is properly cared for and never scalped by mowing. A thick lawn will choke out weeds and never allow them a place to establish in the lawn.
Mowing your lawn once a week is sufficient and most Bahia & St. Augustine grasses should be 2 - 4" in height. Keep your mower blade sharp. A dull blade tears the ends of the grass & this will turn brown & possibly promote fungus.
Never cut off more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blades in a single mowing. Mow in different directions each time you mow & never mow a wet lawn. Again, this will not only give you an uneven cut but may encourage fungus growth.
Well that was fun. OK, happy lawn care to you!
Until next time - Marc It Sold!
Good information. I'm happy to see someone else encouraging fertilzer and weed control.
You make very good points but If I can I would like to to extend a few points.First it's said that 2 fert apps is all thats needed but to due 4-5 lighter ones through out the year gives it even nutrients through out the year.With 2 apps you have 2 nutrient spikes and then a decline.I would say go with a slow release fert if you want to go with to apps.
With the water your right on.many Nurseries have recently begain pulsing their systems to allow for water to be absorbed.Instead of running a system for 1 hour they'll run it for 15min. and go threw all the zones and then start over.This has reduced water use up to 50%.You could also try a product called hydratain.This product is supposed to reduce water use up to 75%.
With the weeds you can try a preemergant in the spring and fall to decrease the germanation of seeds.Seeds need light to soil to grow so the thicker your lawn is the less weeds you have.I also like to use a liqued to get a problem under control and then you can use a dry app to maintain.Image is a good product.
Bahia should be cut at 3-4in. and st.augustine at 3.5-4.5 If the grass is in the shade you should always go with the higher side.I'ts been proven that thick healthy lawns have less pest and fungal problems,more drought resistance,less weeds,and more shade tollorance.
As far as the blades the manf. recomends to sharpen every 21 hours but I've found that you get a much better cut if you do them every 8 hours.It's just like a cut on a human.If the cut is clean it heals faster and has less time exposed to potential fungus.
Charles - You are obviously quite well informed on lawn care. Thank you very much for the info and insight. I'm actually starting to look at changing services, especially when I have weeds, but both services tell me that I don't - DUH!!
I thank you for the compliment.
This is the most common problem facing my industry.For a total of $3000 you can be a landscaper.What most dont understand is that this is a science based industry.If your grounds or your chemical company cant explain whats going on then they should at least offer to do some research.This lack of drive and the abundance of un-educated labor realy keeps our industry inconsistant in quality.
If you need any advice please feel free to ask.
Charles - I totally agree with you & used to have a beautiful lawn when I had the time to take care of it myself. I actually quite enjoyed it because you can relish in the fruits of your labor. I'll be in touch.