Turf Grass, Sod & Lawn Care Tips

Fall Lawn Maintenance Tips Part 2

stevepotter — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:18:59 +0000

The following is a further explanation of the Fall Lawn Maintenance Tips that may help with some of your decisions.

1. Weed Control: Pre-Emergent is a chemical that is used before weed seed germination. Early application, before September 30th, will control your winter weeds that come from seed.

Asking for help wherever you buy your turf products is critical. Make sure the weeds you are after are on the label and put out at label rate. The incorrect rate will result in very poor weed control. If you do have some weeds that were not controlled for some reason, make sure you seek a professional opinion when trying to control them. Not all chemicals are labeled for all types of turf.

2. Low Nitrogen Fertilizer: A Fall fungus that is problematic is Brown Patch.

Brown patch loves highly fertilized turf. Using a lower percent of Nitrogen, 9 or less will help to prevent Brown Patch from happening. Brown patch loves cool damp nights. When soil temperatures get below 75 degrees, and there is adequate moisture from irrigation or mother nature, Brown Patch can occur. Brown Patch is a soil born fungus. When the conditions are right, cool damp nights, the possibility exist for Brown Patch to occur. A preventative can be applied before the conditions occur. Watching your weather report will give you a good indication of soil temperature because the soil temp and the Beach Water temp at Galveston are just about the same for the Houston area.

3. Phosphorous and Potassium: These are the second and third numbers in your fertilizer analysis. Makes these two chemicals 2x the Nitrogen number and you will be promoting root growth and your plants will be stronger and healthier once spring gets here.

4. Irrigation: Place stable flat containers in your lawn area. Run your irrigation for a set time and then measure the amount of water collected in your containers. Place the container on a level flat surface and use a ruler to measure the water. Adjust the times of your system accordingly.

5. Insecticide: It is critical that the bugs you are after are on the label. Make sure and follow the manufactures rate recommendations. Ask for help and read the label. This is very important.

Tips for Fall Lawn Maintenance

stevepotter — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:27:04 +0000

Following these tips will ensure you of having a healthy lawn this fall and give your lawn a head start in the spring time.

1. Weed control is critical so you will not be the laughing stock of the neighborhood.

The proper pre-emergent application will stop the winter weeds. Any escapes can be treated after germination. Pre-Emergent is a chemical that is used before weed seed germination. Early application, before September 30th, will control your winter weeds that come from seed.

2. Apply a low Nitrogen Fertilizer to reduce the probability of Brown Patch.

Nitrogen is the first number in your fertilizer analysis on the bag.

A Fall fungus that is problematic is Brown Patch. Brown patch loves highly fertilized turf. Using a lower percent of Nitrogen, 9 or less will help to prevent Brown Patch from happening. Brown patch loves cool damp nights. When soil temperatures get below 75 degrees, and there is adequate moisture from irrigation or mother nature, Brown Patch can occur. Brown Patch is a soil born fungus. When the conditions are right, cool damp nights, the possibility exist for Brown Patch to occur. A preventative can be applied before the conditions occur. Watching your weather report will give you a good indication of soil temperature because the soil temp and the Beach Water temp at Galveston are just about the same for the Houston area

3. Applying fertilizer that has an elevated Phosphorous and Potassium content will strengthen your root system.

Phosphorous and Potassium are the second and third numbers in your fertilizer analysis. Make sure these two chemicals 2x the Nitrogen number and you will be promoting root growth and your plants will be stronger and healthier once spring gets here.

4. Irrigation is still critical during the cooler months.

Evaporation and evapotranspiration will be lower during the shorter days so watering will be minimal. Applying 1/2 to 3/4 inches of water every ten days should be adequate.

A tip to determining watering rates.
Place stable flat containers in your lawn area. Run your irrigation for a set time and then measure the amount of water collected in your containers. Place the container on a level flat surface and use a ruler to measure the water. Adjust the times of your system accordingly.

5. Rid your yard of bugs before they hibernate.

An early application of insecticide will rid your turf of grubs, bill bugs etc. before the cooler weather sends them into hibernation. That way you will not have a battle with insects once the spring warm up arrives.

It is critical that the bugs you are after are on the label. Make sure and follow the manufactures rate recommendations. Ask for help and read the label. This is very important.

6. Mow for healthier turf.

Mow your grass every week until the growth rate is slowed by cooler weather. After that mow at least every 10 days to keep your turf manicured. This will allow adequate air circulation and reduce the possibility of fungus.

Mowing height should be determined by variety of grass. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant during the growing season.

Refer to the Lawn Maintenance Chart for the proper mowing heigth of your grass.

5 Tips for Post-Game Ball Field Turf Maintenance

stevepotter — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:59:53 +0000

Following these five easy steps will help you have a quality playing surface that recovers quickly, keeps injuries to a minimum and allow your players to play to their capabilities.

1. Drag Field
After the game drag your filed with a flexible drag. This fluffs the grass and lets it air out and breathe. If you do not help the grass with this recovery method the roots and grass itself will be stunted and recovery from play will be a lot slower.

2. Turn Off Irrigation
Let the field dry over night. Starting off with a dry field the next morning will prevent rutting and your fertilizer will not stick to your grass or your fertilizer spreader. If the fertilizer sticks to your grass it will burn.

3. Mow
After the grass has completely dried, mow to desired height. This will help prevent any fertilizer burn from other machinery traveling over fertilized turf.

4. Fertilize Field
Apply 1/2 pound of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet of quick release fertilizer. This gives the grass nutrients needed to rebound from play the night before. If this extra boost is not made available to your turf, the field conditions will slowly deteriorate and the field will be a wreck by the end of the season.

5. Irrigate Field
Resume irrigating immediately after fertilization. Apply sufficient water to dissolve the fertilizer, approximately1/2″ of water will do the trick. This will dissolve the nutrient make up of the fertilizer and the turf will start benefiting immediately.

Following these tips throughout the season will make your turf healthier and allow it to recover quicker after each game.

Lawn Maintenance Calendar

Grimes Grass — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:04:54 +0000

Why wait for brown patch, crab grass, weeds or dry, burned grass before you act? With our seasonal maintenance calendar, you’ll keep your lawn a deep, beautiful green longer than your neighbors!

After Planting Turf Grass

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:02:46 +0000

What should I do after I plant my grass?

Thoroughly soak the newly planted sod. You will need to keep the soil damp for at least 10 days. DO NOT LET IT DRY OUT. This may require watering 2-3 times per day. Do not fertilize, mow or spray for any reason until the grass is rooted. When you cannot lift the grass up, then the grass is rooted. You are now free to start your regular mowing practices. Mowing height and mowing frequency is determined by the variety grass you have. A good turf program consists of fertilization, weed/ disease and insect control and proper mowing.

Download our Free Lawn Maintenance Calendar

How often should I aerate my yard?

Two times per year is great. In the spring, aerate after the grass is completely out of dormancy. In the fall, aerate 45 days prior to the first forecasted frost. Always fertilize after aeration.

How often should I mow my grass?

This depends on the variety of grass you have. St. Augustine should be mowed at least every 5-7 days.

Preparing to Plant Turf Grass

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:01:07 +0000

What should I do to my yard before I plant my grass?

This depends what condition your area is in to start with. Do what is necessary to get to bare dirt. Rid the area of all rocks, sticks and debris. Make sure the grade is smooth and will drain. Make sure to have 3-4 inches of loose dirt before planting.

How should I plant the grass?

Preferably starting at a straight line, lay your grass tightly together, staggering the seams (as if you were laying bricks). Trim off all access grass so there is no overlapping of the sod.

Do I need to till the ground or add sand/dirt?

Tilling your ground 3-4 inches would be ideal. Adding soil or sand to fill in low areas is fine. Just be careful when you add sand because sand has no water holding capabilities. Adding too much sand can cause hot spots.

Should I put down fertilizer before planting my grass?

Do not apply any fertilizer until the grass is rooted in. This will probably take at least 2 weeks with proper care.

What variety of grass should I use?

Look at your situation; see how much sun/shade you have and what your personal preference is. Give one of our experienced staff members a call and you can discuss with them your situation and then a determination can be made.

How Much Turf Grass or Sod Do I Need?

How Much Turf Grass or Sod Do I Need?

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:59:45 +0000

To calculate the square footage of sod you need for a project you should first divide the project areas into squares and rectangles. Measure length times width of those areas then add them together for the total amount of sod needed for your project.

Use this handy sod calculator to do the math.

NOTE: It is very important that you order approximately 5% – 10% extra turf for filing odd spaces and to cover the inaccuracy of measurements. Be sure and check your measurements carefully.

How do I determine how much grass I need?

Determine the areas that you want to lay grass. Measure length X width of these areas. This will give you your total square footage. Divide that number by 9 and that will give you your total square yardage needed. Add 5-10% for irregular areas and for trimming.

How much area does 1 pallet cover?

Each pallet is 50 square yards or 450 sq.ft.

How long can the grass sit on the pallet?

We advise you to plant the grass immediately. The longer it sits on that pallet the more stress you put on the grass. During the warm season you MUST plant immediately.

Top 5 FAQs of Lawn Care

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:56:27 +0000

How many times per year should I fertilize?

You should apply 6-8 lbs. of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. This can be accomplished in 4-6 applications per year.

What analysis of fertilizer should I use?

This is determined by soil samples. Take one sample for every 10,000 square feet of lawn. If you have less area than that one sample will be enough.

How much fertilizer should I put out?

You should not apply more than 1.251bs. of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet per application. Your fertilizer analysis will dictate the amount of fertilizer to be used.

How much sun does my grass need to grow?

Raleigh St. Augustine needs 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Your Bermuda grasses need full sun.

Why is my grass turning yellow/brown in some areas?

It could be any number of reasons. Give us a call and we can help you find out why. This is NO CHARGE to you. Different things happen at different times of the year.

Why does my grass turn brown after a frost?

The grass is going into dormancy. This is the way that the grass protects itself.

Turf Grass Maintenance: Winter Tips

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:52:11 +0000

Grass will usually go dormant this time of the year. An occasional watering will help hold moisture in the root zone. This is essential for maximum root growth. The grass will go through periods of leaf growth when the weather warms.

Keep the grass mowed, but do not scalp. A light application of fertilizer to promote root growth is recommended this time of year. The healthier the roots, the healthier the grass will be in the Spring.

Turf Grass Maintenance: Fall Tips

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:51:29 +0000

The days are shorter and the grass will be under less stress. It is time to watch for Brown Patch again (see Spring Turf Grass Maintenance recommendations). Any fertilizing should be directed toward root growth. This will help the grass store nutrients before going into dormancy. If you are fertilizing properly, you will not see a lot of leaf growth with this application of fertilizer.

Your mowing frequencies should be less and the grass should require less watering. If you need to water, do so during the daylight hours. This will help reduce your chances of getting Brown Patch.

Turf Grass Maintenance: Summer Tips

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:49:45 +0000

This time of year brings on a lot warmer and drier weather. Your mowers should be raised slightly and any watering should be done during the cool hours of the day or at night. During the summer, Chinch Bugs and Grubs can become very active. Both are easily controlled, but turf damage can be severe if left untreated. Ask for a Turf Insecticide at your local garden center. Advise them of your problems and they can direct you from there. Grey Leaf Spot surfaces this time of year. You will see spots appear on the leaf blades, yellowing, wilting and eventually death will occur if left untreated. Again, ask your local garden center for assistance.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL RATES AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICALS.

Brown dry areas may not be just a water problem. If you see an area that looks unusual, check it out. It could be a simple problem or it could be complex with multiple problems. Watering rates should be increased this time of year. Any watering should be done during the cooler hours of the day or at night.

Turf Grass Maintenance: Spring Tips

Turf Grass Maintenance: Spring Tips

Grimes Grass — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:48:33 +0000

As your grass starts to green up, we all get in the mood for doing some yard work. Keep your eye open for Brown Patch. If you had it in the Fall, you will probably have it in the same places in the Spring. Remember, Brown Patch loves Nitrogen rich St. Augustine and cool damp nights. If you have not applied a preventative for Brown Patch, start watching for it to occur. If it does occur, a curative application of fungicide will be needed. Usually the curative rate is 2X the preventative rate.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL RATES AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICALS.