FAQ's Spring
Q: Why is my lawn not green yet?
A: All varieties of Southern turf grasses will start new growth or appear to turn green when day and night time temperatures remain above 65 degrees. Soil temperature and moisture start this annual process and not fertilizer.
Q: Why does my lawn seem to be dying?
A: Southern turf grass varieties grow new growth each year from roots. Last year’s grass that is dead has to be removed thoroughly.
Q: How often should I water my lawn?
A: Each variety of turf grass and lawn area is different. Lawns on inclines may require more water than a flat lawn due to runoff. Periodic rains will provide much needed moisture, but in between watering is required to maintain life and move nutrients through the soil. Lawns require at least 1” of rainfall or irrigation moisture per week during the growing season.
Q: Why do I need to cut my lawn very short in the spring?
A: Each year, Southern turf grass grows new grass blades from roots and the previous year’s growth has to be removed in order to allow this growth. If the previous year’s growth is allowed to remain in ones’ lawn, then the appearance of the lawn will be partial green and brown. By mowing very low and collecting the clippings you will allow needed sunlight and air to reach the roots and thus start the process of a full, healthy and green lawn.
FAQ's Summer
Q: How often should I water my lawn and for how long?
A: Each variety of turf grass and lawn area is different. Lawns on inclines may require more water than a flat lawn due to runoff. Periodic rains will provide much needed moisture, but in between watering is required to maintain life and move nutrients through the soil. Lawns require at least 1” of rainfall or irrigation moisture per week during the growing season.
Q: I have weeds in my lawn though I applied a pre-emergent. Why?
A: Most Spring and summer annual weed varieties germinate from seed each year. These seeds make their way to lawn areas by wind, birds, rainwater runoff, foot traffic, even passing automobiles blowing them from paved areas. Germination takes place when temperatures are rising and the moisture content in the soil is adequate. Pre-emergents, to be effective, must be applied and activated prior to rising temperatures.
Q: When I cut my lawn it has brown patches that look dead. Why?
A: Lawn area is uneven and mower is scalping. Blade possibly needs sharpening as well. Adjust the mowing height of mower.
Q: Why is my lawn not totally green?
A: Last year’s dead dormant growth was allowed to remain intermingled with new growth.
Q: When should I core aerate my lawn?
A: This practice is good any time of the year, but especially helpful during the early spring. By core aerating, you have helped eliminate soil compaction that chokes roots and provided a channel for moisture and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn areas.
Q: I have this persistent summer weed that grows very rapidly. After mowing my lawn, this weed will grow faster than my turf grass variety. What is it and how can it be controlled?
A: This probably is Nutsedge or Nutgrass. This particular weed variety spreads from seed heads and can reproduce from nut-like tubers on roots. Some success may be achieved from digging this weed out including the roots but in all cases is hard to control. Once infested into ones’ lawn, this weed can spread very rapidly if not treated.
FAQ's Fall
Q: When can I stop watering my lawn?
A: This depends on rainfall and temperature conditions (Highs, Lows) and the relative ground moisture. Once your lawn begins to go dormant it is safe to stop. Don’t neglect other fall and winter practices.
Q: When or should I apply a pre-emergent in the fall and if so, why?
A: For long lasting weed protection, pre-emergents should be applied prior to anticipated seasonal changes. Many cool season grasses and broadleaf weeds have and continue to adapt and thrive in the Southern climate and will spread throughout your lawn without protection.
Q: When can I stop mowing my lawn?
A: Mowing is the best method to control the growth and spreading of weeds as well as a means to vacuum and collect waste from turf grass areas. Mowing your lawn into the late fall is not uncommon in Southern climates.
FAQ's Winter
Q: Should I bag or can I mulch leaves that have fallen on my lawn?
A: The most important issue is to not let them build up on the lawn. Leaves left on the lawn can smother and kill spots as well as produce high amounts of acid that alters the soil P.H. level. Finely mulched leaves do, however, provide good amounts of organic matter to help replenish soil nutrients as well as moisture retention.
Q: I have green weeds in my lawn and it’s winter. Why?
A: Many varieties of cool season grasses and broadleaf weeds are well adapted to the Southern climate. A timely applied fall pre-emergent will help control this problem and also provide some early protection from summer annual weeds.
