 | |  |
Brown Patch
Brown Patch is the most common disease of tall Fescue in the Southeast.
The following can contribute to Brown Patch disease:
Brown Patch is the most common disease of tall Fescue in the Southeast.
The following can contribute to Brown Patch disease:
- Watering in the day or evening hours (Best time to water is 5-7am)
- Applying high nitrogen fertilizer in warm temperatures (Apply a
summer fertilizer) - Low Mowing heights in warm weather (Mowing height should be at
least 3 tall") - Compacted Soil (Aerate soil at least 2 times a year)
- Excessive lawn clippings after mowing (Remove Clippings)
Aeration
Core aeration is the process of removing core plugs from compacted soil to
improve air, water and nutrients in the soil. Soil compaction is caused by
mowing and walking on the lawn. The best time for core aeration is in the
fall followed by overseeding and fertilization. The best time for spike
aeration is in the Spring, it puts slices in the ground to allow the soil to
breathe. Aeration promotes deeper root growth for a lawn that is lush,
healthy and drought resistant.
Core aeration is the process of removing core plugs from compacted soil to
improve air, water and nutrients in the soil. Soil compaction is caused by
mowing and walking on the lawn. The best time for core aeration is in the
fall followed by overseeding and fertilization. The best time for spike
aeration is in the Spring, it puts slices in the ground to allow the soil to
breathe. Aeration promotes deeper root growth for a lawn that is lush,
healthy and drought resistant.
Cutting Height
There are several reasons not to cut your grass too short. First, grass
grows from the crown, not the blade tips. This trait makes grass ideal for
lawns because it keeps on growing despite the regular mowing off of its
upper stem, leaf sheath, and blades. This is also why it's important not to
damage grass crowns by accidental scalping with the mower. No crown,
no grass! Second, keeping grass on the longer side allows it greater
surface area to carry out photosynthesis. This in turn results in healthier
plants. Third, taller grass grows slower than shorter grass.
There are several reasons not to cut your grass too short. First, grass
grows from the crown, not the blade tips. This trait makes grass ideal for
lawns because it keeps on growing despite the regular mowing off of its
upper stem, leaf sheath, and blades. This is also why it's important not to
damage grass crowns by accidental scalping with the mower. No crown,
no grass! Second, keeping grass on the longer side allows it greater
surface area to carry out photosynthesis. This in turn results in healthier
plants. Third, taller grass grows slower than shorter grass.
Seeding
There are three basic things you need to do to get good results when
planting grass seed.
There are three basic things you need to do to get good results when
planting grass seed.
- Buy good seed
- Prepare the soil properly
- Keep it moist after planting
Mulching
- Prevent weed growth.
- Conserve moisture in the soil.
- Cool soil surface and stabilize soil temperature.
- Reduce heaving (plant roots forced upward out of soil) of small plants
as a result of alternate freezing and thawing of the soil in autumn,
winter and spring. - Reduce soil erosion on slopes.
- Keep fruits, vegetables and flowers cleaner.
Watering
Look for these lack-of-water stress signs:
Grass turns a silvery blue in areas and, if not watered soon, will turn brown.
Footprints in lawn. Grass beginning to need water does not spring back
after being stepped on.
Footprints remain clearly in the lawn, which indicates that watering is
needed.
If the lawn is badly in need of water, you should water it at any time. The
best time, however, is early in the day, rather than evenings, as late
watering can encourage the spread of fungus disease.
| Lawn Care Facts |