Freedom Lawns FAQs

"Honey, the Freedom Lawns guy said it was time to mow the lawn"

This page is dedicated to lawn care enthusiasts in the southeastern region of the United States. Suggestions and recommendations are courtesy of our staff agronomist and certified turf grass professional Mark A. Tamn.

Here are some of the more commonly asked lawn questions we have received over the last few months.

Q. I have a St. Augustine lawn that gets big brown circles in spring and fall. I apply insecticide but it does not seem to help!

A. Because you are seeing these circular symptoms in the spring or fall, the problem is most likely either large patch, or fairy ring. These are both fungus diseases. Brown patch is a soil disease that develops on all turf types. Large or brown patch is most often a concern on St. Augustine and centipede grass. To reduce the occurrence of this disease, keep lawn on the dry side and be careful to properly manage the nitrogen (fertilizer) usage in the spring and fall. Several fungicide products are available to curtail disease activity.

Fairy ring is a fungus that develops as a result of organic matter such as wood from tree roots, or other material decaying in the soil. The turf may turn darker green during the cool moist conditions of spring, as the decaying material releases nitrogen. Mushrooms may also appear. As conditions get warmer, the dark green circle may turn brown. This is a result of a barrier that impedes water movement to the roots. There is no chemical control. Removing the decaying wood and aerating the ring to improve water to the roots are the best means of control.

Q. I have a weed in my lawn that comes up in late summer, thrives in the winter, then seems to go away in April or May. It has a white tubular root and a leaf that resembles a mint leaf. Any idea what this is?

A. Sounds like Florida betony or what is sometimes referred to as wild artichoke or rattlesnake weed. This weed seems to be a problem in all warm season turf types, but a particular pest in St. Augustine and centipede grasses. The best time to control this weed on a post emergent basis is when it first begins to appear in late summer or fall. Professional lawn care firms such as Freedom Lawns can help you get rid of this weed with only a few treatments. If you enjoy doing your own lawn work, several weed controls are sold for control of this weed. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Q. I have heard that core aeration will help a lawn get healthier and greener. When is the best time to aerate in southeastern North Carolina?

A. Core aeration is an excellent cultural practice to improve drainage and air circulation in the soil, reduce thatch, aid in utilization of fertilizer, and improve the overall quality of your turf. On warm season turf types in the southeast, the ideal time to perform aeration is in the spring after green up. This is generally the may to June period.

Give us a call 910.270.0227
or email sales@freedomlawnsnc.com