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 |