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Observe Your Fall Lawn To Take Preventive Action Fall is not a time to do much to your Louisiana lawn – mow, remove fallen leaves and irrigate as needed. Warm-season grasses are slowing down and trying to go dormant. "We must let them do so," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. [Image: Mole Crickets]Bug Biz: Mole Crickets Mole crickets cause millions of dollars in turf and grass damage each year. Their burrowing in the soil breaks up the soil and causes roots to dry out. Identification, life cycle and control included. Understand Fertilizer Numbers Fertilizers come in different strengths and blends, with the three numbers on the bags showing the percentage by weight of the three major nutrients. Understanding the numbers on a bag of fertilizer helps you apply the right amount and ratio your yard or garden needs. Take Action To Avoid Lawn Problems Associated With Drought Dry conditions often persist in most parts of Louisiana this time of year and into the summer, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says there are actions you can take to avoid the lawn problems associated with drought. [Image: Pressing sprigs]Turfgrass Establishment A beautiful lawn doesn't happen by chance. It requires planning and some elbow grease. [Image: brown patch]Large Patch of Warm-season Turfgrasses Large patch (formerly called brown patch) is the most common disease of warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana. This article decribes the disease and how to manage it. [Image: St. Augustinegrass]Warm Season Lawn Grasses All warm-season grasses can thrive in Louisiana. This collection of photos and descriptions can help the home gardener select the right species. [Image: irrigate]Tune up Landscape Irrigation A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth. [Image: zoysia]Lawn Mower Blades A sharp mower blade produces a prettier cut with less stress on the turf plant. Sharpening a reel mower blade assembly is difficult and best left to a professional, but sharpening a common rotary mower blade is not a big problem. [Image: seed]Best Buy on Grass Seed It takes some knowledge and research to select turfgrass species and varieties that are adapted to your site and that will perform well under their intended use and time of planting. Winterize Lawn With Potash, Not Nitrogen To winterize Southern, warm-season lawns, apply a fertilizer with more potash than nitrogren. Potash is represented by the third number on a fertilizer bag, while nitrogen is shown as the first. Follow best management practices when mowing lawn (Distributed 08/14/09) Yes, we are getting to late summer and hopefully less lawn mowing over the next couple months. Nevertheless, it’s still important to mow your lawn properly. Louisiana Lawns Fact Sheet: The Centipede Decline Problem Centipedegrass is a popular lawn grass in Louisiana. Although centipede is a low-maintenance grass, proper management is still important. This publcation covers factors that contribute to centipede decline: improper plant nutrition, cultural practices, and soil and water conditions. Reduce urban stormwater (Distributed 02/20/09) Urban and suburban areas can create heavy loads of pollutants in their water runoff from the concentrations of people, vehicles, homes, parking lots, streets, small and large businesses, industry and sewage. This water runoff is referred to as urban stormwater. Lawn Care Slowing Down, But Don’t Forget Proper Care For Grass During Fall Lawn care definitely changes as the weather begins to cool, and by October the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, centipede, bermuda and zoysia begins to slow down. [Image: Turfgrass for Louisiana]Louisiana Lawns Fact Sheet: Turfgrass for Louisiana Lawns A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included. Dormant Sodding Possible, But Chancy Mid-spring through summer is the best time for sodding, but dormant-season sodding can be successful, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting dormant grass is simply riskier. [Image: Groundcover]Tips Offered For Managing Shaded Lawns Having a good lawn in a tree-shaded landscape is a challenge since all of the warm-season turfgrasses were developed to grow best in full sun, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. [Image: green]Carpetgrass for Lawns Carpetgrass (Axonopus) isn't the prettiest grass, but it will sustain growth in poor soil and shady, damp areas. Its medium-coarse texture and light green color are very similar to centipede grass. I like to say that it looks like starving St. Augustinegrass. Dealing With Salinity in Lawns Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation. 1 2 3 4 5 [Image: spot]Results are only as good as sample The chemical analysis of a soil sample has been worked out and calibrated so that the numbers reported mean something useful to the client. However, the results are only as good as the sample is representative of the area and crop’s root zone. Soil Test in Fall or Winter Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require. Use Sod For Quick Repair Of Damaged Lawns "A patch of dead grass, even a small one, in an otherwise acceptable lawn can be an eyesore and a weed magnet," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Use turfgrass to patch the lawn. It’s easy, immediate and permanent and checks soil erosion. Investigating Problem Turfs Turf problems can be categorized as cultural (man-made), environmental or pest-related. Often two or more of these factors contribute to the problem. Essential Steps When Starting A Southern Lawn Spring is the time to begin working on a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske has advice for those undertaking such a project. Nitrogen in Lawn Fertilizers Nitrogen is the chief nutrient and controller of plant growth in average soils. It is provided in several commercial fertilizer forms. Weed Science and Consumer Products for Lawn & Landscape Weeds Weed science principles and homeowner weed control products found at garden retail outlets. Weed and Feed Damage Weeding and feeding are two different operations. Sometimes they can be done in combination, but not always and not for best results. Poll Takes Pulse of Home Lawn Care Consumer Reports magazine released its second annual lawn care poll in the May issue. See the results. Fall Is for Football... and Brown Patch! Fall is the time to treat for brown patch, the most common disease on warm-season turfgrasses. Terrific Turfgrass for Louisiana Turfgrasses provide functional, economic, recreational, health and safety, environmental and aesthetic benefits to Louisiana. Zoysiagrass Zoysias can be the most beautiful and slow growing lawns, but they can also be big problems. These lawns are very dense and uniform in appearance. Gypsum to soften hard soil? Probably not… The reality of the myth that gypsum added to a lawn or garden will definitely improve soil tilth and strength, falls into the realm of agricultural practices being misapplied to ornamental landscapes. Fairy Rings and Mushrooms in Lawns We often see lawns with mushrooms or doughnut rings of dying or dark green grass. These are referred to as "fairy rings." This publication includes information on how to control fairy rings in your lawn. Winterizing Your Southern Lawn Winterizing is an attempt to toughen plant tissues for the winter freezes much as you would add antifreeze to your car’s radiator for freeze protection. Mow Like a Pro Varying your mowing pattern can cause you to spend a little more time mowing, but the result will be a greatly improved appearance in your turfgrass. Don't Bag It Lawn Care If we manage our lawns correctly and use proper cutting practices, we can have nice lawns and rarely be bothered with clippings. Learn how to leave clippings in place without creating problems for your lawn. Louisiana Plant Pathology: St. Augustine Decline St. Augustine disease is a virus disease that affects St. Augustine grass across the Gulf States. This fact sheet describes the disease and how to mange it. Color photos are included. (PDF Format Only) Mushrooms, Moldy Foods Dangerous For Dogs Mushrooms in lawns and moldy foods can be health hazards for your dogs, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steve Nicholson. Drought-dormant Lawns Without good irrigation and resources to do so, allowing your turf to go dormant during extended summer drought may be the best management practice. 1 2 3 4 5 Pay Attention To Seed Analysis Tag When Buying Grass Seed Starting a lawn from seed is a tough proposition even when all things are done right. Poor fertility, too much or too little moisture, rain washouts, ants, weeds and disease all can cause havoc during establishment. Acid Soil Problems Acidic soils (low pH) cause more gardening problems in Louisiana than any other soil factor. They affect so many other soil factors in both pest management and soil fertility. Why Sod Your Lawn? Of all the reasons for solid sodding a new lawn, some of the best ones are those everyone can appreciate. Turfgrass Herbicides Recommended for 2009 This is a PDF chart of 2009 (home and commercial) recommended lawn and turfgrass herbicides and their general usage. Calculating Fertilizer Application Rates The analysis or "formula" listed on the fertilizer bags tells you what is inside. This information lets you apply the proper amount of fertilizer. Post Hurricane Lawn Establishment Some lawns were lost to the flood waters and some were only hurt in spots. Dead areas will have to be replanted, or a weed patch will result. Some forethought before planting may save time, effort and money. Ounces Equal Gallons: Sprayer Calibration A simple but accurate way of checking the output of your sprayer is the H 128 method of sprayer calibration. Nematodes – The ‘Unseen’ Pest Invisible pests are living in the soil of our vegetable gardens, and these microscopic round worms known as nematodes are problems for home gardeners and commercial farmers. Moles in the Lawn and Landscape Controlling and trapping moles require a little time and patience. Your success with controlling moles depends on locating active runways and the proper placement of a trap. Thin Areas in Summer Lawns When attempting to determine the cause of dying patches of grass during the summer, always check the soil first. Salinity and Turfgrasses After a Hurricane The surge of salt water brought inland by a hurricane can cause a lot of damage to turfgrasses. Follow these suggestions to help overcome saltwater damage to your turf. Time to Fertilize Your Lawn In mid-April it’s time to do two things – pay taxes and fertilize your lawn. If you’ve already taken care of the taxes, now you should decide whether or not to fertilize your lawn. Falling Leaves – Pretty, But Dangerous To Waterways Grass clippings are a constant in yard maintenance, but fall introduces leaves into the mix. This year the nuisance is worse because hurricanes and storms have defoliated more trees. 'Winterize' Your Lawn Proper fall lawn preparation can mean reduced turf loss to winter kill. Should new sod be fertilized? Many wonder if newly laid sod should be quickly fertilized to help speed establishment. Seeded Turf-type Bermudagrasses Bermudagrass sod is a tough, fine-textured, aggressive, warm-season turf that's just perfect for a pretty lawn or well-performing athletic turf. It does not tolerate shade, so overhangs and trees are a big problem. Slime Mold Crust on Your Turfgrass This publication includes information on the life cycle, damage and control of slime mold on turfgrass. Home Lawn Chemical Weed Control Guide Here is a chart of hebicides for home lawn use. Controlling Weeds in Lawns Simple and common materials to control weeds in lawns. Best Mowing Practices for Southern Turf The good mowing practices are okay with most lawns and tall-cut turf. Tall cut grass often has more abuse tolerance by nature of more leaf area and more root mass. Low-cut turf does not have these extended benefits to draw from and requires the best mowing practices to sustain decent quality. 1 2 3 4 5 Turfgrasses – St. Augustinegrass St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is one of our two most popular lawn grasses in Louisiana. It is widely adapted to the humid Deep South. Layering in Soils Layering of very different soil types creates root problems. If you can, always avoid sodding a sand-based root-zone area with native-soil-based sod. Louisiana Lawns Fact Sheet: The Centipede Decline Problem Centipedegrass is a popular lawn grass in Louisiana. Although centipede is a low-maintenance grass, proper management is still important. This publcation covers factors that contribute to centipede decline: improper plant nutrition, cultural practices, and soil and water conditions. Lawn Weed Control Materials Herbicides listed in our weed control guide for home lawn use with general application. Planting Dormant Sod Dormant-season sodding can be successful. Planting dormant grass is simply more risky; winter environmental conditions may end up taking some of the sod. In some cases, risks have to be taken. Topdressing Turfgrass Sod The term ‘topdressing’ is used for both the material used and the process of adding a thin layer of material to the surface of a sod or seed bed. Cold Damages Turfgrass Our warm-season grasses don’t like low temperatures. Some may show off colors because of chilling injury. Don't confuse this with disease and don't make it worse. Louisiana Lawn Facts: Managing Lawns in the Shade Having a lawn under shade trees is not always a compatible mix. Even so, you may be able to choose shade-tolerant grasses and manage them to get the best turf cover for that level of shade. Use this publication to choose the best variety and cultural practices for your lawn. Irrigation Scheduing Made Easy: Using the "Look and Feel" Method This publication provides an easy and simple-to-understand method to determine when and how much irrigation water is needed. (PDF Format Only) Irrigating Louisiana Lawns and Turf Efficient watering practices are important to all homeowners who want to conserve water, maintain a healthy turf and reduce maintenance costs. (PDF Format Only) Mechanical vs Chemical Trimming You can trim and edge mechanically with a string trimmer or edger... or chemically with a non-selective herbicide. Dr Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, says each method has advantages and disadvantages. Centipedegrass Turf It is called the “lazy man’s grass” because it thrives with less care and requires less mowing than many other grasses. Culture Calendar for Cool Season Grasses The cultural activites for lawn care may be the same on warm-season and cool-season grasses, but they are often 180 degrees opposite in timing. This chart covers the entire state of Louisiana with its two cold hardiness zones. Recommended cultural activities in north vs. south Louisiana will vary by 2 to 4 weeks in when they start and end because of the start of spring and fall seasons. Culture Calendar for Warm Season Grasses The cultural activites for lawn care may be the same on warm-season and cool-season grasses, but they are often 180 degrees opposite in timing. This chart covers Louisiana with its two cold hardiness zones. Recommended cultural activities in north vs. south Louisiana will vary by two to four weeks in when they start and end because of the start of spring and fall seasons. Summer Lawn Care That ‘southern living lawn’ does take a proper game plan and work, but it can be an outstanding landscape feature. Prepare for ‘Gustav spots’ in lawns (Distributed 09/10/08) One sure vestige of a hurricane or bad blow is a large, dead area of the lawn. It usually is located near curbside where yard debris is piled up for many days. Bermudagrass Can Be Blessing Or Curse Bermudagrass may be the plague of flower beds and gardens, but is an important turfgrass species, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Avoid Lawncare Water Pollution Unwise suburban lawncare can provide a direct surface route for fertilizer nutrients and other surface pollutants to enter bayous and bays. Beware Of Lawn Winterizers, Cautions LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Louisianians who winterize their lawns in October need to be especially careful at reading the nutrient label on the fertilizer bag, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. A Guide to Louisiana-friendly Landscaping - Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods This handbook provides helpful ideas, information and techniques to create and maintain a more environmentally friendly landscape. You will learn the basics of designing a landscape using carefully selected plants suited to Louisiana growing conditions. $12.00 + tax. You can order this book from our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. 1 2 3 4 5 Louisiana Lawns Best Management Practices (BMPs) A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition. 32-page, full-color guide. Cost: $5 plus tax (free shipping). To order this book, use the Order Publication link below. ‘Lazy Man’s Grass’ Most Popular In State, Says LSU AgCenter Horticulturist (Distributed February 2005) Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) has become the most popular grass type in Louisiana. It is the major grass produced on Louisiana sod farms, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Replanting Storm-ravaged Landscapes Begins Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. Slime Mold ‘Sinister,’ But Not Harmful To Lawn Even though Louisiana falls are usually dry, rain eventually comes. After long, extended wet periods, a sinister looking fungus or slime may appear, attacking lawns in the cooler season ahead. LSU AgCenter Faculty Checking New Orleans Soil, Plants Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area. 1 2 3 4 5