Finally, the weather is starting to get cooler. Your grass made it through record-breaking heat in June and July. You should not apply any more fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen, and do not apply any fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. Your turf is finishing up with flowering/seeding and focusing on getting its roots ready for dormancy. Applying fertilizer high in nitrogen will turn the plant’s energy back to growing its leaves, so the roots will not be ready when the first cold snap hits. Applying a lot of nitrogen too late in the season also promotes fall fungus, especially in centipede and St Augustine grasses.
Believe it or not, some of your winter grasses are beginning to germinate. The most common is Poa Annua. Our lawn care experts are applying a liquid pre-emergent between mid-August and mid-September to prevent winter grasses from germinating. We will also blend some micronutrients to help the turf roots.
In the month of September, we will apply a granular fertilizer with a high dose of potassium to further stimulate root growth. Iron and a low dose of quick-release nitrogen will be included to provide a nice green color.
We will also be aerating some lawns this fall to help reduce soil compaction, improve water retention and reduce thatch. If you’d like to be added to the list, email LawnHelp@ClarksTurfPro.com. Aerations will begin mid-September.
Give us a call. We’d love to help with your lawn care needs.
Helpful Links
How to properly apply insect repellent:
“PestWorld.org’s How to: Apply Insect Repellent” video, National Pest Management Association, http://www.pestworld.org/videos/how-to/how-to-apply-insect-repellent/
Handout to control mosquito breeding:
“Preventing Mosquito Breeding Grounds Around the House,” National Pest Management Association, https://npmapestworld.org/default/assets/File/publicpolicy/NPMA_mosquito-breeding-infographic.pdf
South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control for Zika Website:
http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/DiseasesandConditions/InfectiousDiseases/InsectAnimalBorne/ZikaVirus/
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