Identify what's bugging you in this 5 minute, insect description video.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
St. Augustine Grass Care - Summer 2010
St. Augustine Grass - Care and Maintenance - Summer 2010
Video Notes:
Step 1 - Fertilization. If you didn't fertilize in the Spring, you can apply a fertilizer with a 1-1 ration of nitrogen to potassium...like a 15-0-15. The middle number is phosphorus and it can usually be zero. If you did fertilize in the Spring, you can wait till late Summer or early Fall to do so again. A 2-0-1 ratio fertilizer is also ok for St. Augustines....like a 16-0-8.
Step 2 - Irrigation. Don't overwater in the hot months. St. Augustines need about an inch of water per week either from in-ground irrigation or natural rainfall. Water in the early morning hours for best results. Too much water can lead to fungus outbreaks, like Grey Leaf Spot.
Step 3 - Mowing. You will likely mow more often in the Summer. Just make sure to not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade when mowing. Mowing too low can stress the grass and it will turn brown. If you miss a mowing, it might take multiple mowings to get the grass back to the height you like. Wait about 3-5 days between each mowing.
Watch out for Chinch Bugs. If you find them in you yard, use an insecticide with bifenthrin or carbaryl to get rid of the infestation.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
St. Augustine - Care and Maintenance - Spring 2010
St. Augustine Grass - Care and Maintenance - Spring 2010
Video Notes:
Step 1 - Apply Fertilizer. We recommend something with a 2-0-1 ratio (eg...(16-0-8))
Step 2 - Prevent the onset of Summer weeds by applying Pre-emergent herbicide. You can buy it already mixed in with the fertilizer.
Step 3 - Watch out for fungus...especially Grey-Leaf Spot and Brown Patch. If you have had problems before or have an area with extra shade or moisture, apply a fungicide with an active ingredient. Water 1 inch per week, either from natural rainfall or from inground irrigation. Overwatering can lead to disease of turfgrass.
Step 4 - Hold off applying insecticide to begin Spring. Monitor grass each week. Chinch bugs are the number one St. Augustine enemy, but usually start showing up in Summer through early Fall. If you get chinch bugs, treat with an insecticide that contains Bifenthrin or Carbaryl.
Monday, March 15, 2010
St. Augustine Grass Winter Update 2010
This video will give you a few simple steps to get your St. Augustine grass looking in top shape after the cold southern winter of 2010.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
St. Augustine Grass - Fall Preparations
Here are some basic tips to help get your St. Augustine lawn ready for fall and the colder winter months.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fungus Identification
Many St. Augustine grasses are known for their adaptability to shade. They are often planted under trees and below overhangs where other grasses simply won't survive. This is an appealing feature for selecting a St. Augustine for a less-than-ideal landscape. But with the pluses come the minuses. Shade and moisture can lead to fungus in any turfgrass. This months Landscape Contractor Magazine has some detailed photos and descriptions to help you diagnose your problem. Click the magazine cover below to read the story.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Natural Grass Beats Synthetic in NFL Player Survey
Yearly statistics show that an overwhelming majority of players in the National Football League prefer natural grass. The number remains constant year after year, despite advances in artificial turf technology. The stats are based on natural grass versus the newest generation variety of synthetic turf that uses infill.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.
Some other key statistics from the survey:
• Which surface is more likely to contribute to injury? o 84.8% of respondents said artificial infilled turf.
• Which surface is more likely to cause more soreness and fatigue? o 91% of respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to shorten career? o 92.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to impact quality of life after playing days are over? o 61.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Southern Living's "Picture a Greener Lawn"
Southern Living April 2009 Edition article on many of Sod Solutions' grass varieties by Rebecca Bull Reed. Click the link to download the article. The article has been reprinted with permission.
Sapphire St. Augustine is headed west. Valley Sod Farm in North Hills, California has aquired a license from Sod Solutions to grow the finer-bladed St. Augustine variety. This partnership will open western markets to a grass that has become widely used on the east coast.
"We loved the fact that Sapphire is so soft. It grows fast laterally and has an excellent color," said Dan Gibson, owner of Valley Sod Farm. "All of these qualities make this a successful grass, both for residential and commercial landscapes. Sapphire as it is touted, is a lawn to live on."
Gibson said his plans are to plant out Sapphire this spring. He believes the grass will be ready for sale sometime in mid to late summer.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sapphire St. Augustine a Hit In Big Box Stores
That beautiful, jade green grass you see sitting in a pallet at Home Depot or Lowe's is likely Sapphire St. Augustine. Sapphire has become a staple grass in "big box" stores throughout the Southeast.
"Lowe's and Home Depot want a great homeowners grass. Sapphire not only makes for an outstanding lawn, but it self-repairs so rapidly that many people will buy a small amount just to do some patching in their yards," said Mike Pope, sales manager for Bethel Farms. Bethel, based in Arcadia, Florida, is one of the largest producers of Sapphire in the Southeast. "Those qualities are just what the two home improvement giants are looking for."
Sapphire St. Augustine is the only high performance, finer blade St. Augustine in the world. It features fast lateral growth, durability and less maintenance once established. It tolerates shade, salt and drought while featuring excellent color retention. Be sure to ask for it by name at a Home Depot of Lowe's near you.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.