11.29.2023

Benefits to Applying Late Fall Fertilizer

What are the benefits to applying late fall fertilizer and weed control?

One main benefit to late season fertilization is it’s ability to help turf grow out of any stressors that may have occurred over the summer months, and it helps provide the necessary nutrients for new seedlings to germinate and mature. Late season fertilization also ensures there will be better fall and winter color, earlier spring green-up, increased shoot density, improved fall, winter, and spring root growth, getting ahead of winter annuals, and food storage reserves (carbohydrates) within the turf plant.

11.29.2023

Bagworms

What are bagworms?  

The bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, is a caterpillar that forms a cocoon-like bag which hangs from the host plant. The larva constructs the bag from silk and covers it with bits and pieces of leaves and twigs from the host plant. The bag itself will look different depending on what host plant it is feeding on. The larva is dark brown with a yellow head and has black and yellow spots covering its body. Adult female bagworms are almost maggot like; they are wingless and lack functional legs, eyes and antennae.

11.29.2023

Winter Dormancy of Tall Fescue Affects Lawn Growth

How Does Winter Dormancy of Tall Fescue Affects Lawn Growth? 

During dormancy, which typically takes place when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), Tall Fescue experiences a significant slowdown in growth. In essence, the grass goes into a state of rest, causing visible changes in its appearance and growth patterns. During this period, Tall Fescue ceases to grow, and its color may turn pale or straw-like, giving the lawn a less vibrant appearance. 

11.29.2023

Why Lime is Important For Virginia Lawns

Adding lime to your lawn is a versatile task that can be performed at any time and is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve soil conditions. In Virginia, soil tends to be naturally acidic, with pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.3 in areas that have not been limed. While a pH of 5.0 might be suitable for blueberries and azaleas, it is not conducive to most lawns, which require a less acidic environment. 

11.29.2023

How Do You Prepare a Lawn For Winter

During the winter months, it is imperative to prepare your lawn with the steps below. 

1. Keep leaves off the lawn 

With leaves continuing to fall, it’s important to remove them as soon as you can as it’s not good for your lawn. You should rake your grass regularly during the fall and remove all the dead leaves. You can also use a leaf blower to remove the leaves as well. 

11.29.2023

Lawn Weed: Bermudagrass or Wiregrass

Lawn Weed: Bermudagrass or Wiregrass: Cynodon dactylonname 

Weed Description 

A perennial grass that has both rhizomes and stolons and is capable of forming a turf or mat of fine leaves. Several varieties of bermudagrass are cultivated for use as lawn and pasture grasses, however this weed has developed into a very troublesome and hard-to-control weed in agronomic crops, landscapes, nurseries, and turfgrass. Bermudagrass is found throughout the southern United States, as far north as southern New Jersey. 

11.29.2023

Kentucky Bluegrass Identification Guide

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