SPRING

As your grass starts to green up, we all get in the mood for doing some yard work. Keep your eye open for Brown Patch. If you had it in the Fall, you will probably have it in the same places in the Spring. Remember, Brown Patch loves Nitrogen rich St. Augustine and cool damp nights. If you have not applied a preventative for Brown Patch, start watching for it to occur. If it does occur, a curative application of fungicide will be needed. Usually the curative rate is 2X the preventative rate. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL RATES AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICALS.

SUMMER

This time of year brings on a lot warmer and drier weather. Your mowers should be raised slightly and any watering should be done during the cool hours of the day or at night. During the summer, Chinch Bugs and Grubs can become very active. Both are easily controlled, but turf damage can be severe if left untreated. Ask for a Turf Insecticide at your local garden center. Advise them of your problems and they can direct you from there. Grey Leaf Spot surfaces this time of year. You will see spots appear on the leaf blades, yellowing, wilting and eventually death will occur if left untreated. Again, ask your local garden center for assistance. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL RATES AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICALS. Brown dry areas may not be just a water problem. If you see an area that looks unusual, check it out. It could be a simple problem or it could be complex with multiple problems. Watering rates should be increased this time of year. Any watering should be done during the cooler hours of the day or at night.

FALL

The days are shorter and the grass will be under less stress. It is time to watch for Brown Patch again (see Spring recommendations). Any fertilizing should be directed toward root growth. This will help the grass store nutrients before going into dormancy. If you are fertilizing properly, you will not see a lot of leaf growth with this application of fertilizer. Your mowing frequencies should be less and the grass should require less watering. If you need to water, do so during the daylight hours. This will help reduce your chances of getting Brown Patch.

WINTER

 Grass will usually go dormant this time of the year. An occasional watering will help hold moisture in the root zone. This is essential for maximum root growth. The grass will go through periods of leaf growth when the weather warms. Keep the grass mowed, but do not scalp. A light application of fertilizer to promote root growth is recommended this time of year. The healthier the roots, the healthier the grass will be in the Spring.