Newsletter.

 

IMPORTANT – Before I forget Janet is going to be away for the next 2 1/2 weeks. This will likely cause delays in responding to emails and phone calls as well as sending out invoices and Treatment History Logs. I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as I try to remember how to use a computer again!

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying the meteorological tug of war going on in the run-up to Spring. I can personally report I am always excited to step outside to find out if I’m dressed even vaguely appropriately, and it’s always thrilling when clothes you were very comfortable in two hours ago are suddenly completely inadequate.

Luckily I’m not here to give fashion advice, and you couldn’t pay me to guess future weather patterns, so instead here’s what you need to know about your lawn this month:
We’re halfway through the first application so if you haven’t seen us yet you will see us soon!
Weeds are still the biggest visual problem for lawns but take heart that most of those weeds are seasonal and will start to die off over the next month or so.
We are entering spring brown patch season, so (let’s say it together now) Keep your sprinklers off!!! If we get a lot of rain then treatment may be needed so keep an eye out for newly occurring yellow/brown patches in your lawn.
Early Spring is also the time for the Ghost of Damage Past. Though not nearly as scary as doveweed this means that as lawns start to green up again any areas of damage from last year will recover last, which can be mistaken for new damage if you didn’t happen to memorize last Falls brown patch damage (and who wouldn’t remember exactly how their lawn liked 5 months ago? 😵‍💫). See below for a quick tip list for how to tell the difference between old and new damage.
We will be applying Nematodes soon, we don’t expect Sod Webworm to be a big problem this year but we recommend them for everyone as they are so beneficial, if you want to add this service please let us know.
we’ll continue to offer free applications for those who provide a cup test report… I will literally pay you to play with Tupperware.

 

3 simple Tips for spotting Brown Patch damage in spring:

1. Take a look at your lawn right now, snap some pictures if it’s helpful so you have a point of comparison as the grass starts to green up.
2. Damage is most likely to occur after rain and warm days, so check after those conditions for any notable change.
3. Old damage will normally be one color and the blades will look completely lifeless, new damage will appear to have a yellow or orange hue, normally around the outline of more dull-looking grass.

Luckily as the grass grows so quickly in spring even new damage will grow out quite quickly so don’t worry if you’re still not sure of the difference! You can of course call us if you have any questions or need a second opinion.

New brown patch, yellowing around outside, green growth in the middle

 

Old brown patch – dull color, patchy in middle

 

Watering

Sprinklers should be off at this time, we don’t expect them to be needed again for months other than for watering in the Spring fertilizer we’ll be applying the next few weeks (and even then wait for rain if it’s forecast within 2-3 days of application.)

Allowing the grass to dry out regularly will help strengthen the grasses root system, control weeds and fungus as well as helping prevent sod worm damage.

Please keep in mind every lawn is different, a shaded lawn needs less water than a full sun lawn. Remember, all sprinkler zones are not created equal.

Before you reach for the sprinkler controls please note my three top watering tips below.

– Walk/monitor your lawn
– Test the sprinklers
– Customize your cycle

General guidelines are always available on our website at the link here, let us know if you have any questions.

Dormant St Augustine

 

Crazy Grass Lady’s Giveaway

We are pleased to announce the winner of our free fungus or weed application is Marian D from Cypress .

This month’s giveaway is a free Nematodes application. Please reply Nematodes to this email to be included in the draw. One entry per person but you can nominate a friend or relative within our catchment area. You don’t have to be a current customer to enter.

Yours sincerely

Crazy Grass Lady