General

Stopping weeds before they gain a “roothold” in your lawn is one of the smartest cultural practices you can use. Applying a preemergence herbicide does just that — it doesn’t stop the weed seeds from actually germinating, but it kills the new seedlings before they “emerge” by providing a chemical barrier at the soil surface.…

Soil tests provide important information about the nutrient status of the soil under your grass. You can use the test results to select and apply the kind of nutrients, and how much, to provide the optimum soil fertility for your particular kind of grass. In fact, without conducting a soil test first, fertilizing a lawn,…

A recent article published on Bloomberg.com illustrates the dangers of municipalities financially rewarding citizens who replace their lawn grass with an alternative surface, such as gravel. According to the article, the years-long drought in southern California spurred local water districts to offer a combined rebate of $3.75 per square foot for homeowners and businesses to…

Most people have heard of pH, which refers to whether something is acidic or alkaline. But did you know that your soil’s pH level can dramatically affect the health (and, consequently, the look) of your turfgrass? For a basic understanding, pH is an abbreviation of the “power of hydrogen” — the “p” is short for…

Once winter weather arrives, you lawn will mostly rest until spring returns. Mowing, fertilizing and aerification are no longer needed, except perhaps for cool-season lawns that are still growing. However, weed control and periodic irrigation may be required. Follow the tips below to help keep your lawn healthy as the temperatures continue to drop. Tall…

A recent report and video posted on the website of NBC News described the growing concern of the general public, particularly families with children, on whether crumb rubber in artificial turf is safe to play on. A women’s soccer coach at the University of Washington, Amy Griffin, has accumulated a list of 63 soccer goalkeepers…

As lawns begin to come out of the stresses of summer heat and humidity, now’s the time to give them a bit of extra attention to prepare for winter. Follow the tips below to keep your lawn looking its best this fall.   Fertilize cool-season lawns in September and then again in November.   Core…

Photo courtesy of David Shetlar, Ph.D., Ohio State University.   The larval (caterpillar) stage of the fall armyworm moth can cause serious damage to lawns. In summer, the moths lay clusters of eggs in cotton-like, greenish-white masses on structures (houses, mailboxes, fences, signs, etc.), shrubs and trees, and the newly hatched larvae drop down to…

A common turfgrass pest throughout our region, white grubs are the larvae of scarab beetles, most commonly those of Japanese beetles, green June beetles, May and June beetles, oriental beetles and southern and northern masked chafers. These grubs feed on the roots of the grass, which reduces its ability to use water and nutrients. Consequently,…

  After garnering 25 years of turfgrass and sod-production experience at Turf Mountain Sod in Hendersonville, NC, David Bradley has now joined The Turfgrass Group. “We are thrilled to welcome such a knowledgeable, well-respected professional to our company,” said Aaron McWhorter, co-owner of The Turfgrass Group with Ken Morrow. “Through devoting most of his career…