Summer Updates...

Early Summer Update

  The next 8 to 10 weeks will bring the highest potential for variety of turf problems due to higher air and soil temperatures and increased relative humidity. We are still seeing the effects of diseases that flared up in June, with more disease outbreaks likely if we get into another extended wet spell. On the other hand, if we go more than 4-5 days without any beneficial rain, the surface moisture will deplete, and this will cause your turf to fade into dormancy from drought and/or heat stress. This dormancy is what causes the lawn to turn brown and is how the grass plants protect themselves during periods when growing conditions are not favorable. It is important to note that dormant turf is not dead, but rather has “fallen asleep”. This same process occurs in November as part of preparing for winter. 

To help prevent the turf from going dormant during hot and/or dry spells, it is important to mow your lawn so that it measures 3 inches when done cutting, and water deeply during early morning hours every 2-3 days between rainfalls. As a general guideline for those of you with underground sprinklers, you should run each zone for 45-50 min. for the spray heads that rotate, while stationary spray heads should run for 20-25 min per zone. Check the soil several hours after watering to make sure the soil is uniformly wet down to 3 or 4 inches. If not, you may need to adjust the timing or better yet have your system checked for leaks, proper overlap, etc.    

It’s a Weed! It’s a Grass! NO - It’s NUTSEDGE

 

Nutsedge starts as one or two     lonely plants that can quickly multiply and spread into other areas of your     lawn

  In addition to crabgrass and various broadleaf weed threats, there is another growth that has become prevalent in lawns during the summer months called yellow nutsedge. It can be seen as early as June, but is generally visible from July into mid September. This perennial grass-like growth has bright lime green leaves which are flat or slightly corrugated, with triangular shaped stems. It grows quickly after lawn is cut, rising several inches above the turf canopy. It produces a yellowish-brown seedhead during August and early September. Nutsedge also has an extensive but fairly delicate root and rhizome system, with small, bulb-like tubers atttached to them. While the plants seemingly pull up out of the ground with ease, most of the roots and tubers remain in the soil and simply re-generate additional plants.

Control of nutsedge is difficult, as conventional weed control products have no effect on it. There are a few specialty products which will offer various levels of control, but are only available to licensed, professional applicators. These products need to be applied at specific times and under certain conditions to realize the best amount of control. If you have a lawn service, they can certainly help you. Most lawn care companies offer nutsedge control as part of their services. For help locating a company in your area, you can contact the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals (MALCP) at 781-274-7373.