Lawn Service information.
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The following information is designed to assist you in understanding potential problems that may occur in your lawn. View our Mowing and Watering Tips.

WEED CONTROL
We use a systemic materials or granular herbicide liquid and/or dry, designed to help control broadleaf weeds, (dollarweed, dandelion, etc.). This material must be watered regularly for it to be effective. Once applied it will take approximately 3-6 weeks to begin working. On a mild infestation of broadleaf weeds you can expect 70-80% control with one application. These applications will be made in the spring and fall. No one can guarantee 100% control of weeds! If you see a few weeds between services it is best to pull them by hand before they seed. Over applying herbicides to try to control a few weeds can cause serious damage to your lawn or severely retard its’ growth.

DAMAGE RECOVERY
Chinch Bugs: The Chinch Bug damages the lawn by sucking the plant juices out of the runners of the turf. It also injects a toxin into the plant at the same time causing damage to the infected area. Severely damaged turf will not recover and needs to be replanted. After the insects are killed the dead grass needs to be removed and new sod or plugs placed in these areas by the homeowner.

Mole Crickets: Mole Crickets damage the lawn by feeding on the roots. When the root system is damaged the plant cannot absorb water and nutrients and the turf goes into decline. The Mole Cricket is nocturnal and capable of flight. Often you find them in pools and attracted to exterior light sources. The Mole Cricket tunnels through to soil, coming in contact with the treatment. No one can keep the Mole Crickets from landing in the yard, but at appropriate times of the year we will apply the proper materials to keep the mole cricket population below damaging levels. Mole Cricket damage, if not severe, will recover. In extreme cases some re-sodding or plugging may be necessary.

Army-Worm/Sod Web-Worms: Both of these insects cause damage in larval stage(worm). In late summer and fall you may see adult moths flying about the yard. The moth will cause no damage to the turf but if they lay eggs in the yard and the caterpillar hatches, damage may occur. The Web-Worm is a nocturnal feeder so damage can occur overnight. The Army-Worm feeds during daylight hours and is usually visible on the grass blade. If it is hot during the day additional damage can occur by sun scalding. Once the insects are killed, it is recommended that the lawn be kept irrigated to reduce stress. In most cases, the lawn will grow back in 2-3 weeks after treatment with all damage recovering.

Fungus: Fungus is an airborne transmitted turf disease. Brown patch and gray leaf spot are the two we have to contend with most often. Fungus occurs during warm and humid weather conditions, most noticeably Spring and Fall. Usually the disease begins as circular patches in the lawn that can rapidly spread to other areas. Generally the damage will recover after Fungicide treatment, however, once a lawn has been infected it is susceptible to additional Fungus activity when conditions are conducive. Watering at night or late afternoon should be avoided to curtail further Fungus. Fungus problems spread in the lawn by foot traffic, mowers, and by spores being spread by wind. The only time a fungus can be treated is when it is active. There are no materials to treat the lawn to prevent it from occurring. Most damage that occurs from insect or disease problems will usually recover if it happens early in the growing season. If the damage takes place toward the end of the season, most damage will not recover until the next year.

WATERING
Best Time: Early morning watering will help decrease water waste and evaporation. This will also help prevent disease. Watering is the most important practice-Basic need.

Amount to Water: 1"to 1-1/2" per week during the hottest months. Deep watering is recommended to help stimulate a deep root zone. Applying _"–1" 2-3 times per week will provide your lawn with proper moisture requirements. Place a "coffee can" in different locations on to the turf to measure how much you are watering (you will be surprised).

MOWING: Your turf should be mowed at the following height:

St. Augustine: 3 1/2 - 4"
Bahia: 2-3"

Increased height encourages a deeper root system. Remember, do not scalp your lawn, as this can cause the turf to burn in hot weather. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade each time you mow and always use a sharp blade.