| SEASONAL LAWN & SHUB CARE |
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The fall and winter season brings with it shorter days, less rain and w whole new set of challenges and oportunites for the lawn and landscape technician. T"he following information in part comes from the University of Florida.
WATERING The calibration and operation of the sprinkler system is critical from September thru the winter and into spring. Prevention is the key-calibrating the sprinkler system at least twice a year, proper amounts of water, covberage of all areas and properly operating heads are recommended. If you have a rain sensor be sure the sensor is located in an area where it will be directly affected by the weather. The correct amount of water put out by the sprinkler system for the time of year will determine the amount of time the system should run. Check the brown or faded spots in the turf with a moisture meter to determine if those areas are receiving enough water or too much water. Less water is required for shaded areas and more water for the direct sun. SUNLIGHT There are no lawns in the forest. Lack of sunlight and less sunlight hours cause many problems. Trimming shade trees by thinning the branches and raising the canopy will help thise shaded areas get more sunlight and air flow. Too much water will promote fungus, broad leaf weeds and root rot in turf, plants and trees. When the turf dies off, weeds and wild grasses grow in . NUTRITION Proper applications and timing of fertilzier applications prevent many pest, disease and cold prlblems. Slow release fertilizers are better than quick release fertilizers. Healthy lawns and shrubs withstand attacks from insects and disease better than stressed turf, trees and shrubs. Thicker turf, mowed at the proper height will help stop weeds from growning in. MOWING Proper mowing practices are necessary to keep any lawn healthy and attractive. Standard St. Augusitne cultivbars should be maintained at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches. Repetitively mowing at lower heights reduces overall stress tolerance of the lawn, discourages deep rooting, increases the chance for" scalping" and may increase susceptibility to pest problems. Maintaing the right height will help the grass develope a deep root system and give a better appearance to the turf. No more than one third of the leaf blade should be removed with any mowing. Keep the mower blades sharp. Dull blades will give the lawn a brownish cast, because a ragged cut shreds the leaf rather than cutting them. Scalping or mowing the grass too short can injure your lawn. |