Uneven fertilization

This lawn, while at first glance appears to be in good shape, does show some areas that are greener and more lush than others. Certainly, different soil, moisture, light/shade, competition with other plants, and other factors will lead to differences in lawn density and colouration.

In this case however, there is a pattern to the darker grass. If you look closely, you will see that this has been caused by a fertilizer spreader.

Either the granules are not flowing evenly, or the passes with the spreader are not properly spaced.

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Fiesta Results

Some pics of Fiesta applied about 5-7 days ago. Dandelions especially turn black very quickly and dry up and disappear.

Here is a before and after comparison - second photo about 16 hours later.

Some pics of Fiesta applied about 5-7 days ago. Dandelions especially turn black very quickly and dry up and disappear.

Some dandelions are gone completely, some are trying to regrow. Not a perfect weed control. But at least provides an opportunity for the grass to take back some of the lawn.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Turf Disease- Dead Spots on the Lawn?

Lots of lawns are suffering from the hot humid weather of last week. Temperatures were close to 30 C. These sorts of conditions put the lawns to a great deal of stress. This patch of lawn was newly sodded either this spring or last fall.

Large areas have turned brown. According to the homeowner, this happened very quickly.

Pythium is a disease that can be highly contagious and does spread quickly. Often, the lawn mower can be a caouse of spreading the disease. In this situation, you can see the marks left by the mower wheels in the lawn. Where the disease was spread by the blades and mower body the pattern is less distinct.

 

Some cases the lawn deteriorates quickly. Most often, the lawn will recover, but it may take some time. Overseeding will help to fill in some of the damaged areas.

To prevent further spread, refrain from watering that will leave the lawn damp through the night hours. Do not mow when the lawn is wet or in hot temperatures. Mow at 3" high minimum. Use a slow release fertilizer. We'd recommend something with 75% slow release nitrogen. Finally, mow the diseased areas last to minimize spread to the healthy parts.

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Scale on Purple Sand Cherry

Scale Insects
Stan emailed us regarding his Purple Sand Cherries (Prunus cistena). They were dying and he found spots on the stems.

Closer inspection did reveal the scale insects. The young ones were out on the stem. The mature ones could be seen in their darker, larger shells.

Treatment is recommended to prevent damage to the shrubs.

Turf King


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Spiders de-light

Lights attract insects, insects attract spiders.

Spider, spider, can you tell

For the most part spiders are desired in the garden. 

According to Dr. Linda S. Rayor, Assistant Professor of Entomology, Cornell University, "Spiders are beneficial inhabitants of any garden, ecosystem, or home because of their important contributions to biological control of pest insects. Spiders are considered to be the most important terrestrial predators, eating tons of pest insects or other small arthropods every year.  Spiders are generalist predators that are willing to eat almost any insect they can catch.  They are abundant and found in most habitats.  They only need to be left alone!" http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/spiders.htm

Spiders can be a problem if they spin their webs near our window, doorways, around our lamps and other places where their presence is unaesthetic.

Sometimes they can be more of a problem at home near water. I suspect this is because there are more insects near the water and therefore more spiders set up shop there. I say that because spiders also seem to be more of a problem near outdoor lights and lamps. Here again, it's likely that the spiders congregate where the food sources are the best.

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905.318.6677

Lawn Care for Asians

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905-318-6677
1-888-887-3546 (888-TURFKING)

Weed Free or Free Weeds?

Many people are looking for a weed free lawn. How many are searching for a free weed lawn?

Stopped to pick up some fresh Ontario strawberries, the first of the season - at least for me. Always prefer local berries. And especially when someone else has picked them for me. I am not a "pick your own" strawberry person.

Noticed this sign. I need one for our yard. Maybe in conjunction with the article I posted from Lancaster online. http://turfkinghamilton.blogspot.com/2010/05/forage-your-lawn-could-be-your-dinner.html

We have a good selection of weeds for your foraging pleasure.

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