The "Bad" is made up of poor cultural practices, common broad leaf weeds, and turf disease. These problems are usually fixed easily.
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| The Bad
The "Bad" is made up of poor cultural practices, common broad leaf weeds, and turf disease. These problems are usually fixed easily.
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| Photograph | Description |
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Mowing Height Mowing Height and Frequency are the most important factors in maintaining a high quality lawn. Tall fescue lawns should be mowed at least 3 and a half inches in spring and fall and higher in summer. As far as mowing frequency, it is best not to remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade. By keeping you lawn mowed properly, you can greatly reduce crabgrass and other weeds, diseases, and promoter a thick, vigorous turf. |
| Bad Weeds "Bad" weeds in your lawn can be an eyesore but they are easily controllable. Usually with one treatment. Some are annual weeds which complete their lifecycle in one year while others are perennials that will return the following season. All those weeds listed below are considered "Bad" |
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Chickweed |
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Dandelion |
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Dock |
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Henbit |
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Oxalis |
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White Clover |
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Wild Onion |
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Crab Grass Crab Grass and Goose grass are both summer annual weeds that can cause problems. Crabgrass will germinate form seed around mid-march to early April and Goose grass will begin to appear later in the season. While selective controls are available, these weeds are best managed with pre-emergent herbicides which prevent them from germinating. |
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Goose Grass |
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Drought Stress Drought stress usually occurs in July and august and can cause decline in non-irrigated lawns. The lawn will usually recover in fall and you can minimize the effects by mowing height. We have found that frequent car, truck, or dog washing can greatly increase the chance of rain. |
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Brown Patch Brown patch is one of the most important diseases affecting tall fescue lawns in this area. The disease appears as circular brown patches of grass a few inches to several feet in diameter. Brown patch usually occurs in the spring when night time temperatures are in the 60's with high humidity. Poor drainage, little air circulation, cloudy weather, over watering and late afternoon watering can speed disease development. We have put Brown patch in "The Bad" as long as it is diagnosed in time for a fungicide application. If you notice symptoms in your lawn, contact us so we can prevent an appearance in "The Ugly". |
