Experts' CornerFarm & RanchLive PlantsNews and Events

Heads-Up on Lawn Problems This Year – BestYard.com

Parker, CO, June 13, 2018 –(PR.com)– Be on the look out for lawn insect and diseases. “Many Aurora, Parker, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch property owners are wondering if their lawns just didn’t wake up this spring. Patches of dead lawn are prevalent in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties due to turf mites,” says Chris Dominy, local owner of BestYard.com in Parker, Colorado.
“Mites thrive in dry turf conditions and consequently, are a major problem this year due to lack of winter snow cover and moisture. South and Southwest facing lawns are more susceptible to mite infestation because their sun exposure results in dryer turf. Lawns that did not receive supplemental water over the winter suffered more.”

Much of the mite damage has been done by now. However, if mites are still active, it is not too late to apply a herbicide to kill the remaining mites before they do more damage. Mites can destroy a yard in three weeks. If areas of the lawn are dead, they will need to be re-seeded or replaced.

Other potential lawn problems are just ahead. Be aware of them so if your grass turns to straw, you don’t apply more water and make the problem worse.

Ascochyta Leaf Blight:-

If your lawn suddenly looks “dead,” suspect Ascochyta Leaf Blight. Infected lawns turn straw-colored and this can happen quickly, almost overnight. Our spring conditions could open the door to this turf problem.

Ascochyta occurs when we move quickly from cool, rainy periods to the very warm temps like those in the forecast for next week. While lawns look unsightly, the good news is the roots are rarely threatened and extra TLC can help restore the lawn.

Since wet conditions drive the blight, it is critical to avoid over watering. Make sure the lawnmower blade is sharp as dull blades damage the lawn leaf. Reduce mowing frequency and raise low mower settings to a height of 3 to 3 ½ inches. With proper care and lack of excessive moisture, the lawn should recover within a couple weeks.

Frog eye:-

Another common and more serious turf problem is “frog eye” or Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS). You may see it in early summer, but it will be most prevalent in July and August when lawns are usually the most stressed. NRS creates circular, doughnut-like patches in the lawn. Because it is a perennial fungus problem that also attacks roots, it is more difficult to manage and can be an ongoing threat.

When people see the brown patches in their lawn, they almost instinctively water the lawn more. This is, however, the worst thing to do as over-watering aggravates the problem.

What you should do:-

• Set the mower height to at least 3 inches, avoid cutting off more than 1/3 of grass length at one time and grass cycle clippings on the lawn with a mulching mower.
• Cut back on fertilizer and provide the highest application of Nitrogen in a slow release form in the fall.
• Aerate in the spring.
• Get professional input, particularly if you consider applying a fungicide. Timing is critical and other considerations also apply.

For a more tips and resources by BestYard.com, visit http://BestYard.com/and scroll down the right side to:

• Download our free Guide, “6 Secrets to Lush, Green Lawn!” and
• Subscribe to our free “Tip of the Week.”

About BestYard.com:-

BestYard.com has provided clients beautiful yards and the time to enjoy them since 1998.

Clients enjoy award winning, full service, one stop shopping for all their mowing, fertilization, weed & insect control, gardening, landscaping, irrigation, Christmas lighting, and snow removal needs.

BestYard.com is in the client satisfaction business. Our focus is on our client’s complete satisfaction. We exist to serve our clients.

Awards:-
• BestYard has more Five Star Google, Yelp, Yellow Pages, & Super Pages Reviews than any other lawn care company in Colorado.
• A Better Business Bureau A+ Rating.
• Awarded “Best Lawn & Garden Maintenance Company” for nine consecutive years from 2009 – 2017.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.