Weeds can be defined as unwanted plants or plants growing out of place. Proper identification and some understanding of how and why weeds are present in a lawn are important when selecting the best control strategy. Knowing if weeds were previously present in an area also helps homeowners prepare control measures in the future. Weed …
A weed in a home landscape is defined as a plant in an undesirable location that is unusually persistent. This may include an undesired plant or a desired plant that has outgrown its original space or desired boundry. Numerous strategies can be utilized as part of a home weed control program. Many homeowners and gardeners …
Nonchemical Weed Control for Home Landscapes and Gardens Read More »
This document discusses measures that will assist in making wise and safe choices regarding pesticide use in the home and lawn/garden setting. INTRODUCTION What do the following have in common? A school custodian sanitizing bathroom fixtures with mold and mildew removal agents; A hiking enthusiast applying flea and tick powder to her dog prior to …
LAW AND REGULATIONS Be sure to check current state and federal regulations concerning the proper use, storage, and disposal of pesticides before applying these chemicals. Pesticides that are classified as restricted use must be applied by a certified applicator or someone working under their direct supervision. CERTIFICATION-PESTICIDE APPLICATORS The Florida Pesticide Law, administered by the …
BACKGROUND Pesticides are designed to control pests, but they can also be toxic (poisonous) to desirable plants and animals, including humans. Some pesticides are so highly toxic that very small quantities can kill a person, and almost any pesticide can make people ill if they are exposed to a sufficient amount. Because even fairly safe …
Grass turns brown when roots can no longer grab nutrients or water from soil, or when soil doesn’t contain enough food or water. Here are the typical culprits, and tips on how you can green up your grass again. Drought/Heat During periods of high heat and low water, many turf grasses go dormant. This is a normal …
The Basics of Fertilizer Plants and grasses need nutrients to grow and typically get them from the soil. But sometimes we apply fertilizer to help them along. Fertilizer provides specific nutrients for your plants, and it’s available in a variety of forms. Inorganic fertilizers are mined or synthesized, while organic fertilizers are derived from living …
Bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) are among the most widely used warm-season grasses. Improved, fine-textured bermudagrasses are used throughout the south on golf courses, athletic fields, and in high-profile residential and commercial landscapes where a fine-textured, dense ground cover is desired. Generally these are hybrids of common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis). However, improved cultivars …
Proper soil preparation prior to grass planting is critical to ensure the establishment of a quality turf. Preparation is crucial in determining how quickly the lawn becomes established and its long-term maintenance requirements. Soil should be prepared whether you are planting a new lawn or replanting an existing one and whether you are seeding or …
Turfgrass is grown in many environments and for different uses, including home lawns, parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, golf courses, sod farms, pastures, and right-of-ways. The intensity of turfgrass insect management largely depends on the turf species, variety, and its intended use. Several insects and mites live and feed in grass. Many are harmless, some are …
