Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which grass species is characterized by having no stolons and few rhizomes?
Which grass species is characterized by having no stolons and few rhizomes?
Which grass species has a texture classified as medium and lacks both stolons and rhizomes?
Which grass species has a texture classified as medium and lacks both stolons and rhizomes?
Which grass is known for its boat-shaped tip and is found in patches?
Which grass is known for its boat-shaped tip and is found in patches?
Which of the following grasses typically has narrow, needlelike blades and usually folds?
Which of the following grasses typically has narrow, needlelike blades and usually folds?
Signup and view all the answers
Which grass species is recognized for its claw-like clasping auricles and blue-green color?
Which grass species is recognized for its claw-like clasping auricles and blue-green color?
Signup and view all the answers
What characteristic distinguishes Bermudagrass from other species listed?
What characteristic distinguishes Bermudagrass from other species listed?
Signup and view all the answers
Which species is identified by its hairy leaf surface and very knotty nodes?
Which species is identified by its hairy leaf surface and very knotty nodes?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following grasses has the highest texture classification, C-F?
Which of the following grasses has the highest texture classification, C-F?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main reason for not removing all the leaves at once during mowing?
What is the main reason for not removing all the leaves at once during mowing?
Signup and view all the answers
During which months should you mow frequently to manage grass growth effectively?
During which months should you mow frequently to manage grass growth effectively?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended fertilization frequency for warm-season grasses at a very high maintenance level?
What is the recommended fertilization frequency for warm-season grasses at a very high maintenance level?
Signup and view all the answers
Which cool-season grass is specifically noted to require only one fertilization each year?
Which cool-season grass is specifically noted to require only one fertilization each year?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition is ideal for mowers to work effectively?
What condition is ideal for mowers to work effectively?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common issue with cheaper mowers?
What is a common issue with cheaper mowers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which fertilizer requires the application of 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet?
Which fertilizer requires the application of 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important for mower blades to be sharp?
Why is it important for mower blades to be sharp?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a major challenge when using fertilizers like Urea and Ammonium Nitrate?
What is a major challenge when using fertilizers like Urea and Ammonium Nitrate?
Signup and view all the answers
At a medium maintenance level, how many times should cool-season grasses be fertilized during the year?
At a medium maintenance level, how many times should cool-season grasses be fertilized during the year?
Signup and view all the answers
What can happen if grass has grown too tall before mowing?
What can happen if grass has grown too tall before mowing?
Signup and view all the answers
When is the best time to fertilize Zoysiagrass for high maintenance?
When is the best time to fertilize Zoysiagrass for high maintenance?
Signup and view all the answers
What negative effect does mowing have if too many leaves are removed at once?
What negative effect does mowing have if too many leaves are removed at once?
Signup and view all the answers
What physical condition of the grass is important before mowing?
What physical condition of the grass is important before mowing?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a typical problem encountered when applying Urea at the recommended rate?
What is a typical problem encountered when applying Urea at the recommended rate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which maintenance level requires three applications of fertilizer for warm-season grasses?
Which maintenance level requires three applications of fertilizer for warm-season grasses?
Signup and view all the answers
What soil texture is primarily discussed in relation to urban lawns?
What soil texture is primarily discussed in relation to urban lawns?
Signup and view all the answers
How often should a soil pH test be conducted to assess soil acidity?
How often should a soil pH test be conducted to assess soil acidity?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of liming without a need?
What is a potential consequence of liming without a need?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is NOT effective for renovating lawns if grass/weed cover is thick?
Which method is NOT effective for renovating lawns if grass/weed cover is thick?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of limestone is recommended if the soil is acid?
What type of limestone is recommended if the soil is acid?
Signup and view all the answers
What detriment does frequent, shallow watering cause to lawns?
What detriment does frequent, shallow watering cause to lawns?
Signup and view all the answers
How much limestone is typically required for 1,000 square feet?
How much limestone is typically required for 1,000 square feet?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a consequence of using aerifiers on clay soil?
What is a consequence of using aerifiers on clay soil?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary insect known to cause damage to Kentucky lawns?
What is the primary insect known to cause damage to Kentucky lawns?
Signup and view all the answers
When should preventive insecticides be ideally applied to control white grubs?
When should preventive insecticides be ideally applied to control white grubs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sign indicates the presence of damaging insects in a lawn?
Which sign indicates the presence of damaging insects in a lawn?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect do moles have on grubs and insecticides?
What effect do moles have on grubs and insecticides?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following insecticides is NOT recommended for the control of white grubs?
Which of the following insecticides is NOT recommended for the control of white grubs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common misconception regarding the cause of damage in lawns?
What is a common misconception regarding the cause of damage in lawns?
Signup and view all the answers
Why has milky disease not proven effective in Kentucky?
Why has milky disease not proven effective in Kentucky?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following insects is stated to seldom cause damage to lawns?
Which of the following insects is stated to seldom cause damage to lawns?
Signup and view all the answers
A pH of 7 indicates that the soil is acidic.
A pH of 7 indicates that the soil is acidic.
Signup and view all the answers
A rotary mower cuts turfgrass by high-speed impact of a sharp blade rotating perpendicular to the turfgrass surface.
A rotary mower cuts turfgrass by high-speed impact of a sharp blade rotating perpendicular to the turfgrass surface.
Signup and view all the answers
The purpose of grading the subgrade is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lawn.
The purpose of grading the subgrade is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lawn.
Signup and view all the answers
Renovation involves replanting new turfgrass into existing dead vegetation.
Renovation involves replanting new turfgrass into existing dead vegetation.
Signup and view all the answers
A reel mower provides a shearing type of cut to the turfgrass.
A reel mower provides a shearing type of cut to the turfgrass.
Signup and view all the answers
Having insufficient topsoil can create significant challenges in growing lawns and landscape plants.
Having insufficient topsoil can create significant challenges in growing lawns and landscape plants.
Signup and view all the answers
Resiliency refers to the ability of the turfgrass to remain flat under pressure.
Resiliency refers to the ability of the turfgrass to remain flat under pressure.
Signup and view all the answers
Building debris should be left on the lawn area during construction.
Building debris should be left on the lawn area during construction.
Signup and view all the answers
Removing all leaves at once helps improve the appearance of grass.
Removing all leaves at once helps improve the appearance of grass.
Signup and view all the answers
Mowing is recommended more frequently in the spring months of April and May.
Mowing is recommended more frequently in the spring months of April and May.
Signup and view all the answers
Cheaper mowers are known to distribute clippings better than high-end mowers.
Cheaper mowers are known to distribute clippings better than high-end mowers.
Signup and view all the answers
Mowers perform best when the grass is moist and has grown more than 50 percent since the last mowing.
Mowers perform best when the grass is moist and has grown more than 50 percent since the last mowing.
Signup and view all the answers
Having sharp mower blades is essential for effective mowing.
Having sharp mower blades is essential for effective mowing.
Signup and view all the answers
Mowing can lead to a 'windrow' of grass clippings if done incorrectly.
Mowing can lead to a 'windrow' of grass clippings if done incorrectly.
Signup and view all the answers
It is beneficial to mow when the grass has been allowed to grow significantly taller than usual.
It is beneficial to mow when the grass has been allowed to grow significantly taller than usual.
Signup and view all the answers
Clippings can contribute negatively to the lawn if they accumulate excessively after mowing.
Clippings can contribute negatively to the lawn if they accumulate excessively after mowing.
Signup and view all the answers
Kentucky lawns benefit from turfgrass species that are best adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.
Kentucky lawns benefit from turfgrass species that are best adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.
Signup and view all the answers
The recommended seeding rate for turfgrass establishment is five pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet.
The recommended seeding rate for turfgrass establishment is five pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet.
Signup and view all the answers
Turfgrass typically shows excellent growth performance in shaded areas.
Turfgrass typically shows excellent growth performance in shaded areas.
Signup and view all the answers
High nitrogen fertilization often leads to the need for increased irrigation when maintaining turfgrass.
High nitrogen fertilization often leads to the need for increased irrigation when maintaining turfgrass.
Signup and view all the answers
Very poor seedling vigor can slow down the establishment of a lawn.
Very poor seedling vigor can slow down the establishment of a lawn.
Signup and view all the answers
Turfgrass with a fine texture is known for its excellent traffic tolerance.
Turfgrass with a fine texture is known for its excellent traffic tolerance.
Signup and view all the answers
Irrigation is not required during the summer when maintaining turfgrass.
Irrigation is not required during the summer when maintaining turfgrass.
Signup and view all the answers
Mixing turfgrass with fine fescue can help improve lawn establishment.
Mixing turfgrass with fine fescue can help improve lawn establishment.
Signup and view all the answers
Thatch accumulates in healthy tall fescue lawns.
Thatch accumulates in healthy tall fescue lawns.
Signup and view all the answers
Mowing should be done when the grass reaches a height of about 30 percent to 50 percent above the previous mowing height.
Mowing should be done when the grass reaches a height of about 30 percent to 50 percent above the previous mowing height.
Signup and view all the answers
Using dull mower blades can result in a slower healing time for grass leaves.
Using dull mower blades can result in a slower healing time for grass leaves.
Signup and view all the answers
Frequent mowing allows for the removal of up to two-thirds of the leaf blade at once.
Frequent mowing allows for the removal of up to two-thirds of the leaf blade at once.
Signup and view all the answers
Adjusting the mowing height is necessary if the grass reaches a height of five inches after a week of rain.
Adjusting the mowing height is necessary if the grass reaches a height of five inches after a week of rain.
Signup and view all the answers
Removing clippings can help prevent the accumulation of wet clumps on the lawn surface.
Removing clippings can help prevent the accumulation of wet clumps on the lawn surface.
Signup and view all the answers
Increasing mowing frequency after a heavy rain is unnecessary.
Increasing mowing frequency after a heavy rain is unnecessary.
Signup and view all the answers
More power is needed to cut grass with sharp blades compared to dull blades.
More power is needed to cut grass with sharp blades compared to dull blades.
Signup and view all the answers
The immature nymphs of bluegrass billbugs are typically about one-quarter inch long.
The immature nymphs of bluegrass billbugs are typically about one-quarter inch long.
Signup and view all the answers
Turfgrass diseases generally do not kill the grass completely.
Turfgrass diseases generally do not kill the grass completely.
Signup and view all the answers
The adult bluegrass billbug is known for its dark gray to black coloration.
The adult bluegrass billbug is known for its dark gray to black coloration.
Signup and view all the answers
Fungicides are a recommended treatment for turfgrass diseases because they are effective and economical.
Fungicides are a recommended treatment for turfgrass diseases because they are effective and economical.
Signup and view all the answers
Damage from bluegrass billbugs typically occurs from early spring to late fall.
Damage from bluegrass billbugs typically occurs from early spring to late fall.
Signup and view all the answers
Summer patch primarily affects poorly fertilized, sparse Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
Summer patch primarily affects poorly fertilized, sparse Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
Signup and view all the answers
Fine, sawdust-like frass near plant crowns indicates bluegrass billbug infestation.
Fine, sawdust-like frass near plant crowns indicates bluegrass billbug infestation.
Signup and view all the answers
The main symptom of summer patch includes discolored patches of turfgrass that can vary in size.
The main symptom of summer patch includes discolored patches of turfgrass that can vary in size.
Signup and view all the answers
Pests can include weeds, insects, disease, and ______.
Pests can include weeds, insects, disease, and ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Hot summer applications may injure desirable ______.
Hot summer applications may injure desirable ______.
Signup and view all the answers
An adapted turfgrass species that is properly established will have few ______ problems.
An adapted turfgrass species that is properly established will have few ______ problems.
Signup and view all the answers
Grassy weeds are characterized by ______ leaf veins.
Grassy weeds are characterized by ______ leaf veins.
Signup and view all the answers
A plant becomes a weed when it grows where it is not ______.
A plant becomes a weed when it grows where it is not ______.
Signup and view all the answers
These products can be purchased as a spray or ______ material.
These products can be purchased as a spray or ______ material.
Signup and view all the answers
If a granular chemical is used, the foliage should be moist with ______ before application.
If a granular chemical is used, the foliage should be moist with ______ before application.
Signup and view all the answers
Clover is considered ______ in turfgrass because it fixes nitrogen.
Clover is considered ______ in turfgrass because it fixes nitrogen.
Signup and view all the answers
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) is an excellent summer grass for areas with full sunshine or moderate ______.
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) is an excellent summer grass for areas with full sunshine or moderate ______.
Signup and view all the answers
When seeded alone, ryegrasses may not survive the summer unless ______ and disease control are provided.
When seeded alone, ryegrasses may not survive the summer unless ______ and disease control are provided.
Signup and view all the answers
To determine how a cultivar will perform in Kentucky, visit ______ to check current data.
To determine how a cultivar will perform in Kentucky, visit ______ to check current data.
Signup and view all the answers
Zoysiagrasses are known for having better cold tolerance than ______.
Zoysiagrasses are known for having better cold tolerance than ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Ryegrasses may survive in heavy ______, but they are not adapted for it.
Ryegrasses may survive in heavy ______, but they are not adapted for it.
Signup and view all the answers
Major qualities of Zoysiagrass include excellent ______ hardiness.
Major qualities of Zoysiagrass include excellent ______ hardiness.
Signup and view all the answers
Zoysiagrass can be seeded with minimum ______ preparation.
Zoysiagrass can be seeded with minimum ______ preparation.
Signup and view all the answers
Ryegrasses have fine texture similar to ______ bluegrass.
Ryegrasses have fine texture similar to ______ bluegrass.
Signup and view all the answers
Sod webworm adults are beige to grayish-white in color, with a wingspread of about three-quarters of an inch, and are frequently seen flying over lawns at ______.
Sod webworm adults are beige to grayish-white in color, with a wingspread of about three-quarters of an inch, and are frequently seen flying over lawns at ______.
Signup and view all the answers
White grubs are the larvae of any hard-shelled beetles, with the most common being the masked ______.
White grubs are the larvae of any hard-shelled beetles, with the most common being the masked ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Grubs devastate Kentucky bluegrass by feeding on the ______ system, which deprives individual plants of moisture.
Grubs devastate Kentucky bluegrass by feeding on the ______ system, which deprives individual plants of moisture.
Signup and view all the answers
Turfgrass damaged by sod webworms will show isolated yellow-to-brown patches of grass a few inches in ______.
Turfgrass damaged by sod webworms will show isolated yellow-to-brown patches of grass a few inches in ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Chinch bugs will occasionally infest a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, especially if the lawn is heavily contaminated with creeping ______.
Chinch bugs will occasionally infest a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, especially if the lawn is heavily contaminated with creeping ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The Japanese beetle, which is increasing in Kentucky, is about one-half inch long, metallic ______, and has coppery-brown wing covers.
The Japanese beetle, which is increasing in Kentucky, is about one-half inch long, metallic ______, and has coppery-brown wing covers.
Signup and view all the answers
Applying more than 1½ to two times the recommended rates will greatly increase the burn potential and cause an excessive flush of ______.
Applying more than 1½ to two times the recommended rates will greatly increase the burn potential and cause an excessive flush of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Most of the specialty fertilizers also contain a certain amount of ______ nitrogen, which is indicated on the bag.
Most of the specialty fertilizers also contain a certain amount of ______ nitrogen, which is indicated on the bag.
Signup and view all the answers
The eggs laid by female moths hatch in about ______ weeks.
The eggs laid by female moths hatch in about ______ weeks.
Signup and view all the answers
Birds feeding on these caterpillars will often leave obvious ______ holes in the turfgrass thatch.
Birds feeding on these caterpillars will often leave obvious ______ holes in the turfgrass thatch.
Signup and view all the answers
A 50-pound bag of 10–6–4 contains five pounds of actual ______.
A 50-pound bag of 10–6–4 contains five pounds of actual ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The first number in the analysis tag indicates the percent of ______.
The first number in the analysis tag indicates the percent of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
An application of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, such as with 10–10–10, is easier to detect in the ______.
An application of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, such as with 10–10–10, is easier to detect in the ______.
Signup and view all the answers
If grass receives more than two pounds of actual nitrogen per year, this often requires additional ______ and pest control.
If grass receives more than two pounds of actual nitrogen per year, this often requires additional ______ and pest control.
Signup and view all the answers
Slow-release nitrogen adds safety in application, but the small amount of it that’s included doesn’t really provide good long-term nitrogen ______.
Slow-release nitrogen adds safety in application, but the small amount of it that’s included doesn’t really provide good long-term nitrogen ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The remainder of material in the bag is called the ______ or carrier.
The remainder of material in the bag is called the ______ or carrier.
Signup and view all the answers
Clippings that are washed into the stormwater system act just like ______ and can cause algal blooms in ponds and lakes.
Clippings that are washed into the stormwater system act just like ______ and can cause algal blooms in ponds and lakes.
Signup and view all the answers
A good rule is to apply about one pound of actual nitrogen per ______ square feet per application.
A good rule is to apply about one pound of actual nitrogen per ______ square feet per application.
Signup and view all the answers
When using clippings as mulch or compost, be aware that such compost may contain ______ seed such as crabgrass.
When using clippings as mulch or compost, be aware that such compost may contain ______ seed such as crabgrass.
Signup and view all the answers
It is best to compost a mixture of clippings, tree leaves, wood chips, and ______.
It is best to compost a mixture of clippings, tree leaves, wood chips, and ______.
Signup and view all the answers
To hasten composting, keep the pile moist and occasionally add some ______, nitrogen fertilizer, and lime.
To hasten composting, keep the pile moist and occasionally add some ______, nitrogen fertilizer, and lime.
Signup and view all the answers
Because clippings are full of nutrients, it is important to sweep or blow them off sidewalks and back onto the ______.
Because clippings are full of nutrients, it is important to sweep or blow them off sidewalks and back onto the ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Heavy spring rainfall can lead to the need for a half-rate of nitrogen in late May or early ______.
Heavy spring rainfall can lead to the need for a half-rate of nitrogen in late May or early ______.
Signup and view all the answers
A lush, green lawn may not be worth these ______, including the need for chemical applications to control pests.
A lush, green lawn may not be worth these ______, including the need for chemical applications to control pests.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cool-Season Grasses
- Cool-season grasses are best fertilized during the fall and early winter
- Kentucky bluegrass and fescue grasses should be fertilized only once a year if grown in shady lawns
- Cool-season grasses grown in full sun can tolerate more frequent fertilization
- When applying fertilizer, avoid using a rate that is too high, as it can lead to "burning" the grass or killing it
- Cool-season grasses grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C)
Warm-Season Grasses
- Warm-season grasses are best fertilized during the spring and summer
- Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass need only minimal nitrogen after they are fully established
- Warm-season grasses grow best in temperatures between 80°F and 95°F (27°C and 35°C)
Lawn Maintenance
- The amount of mowing needed per year depends on your desired maintenance level
- Mow lawns during spring, summer, and early fall
- Mow with sharp blades to prevent grass from being torn
- Mowing too short can weaken the grass
- Mowing too infrequently allows thatch to build up
- Spread fertilizer evenly over the lawn, using a spreader for accurate application
Lawn Aeration
- Aeration involves using a machine with hollow tines to remove plugs of soil from the thatch layer
- The plugs are brought to the surface
- The purpose of lawn aeration is to improve drainage and air circulation
- Aeration also helps to reduce soil compaction
- Aeration can be done in the spring or fall
- It is not usually necessary on well-maintained lawns
- Aeration can help to reduce the growth of crabgrass
- Aeration can be an effective tool to renovate lawns when done properly
- Aeration can make it easier for roots to grow and take in water
- Apply fertilizer after aeration to improve its effectiveness
- Clay soils are harder to aerate than other soil types
Watering
- Water lawns deeply but infrequently
- Deep watering encourages deep roots, producing a healthier lawn
- Frequent, shallow watering can lead to shallow roots
- Deep watering is especially important in hot and dry weather
- Watering should be done in the early morning hours
Soil pH:
- Regular soil testing is essential to determine the pH level, as it affects fertilizer application
- Agricultural Limestone is most often used in lawn maintenance
White Grubs
- Grubs are among the most common damaging insects on lawns
- Signs of grub damage include blades chewed off at the ground surface, roots chewed off, and sod dislodged
- White grubs can also cause damage to turfgrass by feeding on the roots
- Early detection of grubs is vital for successful control.
- Insecticides containing chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid, clothianidin, or thiamethoxam are available for preventative treatment
- These insecticides should be applied before grub eggs hatch, ideally between late May and mid-July
Sod Webworms
- Sod webworms are present in almost all turfgrass but rarely cause significant damage
- Monitor lawns for signs of damage, such as wilting, brown patches, or webbing
Other Lawn Care Tips
- Preventative treatment with insecticide is crucial when dealing with lawn pests
- Applying insecticide to a lawn infested with grubs is not effective in killing them
- Insecticides should be applied when lawns are dry and at dusk
- Milky disease, a biological control for Japanese beetle grubs, has not proven effective in controlling white grubs
- Use sharp mower blades and proper mowing techniques to prevent damage to the lawn.
- Over-fertilizing can reduce the quality of a lawn.
- Use the correct type of fertilizer for your lawn based on soil type.
- Use the correct amount of fertilizer for your lawn, as excessive fertilizer can damage the lawn.
- Avoid using too much water.
Important Lawn Care Recommendations
- Regularly inspect your lawn for pests and diseases.
- Treat problems promptly
- Monitor your lawn for signs of stress, such as brown patches or thinning.
- Apply fertilizers at the appropriate times and rates
Key Terms
- Stolons: Stems that grow above ground.
- Rhizomes: Stems that grow below ground.
- Thatch: A layer of dead plant material that accumulates on the surface of the soil.
- Tiller: A shoot that grows from a root or another stem
- Ligule: A small, membranous structure located at the junction of the leaf blade and the sheath
- Auricle: A pair of ear-like appendages located at the base of the leaf blade
- Sheath: The base of the leaf blade that surrounds the stem
Lawn Establishment
- Selecting the right type of grass for your region and following proper establishment practices leads to uniform, high-quality lawns with easier management.
- Proper lawn establishment requires appropriate mowing, fertilizing, watering, and pest control.
- Neglecting lawn establishment can result in poor quality lawns with high maintenance costs.
Turfgrass Characteristics
- Adaptation: Turfgrass thrives on well-drained soil in full sunlight, struggling in shaded areas.
- Resiliency: The ability of the grass to withstand impact and bounce back.
- Rhizome: An underground stem that produces new plants.
Choosing the Best Grass
- Selecting the best grass for a region requires considering factors like climate, soil type, and usage.
- Choosing an adapted grass strain eases maintenance efforts leading to a quality lawn with less effort.
Lawn Management: Soil and Grading
- Ideal topsoil should be stockpiled before construction to protect it from debris.
- Removal of construction debris is essential for successful lawn growth after building.
- The ground should slope away from the house to prevent water from entering basements.
- Applying four to six inches of topsoil is ideal for turfgrass establishment.
Lawn Management: Soil Amendments
- Purchasing quality topsoil is challenging.
- Excessive mowing, removing more than 50% of the leaf blade, can negatively impact root growth.
- Sharpen mower blades for smooth cuts, reducing fuel consumption and improving grass health.
Lawn Management: Mowing
- Mow frequently, removing no more than one-third to one-half of the leaf blade at each mowing.
- Heighten the mowing height if the grass grows too high between mowings.
- Lower mowing heights require increased frequency of mowing.
- Remove clippings only when necessary, considering windrowing and globs of clippings.
- Mow when the turfgrass grows 30 to 50 percent higher from the previous mowing height.
Lawn Management: Pests
- Chinch bugs: Black and white insects that can infest lawns.
- Black and white chinch bugs: Damage mainly occurs from late August to early November.
Lawn Management: Turfgrass Disease
- Disease management often involves multiple applications of fungicide, which are expensive and challenging for homeowners to apply evenly.
- Diseases primarily occur during summer with slow grass growth and high temperatures.
- Brown patch: Occurs in dense Kentucky bluegrass lawns and can be reduced by proper mowing height and summer irrigation.
- Summer patch: Occurs during hot summer months, leaving patches of discolored turfgrass on lawns with dense Kentucky bluegrass.
Turfgrass
- Turfgrass is a type of grass that grows close to the ground, creating a thick, even, and dense layer of grass.
- Perennial ryegrass is a type of turfgrass that grows best in cool weather and can be used to establish a lawn quickly.
- Zoysiagrass is a type of turfgrass that grows well in warm weather and thrives in areas with full sunshine or moderate shade.
- Zoysiagrass is known for its cold tolerance and adaptability to Kentucky’s climate.
Weed Control
- Weeds often become a problem in lawns due to improper lawn maintenance.
- To prevent weeds, use the right turfgrass species and ensure proper fertilization, mowing, and watering.
- When weeds are present, it is essential to identify them before applying any chemical control.
- Broadleaf weeds have broad leaves and can be controlled with herbicides.
- Apply herbicides in the spring or fall when weeds are actively growing and avoid applying them in hot weather.
- Apply granular herbicides to moist foliage to ensure the granules stick to the leaves.
Turfgrass Pests
- Insects like white grubs and sod webworms can damage lawns.
- White grubs are the larvae of hard-shelled beetles, such as the masked chafer and Japanese beetle, and they feed on the root systems of grasses.
- Sod webworms create silk-lined tubes near the soil surface and feed on grass blades.
- Chinch bugs primarily infest lawns with creeping bentgrass and damage grass by sucking plant fluids.
Fertilizer
- The fertilizer analysis tag indicates the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- The first number on the fertilizer analysis tag indicates the percentage of nitrogen.
- To calculate the pounds of actual nitrogen in a bag of fertilizer, multiply the percentage of nitrogen by the weight of the bag.
- Most home lawns require about two pounds of actual nitrogen per year.
- Slow-release nitrogen provides long-term nutrient availability.
Thatch
- Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the grass blades.
- Excessive thatch can impede air and water penetration, which can negatively impact the health of the lawn.
- To reduce thatch, use a dethatching machine or rake.
Mowing
- Regular mowing helps to control the height of the lawn and prevents excessive growth.
- The height of cut varies depending on the type of grass.
- The height of cut is usually between 1 to 3 inches.
- Avoid mowing too short, as it can stress the plants.
Watering
- Watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn.
- The frequency and amount of water needed varies depending on the type of grass, weather conditions, and soil type.
- Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
Soil Testing
- It is recommended to test your soil regularly to determine nutrient levels and pH.
- Based on the soil test results, adjust fertilizer applications and lime applications to correct pH levels.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on cool-season and warm-season grasses, their fertilization needs, and lawn maintenance practices. This quiz covers essential information for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the year.