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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 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?
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Which grass species is recognized for its claw-like clasping auricles and blue-green color?
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What characteristic distinguishes Bermudagrass from other species listed?
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Which species is identified by its hairy leaf surface and very knotty nodes?
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Which of the following grasses has the highest texture classification, C-F?
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What is the main reason for not removing all the leaves at once during mowing?
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During which months should you mow frequently to manage grass growth effectively?
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What is the recommended fertilization frequency for warm-season grasses at a very high maintenance level?
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Which cool-season grass is specifically noted to require only one fertilization each year?
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What condition is ideal for mowers to work effectively?
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What is a common issue with cheaper mowers?
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Which fertilizer requires the application of 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet?
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Why is it important for mower blades to be sharp?
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What is a major challenge when using fertilizers like Urea and Ammonium Nitrate?
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At a medium maintenance level, how many times should cool-season grasses be fertilized during the year?
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What can happen if grass has grown too tall before mowing?
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When is the best time to fertilize Zoysiagrass for high maintenance?
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What negative effect does mowing have if too many leaves are removed at once?
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What physical condition of the grass is important before mowing?
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What is a typical problem encountered when applying Urea at the recommended rate?
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Which maintenance level requires three applications of fertilizer for warm-season grasses?
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What soil texture is primarily discussed in relation to urban lawns?
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How often should a soil pH test be conducted to assess soil acidity?
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What is a potential consequence of liming without a need?
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Which method is NOT effective for renovating lawns if grass/weed cover is thick?
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What type of limestone is recommended if the soil is acid?
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What detriment does frequent, shallow watering cause to lawns?
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How much limestone is typically required for 1,000 square feet?
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What is a consequence of using aerifiers on clay soil?
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What is the primary insect known to cause damage to Kentucky lawns?
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When should preventive insecticides be ideally applied to control white grubs?
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Which sign indicates the presence of damaging insects in a lawn?
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What effect do moles have on grubs and insecticides?
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Which of the following insecticides is NOT recommended for the control of white grubs?
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What is a common misconception regarding the cause of damage in lawns?
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Why has milky disease not proven effective in Kentucky?
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Which of the following insects is stated to seldom cause damage to lawns?
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A pH of 7 indicates that the soil is acidic.
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A rotary mower cuts turfgrass by high-speed impact of a sharp blade rotating perpendicular to the turfgrass surface.
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The purpose of grading the subgrade is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lawn.
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Renovation involves replanting new turfgrass into existing dead vegetation.
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A reel mower provides a shearing type of cut to the turfgrass.
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Having insufficient topsoil can create significant challenges in growing lawns and landscape plants.
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Resiliency refers to the ability of the turfgrass to remain flat under pressure.
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Building debris should be left on the lawn area during construction.
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Removing all leaves at once helps improve the appearance of grass.
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Mowing is recommended more frequently in the spring months of April and May.
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Cheaper mowers are known to distribute clippings better than high-end mowers.
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Mowers perform best when the grass is moist and has grown more than 50 percent since the last mowing.
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Having sharp mower blades is essential for effective mowing.
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Mowing can lead to a 'windrow' of grass clippings if done incorrectly.
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It is beneficial to mow when the grass has been allowed to grow significantly taller than usual.
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Clippings can contribute negatively to the lawn if they accumulate excessively after mowing.
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Kentucky lawns benefit from turfgrass species that are best adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.
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The recommended seeding rate for turfgrass establishment is five pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet.
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Turfgrass typically shows excellent growth performance in shaded areas.
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High nitrogen fertilization often leads to the need for increased irrigation when maintaining turfgrass.
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Very poor seedling vigor can slow down the establishment of a lawn.
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Turfgrass with a fine texture is known for its excellent traffic tolerance.
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Irrigation is not required during the summer when maintaining turfgrass.
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Mixing turfgrass with fine fescue can help improve lawn establishment.
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Thatch accumulates in healthy tall fescue lawns.
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Mowing should be done when the grass reaches a height of about 30 percent to 50 percent above the previous mowing height.
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Using dull mower blades can result in a slower healing time for grass leaves.
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Frequent mowing allows for the removal of up to two-thirds of the leaf blade at once.
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Adjusting the mowing height is necessary if the grass reaches a height of five inches after a week of rain.
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Removing clippings can help prevent the accumulation of wet clumps on the lawn surface.
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Increasing mowing frequency after a heavy rain is unnecessary.
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More power is needed to cut grass with sharp blades compared to dull blades.
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The immature nymphs of bluegrass billbugs are typically about one-quarter inch long.
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Turfgrass diseases generally do not kill the grass completely.
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The adult bluegrass billbug is known for its dark gray to black coloration.
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Fungicides are a recommended treatment for turfgrass diseases because they are effective and economical.
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Damage from bluegrass billbugs typically occurs from early spring to late fall.
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Summer patch primarily affects poorly fertilized, sparse Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
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Fine, sawdust-like frass near plant crowns indicates bluegrass billbug infestation.
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The main symptom of summer patch includes discolored patches of turfgrass that can vary in size.
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Pests can include weeds, insects, disease, and ______.
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Hot summer applications may injure desirable ______.
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An adapted turfgrass species that is properly established will have few ______ problems.
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Grassy weeds are characterized by ______ leaf veins.
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A plant becomes a weed when it grows where it is not ______.
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These products can be purchased as a spray or ______ material.
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If a granular chemical is used, the foliage should be moist with ______ before application.
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Clover is considered ______ in turfgrass because it fixes nitrogen.
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Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) is an excellent summer grass for areas with full sunshine or moderate ______.
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When seeded alone, ryegrasses may not survive the summer unless ______ and disease control are provided.
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To determine how a cultivar will perform in Kentucky, visit ______ to check current data.
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Zoysiagrasses are known for having better cold tolerance than ______.
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Ryegrasses may survive in heavy ______, but they are not adapted for it.
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Major qualities of Zoysiagrass include excellent ______ hardiness.
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Zoysiagrass can be seeded with minimum ______ preparation.
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Ryegrasses have fine texture similar to ______ bluegrass.
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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 ______.
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White grubs are the larvae of any hard-shelled beetles, with the most common being the masked ______.
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Grubs devastate Kentucky bluegrass by feeding on the ______ system, which deprives individual plants of moisture.
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Turfgrass damaged by sod webworms will show isolated yellow-to-brown patches of grass a few inches in ______.
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Chinch bugs will occasionally infest a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, especially if the lawn is heavily contaminated with creeping ______.
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The Japanese beetle, which is increasing in Kentucky, is about one-half inch long, metallic ______, and has coppery-brown wing covers.
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Applying more than 1½ to two times the recommended rates will greatly increase the burn potential and cause an excessive flush of ______.
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Most of the specialty fertilizers also contain a certain amount of ______ nitrogen, which is indicated on the bag.
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The eggs laid by female moths hatch in about ______ weeks.
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Birds feeding on these caterpillars will often leave obvious ______ holes in the turfgrass thatch.
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A 50-pound bag of 10–6–4 contains five pounds of actual ______.
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The first number in the analysis tag indicates the percent of ______.
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An application of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, such as with 10–10–10, is easier to detect in the ______.
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If grass receives more than two pounds of actual nitrogen per year, this often requires additional ______ and pest control.
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Slow-release nitrogen adds safety in application, but the small amount of it that’s included doesn’t really provide good long-term nitrogen ______.
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The remainder of material in the bag is called the ______ or carrier.
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Clippings that are washed into the stormwater system act just like ______ and can cause algal blooms in ponds and lakes.
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A good rule is to apply about one pound of actual nitrogen per ______ square feet per application.
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When using clippings as mulch or compost, be aware that such compost may contain ______ seed such as crabgrass.
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It is best to compost a mixture of clippings, tree leaves, wood chips, and ______.
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To hasten composting, keep the pile moist and occasionally add some ______, nitrogen fertilizer, and lime.
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Because clippings are full of nutrients, it is important to sweep or blow them off sidewalks and back onto the ______.
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Heavy spring rainfall can lead to the need for a half-rate of nitrogen in late May or early ______.
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A lush, green lawn may not be worth these ______, including the need for chemical applications to control pests.
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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.
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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.
