M d A h tM d A h tModern Approaches to Modern Approaches to Turf ManagementTurf ManagementTurf ManagementTurf Management

Municipal Grounds Managers TrainingMunicipal Grounds Managers TrainingApril 24, 2008April 24, 2008Dave HughesDave Hughes

The “L” WordThe “L” WordThe L Word ….The L Word ….

How water moves pollutants into How water moves pollutants into b dib diwater bodieswater bodies

RunoffRunoff –– movement of water and contaminantsmovement of water and contaminantsRunoffRunoff movement of water and contaminants movement of water and contaminants over the land/soil surface, usually draining into a over the land/soil surface, usually draining into a surface water body or stormwater systemsurface water body or stormwater systemLeachingLeaching –– downward movement of water and downward movement of water and soluble contaminants through the soil profile to soluble contaminants through the soil profile to groundwater groundwater ErosionErosion –– movement of soil and other movement of soil and other

i l b d i di l b d i dparticulate matter by water and windparticulate matter by water and wind

An ideal soil….25%

45%Mi l

Water

Mineral

Air

25%

5%

Mineral matter Organic matter Air Water

Organic Matter

e a atte O ga c atte ate

Texture of Rhode Island SoilsTexture of Rhode Island SoilsTexture of Rhode Island SoilsTexture of Rhode Island SoilsRhode Island soils have high proportions of Rhode Island soils have high proportions of sand and siltsand and siltsand and silt.sand and silt.The best soils in the state are in the The best soils in the state are in the southeast; western RI contends with moresoutheast; western RI contends with moresoutheast; western RI contends with more southeast; western RI contends with more sand and stone.sand and stone.Clay is largely absent (Clay is largely absent (except some areas onexcept some areas onClay is largely absent (Clay is largely absent (except some areas on except some areas on Block IslandBlock Island).).Organic matter is low.Organic matter is low.Organic matter is low.Organic matter is low.

ActiveActive22--5%5% “The Living”“The Living”

ActiveActiveOrganicOrganicMatterMatter 44--25%25% “The Dead”“The Dead”

PassivePassiveOrganicOrganic 7575--95%95% “The Very “The Very

D d” HD d” HMatterMatter Dead” = HumusDead” = Humus

Effects of RainfallEffects of RainfallEffects of RainfallEffects of RainfallRI soils are formed from granite (acidic)RI soils are formed from granite (acidic)g ( )g ( )Soils receiving 30” of rain or more are likely to Soils receiving 30” of rain or more are likely to be acidic (be acidic (Westerly, RI averages ~42”Westerly, RI averages ~42”).).“Acid rain” compounds the problem.“Acid rain” compounds the problem.Acidic soils are typical east of the Mississippi.Acidic soils are typical east of the Mississippi.yp ppyp ppPossible exceptions Possible exceptions –– Lincoln, and innerLincoln, and inner--citycity

Western soils are alkaline Eastern soils are acidic

Adjusting pHAdjusting pHj g pj g p

Lime (CaCOLime (CaCO33) or dolomite (CaCO) or dolomite (CaCO33 ++Lime (CaCOLime (CaCO33) or dolomite (CaCO) or dolomite (CaCO33 + + MgCOMgCO33) raises pH) raises pHUse sulfur to lower pH (some urban lots)Use sulfur to lower pH (some urban lots)Use sulfur to lower pH (some urban lots)Use sulfur to lower pH (some urban lots)Avoid excess amounts when crops or Avoid excess amounts when crops or plants are presentplants are presentplants are presentplants are presentA soil test is the best way to determine the A soil test is the best way to determine the amount (if any) to addamount (if any) to addamount (if any) to addamount (if any) to add

What Can We Do ?What Can We Do ?What Can We Do ?What Can We Do ?Maintain a healthy lawnMaintain a healthy lawnMaintain a healthy lawnMaintain a healthy lawn

Fertilizer and pH adjustmentFertilizer and pH adjustmentProper wateringProper wateringp gp gProper mowingProper mowingManage thatchManage thatch

Correct problemsCorrect problemsEliminate weedsEliminate weedsPatch bare spotsPatch bare spotsManage disease and pestsManage disease and pests

MacronutrientsMacronutrientsMacronutrientsMacronutrients

NitrogenNitrogen –– required for proteins, chlorophyllrequired for proteins, chlorophyllNitrogenNitrogen required for proteins, chlorophyllrequired for proteins, chlorophyllPromotes “green” growthPromotes “green” growth

PhosphorusPhosphorus –– essential for membraneessential for membranePhosphorusPhosphorus essential for membrane essential for membrane development; component of DNA; energydevelopment; component of DNA; energy

Promotes root development and flower developmentPromotes root development and flower developmentDo we ever let turf grass flower or seed ?Do we ever let turf grass flower or seed ?

PotassiumPotassium –– activates some enzymes in cell, activates some enzymes in cell, helps regulate ionic balance in cellhelps regulate ionic balance in cell

Helps plant regulate Nitrogen uptakeHelps plant regulate Nitrogen uptake

MacronutrientsMacronutrients (continued)(continued)Macronutrients Macronutrients (continued)(continued)MagnesiumMagnesium –– essential for chlorophyll essential for chlorophyll gg p yp yproduction, seed productionproduction, seed productionCalciumCalcium –– essential for creation of pectin (“glue” essential for creation of pectin (“glue” in cell walls) essential to bud growth rootin cell walls) essential to bud growth rootin cell walls), essential to bud growth, root in cell walls), essential to bud growth, root growthgrowthSulfurSulfur –– component of some proteinscomponent of some proteinsSulfurSulfur component of some proteinscomponent of some proteins

(Almost never deficient, these are often added as a (Almost never deficient, these are often added as a consequence of pH adjustments )consequence of pH adjustments )consequence of pH adjustments …)consequence of pH adjustments …)

What Nutrients Do We Add ?What Nutrients Do We Add ?What Nutrients Do We Add ?What Nutrients Do We Add ?NitrogenNitrogengg

Usually as nitrate (NOUsually as nitrate (NO33----))

Sometimes ammonia or ureaSometimes ammonia or ureaOften ammonium Often ammonium sulfatesulfate……

PhosphorousPhosphorousUsually as phosphate (POUsually as phosphate (PO ------ or Por P OO ))Usually as phosphate (POUsually as phosphate (PO44 or Por P22OO55))

PotassiumPotassiumUsually as “potash” (KUsually as “potash” (K22O)O)Usually as potash (KUsually as potash (K22O)O)

(Calcium and Magnesium in limestone)(Calcium and Magnesium in limestone)

How Much Do We Add?How Much Do We Add?How Much Do We Add?How Much Do We Add?

Remember, healthy turf will prevent erosionRemember, healthy turf will prevent erosionRemember, healthy turf will prevent erosionRemember, healthy turf will prevent erosionQuestion is, “What is Question is, “What is healthyhealthy turf ?”turf ?”

Too little fertilizer will not yield healthy turfToo little fertilizer will not yield healthy turfToo little fertilizer will not yield healthy turfToo little fertilizer will not yield healthy turfToo much increases the need for mowing, Too much increases the need for mowing, irrigationirrigationggSome evidence that “sufficient” fertilizer causes Some evidence that “sufficient” fertilizer causes plant to generate allelopathic compoundsplant to generate allelopathic compoundsNeed an objective measure of available soil Need an objective measure of available soil nitrogen….nitrogen….

H M h ?H M h ?How Much ?How Much ?

“Excess”Sufficiency

Deficiency

seR

espo

n

Nutrient Concentration

Turf Color Measurements (by Meter)Turf Color Measurements (by Meter)( y )( y )

Establish a max.Establish a max.Establish a max. Establish a max. baseline, then baseline, then manage for 90manage for 90--95% 95% of maximumof maximum

Karl Guillard – UCONN)

How Much ?How Much ?How Much ?How Much ?Old turf recommendation is ~4# Old turf recommendation is ~4# -- 5# N / 1000 sq 5# N / 1000 sq qqfeetfeet

Independent of location …Independent of location …Independent of turf speciesIndependent of turf speciesIndependent of turf species …Independent of turf species …Growing season may vary from 5 months to 10 Growing season may vary from 5 months to 10 monthsmonths

Modern research indicates lessModern research indicates lessModern research indicates lessModern research indicates lessKentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Rye Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Rye –– 3# 3# -- 4#4#Fine Fescues Fine Fescues –– 2#2#Less in more Northern climatesLess in more Northern climatesLess if cut with mulching mowerLess if cut with mulching mowerLess if turf is “old”Less if turf is “old”Less if turf is oldLess if turf is old

Age of TurfAge of TurfAge of Turf Age of Turf

NewlyNewly--seeded turf needs more fertilizer toseeded turf needs more fertilizer toNewlyNewly seeded turf needs more fertilizer to seeded turf needs more fertilizer to get establishedget establishedOlder turf may have large store in theOlder turf may have large store in theOlder turf may have large store in the Older turf may have large store in the thatch layerthatch layerL th t h b t t d ith iL th t h b t t d ith iLawn that has been treated with organic Lawn that has been treated with organic fertilizer may have large excess in thatch fertilizer may have large excess in thatch

FourFour--Step ? (FiveStep ? (Five--Step ?)Step ?)FourFour Step ? (FiveStep ? (Five Step ?)Step ?)Concept developed for lawns by marketingConcept developed for lawns by marketingp p y gp p y gSpread the application over the course of the Spread the application over the course of the year; add pesticides where neededyear; add pesticides where needed

Spring Spring –– prepre--emergent herbicide emergent herbicide –– crabgrasscrabgrassEarly Summer Early Summer –– broadbroad--leaf herbicideleaf herbicideLate SummerLate Summer grub controlgrub controlLate Summer Late Summer –– grub controlgrub controlFall Fall –– no additions no additions –– overover--seed new grassseed new grass

“Winterizer”“Winterizer”

Typical FourTypical Four--StepStepTypical FourTypical Four StepStep

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1.89 # N / 1000 sq. ft..89 # N / 1000 sq. ft. February February -- AprilApril

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2.99 # N / 1000 sq. ft..99 # N / 1000 sq. ft. April April -- JuneJune

Step 3Step 3pp.75 # N / 1000 sq. ft..75 # N / 1000 sq. ft. June June -- AugustAugust

Step 4Step 4pp.89 # N / 1000 sq. ft..89 # N / 1000 sq. ft. August August -- NovemberNovember

Annual Amount ?Annual Amount ?Annual Amount ?Annual Amount ?

3.44 # N / 1000 sq. ft.3.44 # N / 1000 sq. ft.3.44 # N / 1000 sq. ft.3.44 # N / 1000 sq. ft.Last application August Last application August –– NovemberNovember“Winterizer”“Winterizer”WinterizerWinterizer

Recommended rate = .63 # N / 1000 sq. ft.Recommended rate = .63 # N / 1000 sq. ft.“Heavy Duty” rate = .89 # N / 1000 sq. ft.“Heavy Duty” rate = .89 # N / 1000 sq. ft.y y qy y qApply “…late summer or fall…”Apply “…late summer or fall…”8 weeks after new grass germinates8 weeks after new grass germinates

Total 4.07 # N to 4.31 # N / 1000 sq. ft.Total 4.07 # N to 4.31 # N / 1000 sq. ft.Step 4 in AugustStep 4 in August--Nov + Winterizer in NovNov + Winterizer in Nov

When Do We Fertilize ?When Do We Fertilize ?e o e e t ee o e e t e

1960’s and Earlier - Fertilize Turf Prior to Major Growth Phases:

Current Turf Fertilization ProgramsCurrent Turf Fertilization ProgramsEmphasize fall fertilization for spring greenup….

Benefits of Fall N Fertilization ofBenefits of Fall N Fertilization ofBenefits of Fall N Fertilization of Benefits of Fall N Fertilization of CoolCool--Season TurfSeason Turf

Fall and Winter Color RetentionFall and Winter Color RetentionEarlier Spring GreenEarlier Spring Green--UpUpIncreased Turf DensityIncreased Turf DensityIncreased Turf DensityIncreased Turf DensityImproved Rooting/Rhizome CharacteristicsImproved Rooting/Rhizome CharacteristicsIncome generating activityIncome generating activityIncome generating activityIncome generating activity

Root MassRoot Mass

H d J kH d J kHanson and Juska, Hanson and Juska, 1961. 1961. Agron. J.Agron. J.53:37253:372--374.374.

Winter Root Activity Winter Root Activity in Kentucky in Kentucky Bluegrass (Bluegrass (PoaPoa

t it i L )L )pratensispratensis L.)L.)

St d d t d iSt d d t d iStudy conducted in Study conducted in MarylandMaryland CheckCheck 3 lbs N Sept.3 lbs N Sept.

Winter Color (Winter Color (Powell et al 1967)Powell et al 1967)Winter Color…(Winter Color…(Powell et al., 1967)Powell et al., 1967)

Summary:Summary:

“Bimonthly N applications during fall and winter in“Bimonthly N applications during fall and winter in“Bimonthly N applications during fall and winter in “Bimonthly N applications during fall and winter in Virginia latitudes will not only improve winter color Virginia latitudes will not only improve winter color and quality of hardy turf grasses but will alsoand quality of hardy turf grasses but will alsoand quality of hardy turf grasses but will also and quality of hardy turf grasses but will also improve root growth”improve root growth”

Study conducted in VirginiaStudy conducted in Virginia

Spring Greening Spring Greening & Oth& Oth

Wilki d D ffWilki d D ff

Oct. 1 and 15Oct. 1 and 15

Nov. 1 and 15Nov. 1 and 15

& Other& Other

Wilkinson and Duff, Wilkinson and Duff, 1972. 1972. Agron. J.Agron. J.59:52959:529--530530

Dec. 1 and 15Dec. 1 and 15

Effects of Fall Effects of Fall Fertilization on Cold Fertilization on Cold Resistance, Color, and Resistance, Color, and Growth of Kentucky Growth of Kentucky BluegrassBluegrassBluegrassBluegrass

Study conducted in RIStudy conducted in RIStudy conducted in RIStudy conducted in RI

Wilki d D ff 1972Wilki d D ff 1972Wilkinson and Duff, 1972Wilkinson and Duff, 1972

Summary:Summary:“If the promotion of color alone is emphasized, “If the promotion of color alone is emphasized, fertilization up until Nov. 1 provided good turf color in fertilization up until Nov. 1 provided good turf color in the fall.the fall. Fertilization after Nov. 1 appeared to be too Fertilization after Nov. 1 appeared to be too pppplatelate for any significant production or maintenance of for any significant production or maintenance of color”color”

Study done in Rhode IslandStudy done in Rhode Island

For some reasonFor some reason ThanksgivingThanksgiving is stillis stillFor some reason For some reason ThanksgivingThanksgiving is still is still cited as the time for fall fertilization in our cited as the time for fall fertilization in our region….region….

Evapotranspiration Drives Nutrient Evapotranspiration Drives Nutrient Uptake…Uptake…

Ions absorbed with Ions absorbed with water by root hairswater by root hairs

Why Do We Care ?Why Do We Care ?Why Do We Care ?Why Do We Care ?

We want to make landscaping accepted as part of We want to make landscaping accepted as part of th l ti th th t f th blth l ti th th t f th blthe solution, rather than part of the problem.the solution, rather than part of the problem.

UCONN ResearchUCONN ResearchUCONN ResearchUCONN Research

Using chlorophyll, color meter, andUsing chlorophyll, color meter, andUsing chlorophyll, color meter, and Using chlorophyll, color meter, and reflectance measurements to reflectance measurements to quantitatively assess “greening”quantitatively assess “greening”q y g gq y g gAsked general public to rate several lawnsAsked general public to rate several lawns

IndividuallyIndividuallyyyComparing one lawn to anotherComparing one lawn to another

Spent one year calibrating measurements Spent one year calibrating measurements p y gp y gto perceived quality (“It’s good” etc.)to perceived quality (“It’s good” etc.)Now working on total N budgetNow working on total N budgetg gg g

grass plot Last Application:Last Application:

September 15September 15top soil

September 15September 15

October 15October 15

sub soilNovember 15November 15

December 15December 15

Off-the-Shelf “Winterizer”

lysimeter

Winterizer fertilizer

lysimeter

collection vessel

The soil monolith lysimeter

Spring Greening vs Fall FertilizingSpring Greening vs Fall FertilizingSpring Greening vs. Fall FertilizingSpring Greening vs. Fall Fertilizing

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Mangiafico and Guillard, JEQ 2006

Shoot Density vs Fall FertilizerShoot Density vs Fall FertilizerShoot Density vs. Fall FertilizerShoot Density vs. Fall Fertilizer

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Mangiafico and Guillard, JEQ 2006

N Leaching vs Fall FertilizationN Leaching vs Fall FertilizationN Leaching vs. Fall FertilizationN Leaching vs. Fall Fertilization

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N D J F M A JM J A S O N D J F M A JM J A S O N D J F M A JM J A S O

1996 1997 1998 1999Cum

DateGuillard and Kopp (2004, J. Environ. Qual. 33:1822-1827)

ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions

There is some improvement in color andThere is some improvement in color andThere is some improvement in color and There is some improvement in color and plant mass from fall fertilizationplant mass from fall fertilization

Visual improvement is less significant than Visual improvement is less significant than p gp gscientific measurementsscientific measurements

There is dramatic increase in the amount There is dramatic increase in the amount of nitrogen leaching with later dates of of nitrogen leaching with later dates of fertilizationfertilizationOctober 15 is optimum time for fall October 15 is optimum time for fall fertilization in Southern New Englandfertilization in Southern New England

Should I Use Organic Fertilizer ?Should I Use Organic Fertilizer ?Should I Use Organic Fertilizer ?Should I Use Organic Fertilizer ?Usually agricultural byUsually agricultural by--productsproducts

Manure (rotted, not fresh)Manure (rotted, not fresh)Bone MealBone MealFish EmulsionFish EmulsionS W d (b t th lt !)S W d (b t th lt !)Sea Weed (but remove the salt !)Sea Weed (but remove the salt !)Sewage SludgeSewage SludgeCompostCompost

SlowSlow release because the fertilizer must “decompose”release because the fertilizer must “decompose”SlowSlow--release, because the fertilizer must decompose release, because the fertilizer must decompose (bacterial action) to nitrate, phosphate, etc(bacterial action) to nitrate, phosphate, etcDecomposition rate depends on temperature, moistureDecomposition rate depends on temperature, moistureLess likely to cause “salt burn” (but itLess likely to cause “salt burn” (but it cancan happen !)happen !)Less likely to cause salt burn (but it Less likely to cause salt burn (but it cancan happen !)happen !)As sources of N, P, and K, they are a bit weak, but they may As sources of N, P, and K, they are a bit weak, but they may improve the soil in other waysimprove the soil in other ways

Common Sense Dos and Don’tsCommon Sense Dos and Don’tsCommon Sense Dos and Don tsCommon Sense Dos and Don ts

Do not apply fertilizer to frozen groundDo not apply fertilizer to frozen groundDo not apply fertilizer to frozen ground ….Do not apply fertilizer to frozen ground ….Perhaps only fertilize when you are actively mowing ?Perhaps only fertilize when you are actively mowing ?

Try to separate fertilization from pest treatmentTry to separate fertilization from pest treatmentTry to separate fertilization from pest treatmentTry to separate fertilization from pest treatmentAlways follow the manufacturer’s directionsAlways follow the manufacturer’s directionsAlways calibrate your spreader / sprayerAlways calibrate your spreader / sprayerAlways calibrate your spreader / sprayerAlways calibrate your spreader / sprayerAvoid paved surfaces, walks, driveways, etc.Avoid paved surfaces, walks, driveways, etc.If t i l d f ll h d f itIf t i l d f ll h d f itIf material does fall on hard surfaces, sweep it If material does fall on hard surfaces, sweep it off off (“Every curb is a beach front….”)(“Every curb is a beach front….”)

EdgeGuard™EdgeGuard™EdgeGuardEdgeGuard

New product f t b ffl tfeatures a baffle to restrict material broadcast on one side…combining the advantages of both broadcastboth broadcast and drop spreaders.

More Common SenseMore Common SenseMore Common SenseMore Common SenseAvoid applying fertilizer during a heat wave Avoid applying fertilizer during a heat wave pp y g gpp y g g–– wait until the plants are not stressed.wait until the plants are not stressed.Avoid applying fertilizer just before a heavy Avoid applying fertilizer just before a heavy

iirainrainBe especially careful around water Be especially careful around water -- lakes, lakes, ponds streams the ocean your wellponds streams the ocean your wellponds, streams, the ocean, your well ….ponds, streams, the ocean, your well ….Consider pets and/or children playing in the Consider pets and/or children playing in the lawn….lawn….Remember, there are no safe products, Remember, there are no safe products, only safe practices….only safe practices….

More Common SenseMore Common SenseMore Common SenseMore Common Sense

Consider applying Consider applying fertilizer in two fertilizer in two passes made at rightpasses made at rightpasses, made at right passes, made at right angles to each other, angles to each other, maybe spaced 2 maybe spaced 2 weeks apart. Better weeks apart. Better coverage, less coverage, less chance for fertilizer chance for fertilizer burn. (And good burn. (And good exercise !)exercise !)

WateringWateringWateringWateringLawns need 1” to 2” of water per weekLawns need 1” to 2” of water per weekppBetter to water all at once (or twice), rather than Better to water all at once (or twice), rather than 5 minutes each day5 minutes each dayBetter to water in the morning rather than in the Better to water in the morning rather than in the eveningeveningNN ti t i t t th hti t i t t th hNoonNoon--time watering may waste water through time watering may waste water through evaporationevaporationA lawn needs water when it looks wilted orA lawn needs water when it looks wilted orA lawn needs water when it looks wilted, or A lawn needs water when it looks wilted, or when footprints persist …when footprints persist …

1” to 2” Per Week ??1” to 2” Per Week ??

MowingMowingMowingMowing

Usually mow each week, unless the turf isUsually mow each week, unless the turf isUsually mow each week, unless the turf is Usually mow each week, unless the turf is dormantdormant

Controls weeds (removes seeds)Controls weeds (removes seeds)Avoids mowing shockAvoids mowing shock

Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf bladeNever remove more than 1/3 of the leaf bladeAlways use a sharp blade ….Always use a sharp blade ….Mulching is better than bagging, if you mow Mulching is better than bagging, if you mow g gg g yg gg g yfrequently and with a sharp frequently and with a sharp mulchingmulching bladeblade

Mowing HeightMowing HeightMowing Height Mowing Height Lawn services often mow too short Lawn services often mow too short –– “Golf “Golf Course Syndrome”Course Syndrome”A tall lawn in summer protects roots from heat A tall lawn in summer protects roots from heat and minimizes evaporation from soiland minimizes evaporation from soiland minimizes evaporation from soiland minimizes evaporation from soilTall lawn helps control weedsTall lawn helps control weedsMy unscientific survey of my neighborhood My unscientific survey of my neighborhood y y y gy y y gfavors tall (3”+) favors tall (3”+) –– it just looks betterit just looks betterAim for 2½” Aim for 2½” –– 3” after cut3” after cut

If you cut 1” each time let it grow to ~3½”If you cut 1” each time let it grow to ~3½”If you cut 1 each time, let it grow to ~3½If you cut 1 each time, let it grow to ~3½Mow shorter at end of year (last mowing) to Mow shorter at end of year (last mowing) to facilitate raking (and to prevent disease)facilitate raking (and to prevent disease)

ThatchThatchThatchThatchOften misunderstoodOften misunderstoodNaturallyNaturally--occurring blend occurring blend of living and dead tissueof living and dead tissueMay block water and airMay block water and airMay block water and air May block water and air penetration in soil if penetration in soil if allowed to build upallowed to build upC b t ll d bC b t ll d bCan be controlled by Can be controlled by combination of good combination of good cultural practices and cultural practices and

di l t t tdi l t t tremedial treatmentremedial treatment

Controlling ThatchControlling ThatchControlling ThatchControlling Thatch

Mulching is not the problemMulching is not the problem –– infrequentinfrequentMulching is not the problem Mulching is not the problem infrequent infrequent mowing, removing too much of the leaf blade in mowing, removing too much of the leaf blade in one pass, or a dull mower blade is the problemone pass, or a dull mower blade is the problemThatching tools (rakes, dedicated machines, or Thatching tools (rakes, dedicated machines, or springspring--ended mower blades) can do the job, but ended mower blades) can do the job, but may tear the turfmay tear the turfCore aeration is preferred solution todayCore aeration is preferred solution todaySome turf species / varieties are more prone to Some turf species / varieties are more prone to thatch than othersthatch than others

Core AerationCore AerationCore AerationCore Aeration

Core AerationCore AerationCore AerationCore Aeration

Note: Golf Note: Golf shoes do shoes do notnotaerate your aerate your lawn. They lawn. They compress andcompress andcompress and compress and compact the compact the soilsoilsoilsoil

Problems ….Problems ….

Is this lawn healthy ? Or is it over-run with clover ? (Hintclover ? (Hint –the clover was planted here ….)

WeedsWeedsWeedsWeedsAnnual weeds (e.g. crabgrass)Annual weeds (e.g. crabgrass)( g g )( g g )

Digging may not be practical or effective (seeds)…Digging may not be practical or effective (seeds)…Prevent them with prePrevent them with pre--emergent herbicide (or with emergent herbicide (or with allelopathic fescues)allelopathic fescues)allelopathic fescues)allelopathic fescues)Some experiments with “organic” remedies, but Some experiments with “organic” remedies, but inconclusive (an may be unacceptable in terms of inconclusive (an may be unacceptable in terms of fertility)fertility)y)y)

Perennial weeds (e.g. dandelions)Perennial weeds (e.g. dandelions)Digging may not be practicalDigging may not be practicalDigging may not be practicalDigging may not be practicalBroadBroad--leaf herbicides help (2leaf herbicides help (2--4,D, dicamba)4,D, dicamba)General herbicides for nonGeneral herbicides for non--broadleaf (glyphosate)broadleaf (glyphosate)Spot treatment uses far less active ingredientSpot treatment uses far less active ingredientSpot treatment uses far less active ingredientSpot treatment uses far less active ingredient

Patching Bare SpotsPatching Bare SpotsPatching Bare SpotsPatching Bare SpotsFirst, correct the underlying causeFirst, correct the underlying cause, y g, y gEliminate weeds if there are anyEliminate weeds if there are anyLoosen the soil with a rake, hoe, etcLoosen the soil with a rake, hoe, etc, ,, ,Fertilize if neededFertilize if neededUse Tupersan/Siduron to prevent crabgrassUse Tupersan/Siduron to prevent crabgrassScatter seeds per directionsScatter seeds per directionsWater with fine mist Water with fine mist –– keep moist for 5keep moist for 5--25 days 25 days (d d i )(d d i )(depends on variety)(depends on variety)“Patching mix” generally poor investment “Patching mix” generally poor investment ––cheap seed mixes (often annual ryegrass)cheap seed mixes (often annual ryegrass)cheap seed mixes (often annual ryegrass)cheap seed mixes (often annual ryegrass)

Fix the Fix the underlyingunderlyingunderlyingunderlyingcause ….cause ….

This path has This path has resulted in resulted in

compacted soil that compacted soil that will not support will not support

new growth Evennew growth Evennew growth. Even new growth. Even if it did, would if it did, would people stop people stop

lki h ?lki h ?walking here ?walking here ?

TheTheSolutionSolution

Insect PestsInsect PestsInsect PestsInsect Pests

Army WormsArmy WormsArmy WormsArmy WormsChinch BugsChinch BugsS d W bS d W bSod WebwormsSod WebwormsGrubsGrubs

White GrubsWhite GrubsWhite GrubsWhite Grubs

GrubsGrubsGrubsGrubs

Seasonal life cycle of the Japanese beetle (diagrammatic). Seaso a e cyc e o t e Japa ese beet e (d ag a at c)

OverwinteringOverwinteringgrubsgrubs

UpwardUpwardmigrationmigration

Pupation and Pupation and adult emergenceadult emergence

EggsEggslaidlaid

Hatching andHatching andlarval growthlarval growth

Downward migrationDownward migrationfor hibernationfor hibernation

JJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Decan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

grubsgrubs migrationmigration gg gg

Grub ControlGrub ControlGrub ControlGrub ControlMinimize your turf area…Minimize your turf area…yyMinimize Kentucky BluegrassMinimize Kentucky BluegrassIncrease shade in your lawn areaIncrease shade in your lawn areayyMaintain good cultural practices (water, fertilizer, Maintain good cultural practices (water, fertilizer, pH, thatch, etc.)pH, thatch, etc.)Biological ControlsBiological Controls

“Milky Spore”“Milky Spore”NematodesNematodesNematodesNematodesBt Bt “Bui“Bui--bui” (expected 2008)bui” (expected 2008)

Lawns Go DormantLawns Go Dormant

July

Chemical Grub ControlChemical Grub ControlChemical Grub ControlChemical Grub Control“Merit” (Imidacloprid)“Merit” (Imidacloprid)

S t iS t i l t t k it f tl t t k it f tSystemic Systemic –– plant takes it up from rootsplant takes it up from rootsLong lasting Long lasting –– put down June 1 put down June 1 –– Aug 15Aug 15Recent concerns about overRecent concerns about over--useuse

Dylox (Trichlorofon)Dylox (Trichlorofon)Dylox (Trichlorofon)Dylox (Trichlorofon)Fast acting, but short life (10 days)Fast acting, but short life (10 days)Avoid high pHAvoid high pHAlso effective against sod webwormsAlso effective against sod webworms

“G b“G b BB G ”G ” t lt l (H l f id )(H l f id )“Grub“Grub--BB--Gon” Gon” et alet al (Halofenozide)(Halofenozide)Controls adult beetles Controls adult beetles –– June 21June 21--July 21July 21

AceleprynAceleprynNew on 2008New on 2008New on 2008New on 2008“Low Risk” by EPA“Low Risk” by EPAGrubs, caterpillars, billbugs, chinch bugsGrubs, caterpillars, billbugs, chinch bugs

Common Lawn DiseasesCommon Lawn DiseasesCommon Lawn DiseasesCommon Lawn Diseases

Summer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchDollar SpotDollar SpotR d Th dR d Th dRed ThreadRed ThreadPink SnowPink SnowNecrotic SpotNecrotic Spot

The Disease TriangleThe Disease TriangleThe Disease TriangleThe Disease Triangle

PathogenPathogen

Host Environmental C ditiConditions

Summer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchFungal disease (Fungal disease (fusariumfusariumg (g (blight)blight)Sometimes results from Sometimes results from l i t ll i t llow moisture or low low moisture or low nitrogen concentration in nitrogen concentration in soilsoilCommon in summerCommon in summerMost common in Most common in K t k BlK t k BlKentucky BluegrassKentucky Bluegrass

Dollar SpotDollar SpotDollar SpotDollar Spot-Fungal diseaseFungal disease

-Soil too wet

-Water no more than twice a week, morning only

R d Th dR d Th dRed ThreadRed Thread

-Fungal disease

-Red thread d l t tdevelops at cut

-Nitrogen deficiency

Pink SnowPink SnowPink SnowPink Snow

Tan spot with pinkTan spot with pinkTan spot with pink Tan spot with pink ringringEarly springEarly springy p gy p gExcessive N in fallExcessive N in fallGrass left too tall inGrass left too tall inGrass left too tall in Grass left too tall in fallfallHeavy snow cover in Heavy snow cover in ea y s o co eea y s o co ewinterwinter

Necrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring Spot

Fungal diseaseFungal diseaseFungal disease Fungal disease brought on by droughtbrought on by droughtMay be caused by May be caused by y yy ycompaction or thatch compaction or thatch buildbuild--upupLeave grass long in Leave grass long in summersummer

CulturalCultural Control of Turf DiseasesControl of Turf DiseasesCulturalCultural Control of Turf DiseasesControl of Turf Diseases

Except on golf courses, few of theseExcept on golf courses, few of theseExcept on golf courses, few of these Except on golf courses, few of these require fungicide applicationrequire fungicide applicationSome caused by too little NSome caused by too little NSome caused by too little NSome caused by too little N

Summer PatchSummer PatchRed ThreadRed ThreadRed ThreadRed ThreadDollar SpotDollar Spot

Some caused by too much NSome caused by too much NSome caused by too much NSome caused by too much NPink SnowPink Snow

Disease Control (2)Disease Control (2)Disease Control (2)Disease Control (2)

Thatch controlThatch controlThatch controlThatch controlSummer Patch (affects water penetration)Summer Patch (affects water penetration)Necrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring Spot

Water correctlyWater correctlySummer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchSummer PatchNecrotic Ring SpotNecrotic Ring SpotDollar Spot (too Dollar Spot (too muchmuch water)water)p (p ( ))

Take Home MessagesTake Home MessagesTake Home MessagesTake Home MessagesGet a soil test to manage pHGet a soil test to manage pHg pg pFall fertilization is beneficial for maintaining color, but do Fall fertilization is beneficial for maintaining color, but do so before Novemberso before NovemberIf you fertilize in Spring do so after the grass is activelyIf you fertilize in Spring do so after the grass is activelyIf you fertilize in Spring, do so after the grass is actively If you fertilize in Spring, do so after the grass is actively growinggrowingIf you use pesticides, favor spot treatment over If you use pesticides, favor spot treatment over b d t t t tb d t t t tbroadcast treatmentbroadcast treatmentMow high (~3”), with a Mow high (~3”), with a sharpsharp mulching blade, and leave mulching blade, and leave clippings on lawnclippings on lawnggSweep chemicals and grass clippings off of hard Sweep chemicals and grass clippings off of hard surfacessurfacesAlways use the best seed you can obtainAlways use the best seed you can obtainAlways use the best seed you can obtainAlways use the best seed you can obtain

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsDr. Karl GuillardDr. Karl Guillard

Research Professor, U. ConnecticutResearch Professor, U. ConnecticutRay WeilRay Weil

Dept of Soil Science, U. MarylandDept of Soil Science, U. MarylandMary BarbercheckMary Barbercheck

D t f E t l P St t U iD t f E t l P St t U iDept. of Entomology, Penn. State Univ.Dept. of Entomology, Penn. State Univ.Cathy NealCathy Neal

Extension Professor U New HampshireExtension Professor U New HampshireExtension Professor, U. New HampshireExtension Professor, U. New HampshireDr. Robert RafkaDr. Robert Rafka

Organic Chemist, PfizerOrganic Chemist, Pfizerg ,g ,

Questions ?