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Lawns as we know them today were virtually impossible prior to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Public water was not as easily available, grass was not easy to grow or keep manicured. If there happened to be a grassy area it was sparse and patchy with dirt and w...

We need water.

Using deeper rooting grass plants have a major impact on water conservation. Selecting turf grasses that use less water, are well adapted to our climate and soil conditions is a great start in achieving the goal of conserving water in irrigated lawns. 

Som...

This time of year lawns and grass plants get seedy. Seeded plants will be taller and stocky. Grasses will not be as soft and pretty at these times as they place energy emphasis into reproduction, the Nature of the Plant.

The seed is the fruit that allows for more...

Ascochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease targeting grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass and Texas hybrid bluegrass. Ascochyta can be a big problem in lawns after a cool, wet spring followed by hot, dry summer months. Every year this stress induced fungal disease...

Lawn fertilizers are often implicated as a major source of phosphate pollution. When improperly applied, spilled onto streets, sidewalks and driveways both organic or manufactured fertilizer will pollute our groundwater, lakes and streams.

Research shows with proper app...

Mowing is defined as the mechanical removal of leaf tissue. A general rule of thumb is to cut no more than one third (1/3) of the leaf blade at each mowing. I like to mow the lawn shorter the first cut of spring and I keep it a bit longer before winter dormancy. A shor...

Organic fertilizers, are commonly processed from various animal, plant and human by-products. Organic fertilizers are comparatively low in nutrient content so they require

significantly larger volumes. Organics also have slower nutrient release rates than

Manufactured f...

Plants need essential nutrients for optimal growth and recovery. Turf grass fertilization is a key component for ideal growth and performance of the lawn.

Nitrogen (N) often gets the most attention. Nitrogen release gives the grass a vigorous growth flush when applied....

Thatch is a natural occurring layer of accumulated grass clippings, stems, roots and other decomposing matter found between growing grass and the soil under it often creating the spongy feel when walking on a thatchy lawn. 

Thatch develops when high maintenance lawns pr...

There is no ‘perfect time’ to aerate a lawn. In spring the optimal window for aeration is March through April. We do not recommend to aerate in fall as holes left by aerator may not fill in prior to winter freeze and dryness. Aeration done in fall can potentially cause...