Brown Patch Fungus is in the attack mode. The shorter days,
moisture and finally the cooler weather has given this fungus all the
conditions it likes to destroy the yard you worked hard on all summer. Disarm
the fungus with Disarm fungicide!
Scout your yard for sod webworms and army worms. It is
amazing with 3 stores (Possum’s) the stories you hear from lawn care people and
homeowners about these worms. They can eat so much so fast it is amazing.
Whether it is the professional or the DIY homeowner that has worked hard all
summer to grow a uniform stand of turf, the sod webworm just doesn’t seem to
care.
To scout for this varmint, look for scalped grass that has
bite marks on the leaf blade. Moths flying around in a zigzag pattern in and
out of the turf at dust is also a dead giveaway.
Scale, aphids, and lace bugs are still out there sucking the
life out of you plants. Evergreens you could use a drench product like
Dominion. If your plant or tree is losing leaves for the winter, horticultural
oil might be a better choice, depending on the infestation.
Winterizing your turf and shrubs should also be considered.
No one likes to go to sleep hungry! Possum Minors, 00-00-25 Sulfate of Potash +
minors, SeaHume, Cotton Burr Compost and / or Excell are a few excellent
options. Watch out for the national marketing campaigns that promote products
that were not designed to be used in this area.
I’m sure you have put out one round of preemergent herbicide
by now for winter weed control in your beds and turf. If not, better late than
never. Weed seeds germinate pretty much year round here.
If you are changing out flowers in containers or hanging
baskets, consider incorporating HydroStretch or Hort-a-Sorb. These products
help manage water and your plants will not dry out so fast.
Fire Ants are out in big numbers after all the rain we had
earlier this year. One bait product that works very good and is very reasonably
price is Extinguish Plus. This product has a growth regulator in it and usually
keeps ants out of an area for 6 months. Bait products or contact killers
usually work best if spread over the whole yard.
I was working on an order of rat and mice control products
last week and I mean to tell you, people of the Lowcountry, we have rodents!
Rodents like to come inside this time of year.
Roaches, moles, fleas?
Always read, understand and follow product label. The
product label is a Federal Law.
Bill Lamson-Scribner
can be reached during the week at Possum’s Landscape and Pest Control Supply.
Possum’s has three locations 481
Long Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant
(971-9601), 3325 Business Circle
in North Charleston
(760-2600), or 606 Dupont Rd,
in Charleston
(766-1511). Bring your questions to a Possum’s location, or visit us at
http://www.possumsupply.com. You can also call in your questions to “ The
Garden Clinic”, Saturdays from noon to 1:00, on 1250 WTMA (The Big Talker). The Horticulture Hotline is
available 24 / 7 at possumsupply.com.
