I have been writing this column since around 1989. Right
after Hurricane Hugo, I started this column (with the help of many others from
the Post and Courier family) to try to help people out with their landscape
situations after “The Storm”.
With over 26 years of articles in the archives (over 1300
articles), it is easy to spot trends. I see (in my article’s crystal ball) that
during the next two weeks’ army worms will be looking to add a little fiber to
their diet in the form of your turf grass.
I have also noticed a few moths flying around in my yard in
the evening and have been told by many of my fellow moth watching friends that
they are starting to see them as well. Moths fly around, lay eggs, then the
hungry worm emerges and eats your grass. The worm then becomes a moth and the
cycle begins again.
07-00-14 + Allectus (if you need a little fertilizer to get
you through the summer), Bifen, or Sevin G would help prevent the grass
munchers from eating the grass you have tried so hard to cultivate over the
summer. EcoVia is an NOP (National Organics Program) compliant product that
works great if you prefer to use organic products.
While driving around and looking at my own yard, the grass
is looking a little “washed out” from the high temperatures and the lack of
fertilizer. Most people’s spring fertilizer has been consumed by the plant and
turned into clippings. 07-00-14 + Allectus and Perk are two good fertilizers to
get you through until it is preemerge time again. If you are working from
information derived from a soil test or custom program, stick with those
recommendations.
I’m still seeing areas that are dying from lack of water.
The grass will just thin out and die. With the high temperatures we are having,
good coverage is a must. If you have an irrigation system check the valves and
the heads to be sure everything is working.
While you are out there working in the yard, remember the
sunscreen (sun cancer seems to be another way our reckless youth catches up
with us), sun protection clothing, and water (rotate in a sport’s drink as
well). Mosquitoes?
