Horticulture Hotline 05/07/24
Irrigation has been very important this spring since many lawns are so dry due to the lack of rainfall. We had a whole lot of rain in the beginning of the year then it stopped. Many of these places have irrigation; however, due to the wind and lack of good coverage; they are still experiencing dry spots. This is the type of year that companies that install and maintain irrigation systems are very busy.
This dry weather also helps hide fire ants. With plenty of moisture, fire ants usually have a visible mound. As dry as it has been, fire ants are still out there foraging even though they do not have a distinct mound. Be careful, they are harder to see and they will still bite the fool out of you! The soil temperatures have warmed up enough that bait products will be very effective in managing this pest.
The dry weather also makes the damage from mole crickets much worse. Moisture usually helps the roots of the grass stick to the soil. With the soil being dry, the roots separate from the soil, drying out the grass and killing it.
The dry weather has also brought the nasty rascal, the chinch bug, out on St. Augustine grass earlier than usual. In the old days, it did not seem like we worried about the nasty rascal until July 4th; however, anytime there is a dry spring, they will be out early.
Fleas also have come out in full force this spring. Fleas like a wet fall / winter. They were bad last year, and it appears they will be bad again this year. Nylar growth regulator will help control these guys inside and out. Also, include an adulticide with this growth regulator.
Water, water, water! A lot of grass and trees are severely stressed from the lack of rain. Adding organic matter to your yard or a wetting agent will help improve water retention. Many people will see a 30-60% reduction in their water bill from applying these products to their lawn. Trees don’t show stress as obvious as your grass does; however, trees are very important to the landscape and are expensive to take down and replace. Trees that are under drought stress usually die from borers or some other secondary insect, when all they really need is a little water.
With fresh fruit and vegetables being consumed, drain flies are making their presence known. Run your disposal regularly, empty the trash (or compost), and pour some Invade BioDrain down your sink so the microbes can eliminate organic debris.
As humans need to drink a lot this time of year, so does your grass! Water, water, water! The nighttime temperatures are finally warming up to the point where grass should grow and start filling in bare areas. Trees and shrubs need water also.
