Turf & Ornamental Maintenance

Interesting post from Michigan State University Extension- "I read in a newspaper article that I should mix some baby shampoo, ammonia, beer, and some corn syrup in a 20 gallon hose end sprayer. Really? What are these ingredients all about and how could they possibly work on a lawn? Baby shampoo could serve as a type of surfactant that could reduce water repellency in the soil – if that’s a problem for your soil. Ammonia is a source of nitrogen. Beer and corn syrup has some sort of natural organic fertilizer or biostimulant.

 Buffer areas of well-maintained grassy lawns around buildings and homes are good insurance against fire.

Wow, it is going to be hot this week!  Mid 90's until Thursday, with no chances of rain until late week.  Most people have their sprinklers on, but due to the rainy spring, probably only watering 2-3 times per week.  That isn't going to cut it this week.  Please run manual cycles in addition to regularyly scheduled times as needed this week to help the turf get through this hot, dry spell. 

Be on the lookout for turfgrass diseases in your yard in the next few months.  Brown areas may start to appear and it might not always be drought.  They may be cause by humidity and excessively wet conditions.

Brown Patch Fungus

Grasses At Risk

• All common turf grasses
• Especially lush, cool-season grasses
• Tall fescue lawns

Environmental Influences

Heavy leaf cover is devastating on new grass seedlings.  Make sure to try to keep your leaves raked on a regular basis this fall so your new grass isn't harmed.  **Use care when raking as to not damage tender seedlings.

RTF- (rhizomatous/Spreading Fescues)- Post by Rodney St. John, Kstate Turf Blog

Is my grass dormant or dead?  I've had this questions posed to me many times over the last couple of weeks.  The heat wave seems to be over, but it left a huge wake of destruction in its path.  Many yards with full exposure to the sun have spots that have completely been burned up and will not return.  Other areas have spots that simply are taking a nap, or have gone dormant.  A good way to tell is to envision bristles on a brush, if your brown grass is still standing upright like bristles on a brush, no need to worry.  If the grass is lay

 If you are a member of our 7 Round Turf Program and are planning to seed this fall on your own, please call the office or your turf manager to inform us.  We alter the chemicals in round 6 to benefit seed growth and development!

Within the next couple of weeks, your turf manager will be leaving a recommendation of what your lawn needs this fall.  They will look at problem areas within your turf and share with you some ideas of what Aspen can do to help you create a more full & lush stand of grass.  Starting at the end of August and throughout September we will be starting the fall seeding.  If you are not currently on the turf program, we would still love to give you a free estimate.  Contact the office for more details and scheduling.