Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions and answers that we often receive. They should be considered as general information and may not apply to all situations. We encourage you to ask one of our trained lawn technicians or call the office during regular business hours if you have a special problem. We'll be more than happy to discuss possible solutions specifically designed to address your situation.
If you have a question, please call our office or use our easy online form: QUESTION
Q. Why won't my grass grow under the tree? I have the best St. Augustine
type.
A. The reason for the general poor performance is a lack of, or alteration
of, sunlight. The light quality is diminished because trees absorb the same
light needed by grass, and since the trees get to it first, they get the most.
In addition, trees affect the intensity and duration of light on the turf.
Trees alter conditions by moderating temperatures, leveling out the highs
and lows, decreasing wind, increasing humidity and intensifying competition
for water and nutrients.
As a result, turf experiences reduced shoot density, more upright growth,
increased plant height, decreased root depth and thinner leaves and cell walls,
causing fewer carbohydrates to develop in the cell walls, reducing photosynthesis
and transpiration rates and making them more susceptible to disease. In other
words, grass doesn't do too good under trees.
Many of the semi-dwarf types have excellent shade tolerance relative to the
coarse-type St. Augustinegrasses and other warm-season grasses.
We also know that the semi-dwarf varieties do not possess chinch bug resistance,
and those planting this grass will need to use insecticides to control infestations
when they occur.
Q: Reports on this new St. Augustine Grass called Palmetto are appearing. Tell me about this grass. I have Raleigh currently with severe brown spots and areas that have never greened up since last winter.
A: St. Augustinegrasses are mainly propagated vegetatively. Therefore, breeding of new varieties takes time, which is one of a variety of reasons for their slow appearance in the marketplace. A key factor is the long and vigorous testing required before release. For example, Floratam resulted in a combined 10-plus year efforts of both the University of Florida and Texas A&M (that's why it is named Flora-T&M) has become a highly successful example of breeding efforts.
Palmetto is the new kid on the block. It is available as plugs or sod. Results are encouraging. There has been anecdotal claims for deep rooting capabilities and its ability to establish itself quickly even under adverse conditions.
Palmetto was discovered and developed on a sod farm near Daytona Beach, Florida. The cultivar has been tested under "real life" conditions on the sod farm and in practical homeowner situations. Palmetto is not a miracle grass, but the combination of characteristics demonstrated is unequaled.
The most notable attribute when examining a field or plot of Palmetto is it's deep, vivid color and soft texture. Its visual appeal alone makes it a superior choice compared to other strains available. Palmetto has proved to be exceptional both sun and shade. Often in designing a landscape, a grass is required that will thrive in both full sun and shade. This problem becomes more exaggerated as landscapes mature, and shady areas increase when trees grow larger. Palmetto is the most versatile St. Augustine available to address these changing needs.
Cold snaps can severely damage or kill Raleigh St. Augustine. Palmetto has withstood temperatures near 5 degrees F. in South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas with no significant damage. In Jacksonville, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina Palmetto has remained green in areas where other St. Augustines have gone dormant. Palmetto remained green in the Tampa area after two nights of heavy frosts. Floratam and Raleigh St. Augustine both sustained significant browning out damage in the same area.
Another important characteristic of Palmetto is its deep, massive root system. Once established, this could help reduce watering. In addition, this root system causes Palmetto to transplant well, and establish quickly. It is often desirable to plant a landscape that gives the appearance of a mature lawn shortly after installing.
In selecting grass varieties, it's important to recognize relative strengths and weaknesses to aid in the selection of the most suitable variety for your site. St. Augustinegrasses can perform well in a wide range of sites formerly thought of as sites for Centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, or bermudagrass. Give them every consideration.
Q: What is slow release fertilizer and what are the advantages of using it over other lawn fertilizers?
A: Slow release fertilizers are actually microscopic coated capsules of fertilizer that breakdown and release their important fertilizer and trace elements over a long period of time. This ensures that your lawn's root system gets those nutrients in measured doses that won't over-stimulate the plants into a sudden growing spurt requiring more mowing.
Q: What are grubs and why should I worry about them?
A: Grubs are actually the larval stage of a variety of different kinds of beetles, including May and June bugs and voracious Japanese beetles. Adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil in mid to late summer. As the eggs hatch, they develop into the white-wormish looking larvae. As the larvae grow, they work their way down to the root zone of your lawn where they eat the roots. Next spring, you'll suddenly notice dead patches of lawn start showing up in your lawn if you have grubs. By this time, it is too late to effectively treat for them and they will begin the process again. Grub control is largely a matter of timing so that they can be controlled in their early stages of development and before they go deep into the soil and go dormant for the winter. In our area, early fall is the best time to treat. We use a product specifically designed to control grubs and won't harm other beneficial insects commonly found in the soil.
