Weeds and Other Low Down

From the Editor of THE GTI (Guelph Turgrass Institute) ADVISOR

It has certainly been a wet and wild spring so far. Although some areas have been spared, many have been subjected to heavy rains, damaging winds and even large hail. Not the type of weather we typically associated with spring. Environment Canada is calling for above normal precipitation across Ontario right through the summer. Some moderation in amounts would be appreciated.

The Cosmetic Pesticide Ban continues to create new challenges for both professional turf managers and homeowners. An unscientific poll of my neighbours during our community garage sale last weekend revealed that many have very little understanding of the ban. Some knew pesticides had been banned for home use, some thought they were banned for sale but could still be used and some had no idea a ban had been enacted. There is a real concern that in the absence of effective alternatives, homeowners will turn to home remedies in an attempt to control pest outbreaks on their properties. Health Canada has produced a factsheet on homemade pesticides that clearly spells out the risks.

http://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/GTIADVISOR/CurrentIssue/tabid/169/Default.aspx

Excerpted from Turfgrass Management Agriphone for May 15, 2009

Weeds:

At the moment dandelions are at peak flowering and by next week they should be in the puff ball stage. It is more important than ever to maximize turf health through proper mowing, fertilizing, watering, aerating and overseeding. A five year study at the GTI showed that by fertilizing regularly four times a year, percent weed cover in turfgrass maintained as a home lawn could be reduced to between 5-10%.

From MSU Rescources

Controlling weeds in turfgrass

by Kevin Frank
Crop & Soil Sciences

Besides dandelion that is flowering everywhere in turf right now, there are numerous other weeds that are displaying their best spring colors. For some of these weeds the flowering period in the spring is the second best time to apply a herbicide for control, fall is the best, but for other weeds this spring flowering is a sign that their life is about over. Proper identification of what weed you are dealing with can save you time and money. Currently common chickweed, henbit, shepherd's purse, yellow rocket, and corn speedwell are all flowering. Without understanding their life cycle, some might think this is a great time to control these weeds. However, these weeds are all winter annuals which mean they germinate in the fall, overwinter, and then flower and produce seed in the spring. If you apply an herbicide now, they will be dead and gone in two to three weeks. However, if you do nothing it could take as long as 14 to 21 days before they’re gone. Let that sink in for a moment before you plan your weekend.

Perennial weeds that are flowering throughout many areas of Michigan include creeping speedwell, germander speedwell, ground ivy, and wild violet. Unlike the winter annuals, treating these perennial weeds with a broadleaf herbicide during the spring flowering period will be effective and will not be a waste of your time as these weeds will be sticking around all year.

Tips on Choosing a Lawn Care Service

Determine what you want from a lawn service

Lawn care companies provide a range of services including mowing, maintenance, aeration, seeding, landscaping, fertilizer and pest control applications and ornamental and small tree care.

Find out which companies provide service in your neighborhood

Before looking in the yellow pages or answering an ad, ask your neighbours for a recommendation. It’s a great way to determine the reputation of a company and the quality service it provides.

Ask for a free estimate for service

Companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn are only guessing what your lawn might need.

Ask about the pricing and what services are included

The lawn care company may offer a yearly contract or a simple verbal agreement giving the customer the right to discontinue service at any time. Find out what happens if you have a problem between applications. Are the service calls free or is there a charge?

Consider annual costs as well as cost per application

Many companies allow you to pay after each application and may offer a discount if you pay the annual cost up front.

Have a complete understanding with the company before work starts

Get an explanation of what the service can and cannot do. Find out what kind and amount of treatments are included in the proposed program, approximately when they will be applied and what results can be expected.

Find out what is and what is not guaranteed

Some services may offer a guarantee of performance. Others may offer refunds if they fail to meet your expectations.

Make sure the lawn care company is licensed and is I.P.M. accredited

For the application of lawn care products as required by the Ministry of the Environment. I.P.M. (Integrated Pest Management) means that companies will only apply a pesticide when there is a reason.

Professional membership

It is also important to make sure the company is a member of a professional association such as PLCAO. Professional organizations keep members informed on new developments in safety, training, research, regulation and new methods. Most associations have a code of ethics for members to follow. Affiliation with a professional group indicates the company strives for quality in its work. If you want further information on the company’s service record, contact your local Better Business Bureau.

Adapted from the PLCAO

The Soil Environment

The soil is home to a large number of insects, spiders, mites, worms and micro-organisms. All of these organisms form the soil food web and play an important role in maintaining soil health and in supporting plant growth.

What Benefits do soil organisms bring to the lawn?

They decompose plant residue such as lawn clippings and thatch. The larger ones make food material available for the smaller ones.
They help mix organic material with mineral matter throughout the soil, while creating air pockets and channels for water and air to move down into the soil.
They digest organic material and assist in the cycling of nutritive elements that plants can use and ensure that these materials are retained in the root zone.

Lawn maintenance practices affect more than just the grass on the surface.

Avoid excessive watering, as the water fills up the air spaces in the soil and reduces oxygen supply.
Avoid overfertilization. This causes an imbalance in the nutrients for organisms and may decrease their populations.
Protect beneficial insects and earthworms by reducing your use of products that may reduce their population.

** Low Down -see theUrban Dictionary (2 definitions out of 3 make reference to turf, dirt.)

More info at our website www.hamilton.turfking.ca

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