Page 9 - Lawn & Landscape Guide AL

Turf Insect Alert: Turf pest such as Mole Crickets are becoming active in lawns. This is usually the time of year the mole crickets hatch. Controlling mole crickets early on is the best time to control this damaging pest.
Chinch bugs are also a common turf pest that can quickly cause turf injury. The chinch bug is primarily found only in our St. Augustine lawns.
Turf Disease Alert: With the recent warm up and humidity, lawns are now becoming more and more susceptible to lawn diseases. Brown patch is a common turf disease this time of the year. Brown patch generally has an area of turf yellowing/browning and that area continues to spread. Centipede Brown Patch-look for brown to reddish colored areas. St. Augustine Brown Patch-Brownish patch and often a yellow halo around the outer edges and the affected area. Another turf disease is Leaf Spot. Symptoms appear as small dark purple to black spots which enlarge with centers fading to tan, often with a yellow halo. Iron Chlorosis is when the leaf veins stay green and the rest of the leaf tissue is yellowing. This another turf disease that is common when there is an iron deficiency. To help reduce chances of turf diseases, fill in areas that hold water or excess moisture by top dressing in April. This increases air flow allows the lawn to dry out. If watering is needed, make sure it is the first thing in the morning to prevent water from staying on the lawn and not drying out overnight. St. Augustine and Centipede are most susceptible turf types for turf diseases but any turf grass can get it.
Keep a close eye on your lawn for these turf pest and diseases. Being able to quickly identify the issues will greatly improve your success on the lawn.
Mosquito Control: Mosquitos are starting to be active and controlling now can provide huge dividends. Always remove standing water to prevent mosquito infestations. From old tires, buckets, pet bowls, etc. keep them emptied out to prevent easy mosquito breeding. Gutters are also a great place for mosquitos to congregate. Keeping clean gutters will prevent excess moisture which will deter mosquito breeding.
Tree and Shrub Care
Watering: Water your landscape as needed. 1”-1.5” or precipitation per week is recommended.