News and Notes

Real estate experts strongly advise good maintenane on your landscape if you are selling your property. New landscapes are even more effective for higher sales.

Large Patch Turf Disease in cold weather:

When you live in the deep south there is always plenty of turf disease to go around. Last winter we experienced an unusual spreading of Large Patch turf disease. Symptoms are about the same as warm weather Brown Patch which does a lot of damage to southern grasses. However, seeing the damage is difficult because grass is dormant in winter. The best treatment is prevention. Applying systemic fungicides a couple of times during the winter will assure better protection.

Remove Leaves and Straw from your Turf now:

While a blanket of leaves and straw might give some minimal protection from frost its what is under the this blanket of dead vegetation that does far more damage than good. The natural decaying process of leaves and straw often times forms several toxic problems for dormant grasses. The result is large dead or thin areas when warm weather approaches. Mulching leaves, which we prefer, is a great way to build your soil. Whether you mulch or rake your grass needs the benefit of winter time sunlight and air to develop properly for spring blush.

Deer are tough on Pansies:

Pansies represent one of most favorite foods of deer in our area. A single deer can do enormous damage to annual pansies and other flowers. Feeding deer around your home may be a beautiful sight to watch, but the practice encourages deer to roam and check out other food delights. Sadly, deer don't miss much. Prevention is a challenge. Deer repellants work well, but most wash off. Electrical fences or stakes are most effective if you can't fence in the entire property in.