Newsletter for May 2010

THE LAWN RANGER OF ST. AUGUSTINE PEST CONTROL INC.



1660 S. R. 16 • ST. AUGUSTINE, FL. 32084 • Telephone (904) 829-2824 • Fax (904) 829-2522

PEST CONTROL NEWSLETTER MAY 2010

WATERING

The St. Johns water management district would like all of us to water 2 times a week (think two). I think we should all try to water 2 times per week. But please keep an eye out for dryness. Make sure you are watering 3/4 of and inch to 1 inch every time you water. Deep watering 2 times a week is much better for the lawn than shallow watering 4-5 times per week.

TIPS ON WATERING

Spray heads zones should water 20-30 minutes, rotor heads 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you see dry areas take care of them right away. Chinch bugs will gravitate to dry areas. The grass will die after a couple of weeks with no water.

Winter Kill

Winter kill is a general term used to describe the loss of turf grass

during winter months. Loss of turf grass during the winter can be caused by factors such as: low temperature kill (freeze damage), desiccation ( drying out of plant material), disease activity and compacted soil. Compacted soil causes a shallow root system which in turn makes the turf grass more susceptible to drought and freeze conditions. I am seeing a good amount of winter kill. This year our recommendation is to wait until the end of May and what has not come back replace with plugs or sod. If you are having problems with your turf coming out of winter, please call the office so we can advise you what to do.

INSECTS

May is when insects will start attacking the lawns. Mole crickets & chinch bugs being our biggest concern. Mole crickets are attracted to light and swarm in April and May. So if possible try to run your outdoor lighting only when necessary. Chinch bugs like it hot & dry so please water your dry areas.

MAY SERVICE

We will be treating your lawn with an insecticide & liquid fertilization.



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SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR

WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

May ~ thru August~ Insecticide October ~ Herbicide Treatment

application on turf November ~ Inspection

September ~ Granular Fertilizer December ~ Inspection