Crabgrass imposter, Paspalum is not inhibited by pre-emergent crabgrass control.

One of the biggest problem weeds we are seeing is the Crabgrass Imposter, Paspalum.  Paspalum, as you can see from the picture looks very much like Crabgrass but does not react the same as crabgrass when treated.   There is no pre-emergent for Paspalum.  As our customer’s know, The Greenskeeper does 2 applications of pre-emergent crabgrass control.  We found several years ago under certain conditions, (like the sporadic yet very heavy rains)  the barrier that pre-emergents form can be washed away.   A second application assures that the barrier is in place through the entire summer.  Paspalum, because it proliferates by both seeds and short rhizomes can not be controlled by a pre-emergent.  The difficulty in eradicating this weed is that products used to treat these weeds should not be applied when a lawn is experiencing heat or drought stress as it can damage turf grass. And you guessed it,  Paspalum thrives in those conditions.

The next weed we are seeing a great deal of again is Nutsedge.  Like Paspalum, Nutsedge is a rhizome.  While it does come up in established lawns, we

Typical nutsedge growth in healthy turf grass.

often see it in newer lawns or lawns where new loam has been brought in.  Suddenly, it takes off like wildfire and the entire neighborhood is infected.  Nutsedge does not respond to broadleaf weed control and a special product has to be used on this invasive weed.  Like the products used to treat Paspalum, it is best to treat Nutsedge when lawns are healthy and not experiencing drought or heat stress. While there is no way to prevent weeds from infiltrating your yard, your Greenskeeper can not only treat weeds but improve the health of you lawn.  A healthy lawn will rebound and fill in faster after a problematic season of weeds.

Brighten up your day!

Mother’s Day is coming and one of the most popular gifts is flowers. I love cut flowers and potted plants. One of my favorite is the Gerbera Daisy.  I was daunted by the thought of growing this South African Native but  have found them to be surprisingly low maintenance and prolific. Gerberas come in a kaleidoscope of colors from muted pastel pinks to saturated coral and red tones. Gerberas like bright light (mine are thriving in a sunny window with fluorescent lights above) They do not like temps above 70 degrees  and during blooming need to be kept evenly moist.  Between blooms, plants should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering.  The flowers are very long lasting both on the plant and off.  A single Gerber bloom in a bud vase is a fun festive pick me up for any spot that needs a little brightening up.

Gerbera plants are also a great value.  At about $4 for a 4” pot, you can make mom a basket of beauty that she can enjoy for weeks indoors and then plant outside for summer enjoyment.

Another great value is lawn service from The Greenskeeper Lawn, Tree & Shrub Service.  What mom wouldn’t love the gift of a lush, green lawn?  Call us to surprise your Mom with the gift of lawn care.

Your Greenskeeper is!  If the emails and phone calls we are getting are any indication so are our customers.  Here are a handful of tips that will help you and your lawn get off to a great start.

Rake:  Spring raking should not be a work out.  If you rake too hard, you run the risk of pulling up dormant grass by the roots.  The goal here is to remove debris and lightly fluff your grass so that air can adequately circulate.

 Clean Up: Pick up sticks, pinecones, stones and anything else that can dull your mower blade or become a projectile when mowing.

 Get your motor running:   An annual spring tune up is the best way to improve mower longevity and performance.  It’s as simple as changing the oil, replacing the spark plug and cleaning or replacing the air filter.  If you didn’t do it in the fall, remove the old gas from the gas tank. Check your mower blades and if necessary have them sharpened.  Dull blades tear and shred grass making it susceptible to disease. Finally, clean the deck of your mower.  Not a do it yourselfer?  Be sure to get your mower in for its annual tune up early so your mower is ready when you are.

  Call the Greenskeeper Lawn, Tree & Shrub:  Spring is the time for fertilizing and crabgrass preventative. Applied through mid May, this first round of treatment has all the right nutrients your lawn needs to get a jump start on the growing season.   If you are already a customer, just sit tight, we will be there!   Not yet a Greenskeeper customer?  Sign up for a free lawn analysis and estimate on our home page.  There is no obligation and you might decide that you too deserve a Greenskeeper!