Lifestyles
CUMBERLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS: A Beautiful Lawn Needs More Than Fertilizer and Lime
The lawn problems of the homeowner who inspired these articles (by asking about a University of Tennessee Soil Test Report) were moss along with weeds and thinning turfgrass. She planned on sodding over the whole yard. The timing (autumn, establishment of new cool season grass) and first submitting a soil sample were exactly what any good “lawn-doctor” would order. However, maintaining a picture perfect lawn usually involves more than just applying fertilizer and limestone, particularly when moss is crowding out the grass. Moss usually can’t be stamped out simply by spreading lime and fertilizer.
Turfgrass specialists say the secret to having a beautiful lawn is promoting good grass growth. Of critical importance — select the right grass for the site. Change the environment to favor lawn grass growth over that of algae, moss and weeds. Modify bad maintenance methods.
For example, many homeowners cut their grass too short. Instead, mow more frequently using a sharp blade set at the high end of the height range for your grass variety. Using preventative practices throughout the season is typically more cost effective than repeatedly buying chemical remedies or hiring a landscaper to refurbish your lawn every few years. The UT brochure “PB1576 Selecting, Establishing and Maintaining Fescues” (www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1576.pdf) has many good lawn cultivation recommendations.
Plants compete for available water, nutrients and light. Thick, healthy turf with deep roots can out-compete most undesirable plants and better tolerates temperature extremes. Another UT fact sheet, “PB1333 Algae and Mosses in Turfgrasses”, is a blueprint for creating an environment which favors turf while discouraging moss and algae. PB1333 pointers:
1. Maintain proper soil fertility and pH. Apply fertilizer and limestone according to soil test recommendations. Algae and moss grow well in soil too acidic for grass. (Below a 6.1 pH.)
2. Increase air movement and light penetration through trees and shrubs. Tall tees and thick undergrowth block both sunlight and air flow. Relative humidity is higher when woods and shrubs are nearby. Increase light under a landscape tree by pruning limbs below ten feet and thinning some in the tree canopy. Thin or eliminate underbrush growing around the turfgrass area. Kentucky bluegrass is not a good choice for shady sites where tree roots take much of the available soil moisture.
3. Improve soil drainage at the surface and internally. Algae develops in wet, humid conditions where soil is packed down. The blackish-green crust algae makes on the soil surface reduces air and water movement into the ground below. So does a thick, green layer of moss. Raking can help to break up moss and algae growth for removal.
4. Relieve soil compaction. Air movement through soil both to and away from plant roots is important. One of the best means to that end is core aerification. Aeration penetrates the surface seal formed by algae and moss as well as opens air spaces within soil. When establishing a lawn, be sure to use an aerator or tiller before overseeding or laying sod. Loose soil allows good root penetration in addition to desirable air and water movement.
5. When/if you irrigate established turfgrass, do so infrequently (once per week in weeks with less than 1inch of rainfall) for long enough to allow the water to penetrate the soil to at least a 6-inch depth.
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Plateau Gardening is written by Master Gardeners for those tending home landscapes and gardens in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region. Contact UT Extension Cumberland County, P.O. Box 483, Crossville, TN 38557, (phone 931-484-6743) for quick answers to specific questions, free publications, or to learn about becoming a Master Gardener. Email comments or yard and garden inquiries to Master Gardener Rae, mgardenerrae@frontiernet.net.
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Competition grillers go whole hog
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Take a trip to the charming Hebbertsburg community
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Meeting set for Korean War Vets Association
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Fair Park helping seniors maintain healthy lifestyles
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Find more than just mail at the post office in PH
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Japanese beetles can cause major damage to gardens this time of year
The Japanese beetle population typically fluctuates somewhat from year to year. Members attending the July Cumberland County Master Gardener meeting were asked whether the number of Japanese beetles sighted around Crossville in 2010 was more or less than seen last year. Those attending thought there were fewer this year.
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Have ‘shrimp your way’ this Saturday
On July 31 the Elks Lodge will be featuring their famous "24 shrimp your way" dinner. The choices are scampi, fried or cocktail, any combination you like.
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The Wright Call
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