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Weed Control
A thick vigorous lawn which results from top quality turf, good watering and a fertilizer program is the best prevention against weed invasion. A dense stand of turf can compete successfully with weed seedlings for light and nutrition.
Be sure to properly identify weeds prior to attempting to control.
Control weeds by hand pulling, raking, mowing to prevent seed formation and / or application of selective herbicides.
Early spring or fall treatments usually provide the best conditions for weed control.
Mowing or watering should be delayed for several days after a chemical application to allow thorough penetration.
Thatch Control
Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed organic matter that builds up in between the lawn and soil surface and is a common problem in mature lawns.
To minimize thatch development:
- Frequent mowing, avoiding over-watering and over-fertilizing.
- Mechanical removal with a dethatching machine should be done gradually.
- Machines can be rented or you can hire a professional lawn care company.
Aerification
This is the mechanical removal of soil cores.
Some indications that you need to aerate are:
- Ground is hard and compacted
- Weeds such as prostrate knotweed and clover are present.
- Water does not penetrate when you irrigate.
Aerating or coring can:
- Help with heavy traffic areas such as pathways or sport fields.
- Reduce thatch.
- Be most beneficial when penetration is 2 to 3” deep and when 20 to 40 holes are punched per square foot.
Aerification should be done in the fall, (September), or in the spring (April) when the turf is actively growing.
Fairy Rings
Fairy rings are circular or semicircular patches of dead grass with an inner green ring.
Usually appear in lawns 5 to 15 years old and can be caused by a number of different fungi.
The fungus feeds on the thatch and the ring grows outward. The fungus is not toxic to the grass, but it prevents water from penetrating into the grass root area causing the grass to die and allowing that area to become infested with weeds.
To remove a fairy ring:
- Repeated spiking with a garden fork (just outside the dead ring)
- Soaking with soapy water and frequent watering to increase moisture can slow the ring's development.
- Reseed or re-sod the dead areas.
Animals
Moles and Voles (field mice) can tunnel in your yard in search of food. Tunneling by voles exposes root systems, which are then eaten. Prevent problems by eliminating potential food sources around the yard.
In cases of burnt lawn caused by dog urine, dilution with water can help the problem.
Diseases
Diseases in Kentucky Blue Grass are very rare in Alberta, however diseases such as powdery mildew and necrotic ring spot may affect your lawn in the absence of good mowing and watering practices.
Good mowing and watering practices, as well as balanced fertilization with adequate potassium levels and not too much nitrogen, help in preventing lawn diseases. Removing thatch and increasing air flow near the surface are common practices for controlling turfgrass diseases.
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