While you may be excited about putting down a new lawn, selecting one that will survive the specific conditions on your region may be tricky. Turf species vary in their tolerance of a broad range of factors and on their maintenance, look and establishment methods. Fescues, Zoysia grass, and Bermuda grass are three widely used turf grasses. Let’s take a more in-depth look at their main differences.
These grasses grow well at temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15.5 to 24°C), in the Northeast and much of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Cool season varieties include fine fescue and tall fescue. The Midwest and Western states present a cool, arid environment that permits these species to thrive if irrigation is available. Unlike warm season grasses, they do not go dormant.
All subspecies need less frequent watering than other types of lawn grasses, and when adequately established, are drought resistant, have excellent shade tolerance, and they are green year-round. The Fine Fescues being colder tolerant than the Tall Fescues. Fescue grasses are suitable for sports turf such as baseball fields, golf fields, play fields, polo fields, and in commercial sites like hospitals.
Warm season grasses are common lawn grasses with favorable growth at temperatures between 80 and 95°F (27 to 35°C). Typically found in the warm arid, and warm humid states of the south and southwest. Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass are warm-season perennial grasses that grow actively during the summer but go dormant and lose their color in winter. Also, they turn brown once soil temperatures drop to below approximately 65°F. That is why during the colder winter months, many cool-season grasses are a preferred choice among garden enthusiasts for over-seeding to deliver a green lawn all year long.
If you have decided which type of grass you would like for your home, contact Secure Lawn. Our turf specialists will help you create the perfect lawn in Middle Tennessee.
Aphids are small insects that colonize and feed on many types of garden plants, including trees and shrubs. They can be of various colors – black, green, brown, pink, red or yellow. Some have a waxy or wooly appearance due to a secretion of a waxy or white substance. If they are not eliminated on time, a small infestation of aphids can turn into a big problem in just a couple of days, causing damage to your shrubs, trees, and other plants, and spreading disease.
Photo by Blake Layton | Mississippi State University Extension Service
If your garden plants fall victim to a particular aphid called Hackberry Wooly Aphids, you’ll easily see why. These nasty little creatures reproduce with amazing speed, creating a fall “snow” effect. Worry not! Here we show you two control methods to stop them from becoming a severe problem.
Natural enemies can do a fantastic job controlling aphids. Ladybugs, lacewings or parasitic wasps will feed on aphids. You can also introduce plants like aster, hollyhock, larkspur, mum, or nasturtium that attract aphids to lure the insects away from your green area.
If you go down the chemical control road, try first an insecticidal soap or oil, such as canola or neem oil. These products will kill aphids by smothering them. The mixture should only be 1-2% oil solution in water. Keep in mind that you may need to apply the mixture several times, preferably in late winter or early spring, as it only kills the aphids present the day of treatment. There are stronger products available. You can contact a professionally licensed company like Secure Lawn to apply this type of product.
Have questions about aphids and your level of infestation? Call us at 615-893-8455. Our experts can evaluate your plants and help you determine a course of action.
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