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Late summer is the preferred time to undertake lawn renovation projects.  This would include over-seeding existing turf or replacing problem areas with sod or re-seeding.  As a general guideline, if problem areas or more than 50% weeds or undesired turf, then replacement is recommended.  If there is still over 50% desirable turf, then over-seeding and selective weed control could bring the

lawn back into good condition.

Areas to be replaced should first be cleared of existing growth with a non-selective herbicide or by physically removing the layer of turf and weeds; a sod-cutter can aid in the removal.  After the herbicide does its work, seeding may be accomplished using a mechanical slice-seeder (= slit-seeder), or by first using a cultivator to till the dead organic matter into the soil and then using a seed spreader to broadcast the seed.  Whether or not to cultivate depends on a number of factors including whether or not there is a thick thatch layer that will interfere with seed-to-soil contact and seedling establishment.  A thatch layer that’s greater than 3/4″ thick should be removed.  Maximum germination of turfgrass seed occurs when the seed is in direct contact with the soil but still exposed to sunlight.

Over-seeding thin turf takes less preparation and involves spreading Continue reading →

Today we salute Fairfield County’s weather watchers! Whether you measure daily precipitation using a rain gauge in your backyard, monitor an entire weather station with all the bells & whistles, or chase storms “Twister”-style (which we don’t recommend), we thank you for the important service you provide.

In particular, we’d like to highlight the work of those citizen scientists participating in the Fairfield County Precipitation Monitoring Program. These county residents take daily precipitation measurements in their own backyards using a standardized rain gauge and report their observations Continue reading →

OSU Extension County offices across the state are receiving e-mails and phone calls about Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, family Noctuidae) causing substantial injury to turfgrass.  Thus far, it appears that fall armyworm is the dominant culprit rather than Yellowstriped Armyworm (S. ornithogalli) and Common Armyworm (Mythimna convecta).

Fall and yellowstriped armyworms are semi-tropical species that “fly” north each season.  We often get both species in Ohio in August and September when they replace black cutworms that most superintendents see on their greens and tees.  Both species also attack field crops, especially corn and small grains.

Every few years (usually 3-5 years), we get a massive buildup of these pests in the southern and transition turf zones.  Reports of heavy armyworm activity have been coming out of Oklahoma to North Carolina for the last two months.

We believe adults from those outbreaks were picked up in the storm front that came from Continue reading →