Fall Armyworms are everywhere! You can almost see them "marching" through the grass. Alerts are going out from all the agricultural colleges in the southern US. Here is a document from LSU Professor Ron Strahan.
Identify what's bugging you in this 5 minute, insect description video.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
EMPIRE Turf Seasonal Maintenance - Summer 2010
EMPIRE Turf - Care and Maintenance - Summer 2010
Video Notes:
Step 1 - Fertilization. If you didn't fertilize in the Spring, you can apply a fertilizer with a 1-1 ration of nitrogen to potassium...like a 15-0-15. The middle number is phosphorus and it can usually be zero. If you did fertilize in the Spring, you can wait till late Summer or early Fall to do so again.
Step 2 - Irrigation. Don't overwater in the hot months. EMPIRE needs about an inch of water per week either from in-ground irrigation or natural rainfall. Wait for a sign that the grass is in need of watering before irrigating...like blades of the EMPIRE Turf wilting. Water in the early morning hours for best results. Too much water can lead to fungus outbreaks, like Large Patch.
Step 3 - Mowing. You will likely mow more often in the Summer. Just make sure to not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade when mowing. Mowing too low can stress the grass and it will turn brown. If you miss a mowing, it might take multiple mowings to get the grass back to the height you like. Wait about 3-5 days between each mowing.
Watch out for Hunting Billbugs. If you have had them in the past but are free of them at the moment, treat with an insecticide application this fall.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
EMPIRE Turf - Care and Maintenance - Spring 2010
EMPIRE Turf - Care and Maintenance - Spring 2010 Get your EMPIRE Turf zoysia lawn ready for Spring and Summer. This video will guide you through some simple care instructions for getting your EMPIRE lawn looking its best.
Video Notes:
Step 1 - MOW LOW. For the first mowing of the year, scalp the lawn with the mower and bag the clippings.
Step 2 - Apply Fertilizer. We recommend a 1-0-1 ratio. (eg...(15-0-15))
Step 3 - Apply Pre-emergent herbicide to prevent summer weeds. You can buy it already mixed in with fertilizer.
Step 4 - To prevent Billbugs and other insect pests, put down a broad spectrum insecticide containing bifenthrin. Make sure to water any granular insecticides into the lawn.
Step 5 - EMPIRE Turf needs about 3/4 of an inch of water per week from either natural rainfall or inground irrigation. Overwatering can lead to fungus outbreaks. If needed, put down a systemic fungicide with an active ingredient.
Monday, March 15, 2010
EMPIRE Turf Winter Update 2010
Follow a few simple steps and get your EMPIRE Turf looking great again after the cold southern winter of 2010.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
EMPIRE Featured in National Magazine
Parks and Rec Business' February 2010 Edition article on EMPIRE Turf by Steve Yeskulsky.
The article details the difference between drought tolerance and drought resistance and how it relates to different grass varieties. EMPIRE's drought tolerance is highlighted in the article along with other benefits of using EMPIRE sod. It also details some common stresses for the EMPIRE zoysia grass and some things to do to keep your lawn looking healthy. Click the magazine cover to download the article. The article has been reprinted with permission.
Friday, October 16, 2009
EMPIRE Turf Zoysia- Fall Preparations
Here are some basic tips to help get your EMPIRE Zoysia lawn ready for fall and the colder winter months.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Natural Grass Beats Synthetic in NFL Player Survey
Yearly statistics show that an overwhelming majority of players in the National Football League prefer natural grass. The number remains constant year after year, despite advances in artificial turf technology. The stats are based on natural grass versus the newest generation variety of synthetic turf that uses infill.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.
Some other key statistics from the survey:
• Which surface is more likely to contribute to injury? o 84.8% of respondents said artificial infilled turf.
• Which surface is more likely to cause more soreness and fatigue? o 91% of respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to shorten career? o 92.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to impact quality of life after playing days are over? o 61.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Southern Living's "Picture a Greener Lawn"
Southern Living April 2009 Edition article on many of Sod Solutions' grass varieties by Rebecca Bull Reed. Click the link to download the article. The article has been reprinted with permission.
EMPIRE Turf Featured on "Better Lawns and Gardens"
President of SMR Farms, Mac Carraway talks about the benefits of EMPIRE Turf on Tom MacCubbin's "Better Lawns and Gardens" radio program. For info or advertising information on "Better Lawns and Gardens", contact 1.407.916.8397 or visit www.betterlawns.com.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.