When you purchase a product, you alone are responsible for following the label directions. Misuse of that product falls on you. Read and follow all direction and safety instruction.

FIRST: Write down these numbers. These are places in the upcoming months and years I will be referring you to buy product from.

Pro-Way Chemical 384-5390 { Jax } Lesco, Inc. 928-9933 {St. Bluff Rd.}
Lesco, Inc. 269-1171 { Orange Park } Lesco, Inc. 262-3888 { Phillips Hwy.}

It’s also hard for me to say, well use this or that. When I am asked, “Can I buy that at Lowe's?” I am not sure, because that is not where I purchase products. So, I will also describe what the product does so if you wish to purchase pesticides there you can match them up.

For the folks that have a lawn service: 
It is real simple, if the lawn looks terrible change service. There is no reason to pay for a service that you are not satisfied with. If you just hired that service and your lawn looked terrible to begin with, it takes time to correct, take it from me, they don’t have a magic wand in their truck. That’s why my company doesn’t do lawns any more, our wand broke.

For the do it yourself folks:
Almost all the grass in the neighborhood is Floratam St. Augustine Turf Grass. For those with Bermuda grass, be careful, the same weed killer in weed and feed for St. Augustine will kill Bermuda, make sure you or your service treats it properly.

By this time of year, you should have put down a weed and feed. If not, you still can, but it has to be applied no later than the end of this month (November).

Use Lesco 20-0-20 weed & feed. Now the next question is how much area will this cover ?

Take the first number in the blend 20, divide it by 2 = 10, that is how many sq. ft. it will cover, no more, no less. So 1 bag = 10,000 sq. feet. Next, is how to determine how many sq. feet you have?

If you do not know the square footage or how many pallets were put down, simply measure each section of your lawn , length x width, add up each section one by one then add all together for total square feet.

1 pallet = 500 sq.ft. or 20 pallets would be 10,000 sq. ft.

The above calculation will cover fertilization & weed control until mid February of 2005, or last frost. At that time, put down same product, same way, same amount.

Now bugs……….

In Northeast Florida, believe it or not, there are only a few lawn-destroying insects that we have to deal with at different times of the year. This time of the year it’s sod web worms & army worms. If you walk trough your yard and see a lot of small moths flying out of the grass, those are the adults. They fly in, lay a small egg, it hatches and at night a small worm climbs up to the top of the blade of grass and starts munching away. The damage looks like you mowed the grass way too short. GREAT NEWS, it will come right back. Control: Apply an insecticide to kill worms, 2 applications of liquid, 7 days apart or 1 application of Talstar Granular will take care of it. (See Talstar below)

Another insect that is a common lawn pest year round is the mole cricket. They really do more damage by chasing each other and feeding on the eggs of the female than anything else, but, that’s another subject.

Mole Crickets. You sometimes will see where something has burred around the edge on the driveway. As the sun comes out during the day, the concrete heats up. At night it is like an electric blanket, so they tunnel where the warm soil is. Be sure to treat along the edge of the concrete good.

What is Talstar? Talstar is a no repellant insecticide; meaning that the insects are not repelled by it but will go through, thus die. Talstar is also FANTASTIC around the home for common house pests like earwigs and roaches.

Talstar is a long lasting product. Remember, liquid insecticide breaks down with UVL light, and moisture. A liquid application only lasts a few days. Talstar is the best, longest lasting insecticide I can recommend for your use. All you do is put it in your fertilizer spreader and walk around, simple.

Lesco, 20-0-20 $ 19.85 plus tax
Talstar 26.85 plus tax covers 8,000 sq. ft.
10,000 sq. ft. 50 lbs bag 50 lbs bag.
Pro-Way Chemical 25lb bag Talstar 22.00 plus tax

Pint of Image $ 70.50 plus tax. This is a very forgiving herbicide for those of you with stubborn weeds, crabgrass or dollar weed. Only 1 oz per gallon of water, for 1,000 sq. ft., spot spray only.

Watering: Even though it is Fall and almost Winter, it does not mean that you shut off the sprinkler system. Just as you water in the summer months you need to water in the winter as well. Soon the grass will turn brown and we all will think that it is dormant. On the contrary, it is alive and well. The root system is very much alive. When it gets cold, the wind blows, just like your skin would dry out and crack, the grass will dry out and get winter damage.

Control: Water at least 3 times a week for 30 min per zone. Also, a good shot of potash during the winter will feed the root system, making it stronger to withstand a hard winter. All of this done, you will see a vast improvement in the quality of your grass once spring has arrived.

Remember, when you purchase a product, you alone are responsible for following the label direction, misuse of that product falls on you if you don’t read first the label and follow safety instruction as well as use and disposal.

FIRST: Write down these numbers, these are places to get the items I talk about.

Pro-Way Chemical 384-5390 { Jax } Lesco, Inc. 928-9933 { St. Johns Bluff Rd. }
Lesco, Inc. 269-1171 { Orange Park } Lesco, Inc. 262-3888 { Phillips Hwy. }

Fertilization:
In the spring, you have two choices, either weed & feed or straight fertilizer, the choice is yours.

If you use a weed & feed I suggest Lesco Brand 20-0-20 for St. Augustine Turf Grass, this will have the proper amount of atrazine {weed killer} to kill & control most weeds. {This will do 10,000 sq. ft.} $ 19.25 per bag

If you decide to go with fertilizer only I suggest Lesco Brand 24-2-11. This will do {12,000 sq. ft.} also has 6% iron in it, gives it a good green. $ 18.75 per bag

How many pallets of sod were put down ? 1 pallet = 500 sq.ft. or 20 pallets would be 10,000 sq. ft.

If you don’t know sq. ft. or how many pallets were put down simply measure length x width, add up each section 1 by 1, then add altogether for total sq. ft.

Either one, you choose best time to apply is the last week of February “ IF “ you are sure we will not have another frost.

Weeds:
There is only one I am going to suggest, only because using weed killer can be hazardous to your lawn if you don’t apply it correctly.

Image is a very forgiving herbicide {weed killer} use this to spot spray only. You can buy this at Wal-Mart. At Lesco the smallest size is 11.5 oz for $ 114.00, which is a 7% concentrate; Wal-Mart has a 3% concentrate for a lower price. Remember, this product is for spot spray only of weeds !

Insects:
I suggest granular Talstar, it’s a good, insecticide for a broad range of insects, the main one now and until mid summer is the mole cricket. You what to kill these little suckers before they get to full adult size, otherwise they are difficult to control; 1-Bag covers 8,000 sq. ft. and is $ 26.85.


Watering:
I do see a lot of frost damage in the area, no trees a cold winter & living further away from the river. This is to be expected. You should water in the morning time, 3 times a week for 30 to 45 min per area, minimum.

Mowing is one of the primary lawn maintenance practices essential for a good quality lawn. Mowing is the process, which creates a lawn rather than a pasture or field. A smooth, dense turf surface is attained from frequent and regular cutting of the grass leaf blades at a constant height.

Mowing changes the metabolism and appearance of grass. Immediately after mowing plant respiration increase and root growth temporarily ceases.

The two main components of mowing are cutting height and frequency. Both of these factors are dependent on the turf grass species and level of lawn maintenance. Several other practices involving the use of mowers are also important in creating a quality lawn.

Height of mowing:
The optimum cutting height is determined by the turf grass growth habit and leaf width. A grass that spreads horizontally can usually be mowed shorter than an upright-growing, bunch-type grass. Grasses with narrow blades can generally be mowed closer than grasses with wide blades. Bermuda grass is mowed the shortest of the Florida turf grasses because of its numerous narrow leaf blades and low growth habit. On the other hand, bahia grass needs to be mowed the highest of the Florida turf grasses to produce a good quality lawn because of its open, upright growth habit.

Proper mowing height is important in creating a good quality lawn because it encourages a dense stand of turf grass. A dense turf keeps out weeds through competition for sunlight and nutrients. A weak thin turf allows seeds to germinate and grow, that are always in the soil waiting to emerge.

Turf grasses can be mowed at heights other than their optimum if the management practices are properly altered. Cutting turf below the optimum height requires production of enough leaf blades to keep a dense green lawn. To accomplish this, more fertilizer and water need to be applied to stimulate growth. The disadvantages of low mowing heights are increased pest problems and faster than normal thatch accumulation. Cutting heights can get too low and turf quality will be reduced because of severe defoliation. Mowing turf too low probably ruins more lawns than any other turf management practice.

Cutting turf at the high end of the recommended height range requires a reduction in the level of management. Less water and fertilizer are required since there are more than enough grass blades to give a good appearance. Also, by reducing the amount of water applied, plants will develop more extensive root systems and thatch accumulation will be reduced. Other advantages of a high cutting height include better pest tolerance and better survival from environmental stresses such as cold and drought.

Frequency of Mowing:
The growth rate of the lawn determines how frequently it needs to be mowed. The growth rate is influenced by weather conditions, level of management, and grass species. The slowest growth rates occur in the winter or under low fertility and irrigation, while the fastest growth rates occur in the summer or under high fertility and watering practices. Bermuda grass is a rapidly growing grass compared to zoysia grass. Low-maintenance grasses like bahia grass and centipede grass are frequently mowed just to remove seedheads rather than to cut leaf blades.

The best recommendation on mowing frequency is to determine the need for mowing based on growth of the turf. Mow often enough so that no more than one-third the blade height is removed. Example: If you’re St. Augustinegrass lawn is mowed when it grows to a height of four inches. The grass plant metabolism is stressed every time the lawn is mowed, but removing only one-third of the leaf blade at each mowing can minimize the stress. It is important to always leave as much leaf surface as possible for photosynthesis to provide food for re-growth.

Clippings Removal:
Leaf clippings result from mowing and a common problem is what to do with them. Contrary to popular belief, clippings do not contribute to the thatch layer; stems, rhizomes {fungi}. On most lawns, clipping should be returned to help recycle nutrients to our soil. If the lawn is mowed frequently enough, and on a regular schedule, clipping cause very few if any problem.

Mowing Equipment:
Lawn mowers are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles with numerous features. The two basic types are the reel mower and the rotary mowers. More recently, flail and string mowers have been introduced. Most mowers can be obtained as push or self-propelled, which is a must out here….. The choice of mower often depends on personal preference. Points to consider when buying a mower are the size of the lawn, turfgrass species, and level of lawn maintenance.

Rotary mowers are the most popular because of their low cost, easy maneuverability, and simple maintenance. A large motor is required to horizontally turn the blade. Rotary mowers can pose a safety problem if improperly used. Most rotary mowers cannot mow lower than one inch and are best used for higher mowing heights. The blade needs to be occasionally sharpened and balanced for the best possible cut.

String mowers are similar to rotary mowers, but the blade has been replaced with a monofilament line. This is a definite safety feature when operating the mower in some locations. A high-speed motor is needed in these mowers to spin the line fast enough for a clean cut. String mowers are most often used for trimming and hard-to-mow areas.

Normally, just a moderate priced, good brand name mulching mower will work just fine, and guy’s make sure you wife knows how to operate it as well, just remind her, it is her yard too…….

Good Mowing Practices

The following procedures and precautions should be followed for safe, good mowing practices:

Pick up all stones, sticks and other debris before mowing to avoid damaging the mower or injuring someone with flying objects.

Never mow wet turf with a rotary mower because clippings can clog the machine. Mow only when turf is dry.

Mow in a different direction every time the lawn is cut. This helps prevent wear patterns, reduces the grain {grass laying over the same direction}, and reduces the possibility of scalping.

Do not remove clippings. If clumping occurs, distribute these by re-mowing or by lightly raking.

Check your mower every time it is used.

Adjust cutting height by setting the mower on a driveway and using a ruler to measure the distance between the ground and the blade.

Never fill a hot mover with gasoline.

Always wear heavy leather shoes when mowing the lawn; it will save your feet.

Mustard Algae
Mustard Algae is the most common Algae found in swimming pools. It appears as shading on the walls and floors of the pools. It can appear as a light green to a golden brown shaded area. Mustard Algae usually starts in shaded areas. All Algae protects itself with a slimy coating. This coasting may be present before the Algae is even visible. Almost all algae treatments require that you brush the Algae out break areas as part of the treatment. This breaks the protective coating on the Algae’s and allows the chemicals to penetrate and do the job. Most Mustard Algaecides are based on Sodium Bromide. Some examples would be (Yellow Treat, Yellow Free, Yellow Out, etc.). These Algaecides work by speeding up the reactions with chlorine in the water. Its is critical when using these products to double your stabilize chlorine dosage during the treatment period. As always follow manufactures directions and be careful, remember safety first. Look for more tips in the future.

Total Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity is an often overlooked factor in pool water balance. Alkalinity can have many different affects on pool water and equipment. Alkalinity has a large effect on the PH level. If your Alkalinity is not in the proper range PH level will not stay in the proper range. During recent hurricanes, pool owners may have experience PH bounce. This is a condition where Alkalinity is low. Every time it rains or makeup water is added the Ph changes.

Low Alkalinity can damage your pool. Vinyl liner pools are especially affected by low Alkalinity. Low Alkalinity can cause the liner to wrinkle and draw the liner out of its mounting channel. Prolonged low Alkalinity in gunite pools can cause etching. High Alkalinity can cause scaling on the pool walls and in plumbing and equipment.

The Most important thing associated with Alkalinity levels is chemical efficacy. All chemicals have a PH and ALK range that must be maintained for them to work. If the ALK is not right the PH will not stay right. This can have a large affect on chemical efficacy. For example chlorine can loose up to 60%of its effectiveness if PH drops to low. The same is true with Algacides. If you have a green pool or some form of Algae, Algicides will not work unless the Alkalinity and PH are in proper range. These ranges if PH and Alkalinity are not always the same from algicide to algicide. As always read the label and follow manufactures directions.

Alkalinity is raised using Sodium Bicarbonate, which is available at all pool suppliers. Vinyl liner owners use extra caution when adding Sodium Bicarbonate it should be pre-mixed with water before adding to pool. If Sodium Bicarbonate is allowed to stand in powder form on a vinyl liner it can bleach it out or stain.

To make long story short when pool problems arise check the Alkalinity first. Alkalinity first has long been a catch phrase for the pool maintenance business and should be for homeowners too. As always safety first, follow all manufactures directions.

Please do not feed the geese. If someone in the neighborhood is feeding the geese, politely ask them to
stop. If they indicate they do not intend to stop feeding the geese, suggest a few reasons why feeding the
geese is not only bad for people, but also the geese themselves.

1. Feeding geese alters their natural feeding behavior, thus causing them to congregate in larger
numbers than they normally would.

2. Growing populations of geese increase the feces accumulation

3. With so many geese being in the neighborhood they could wonder out into the streets and get hit
by vehicles (once again this is not good for the geese or people).

4. Geese that are fed completely lose their natural fear of people and even start associating people
with food. Once they start associating people with food they can become aggressive towards
people if they do not have food and can even start harassing/chasing people expecting to get food
from them.

5. Geese, including their young, also have a strong tendency to return to the same area year after
year. Once geese start nesting in a particular place, the stage is set for more geese in successive
years. The problem is further exacerbated when well-intentioned people purposefully feed geese.
Feeding geese tends to promote larger numbers of geese in areas that under normal conditions
would only support a few geese. With an abundant source of artificial food available, geese can
devote more time to locating nesting sites and mating.

6. Feeding can also disrupt normal migration patterns and hold geese in areas longer than normal.

These reasons are why the intentional placement of food is not recommended for geese. Below are a few
suggestions on ways to deter geese from the neighborhood. These methods are ONLY likely going to be
effective if the geese of the neighborhood are NOT being feed. Although not always easy, geese can be
conditioned by repetitively discouraging them from being on your property. Make every possible effort to
harass and disperse the geese, especially nesting pairs before they construct nests Also, these methods
may take A LOT of repetition. Often times the geese are scared off and then come back 10 minutes or so
later. Don’t be discouraged if the geese come back the next day. If done consistently, you should see
fewer and fewer geese as time goes on.

Remember that geese have strong traditions of reusing the same sites. As such, if they have used a site in
prior years, they will be harder to move than new arrivals that have never been here before. This is also
the reason it is important to prevent even a few birds from nesting and resting on the property. The site use
tradition is passed on to the young, causing yearly increase in both numbers and resistance to moving.
Note that it is most difficult to deter geese during their nesting season from March through June.

Suggested methods to deter the geese from your property are:
1) Homemade Repellant: If the geese are eating your grass a homemade repellent can be made to
get them to stop eating the grass. Take 1 Gallon White Grape Juice. Set in sun and unscrew lid.
Allow sun to heat and ferment. Juice will become oily and begin to smell. Mix 1 part juice to 3 parts
water (i.e. one gallon of fermented juice to 3 gallons of water). Spray on lawn with sprayer. It is not
harmful but it does taste bad and could make the geese sick and vomit if they eat it. Reapply every
week or two until geese are no longer eating the grass.

2) Construct a temporary exclusionary fence. Take Tomato plant stakes or wooden stakes and drive
them into the ground and spaced them about 15 to 20 feet apart. Then take fishing lane and string
the line up around the stakes. The strands/rungs of fishing line can be placed about 8 to 12 inches
apart, and 3 or 4 strands/rungs should be enough. Even though geese can fly they prefer to walk,
and if the only way to access the property is to fly in and fly out, often times it is too much effort for
them to attempt. Place flagging tape on the line so the geese will see it and not get entangled.
Fence can be removed once the geese no longer come to the property

3) Shoe them away or startle them with the use of an air horn, blowing a whistle, or a fire-cracker.

4) Spray the geese with a water hose. Though geese are use to being in water they do not like
having a stream of water coming directly at them. This stream of water is a strong visual of
something physically coming at and hitting them (without causing harm to them).

Combining all the above methods is likely going to produce the best results.

There are more drastic measures homeowners can take if they so choose, but these are also not effective
if geese are being fed. It has been determined by state and federal wildlife authorities that these birds are
not always migratory and, instead, have taken up permanent residence in some areas. In Florida, with
proper permits, and during certain periods of the year, landowners can physically remove the geese. To
start the process call (866) 487-3297. Permits are issued to take Canada geese from March 1 through
Aug. 31 of each year. You can also contact Eric Dennis at (386) 758-0525 for technical assistance on
nuisance wildlife. Dennis is a wildlife assistance biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission in the North Central Regional Office in Lake City.

http://www.wildlife-removal.com/howtogetridofcanadiangeese.html