Lawn Care FAQ’s

Q: How can I tell the difference between fungus and drought stress?
A: There are a couple of ways you can do this. Let’s keep it simple by focusing on one problem to rule out the other.

• Round patches with more of a “bluish” tint is usually early sign of a fungal problem.
• If these patches are browning out quickly, pull a leaf blade and examine it closely to check for dark, round spots. These spots are lesions caused by fungal pathogens.
• If the patches are not blue tinted and you cannot find lesions on the leaf blades, it must be drought stress, not fungal issues.
• Drought stress does form the same rounded patches but turn more grayish and die quickly without water. These dead patches are crispy with no lesions present on the leaves.

Q: How many treatments are made per year?
A: This depends on the type of lawn you have.

• Cool season turf, such as fescue, have seven treatments.
• Warm season turf, such as Bermuda and zoysia, have six treatments
• Our plant health program consists of six treatments.

Q: What kind or results are attainable in one year?
A: In one year with our program, you can expect a dramatic change in your weed population diminishing. You can also expect results in the health of your soil making it more conducive for turf growth. We can really transform the appearance of your lawn with our fall aeration and over seeding.

Q: Are fire ants treatable?
A: Fire ants are manageable. They can be controlled but not eradicated. We use products that will drive them out of existing mounds, but with their aggressive migrating habits, they can return once the control has broken down.

Q: How can I tell if I have grubs?
A: It is hard to tell if you have a grub problem by going out and looking for them. Grubs attract other pests such as moles and vols. These pests feed on grubs, meanwhile tunneling through your lawn. These tunnel systems disrupt the root system causing the turf to die on the surface. If you have mole problems, most likely you have a grub problem.

Q: What is the best type of grass for our area?
A: With this area, we are in what is called the “transition zone” for growing turf. This simply means that with the proper management, you can grow many of the warm and cool season turfgrasses. Your selection would have to be based on how much you care to manage your lawn throughout the year. Tall fescue requires more management than Bermuda and zoysia. Centipede grass requires very little management, but is susceptible to injury caused by environmental issues. An early frost can damage centipede grass. If I were to give an “opinion” on the best lawn to have in our area, I would choose Bermuda grass. It requires less water, less fertilizer and forms a thicker ground layer helping to keep weeds out. Not to mention it only needs to be mowed 3 months out of the year.

Q. Does JT’s use organic products?
A: Yes, we use an organic fertilizer to help with amending soil issues. Also, we use an organic oil to help control insects in trees and shrubs. There are other organic products we have access to and are willing to use upon request.

Q: How often should I water my lawn?
A: Tall fescue needs 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water every week, ideally all at once. A dark bluish-gray color, footprinting, and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water. Water until the soil is wet to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Use a screwdriver or similar implement to check. For Bermuda and zoysia, water to a soil depth of 4 to 6 inches. Probe with a screwdriver to determine moisture depth. Bermuda Grass needs a weekly application of about 1 to 1¼ inches of water.

Q. What does lime do for my lawn?
A: Each soil type has a certain level of acidity. This acidity is measured by pH levels. Certain turf types do not grow well in higher pH soils. These soils are considered acidic. Dolomitic limestone is applied as a base element to balance out the acidity in the soil bringing the pH down to a desired level. Lime applications are recommended on an annual basis for lawns in the triangle area. Most lawns in the triangle have clay soils causing them to be acidic or have high levels of pH.

Still have questions? Our team of experts is ready to help.

You can contact us directly to schedule your free, no obligation consultation at 919-602-2649 or simply complete our online form.