Look Out for Zoysiapatch in Early Spring

Zoysiapatch, or Large Patch Disease, is a fairly common problem on Zoysiagrass lawns in early spring and again during mid-fall. Yellow patches with an orange border along the edges can appear during cooler, damp weather. The irregular brown to yellow patches become very noticeable typically in April and May, and again during October in the Tulsa area.

The disease progresses outward in all directions, killing shoots and leaves if left un-controlled. Zoysiapatch is more severe on turf that is mowed less than 1Ó and during wet periods and with over-watering. As warmer and drier weather comes from June through August, the disease becomes inactive. However, Zoysia recovers and grows very slowly, so re-sodding may be needed in damaged areas.

If you suspect Zoysiapatch, call us promptly at 249-LAWN, as we can apply a turf fungicide to stop the spread of the disease. If it occurs in one area or lawn, it will probably occur most years in the same areas. Therefore, consider a preventative program of two special fungicide treatmentsÑone in early April and another in late September or early October. We have found that with these treatments, we can nip the problem in the bud, insuring that your zoysia lawn will perform well.

Customer Assistant

Have you setup your Customer Assistant account? Many customers call in from time to time wanting information regarding their account relating to payments, scheduled services, and past treatments that have been performed.The information is on a secure site and provides you access to:
* Basic information about your customer account
* Dates and descriptions of scheduled services
* Make payments, setup auto-debit & view payment history
* Request new services & estimates
* Refer friends to receive our service

To use this service, all you will need to do is visit our site at www.LawnAmerica.com and click on the link to Customer Assistant. You will then be taken through a few steps to setup your private account. Be sure to save your login information in a secure place!

Questions and Answers

Q: WhatÕs the difference between quick-release and slow-release nitrogen in fertilizers?

A: Nitrogen is the element that is most needed by turfgrass in order to grow and remain green and healthy. Nitrogen is the first number listed on a bag of fertilizer. So, our 31-0-9 fertilizer we are applying now consist of 31% nitrogen (N), no phosphorus, and 9% potassium (K). Whatever nitrogen that is not absorbed by plants and utilized does not stay in the soil forever. Therefore, it has to be replentished with consistent fertilization.Quick-release sources, such as Urea, are absorbed by turf roots within a week, but will be gone after about 6 weeks, depending upon things such as soil type, rainfall, and irrigation. We often add a slow-release nitrogen to our blend also to extend the color and growth response a few weeks. Slow-release nitrogen also holds up to excessive rainfall better, as we have experienced the last several years. Our current blend has 40% slow-release nitrogen, giving you a longer-lasting green color and more even growth response.