In the last thirty years we sometimes think we've seen (and treated) every lawn issue known to Central Texas. If you live in the Pflugerville/Round Rock/Hutto area and have a lawn question come see us at the store and let us have a crack at helping you solve your problem.
Here are some of the most common questions/problems we see in area lawns.
Water: It seems like it's either feast or famine when it comes to rainfall in Central Texas. Right now we are struggling with very very dry summer weather. Here are a couple of tips to help keep your yard healthy during the challenging Texas heat:
--Water deep and infrequently. Try not to put your yard to bed "wet". Water in the evening with enough time for the leaves to dry, or early morning so the leaves are wet for a shorter period of time. Too much water at the wrong time can lead to more fungus problems.
--Set your mower blade to the highest possible setting. When you cut your grass it stimulates new growth and can stress out an already stressed root system. During faster growing cooler times mowers can be set lower.
--Promote healthy soil.
We carry water hoses and repair parts for them, many types of movable and hand sprinklers or wands and parts to reapair inground sprinkler systems.
Fertilizing. If you've been in Pflugerville for a few years or more you probably have heard about our special Gaddy's "Brown Bag" fertilizer. If you use a chemical fertilizer, we make a great one for the Pflugerville area. Our Brown Bag Special is a 20-5-1 slow release formula with extra iron and a micro-nutrient package specially developed for the black clay soils found in our area. One bag covers 6-8,000 square feet (normal size yard is 5000-7000 square feet). We recommend 3 times per year Spring(1st of April) June, and Fall(Sept-Oct) when it looks like it is going to start raining again.
If your not into using chemicals on your yard, we can help you with that as well. We carry a wide assortment of organics for your yard. One of my favorites happens to be a Texas Product, from an Austin Company. That product is Lady Bug 8-2-4 fertilizer. I personally use it on my veggie garden. I would recommend using this product 2-3 times the first few years,and as you build up the soil(organicly), you can back off to 2 or maybe 1 time per year, depending on how your yard is doing.
If your not into using chemicals on your yard, we can help you with that as well. We carry a wide assortment of organics for your yard. One of my favorites happens to be a Texas Product, from an Austin Company. That product is Lady Bug 8-2-4 fertilizer. I personally use it on my veggie garden. I would recommend using this product 2-3 times the first few years,and as you build up the soil(organicly), you can back off to 2 or maybe 1 time per year, depending on how your yard is doing.
Cinch Bugs. Nasty little critters. They can slowly, or not so slowly, march right across your lawn killing it as they go. Usually first noticed near some sort of barrier, in this picture a sidewalk, it could easily be a house a flowerbed or even just another type of grass like bermuda grass. They build up their population and then follow the food leaving a dead zone behind. But you've noticed something is wrong, and we are here to help. One of the easiest ways to check for cinch bugs is to pull up some grass and the trash and debris from the area that is starting to show problems. Place this on the sidewalk(do this at the hottest part of the day) and after a few minutes if they are there,they will start to run before they are cooked. Cinch bugs are fairly easy to control chemically. For light infestations a granule application will do, but for a more severe problem we recommend a spray for quick kill and then a granule for longer term control. If you have had them in the past, you might do a preventative application in the spring to get them before they get you. Come by and we can help you pick the right product for your problem.
Grubs. About the only thing good about these guys is they make good fishing bait. The damage will look similar to the cinch bug damage, but it is usually spotted thought the yard. The adults "June Bugs" are attracted to light at night, so grub damage is sometimes worse near a light source, whether it be a street light or a security light at the driveway. The best way to determine if grubs are your problem is to dig for them. Dig a hole about 6" by 12" in the edge of the problem area and see what you find. It won't do any good to dig in the center of the dead spot, they have already eaten everything there and moved on. If you find only one, dig in another spot. If several are found, it would be wise to treat. There are several products on the market for grubs, but some work better then others, come by and we'll help you choose the right product for your grub problem.
Armadillos. These cute guys love to dig in your lawn and landscape beds. They eat bugs including grubs and earthworms. If you've checked for grubs and found them, then eliminating the grubs will probably get rid of the armadillo. On the other hand, if you can't find grubs, or just would prefer not to treat for them, then you can get repellents or even rent or buy a trap to "relocate" the armadillo.
Brown Patch Fungus. Well if you don't find grubs or cinch bugs, then you have a good chance of having brown patch. It usually begins in a low spot, or an area that holds water although it can be anywhere in the yard. Unfortunately it is hard to look at a yard and say "that is definitely brown patch". The reproductive phase, if you catch it, looks like a oily spot in the yard, this is actually spores, a powder to spread itself around your yard and neighborhood. My favorite product for brown patch is F-Stop by Fertilome. It is a systemic granule that is absorbed by the roots and spread throughout the plant. Multiple applications are required. If you have areas that are prone to brown patch you can do preventive treatments at lower rates than what you would use for control.
Skunks, Opossum, Raccoon and Squirrels. These guys can all do damage to your lawn, garden, house and pets or small livestock. If you leave a bowl of feed out for your dog or cat, you just might be feeding the neighborhood bandit as well. They can all do damage to your vegitable garden and although some would rather eat the chicken feed and not the chicken, they will all sit down to feast on Penny the Hen if they get a chance.....well, maybe not the squirrel, but he may be giving them directions. Squirrels and raccoons are well known for finding or creating access to attics, where they set up house and do general damage as well as start a family. Sonic pest chasers are sometimes used, but you may have to use several to cover all the nooks and crannies in todays attics. Traps are an option for all these critters, and we both sell and rent them. If you live in the Pflugerville City limits, you can contact Animal Control with the Police Dept. and they can remove them from your trap. If you are not in the City Limits, well, your on your own.