How to Have the Best Lawn in Your Neighborhood

MG/Lawn Rangers in TrainingKen CaroJim Henry

Vince Rasper

The Good, Bad and Ugly

Examples from Near and Far

Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

Agenda

• Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

• The Challenges We Face

• Steps to Impressing Your Neighbors– Establishing New Lawns– Renovating Old Lawns– Maintenance Tips

• Summary

Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

The Challenges We Face

• Our Climatic Transition Zone is Tough– Hostile to Cool-Season Grasses– Not Kind to Warm-Season Grasses– Cost to Water Sufficiently an Added

Challenge

• To Meet the Challenge– Use Proper Cultural Practices– Utilize the Extension Office Guidance

Steps to Impressing Your Neighbors

• Establishing New Lawns• Renovating Old Lawns• Maintenance Tips

Establishing New Lawns

• Step 1 – Soil Test• Step 2 – Pre-Planting Steps

– Weed Control– Irrigation and Drainage Assessment– Soil Prep Based on Step 1

• Step 3 – Choose the Best Time of Year– Dependent on Grass Seed Type– Seed vs. Sod

• Step 4 – Post-Planting Irrigation

Renovating Old Lawns

• Step 1 - Assess Existing Conditions• Step 2 - Soil Test• Step 3 - Weed Control• Step 4 – De-thatch / Aerate• Step 5 - Apply Lime / Fertilizer Based on

Soil Test• Step 6 - Overseed• Step 7 - Water

Maintenance Tips

• Annual Program– Mowing Technique– Utilize the VCE Calendar Based on Grass

Type and Soil for Fertilization and Weed Control

• Periodic Maintenance– Dethatching / Aeration– pH Adjustment– Disease / Insect Control

Summary

• Get to Know Your Soil• Utilize the Extension Office• Develop and Execute a Soil Amendment

Program as Needed• Water Wisely to Develop a Healthy Lawn and

Strong Root System• Maintain Your Lawn Based on the VCE Turf

Care Calendar• Watch for Diseases, Insects and, If/When They

Appear, Remember …..

….ACE Is the PLACE

References

• http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-718.html• Master Gardener Handbook, Chapter 12• Photography

– V. Rasper World Travels– K. Caro Local Travels