Pets and your Lawn #2 (pun intended)

We talked about pet urine in Pets and Your Yard Part 1 last week.  Today, the subject is the unpleasant topic of #2.  Feces are also damaging to your lawn.  Dog waste is not like cow manure.  It is not a good fertilizer.  A dog's diet is very different from a cow's diet since it is full of protein and this causes a very acidic excrement.  This creates a highly acidic product that is harmful to your lawn. The feces in small amounts may temporarily produce a fertilizer effect that results in dark areas but left on the lawn, the feces break down and create brown spots. 

Pet waste is unsightly and smelly but it can also pose certain health risks. This waste can attract different insects to your yard as well as being a vector to transmitting certain diseases.  Ringworm, hookworms, roundworms, and other diseases can be passed from another pet or person if the feces are left unattended.  Young children are most prone to the exposure since they are less likely to wash their hands after playing in the yard.  Simply walking in an infected yard before entering your home makes it possible to track bacteria into your household.

The best protection for your yard is to designate a place for your pet to go.  Be diligent about "scooping the poop" to help lessen the damage to your yard and to protect the health of your children and you!  With a little planning along with the scooping, you and your pets can live in harmony without an unsightly smelly yard!

Sunbelt Turf Farm is happy to help you with all your sod and turfgrass needs.  Give them a call today!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful, green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. This blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of the information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.  The terms and conditions are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Pets and your Lawn #1

Are you noticing brown spots in your yard?  Your sweet furry friends (or maybe your neighbor's pets) can create unsightly spots in your beautiful lawn.

These brown spots are caused by the acidic nature of urine. This is due to the high concentrations of nitrogen present in the ammonia component of your pet's urine. A little nitrogen is good for your lawn but an excessive amount causes damage.  It is similar to pouring a nitrogen-containing fertilizer onto your lawn.

Female dogs cause more damage because they do their "business' in one concentrated area. There is a quick and somewhat easy fix for this problem.  After your pet has finished their business, water that portion of the lawn for a few minutes or simply dump a bucket of water on that spot.  The watering will cause the nitrogen to dilute and that has a positive effect on the lawn.  If you notice a green ring around the brown spot, the nitrogen is causing this dark, green ring of accelerated growth.  A more dramatic contrast of color between the dog spot and the lawn is a good visual indicator of the need to fertilize your lawn.  Use less fertilizer in the beginning and increase it gradually. Fertilizing will help keep your lawn healthy and that lovely green color will be vibrant in the spring.

If your lawn is full of these dog spots, it may be necessary to cut out the brown area and patch the lawn with new sod.  The re-sodding of the areas will give you the quickest fix. Another way to fix the issue is to take a 4-6 inch knife and slice into the brown spot several times.  By cutting into the ground, you will be breaking up the root system and this helps the rhizomes to reproduce and this creates new, green grass in the spot where your pet has browned it.

Give Sunbelt Turf Farm a call for all your sod needs.  The friendly staff will answer all your questions and help you have a beautiful lawn.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. This blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of the information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.  The terms and conditions are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful, green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Merry Christmas

Sunbelt Turf Farm would like to say Thank You and wish you a joyous holiday season.

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Holiday Safety Tips

Safety is always important, but especially during the busy holiday season.  The days are shorter so the darkness comes quicker.  People are shopping, visiting, and traveling taking us out of our homes more.  

Since this is the last shopping weekend before Christmas, Sunbelt Turf Farm wants to remind you of these simple safety tips.

Car Safety Tips:

• Keep jumper cables in the car
• Have a blanket or an extra coat in the car
• Have cell phone charger in the car
• Get gas before dark

Home Safety Tips:

• Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your property
• Report any suspicious activity 
• Check windows and doors to make sure they are properly locked
• Place exterior lighting on timers
• Keep shrubbery trimmed to eliminate hiding spots
• Do not open the door to strangers
• Remind children of stranger danger

Holiday Shopping Tips:

• Shop with a buddy
• Park in well-lit areas
• Women: use a cross body purse
• Men: consider carrying your wallet in a deep front pocket
• Limit the number of bags you are carrying-return to the car if needed
• Have keys out and ready to use
• Have cell phone easily accessible
• Keep all valuables in your car out of sight
• Limit the amount of cash you are carrying
• Carry only the credit cards you plan to use

Always be alert to your surroundings so you don't become a holiday crime statistic!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Happy Birthday Rudolph!

Happy 76th birthday to Rudolph the red nosed reindeer!

The most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, was created by Robert L. May.  May was an employee of the department store, Montgomery Ward, and was charged with the task of creating a booklet to be given out to customers of the store as a holiday promotion.  

What began as a 32 page illustrated booklet has turned into a holiday icon.   In many countries, Rudolph has become a figure of Christmas folklore. 2015 marks the 76th anniversary of the birth of the character and the 51st anniversary of the television special.  

Children go to bed each Christmas Eve hoping Rudolph's red nose will guide Santa's sleigh to their homes.  Be sure and leave reindeer food to assist Rudolph!  Sunbelt Turf Farm is happy to share their special reindeer food recipe!

Reindeer Food Recipe
2 Cups regular oats

2 Cups sunflower tropical birdseed mix

2 Tablespoons red decorator sugar crystals

2 Tablespoon green decorator sugar crystals

Combine all ingredients in a 2 quart ziplock bag.

Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
Santa’s reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home

Merry Christmas!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

How to Eliminate Lawn Mushrooms

Mushrooms prevail in yards with drainage problems and lots of shade.  If you are tired of seeing the mushrooms and want to get rid of them, you have a few options.

1. Pulling mushrooms up at the base as soon as they appear will help reduce the spread of spores.  Removing them as soon as you see them reduces the chance of children and pets ingesting them.
2. Rake up leaves, sticks, and grass clippings.  Fungi feed on decaying matter, so eliminating food sources will help eliminate mushroom growth.  Consider dethatching your lawn, removing the thick layer of organic matter between your lawn and the soil.
3. Mow the lawn regularly and limit the watering.  Make sure all mushrooms are pulled up and all pieces are removed before mowing.  You don't want to spread mushroom spores across the lawn when mowing, creating an even larger problem.
4. Aerate the lawn.  This will improve drainage and air flow throughout the lawn.  It will also help keep the grass and soil dry.
5. Nitrogen speeds up the decaying process of the food source for the fungi.  Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the lawn at a rate of 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
6. Dig up any areas where mushrooms grow and remove tree roots, pieces of wood, or other organic material that serve as a food source. If you cut trees or remove shrubs from your landscape be sure to remove the roots as well.
7. Dig out the affected soil.  For the best chance of completely eliminating the mushrooms, dig 12 to 18 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches outside the affected area.

 If you need assistance with any lawn problems or have questions about your sod, call  Sunbelt Turf Farm for all the answers

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. This blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of the information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.  The terms and conditions are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Is that a Mushroom in my Yard?

Mushrooms can appear in new sod or established sod.  They aren't picky about where they grow as long as there is the right combination of moisture, shade, and organic material in the soil.  They may appear suddenly usually overnight and appear under the shrubs, near the trees or just in the middle of your beautiful lawn!  

Mushrooms are fungi, or rather the reproductive part of fungi that lives in soil.  The fungi are hidden most of the time busy breaking down organic material.  But, when the conditions are right they will burst up from the ground like flowers blooming in the spring time.  

In your newly laid sod, mushrooms may appear since the new sod must be kept very moist to encourage root growth into the underlying soil.  If you have mushroom spores present in your sod when the watering begins, the spores will germinate and begin to break down organic materials in the sod.  Once the germinated fungus has grown into the sod, mushrooms break through the soil and can begin growing rapidly.

Once your new sod is established and excessive watering is no longer needed, the mushroom problem may clear up on its own.  The mushrooms must have a moist area to thrive, so allow your lawn to dry out once the sod is clearly established. Fungal growth in new sod can cause the grass to grow at an uneven rate, leaving you with longer grass in sections of your lawn.  Using a lawn aerator will improve the water flow while increasing air content in the soil and this will help keep the mushrooms at bay.  If mushrooms appear and you remove them manually, just keep in mind they may return after a heavy rain.

If mushrooms persist in your established lawn, you may be able to keep mushrooms away by changing the conditions in your yard.  Mushrooms typically like shade so trim back bushes and leaves.  The sunshine will help keep the shrooms in check!  If you see standing water or if part of your lawn remains damp for long periods after a rain, your soil may be compacted. Aerating will increase drainage and better drainage will decrease the moisture that the mushrooms thrive on. Dethatching your lawn may be necessary if you have a thick layer of organic material that absorbs moisture.

If you have a stump or even a place where a stump used to be, the dead roots underground may be encouraging the growth of mushrooms.  If the stump is still there, you can have it removed.  If it has been removed, keep the area raked and aerated to promote proper drainage.  Pet waste left on the lawn can bring out the unwanted mushrooms.

Mushrooms indicate that your yard has lots of organic material in the soil.  When the mushrooms break down the organic material your soil becomes more productive.  If you don't have drainage or shade problems, just simply knock the mushrooms over and wait for the sun to appear and dry out the lawn.

Call Sunbelt Turf Farm for all your sod needs!



Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. This blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of the information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.  The terms and conditions are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Harpersville, Alabama Celebrates Bicentennial

Harpersville, Alabama is hosting a 200th Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday, November 14, 2015.  The festivities will begin at 8:00 am  at Town Hall Lane with fun events for the whole family to enjoy.  Festivities include arts and crafts vendors, an antique car show, a parade, musical acts and hay bale art contest.  At noon, there will be a special salute to the local veterans.  There will be lots of good food and entertainment for all to enjoy. 

Harpersville is a great place to live and work.  The close proximity to one of the area's busiest thoroughfares, Highway 280, allows businesses to prosper and grow while it remains a small town.  It is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Birmingham and several colleges are located nearby, making it convenient for people to commute for work or school.

Visit Harpersville and be surprised with all we have to offer.  Popular places to visit include Old Baker Farm, Morgan Creek Vineyards, Stone Hollow Farmstead and new corporate citizen Bama Budweiser.

Sunbelt Turf Farm is proud to be located in Harpersville.  We have been in business for 30 years and have been supplying home grown sod to Harpersville and surrounding areas. Please give us a call for all your turf grass needs.  Located on Highway 25, we grow our beautiful grasses in old cotton fields and pasture land.

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Sod...then and now

As we all know sod is used for lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields around the world. It is a favorite of landscapers and home builders because it helps to establish a lawn quickly and it also helps with soil erosion. It is the choice of many homeowners because of its appearance and the environmental benefits. Sod reduces greenhouse gases and absorbs carbon dioxide.  It is much cooler than concrete, asphalt, rock and artificial turf. It releases oxygen and cools the air.  Sod can also be used to repair a small area of your lawn that has died.  Professional landscapers may use it to repair a golf course or an athletic field as well.

There are a few things you may not know about the history of sod.  Great Plains settlers in 1862, used sod bricks to build entire sod houses.  The prairie didn't have standard building supplies like wood or stone.  It may be hard for us to imagine today that sod was used for constructing houses.  But, the prairie sod of the Great Plains was dense, tough, thick and difficult to cut. The plentiful sod was also nicknamed Nebraska Marble due to this denseness.  These characteristics made it an excellent building material. The Great Plains settlers weren't the only ones to use sod when building structures. Scandinavia also has a long history of employing sod roofing and the Icelandic turf house is a traditional house type.

An invention by a man with a very familiar name to us today helped aid migration into the Great Plains in the 19th and early 20th century.  A blacksmith, by the name John Deere, made a fortune when he became the first to make a plow that could cut the dense prairie sod.  

Call Sunbelt Turf Farm for all your turf grass needs!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Changing Seasons = Making Changes

Change can be scary to most people and that is understandable.  But, sometimes change can be good. So don't always think the worst when you hear the word change.

Irrigation systems need to be monitored, just like your children and your pets need to be watched to make sure they aren't causing trouble! The schedule for your irrigation system needs to be updated and changed depending on the season and how much natural water your lawn is receiving.

October makes the perfect time of the year to make changes to your irrigation plans.  The weather is beginning to finally cool off a bit and we even have a bit of a chill in the air in the evening.  With this change taking place, your lawn doesn't have the incredible thirst for water like it did in the hot summer months.  Adjust your watering schedule to fit the new needs of your lawn.  Dormant turf loses water and can be damaged if it becomes too dry. Don't stop watering, monitor rainfall amounts so you don't over water.  If your lawn is receiving one inch of water per week that should be sufficient.

Don't let change scare you!  Make the needed changes to help your lawn be the envy of the neighborhood.

Call Sunbelt Turf Farm for all your sod needs!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Fall Planting

Even the inexperienced gardener knows that fall is the time to plants bulbs that we want to see bloom in the spring. But, most people don't know that early autumn can be a great time to install your sod.  This is especially true in Alabama since we have a "warm" weather climate longer than other parts of the country.



Installing sod in the fall isn't much different than laying sod in the spring or summer. One of the biggest differences is the temperature, it makes for more comfortable work than what you encounter in the spring and summer!

What are the basic steps for installing sod?

Prepare the soil as if you were seeding; measure the area to be sodded so your quantity calculations are correct.  Lay the first piece along a straight line such as a driveway or sidewalk, install all additional pieces so the seams create a brick-like pattern.  Apply at least one inch of water on the sod within 30 minutes of laying the first piece.  For the next two weeks keep the base soil moist with daily (or more frequent) watering.

Sodding is simple, but these tricks of the trade can make it even easier:

• Asking the delivery driver to place the pallets of sod across the yard, approximating how much each pallet will cover.  This will reduce the time and distance you might have to carry each piece.
• Leveling the soil about one inch below any hard surfaces such as patios, sidewalks and driveways.  This eliminates height differences between the sod and the hard surfaces.
• If you have a slope, begin sodding at the bottom and work your way up the slope. If the slope is very steep, run the pieces across the direction of the slope.
• Push edges and ends against each other tightly to reduce gaps and overlays.
• Use a sharp utility knife to trim corners and ends.
• Water! Water! Water! 

Give us a call at Sunbelt Turf Farm and will be happy to assist you with your sod needs!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

It's Fall!

Happy Fall Y’all!  Sunbelt Turf Farm family wishes you and your family a happy Fall! 

Take a break from tending your lawns and enjoy a fall favorite recipe!

This recipe is perfect for a tailgate or watching the big game from the comforts of your home.


Santa Fe Soup

2 pounds of Ground Beef
1 medium Onion, chopped fine
2 packets of Ranch Dressing Mix, dry
2 packets of Taco Seasoning
1 can Black Beans
1 can Pinto Beans
1 can Kidney Beans
1 can Rotel Tomatoes
1 can Tomatoes, Crushed
1 can Yellow Corn
1 can White Shoepeg Corn
2 cups Water


Directions


Brown meat with onion then drain.  Add canned goods and seasoning packets. 
Stir well adding water.  Do not drain the vegetables.


Simmer for 2 hours.


Serve with corn chips and a dollop of sour cream and sprinkles of cheddar cheese.



Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Common Lawncare Mistakes-102

Sunbelt Turf Farm is happy to offer suggestions on how to avoid the most common mistakes homeowners make in regard to their lawncare.

Dethatch

Thatch is tightly packed layer of dead and living shoots, roots and stems that develop between the turfgrass and the soil surface.  It is important to use the right equipment to dethatch and don't attempt to remove the entire thatch layer in one treatment.  Do not dethatch with the soil is wet, only dethatch your lawn when it is truly necessary not on a routine basis.

Advice

Too much thatch can present negative consequences to your lawn, but a little thatch is desirable.  It will help moderate temperature at the soil surface and provides a cushion effect on the surface.  To determine if you need to dethatch your lawn, remove a small plug of turf several inches deep.  If the spongy layer between the soil and the turf is more than 3/4 to 1 inch thick, your lawn will benefit from dethatching. 

Aeration

Lawn aeration is recommended when the soil becomes compacted and water and nutrients can't get to the roots of the plants.  Aeration opens up the soil by pulling plugs of soil out of the lawn letting the air in.  One of the biggest mistakes is not pulling enough plugs from the soil.

Advice

Warm season greases tend to perform better if the aeration is done in late summer when the grass is actively growing.  The aeration is best done by hiring a professional or renting professional equipment.  The lawn should be moderately moist, but not soaking wet, so it is easier to penetrate  and pick a day when the temperature is mild.

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Common Lawncare Mistakes-101

Sunbelt Turf Farm is happy to offer suggestions on how to avoid the most common mistakes homeowners make in regard to their lawn care.

Mowing

The most common mistake people make when mowing their lawn is cutting the grass too short. This encourages weed growth, increases heat stress during dry hot periods and will make your lawn more susceptible to insects and diseases.  A dull lawnmower blade will rip or tear the grass instead of providing a nice even cut.  The tearing of the plant tissue can create a breeding ground for disease and other problems for your lawn.

Advice

Set your mower blade to a height that cuts no more than the top third of the grass.  This will encourage stronger roots.  Always have sharp blades, a dull lawnmower blade is bad news for your lawn.  Have the blades sharpened by a professional to ensure a sharp blade for an even cut.  In our warm weather climate here in Alabama, it may be necessary to have the blades sharpened more than once a year.

Watering

We all know that water is essential to all living things.  Too much water and we drown, too little water and we die. Water makes up over 70% of the weight of our lawn grasses with clippings alone are almost 90% water. Most people worry about not watering their lawns enough but the fact is more lawns are damaged more by over watering than under watering.

Advice

For newly installed sod, you will need to water immediately to ensure the turf gets established.  The sod will need at least 1 inch of water within 1/2 of installation.  You will need to water daily to keep the turf moist until it is firmly rooted.  Then you can water less frequently but with a deeper watering.  For established lawns the amount of water needed is determined by the overall health, beauty and the ability to withstand use and drought. The average lawn needs 1 inch of water per week.  The appearance of your lawn can always be a sign of needing water.  Grass in need of water will have a grey-blue cast and footprints will be visible after about 30 minutes while footprints will disappear in just a few minutes on a well watered lawn.

Fertilizing

When it comes to fertilizing, you need to make sure you are using not only the right mixture, but the right quantity and applying it the right time of the year.  Too much fertilizer tends to increase thatch problems and leaves the lawn more prone to insects and disease. You could actually burn your lawn.  

Advice

Lawn fertilizers usually contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The grass needs more nitrogen than any other nutrient.  It helps to give the lawn the beautiful green color since it is part of the chlorophyll molecule. Potassium helps with good cell wall development and the plant's ability to withstand stress, disease and damage from insects. Phosphorus is responsible for the energy transfer systems in the plant and is required in smaller amounts than nitrogen and potassium in established lawns.  Shop for slow release nitrogen, it is designed to meter-out the nitrogen over a longer period of time and it doesn't have to be applied as often.  Warm season grasses like we have in Alabama flourish during the warmer summer months. It is best in this area to apply a larger amount of nitrogen in the early-late spring applications and less nitrogen in the fall application. By leaving the grass clippings on your lawn, you are increasing nitrogen and can reduce the need for fertilizer by 25%.

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

September 15 - A Very Important Date per Sunbelt Turf Farm

Sunbelt Turf Farm reminds you of an important date!

As the calendar turns through the month of September, Sunbelt Turf Farm would like to remind you that September 15 is an important date in your lawn care maintenance.

Pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds should be applied to your lawn by September 15.  Pre-emergent herbicides are designed to be applied before the weeds germinate.  This is an effective method of controlling weeds.  Pre-emergent herbicides establish chemical barriers that prevent prevent weeds from growing but will not kill established plants.  The protective barriers break down in six to eight weeks, therefore proper timing of the application is important in order to be effective.

Remember to check all labels thoroughly, be sure that the product can be used on your specific turfgrass and that it will control the weeds you are trying to manage.

Call us at Sunbelt Turf Farm for more information on how to control pesky weeds in your turfgrass!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Fall Turf Tune Up

Fall is the perfect time to tune up your lawn.  Sunbelt Turf Farms offers information on how to make your spring a little greener by preparing now.

At this time of year, your lawn may start to show signs of wear and tear.  Your lawn can take a beating in the summer with family gatherings, picnics, children and pets.  If your lawn can use a little TLC, fall is the best time to revitalize it so that next year’s lawn will be green and healthy.

Beginning by giving the lawn a good raking, this will improve the look and the health of the lawn.  Aerate the soil, this opens up air channels.  Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes, this allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots.  This will help the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger lawn. 

Grass can benefit from fertilizing in the early fall.  Combination lawn fertilizers are a good choice since they contain fast-release nitrogen, which provides a fast “green-up” and a larger amount of slow-release nitrogen, which feeds the lawn slowly and gently.  Be sure to read all directions and recommendations on the label of your fertilizer.  A natural way to fertilize is to leave your grass clippings on the lawn, as they decompose they will release nitrogen into the turf.  Cutting your grass with a mulching mower will speed up the process.

The fall is a great time to patch dead or damaged spots in your lawn.  Always patch with the same type of grass as the existing lawn.  Remove the damaged turf, loosen the top few inches of soil in the bare section, work in compost to improve the soil and level out the surface.  You are ready now to insert a fresh piece of sod in the damaged area.

You should continue mowing as necessary, but wait on mowing as growth slows so the grass goes into the winter months well insulated.  Set your mower at the highest setting, which should leave the grass less than 1.5 inches tall.

If you take these few steps in the fall, you will reap the benefits in the spring. 

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.