Beware of Late Fall Fungus in Warm Season Lawns
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Spring
- Keep Celebration Bermudagrass mowed between .5 and 1.5 inches.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide. This will cut down on summer weeds.
- If you have experienced insect issues in the past, treat with broad-spectrum insecticide. If you use a granular insecticide, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption.
- Don’t overwater. In the active growing season, Celebration needs about one inch of water a week from natural rainfall or irrigation. Too much water can cause fungus.
- Apply fungicide if needed. If you have had a fungus or disease in your Celebration in the past or have quite a bit of shade in the yard, apply a systemic fungicide to prevent future outbreaks.
Fertilize your lawn:
Summer
- When mowing, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time. If you need to cut more than 1/3, consider multiple cuts over three to five days.
- Do not overwater the grass. Celebration only needs about one inch of water weekly. Water for longer periods of time, less frequently, and in the early morning hours. Take rainfall into consideration.
Fertilize your lawn:
Fall
- Apply fungicide. This will help the grass enter colder months in healthier condition. If you have had fungus before, you may need multiple applications in affected areas.
- Treat with broad-spectrum insecticide. If you use a granular variety, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption.
- Mow less in cooler fall months. Leave your bermudagrass lawn slightly higher than normal to encourage deeper root growth for winter. Adjust mower settings up one notch.
- Water less. As temperatures drop grasses don’t need as much irrigation. Too much watering can lead to lawn disease.
- If you haven’t had past problems with winter weeds, you can forgo herbicide in the fall. If you do get winter weeds, apply a pre-emergent herbicide for prevention.
Fertilize your lawn:
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HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY CELEBRATION LAWN? BEGIN WITH AN EARTH-FRIENDLY, REDUCED INPUT FERTILIZER PROGRAM.
SOIL MANAGEMENT
- Soil test every two years.
- Amend soil to maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Know your soil type!
MOWING
- Sharpen blades every spring.
- Keep mowed between .5 to 1.5 inches
- Don’t cut of more than 1/3 the blade
IRRIGATION
- Don’t Overwater
- Water less in cooler fall months
- About 1 inch a week total irrigation spring & summer
- Water deeply, frequently, and in early AM
WEED CONTROL
- Pre-emergents prevent weeds from germinating
- Post-emergents kill weeds after they germinate
- A thick, lush lawn is the best deterrent to weeds
DISEASE CONTROL
- Overly wet grass + shade = fungus problems
- Apply systemic fungicide to prevent fungus outbreaks
- Use multiple fungicide applications to treat affected areas
INSECT CONTROL
- Use a broad spectrum insecticide that controls chinch bugs
- For a once-a-year treatment, July & August are good months
- If using a granular insecticide, water in after application
- Look for insect damage on grass blades and/ or roots
Mowing Frequency
Height: .5-1.5 inches
Fertilization Frequency
Watering Frequency
1 inch per week
Disease Resistance
Very Resistant
