Almost every year in late summer, caterpillars invade turfgrasses across Georgia. Damage to established turf is mostly aesthetic, but newly planted sod or sprigged areas can be severely damaged or even killed.

Several caterpillars can damage turfgrass, but in late summer most of the problems are caused by fall armyworms. Their favorite turf to feed upon is bermudagrass.

Adult armyworm moths are active at night. Females lay eggs in masses of 50 to several hundred. Eggs hatch in a few days, and the young larvae begin to feed on leaf tissue. As the worms grow, they consume entire leaves of grass.

Armyworms are most active early and late in the day, spending the hotter hours down near the soil in the shade. Larvae feed for 2 to 3 weeks before pupating in the soil.

Weather conditions fuel the development of armyworms. Some UGA Cooperative Extension agents report this season as the worst they have seen in 25 years.

Daily observation is key in recognizing fall armyworm damage. Young caterpillars may be present but not causing noticeable damage to the plants. Fall armyworms are usually more active in the cooler parts of the day, but in extremely thick grass they can remain active while under cover. Learn more about armyworms from the UGA Extension.

We carry an effective treatment for armyworm infestation. The product is a curative, preventative and an exciter to get the worms moving to get them in contact with the material.  It is not only a contact killer but a systemic as well, so it gets down into the soil to kill grubs that are not developed into the adult stage that you see in the lawns. Please contact us today to get pricing and availability of our treatment programs.

Let’s face it, lawn care can be straight up intimidating. It’s easy to overlook essential steps when it comes to keeping your grass green no matter where your intentions lie. But at Alternative Environments, we’re about to give away some industry secrets that’ll turn your yard into the envy of your Northwest Georgia neighbors.

Lawn Mowing Tips and Tricks from the Pros

It’s important to remember that your yard is one huge living organism. And just like any living thing, your yard is going to react to how it is treated. Here’s how to keep it green and happy.

1. Don’t cut too short! This is really the most important step in having and keeping a healthy lawn. We know it’s tempting to to give your lawn a nice tight buzz, but resist the urge! You should never take more than 1/3 off at a time. If you’re not sure what that means in terms of setting your mower, just play it safe and keep your blade at the highest cutting level.
2. Don’t mow during peak heat. Mowing at high noon is not fun for you or your grass. Everyone will be happier if you jump on the mower closer to dusk or dawn.
3. Keep your blades sharp! Dull blades will rip your grass rather than cut it. This leaves ragged cuts that become more susceptible to disease and exposure from harsh weather.
4. Leave your clippings where they fall. Grass clippings will decompose back into your yard, adding nutrients and helping to nourish the grass you just cut.

There are quite a few more tips out there to keep your lawn looking great, but these four things are at the top of the list as far as we’re concerned. Take our words to heart and try these techniques out. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make for your yard’s health and appearance. And don’t forget to contact us any time for more great tips on keeping your landscaping green and vibrant throughout the Kennesaw, Georgia area!

Spring is right around the corner! Here’s a tip to get your lawn off to a great start – Schedule your Core Aeration!

Core aeration is one of the best ways to ensure your lawn has a healthy growing season. Benefits of core aeration include:

• Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
• Enhanced soil water uptake
• Improved fertilizer uptake and use
• Reduced water runoff and puddling
• Stronger turfgrass roots
• Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance
• Improved resiliency and cushioning
• Enhanced thatch breakdown
• Soil decompaction that promotes root growth and strength

Core aeration is also an excellent way to mitigate soil compaction. Core aeration reduces compaction and allows water and oxygen to get to the roots. Core aeration can also stimulate root growth in sod lawns that need to connect to the soil. Thatch, a mat of above-ground roots that prevents air and water from getting to the soil, will also be broken up with core aeration.

For many years, professional golf course greenskeepers have known that the secret of a beautiful course is to aerate two or three times each year, allowing the healthy grassroots to thrive. Now your lawn, too, can enjoy the benefits of professional aeration.

Now don’t confuse spike aeration with core aeration. Core aerators actually removed plugs from your lawn providing all the benefits. While spikes simply puncture and cause more compaction. And, the best results come from expensive commercial equipment.

Warm-season lawns should be aerated in mid-spring to summer. The team at Alternative Environment is currently taking reservations for Core Aeration. If you book early, in addition to guaranteed a spot, you also receive $25 off this service.

Signup for Core Aeration