Room to Grow: Late summer landscape issues persist

Homeowner questions continue to keep us hopping as we move toward September. I thought I’d share a few of the more common problems that arise this time of year. As usual, folks want quick, easy fixes for these complex problems. Unfortunately, in most cases, quick and easy isn’t an option.

Summer weeds just won’t die: Weed control, particularly in lawns, is a hot topic these days. The culprits range from nutsedge to mulberry weed to common lespedeza, which, as the name suggests, is fairly common. Chemical weed control in lawns is not really a viable option this time of year. Many of the mature weeds have extensive root systems, making chemical applications a waste of time and money.

Mow your lawn and keep in mind that cooler temperatures are right around the corner. These summer weeds will subside as temperatures cool. Think about looking toward a pre-emergence herbicide application in September to prevent the cool season weeds that pop up in late fall through winter.

To prevent some of the warm season weeds that you are battling now, mark mid-February on your 2016 calendar to make another pre-emergence herbicide application.

The entire yard is turning brown and dying: Lawns have taken a real beating this summer. No matter the grass type or the neighborhood, it has been a rough summer. Obviously watering -- both under-watering and over-watering -- causes big problems. If you don’t water during a drought, plants will turn brown and die.

Conversely, if you water every day, you’ll have brown plants, but for completely different reasons. Fungal problems have been rampant in lawns this summer. Large patch and Take All Root Rot seem to be the most predominant problems in Middle Georgia lawns. The only way to be sure that you have a fungal disease is to examine the grass under a microscope. The disease organism will be evident on the roots, runners or blades. County Extension offices can either diagnose in-house or ship samples to our plant pathology lab in Athens (for a nominal fee; contact your local office for instructions on sample collection).

Finally, those of you with St. Augustine lawns are most likely familiar with chinch bugs. These tiny insects usually start at the edge of the lawn, often near a hot surface such as a patio, curb or driveway. You can determine if this tiny creature is munching his way through your yard by trying the float test or closely examining the area where the grass turns from green to brown. Chinch bugs are tiny, fast-moving insects with silver wings. If chinch bugs are discovered, treat with insecticides containing cyfluthrin or bifenthrin.

My tomato plants won’t produce fruit: Even though tomatoes are supposed to be tropical plants, they too have been suffering through the dog days of summer. It is true that fruit-set problems can be related to issues such as excessive nitrogen fertilization, an erratic watering schedule, or even scarcity of pollinators. However, did you know that tomatoes are sensitive to temperatures? When day temperatures exceed 85 degrees and night temperatures exceed 72 degrees week after week, blooms and even small fruit will abort.

There is a correlation between temperature and time of exposure. The plants, like many of us, go into survival mode with the hot temperatures. The best course of action this year is to keep the plants as healthy as possible (mulch, minimal weeds and insects, as well as consistent watering) and keep your fingers crossed that they’ll begin to set fruit as temperatures cool, as we move toward the first frost.

Next year, consider varieties that are “heat tolerant.” Varieties suggested following a 2004 research trial include Mountain Crest, Sunbeam, Sunmaster, Suncrest and Sun Leaper. Keep in mind, these probably aren’t going to be as tasty as the traditional, heirloom varieties.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Master Naturalist Introduction: While we didn’t have enough participants register for the full-blown Master Naturalist program, we will offer a one day class on Sept. 17.

The morning session will include a botany and forest ecology program at Wesleyan Arboretum. During the afternoon session, we’ll float down the Ocmulgee River with a representative from the River Keeper group. The cost is $30. Space is limited. Contact Pat Hill at pahill@uga.edu or 478-751-6338 for more information.

Master Gardeners of Central Georgia Fall Garden Plant Sale: Noon-5 p.m. Sept. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25 and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 26, State Farmers Market, 2055 Eisenhower Parkway. Master Gardeners also will be available to answer gardening questions. Free admission and parking. For more information, e-mail askamg@mgcg.org or call 478-751-6338.

Contact writer Karol Kelly at karolk@uga.edu.

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 10:35 PM with the headline "Room to Grow: Late summer landscape issues persist ."