# Lawn Phix — Lawn Care Guides, Calendars, and Product How-Tos > This file lists core Lawn Phix resources for lawn care education, seasonal calendars, and practical how-tos. URLs are grouped by topic (seasonal plans, weed control, soil/grass basics, and tools). > Notes for assistants: Prefer evergreen guides and seasonal calendars when answering ‘what should I do now?’ questions. When citing, link to the most specific guide that matches the user’s grass type (cool-season vs warm-season) and season. --- ## Pages - [Terms of Service](https://lawnphix.com/terms-of-service/): Lawn Phix LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) provides lawn care services to residential properties in select areas of Massachusetts. By... - [Turfco T3100 For Sale](https://lawnphix.com/turfco-t3100/): For Sale: 2023 Turfco T3100 Ride-On Spreader/Sprayer – $9,500 OBO Looking to boost productivity in your lawn care business? Looking... - [Contact](https://lawnphix.com/free-lawn-care-estimates/): Free Lawn Care Estimates Please fill out the form below, and we will respond within 2 business days. Free Lawn... - [Grass Seed Calculator](https://lawnphix.com/grass-seed-calculator/) - [Lawn Size Calculator - Accurately Measure Your Lawn's Square Footage](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-size-calculator/): Why Lawn Size Matters Accurately measuring your lawn size is essential for determining the correct amount of seed, fertilizer, herbicide,... - [Lawn Care Sitemap](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care-sitemap/) - [Quinclorac Calculator (75 DF Application Rates)](https://lawnphix.com/quinclorac-calculator/): To use this quinclorac calculator, choose your desired method of application. This quinclorac calculator accurately provides the application rates for... - [Favorite Product Type](https://lawnphix.com/favorite-product-type/) - [Lawn Phix Preferred Products](https://lawnphix.com/shop-fert/): Here are my preferred products that align with the 2024 lawn care calendar. If you have not yet downloaded the... - [Home](https://lawnphix.com/): Over 200 free DIY lawn care guides, product reviews, calculators, and printable calendars to help you grow greener, healthier grass. - [Lawn Care Calculators](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care-calculators/): Lawn Care Calculators – Free & Easy To Use! These lawn care calculators are easy and free to use. Get... - [Free Lawn Care Estimates](https://lawnphix.com/free-lawn-care-estimate/): Thank you for your interest in Lawn Phix’s premium lawn fertilization, turf nutrition, and lawn care. Please fill out the... - [May 2022 Lawn of the Month](https://lawnphix.com/lotm/): Time to cast your vote for Lawn Phix LOTM winner for May 2022. Polls close on May 22, 2022, so... - [Lawn of the Month Rules & Regulations](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-of-the-month-rules-regulations/): NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. 1. Eligibility: This... - [Lawn of the Month Submission](https://lawnphix.com/entry/): Thank you for stopping by! Please use the form below to submit pictures of your lawn to enter the Lawn... - [Azoxystrobin Calculator](https://lawnphix.com/azoxystrobin-calculator/): Need help calculating the amount of Azoxystrobin for your lawn? Use our FREE Azoxy Calculator for exact application rates. - [Blog](https://lawnphix.com/blog/): Latest Blog - [Prodiamine Calculator (65 WDG Application + Mixing Rates)](https://lawnphix.com/prodiamine-calculator/): Need help calculating the amount of Prodiamine 65WDG for your lawn? Use our FREE Prodiamine Calculator for exact application rates. - [Dimension 2EW Calculator [Application + Mix Rates]](https://lawnphix.com/dimension-2ew-calculator/): Need help calculating the amount of Dimension 2EW for your lawn? Use our FREE Dimension Calculator for exact appplication rates. - [Tenacity Herbicide Calculator](https://lawnphix.com/tenacity-herbicide-calculator/): Calculate the amount of Tenacity herbicide you need with our FREE Tenacity Calculator. Find exact application rates, total water needed and more! - [Lawn Fertilizer Calculator](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-fertilizer-calculator/): Applying the right amount of granular fertilizer is key to a healthy lawn. Use our free lawn fertilizer calculator today to help guide you! - [Liquid Nitrogen Calculator (Liquid Fertilizer Calculator)](https://lawnphix.com/liquid-nitrogen-calculator/): Try our FREE liquid nitrogen calculator online. Easily calculate ounces of liquid fertilizer to deliver the right amount to your lawn. - [Purchase Confirmation](https://lawnphix.com/purchase-confirmation/): Thank you for your purchase! - [Purchase History](https://lawnphix.com/purchase-history/) - [Contact](https://lawnphix.com/contact/): Get In Touch With Lawn Phix We love hearing from you! Please use the form below if you want to... - [Nitrogen Fertilizer Calculator](https://lawnphix.com/nitrogen-calculator/): Confused about calculating the amount of nitrogen in your fertilizer bag, and how much goes down per bag? Use our free online nitrogen calulator to quickly and easily find out. - [About Lawn Phix Owner, Mark Marino](https://lawnphix.com/about-me/): Hi there! Thanks for checking out Lawn Phix. I’m Mark Marino — the owner, operator, and President of Lawn Phix... --- ## Posts - [FlowZone Vortex 40V Battery Mist Blower Review – A Game-Changer for Mosquito and Tick Control](https://lawnphix.com/reviews/flowzone-vortex-40v-battery-mist-blower-review-a-game-changer-for-mosquito-and-tick-control/): Introduction The FlowZone Vortex 40V Battery Mist Blower is designed as a powerful, gas-free alternative for mosquito and tick control.... - [Winter Dormancy](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/winter-dormancy/): Key Takeaways: What is Winter Dormancy? Winter dormancy is when cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass,... - [Overwatering](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/overwatering/): Key Takeaways: What is Overwatering? Overwatering happens when a lawn receives more water than it needs to thrive through excessive... - [Lime Application](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/lime-application/): Key Takeaways: What is Lime Application? Lime application is the process of spreading lime (calcium carbonate or dolomitic lime) on... - [N-P-K Ratio](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/n-p-k-ratio/): Key Takeaways: What is the N-P-K Ratio? The N-P-K ratio is a three-number label found on all fertilizer packages that... - [Thatch Layer](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/thatch-layer/): Key Takeaways: What is Thatch, and How Does it Affect Lawns? The thatch layer is the layer of dead and... - [Overseeding](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/overseeding/): Key Takeaways: What is Overseeding, and Why is it Beneficial? Overseeding is the practice of adding grass seed to an... - [Core Aerator](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/core-aerator/): Key Takeaways: What is a Core Aerator? A core aerator is a specialized lawn care tool designed to remove small... - [Fall Fertilization](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/fall-fertilization/): Key Takeaways: What is Fall Fertilization, and Why is it Important? Fall fertilization is the practice of applying fertilizer during... - [Broadleaf Weeds](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/broadleaf-weeds/): Key Takeaways: What Are Broadleaf Weeds? Broadleaf weeds are unwanted plants characterized by their broad, flat leaves, which make them... - [Soil Test](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/soil-test/): Key Takeaways: What is a Soil Test, and Why is it Important? A soil test is a diagnostic tool used... - [Nitrogen](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/nitrogen/): Key Takeaways: What is Nitrogen, and Why is it Important for Lawns? Nitrogen is a macronutrient and a vital component... - [Mulching Mower](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/mulching-mower/): Key Takeaways: What is a Mulching Mower, and How Does it Work? A mulching mower is a specialized lawn mower... - [Topdressing](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/topdressing/): Key Takeaways: What is Topdressing, and Why is it Important? Topdressing is the process of applying a thin layer of... - [Pre-Emergent Herbicide](https://lawnphix.com/glossary/pre-emergent-herbicide/): Key Takeaways: What is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide? A pre-emergent herbicide is a type of weed control product that works by... - [Understanding Ascochyta Blight on Lawns](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/understanding-ascochyta-blight-on-lawns/): At Lawn Phix, we’re passionate about helping you achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn. Today, we’re talking about Ascochyta leaf blight,... - [Monthly Phix Newsletter – September 2024 (Vol 07)](https://lawnphix.com/tips/monthly-phix-newsletter-september-2024-vol-07/): Turf Nutrition Services – September 2024 Welcome to September—a pivotal month for your lawn’s health and vitality as we transition... - [Can I Water My Lawn During the Day?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/can-i-water-my-lawn-during-the-day/): I’ve been seeing a lot of questions on forums and groups asking, “Can I water my lawn during the day?... - [Water Conservation Tips: A Guide for Eco-Conscious Homeowners](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/water-conservation-tips/): In many parts of the world, water conservation is more important than ever. As droughts become more frequent and water... - [Don't Break These 6 Rules of Lawn Mowing: Your Guide to a Greener, Healthier Yard](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/6-rules-of-lawn-mowing/): To achieve a lush green lawn, you’ll need to take particular care in how you mow. Regular lawn mowing may... - [Weeds To Watch This Spring – Hairy Bittercress](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/lawn-weeds-to-watch-hairy-bittercress/): Despite the chilly outdoor temps, spring is here. One surefire way to tell is the sight of weeds with small... - [Monthly Phix Newsletter – March 2024 (Vol 02)](https://lawnphix.com/tips/monthly-phix-newsletter-march-2024-vol-02/): Turf Nutrition Services Round One Application – Pre-Emergent This is an exciting time of year. Spring is approaching, so I’ll... - [Melting out disease in lawns: A guide to identifying, treating, and preventing](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/melting-out-disease-in-lawns/): Melting out disease is a common lawn disease caused by a fungus. I see a lot of it up here... - [The Best Time to Apply Pre-Emergents (Don’t Miss This Step!)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/spring-lawn-care-pre-emergent-tips/): When Should You Apply Pre-Emergent To Your Lawn? A spilt-application will ensure a crabgrass-free lawn in 2025. - [Top Grub Control & Prevention Products for 2026](https://lawnphix.com/products/grub-killer-control-products/): Find the best grub killers and prevention products that work quickly, and learn the difference between grub control products and a grub killer. - [Don't Skip Grub Prevention This Spring (2024)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/dont-skip-grub-prevention-this-spring/): LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS Grub Warning! This year’s mild winter means more grubs. Skip the ineffective Imidacloprid and use Acelepryn... - [Monthly Phix Newsletter – February 2024 (Vol 01)](https://lawnphix.com/tips/newsletter-february-2024/): Stay Connected Be sure to stay connected and follow Lawn Phix on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. I use these social... - [What To Do When You Find A Spotted Lanternfly?(Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents)](https://lawnphix.com/pests/what-to-do-when-you-find-a-spotted-lanternfly/): The spotted lanternfly (or SLF) is an invasive insect slowly moving into yards around the East Coast. Easily identified by... - [2023 Lawn Care Insights: A Season of Growth and Grub Control Mastery](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-i-learned-in-2023/): With 2023 (somehow) in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start planning for our 2024 lawns. As a chef by... - [Battling Powdery Mildew Lawn Disease: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/powdery-mildew/): You’ve probably seen it around: white, powdery stuff that shows up on leaves, stems, and even flowers of everything from... - [When Does Grass Stop Growing?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-does-grass-stop-growing/): By the time harvest season arrives, some property owners begin to wonder, “when does grass stop growing? ” Temperature impacts... - [Why You Should Cut Your Grass Shorter Before Winter](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-you-should-cut-your-grass-shorter-before-winter/): Tis the season to discuss and debate many end-of-season lawn care tips. The main ones I continue to see and... - [2024 Turf Nutrition Plan by Lawn Phix](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/turf-nutrition-plan/): At Lawn Phix, I constantly learn from podcasts, university extension studies and publications, and my own trial and error. I... - [Fall Is The Best Time To Control Lawn Weeds](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/fall-is-the-best-time-to-control-lawn-weeds/): It’s always a sad time for lawn care enthusiasts like me and you to watch the leaves fall, temperatures drop,... - [Fall Lawn Care Checklist – A Quick Start Guide for 2023](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/fall-lawn-care-checklist/): Our 2023 lawn care season is ending rapidly here in New England. We have about one week left to get... - [When to Apply Fall Fertilizer](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-apply-fall-fertilizer/): A fall lawn fertilizer application can support the health of your lawn. Apply fertilizer in the fall to support a... - [Light Green Patches in Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/light-green-patches-in-lawn/): It seems to be every year – particularly in the spring and early fall – that lots of questions about... - [How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies (Kill Lanternflies in 2026)](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-spotted-lanternflies/): Have you spotted an unusually bright-colored moth near your home? You’re likely seeing a new invasive species: the spotted lanternfly... - [Methylated Seed Oil vs Surfactant (MSO vs NIS)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/methylated-seed-oil-vs-surfactant/): Landscapers apply an adjuvant and herbicide spray solution to ensure that a post-emergent herbicide works effectively. Adjuvant spray solutions help... - [Kyllinga vs Nutsedge (with Pictures!)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/kyllinga-vs-nutsedge/): Kyllinga, also popularly known as green kyllinga, and nutsedge are both perennial sedges that are native to Asia and have... - [Crabgrass vs Dallisgrass (Identification, Differences & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-dallisgrass/): Difficult to control, both crabgrass and dallisgrass are grassy weeds that can be difficult to identify and manage. Once they... - [Stolons vs Rhizomes (and Tillers!)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/stolons-vs-rhizomes/): Understanding the difference between rhizomes and stolons is important to know how plants and some cool and warm season grasses... - [How to Get Rid of Horseweed in Lawn (2023 Horseweed Control)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/horseweed-control/): An annual plant that grows throughout North America, horseweed is sometimes known as a mare’s tail or butterweed. Generally regarded... - [Why are there so many dragonflies in my yard?](https://lawnphix.com/pests/why-are-there-so-many-dragonflies-in-my-yard/): Dragonflies are some of the most fascinating insects in the United States. Despite their ferocious name and brightly colored exoskeletons,... - [Red Thread Fungus & Lawn Disease (How to Treat Laetisaria Fuciformis)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/red-thread-fungus-lawn-disease/): LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS With this year’s excessive rain and overcast, I witnessed a lot of red thread in the... - [How to get rid of chiggers in your yard](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-chiggers-in-your-yard/): Chiggers are unsavory skin-eating pests that can ruin any outdoor activity. Apart from their itchy bites and unsavory appearances, these... - [Flowzone Typhoon 2.5 Review (4 Gallon Backpack Sprayer)](https://lawnphix.com/reviews/flowzone-typhoon-2-5-review/): Flowzone is a top lawn care equipment manufacturer brand known for its high-quality backpack sprayers. I’ve been fortunate enough to... - [Prodiamine Vs. Tenacity Herbicide - What's The Difference?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/prodiamine-vs-tenacity/): If your lawn is lush and green and free from grass weeds and broadleaf weeds, you might not need to... - [Urea vs Ammonium Sulfate: Nitrogen Fertilizers for Lawns & Turfgrass](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/urea-vs-ammonium-sulfate/): Both urea and ammonium sulfate can give your lawn a fertilizing boost and are good alternatives to ammonium nitrate, which... - [Sea Kelp for Lawns: Nature’s Secret to a Stronger, Healthier Yard](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/sea-kelp-for-lawns/): If you’ve been chasing that deep green, lush lawn but feel like something’s still missing, you’re not alone. Lawn care... - [Yucca Extract for Lawns: Everything You Need to Know](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/yucca-extract-for-lawns/): Yucca is a flowering plant that grows in the desert and is native to the American Southwest and Mexico. The... - [Humic Acid for Lawns: The Ultimate Guide for Healthier, Greener Grass](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/humic-acid-for-lawns/): Let’s be honest: lawn care can be a bit of a mystery sometimes. You put in the work, but the... - [Calcitic Lime vs Dolomite Lime (Limestone Differences and Similarities for Lawns)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/calcitic-lime-vs-dolomite-lime/): Gardeners and farmers alike have long used lime to improve the fertility of their soil. An alkaline material, lime reduces... - [How Long Does it Take for Quinclorac to Work & Kill Weeds?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-long-does-it-take-for-quinclorac-to-work/): Quinclorac is an effective selective herbicide to control any crabgrass problems. This weed killer is popular among many homeowners and... - [Crabgrass vs Bermuda Grass (Difference & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-bermuda-grass/): The chief difference between crabgrass (or crab grass as it’s sometimes called) and Bermuda is that some property owners actually... - [Crabgrass vs Quackgrass in Your Lawn (Differences & Similarities with Pictures)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-quackgrass/): In the war between crabgrass vs quackgrass, you’ll want to take any appropriate measures you can to ensure that it’s... - [Why Are There So Many Ant Hills in My Yard?](https://lawnphix.com/pests/why-are-there-so-many-ant-hills-in-my-yard/): You’ve spent the fall and winter seasons totally free from pest activity. But as the weather starts to warm up... - [What’s the Difference Between Chelated and Non Chelated Iron for Lawns?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/whats-the-difference-between-chelated-and-non-chelated-iron-for-lawns/): If you’re longing for a lush vibrant green lawn but yours remains a dull or pale green, your soil might... - [How to Get Rid of Chipmunks](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/): When we think about destructive or frustrating lawn pests, visions of cute, furry rodents aren’t the first things on our... - [What Kind of Grass Do Golf Courses Use?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-kind-of-grass-do-golf-courses-use/): Golf courses are celebrated for their lush green lawns and picturesque landscapes. While, yes, they enjoy expert landscaping and lawn... - [Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spraying in Bellingham, MA](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/flea-tick-spraying-control/): There are so many reasons to enjoy the summer season–and so many insects that seem bound and determined to wreck... - [How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets in Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-jackets-in-lawn/): Hornets and paper wasps and garbage bees, oh my! Yellow jackets may have a wide range of names, behaviors, and... - [Henbit vs Purple Deadnettle (Lawn Weed Differences & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/henbit-vs-purple-deadnettle/): Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) are winter annuals that produce seeds and flowers in the spring. While... - [Oxalis vs Clover (Lawn Weeds Similarities & Differences)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/oxalis-vs-clover/): LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS Oxalis and clover are two different weeds but have many similarities. I found it easier to... - [Henbit vs Creeping Charlie (Lawn Weed Differences & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/henbit-vs-creeping-charlie/): Spring weed control can be tricky when it comes to look-alike weeds like henbit and creeping charlie. While these invasive... - [Poa Annua vs Poa Trivialis (Difference & Similarities in Lawns)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/poa-annua-vs-poa-trivialis/): Both Poa annua (annual bluegrass) and Poa trivialis (rough bluegrass) are undesirable weeds in lawns. They share similarities like light... - [Nutsedge vs. Crabgrass Weeds in Lawn (Similarities & Differences)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/nutsedge-vs-crabgrass/): When you’re trying to maintain a lush, uniform lawn, any plant that doesn’t belong there can stand out to ruin... - [What Is Potash? (Potassium Lawn Fertilizer)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-is-potash/): Fertilizers can help you grow a greener lawn and a more productive garden, and the fertilizer industry produces a wide... - [Clover Lawn 101: Answers to Your Questions About Planting Clover Instead of Grass](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/clover-lawn/): Spend a few minutes watching landscaping videos on TikTok, and you’re bound to come across at least one video touting... - [Is a Buffalo Grass Lawn Right for You?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/buffalo-grass-lawn/): You want your lawn to look as attractive as possible, but that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily willing to invest countless... - [St. Augustine Grass Care & Maintenance Guide](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/st-augustine-grass-care/): A warm-season grass popular in sub-tropical climates like the Southern United States, St. Augustine grass is a spreading, low-growing grass... - [How to Get Rid of Onion Grass in Lawn (Complete Guide to Wild Onion Control)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-onion-grass/): While onions make great additions to kitchen gardens, they look highly out of place growing in your lawn. Wild onion,... - [How to Get Rid of Foxtail in Your Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-foxtail-in-lawn/): Foxtail is an aggressive, fast-growing annual weed that can quickly invade thin or neglected lawns. Known for its distinctive bushy... - [19 Common Lawn Weeds (Lawn Weeds Identification & Guide)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/common-lawn-weeds/): Broadleaf weeds, perennial weeds, perennial broadleaf weeds, annual weeds–the truth is, there are lots of lawn weeds that can affect... - [How to Treat Pythium Blight (Oomycete Disease Control)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-treat-pythium-blight/): Sometimes referred to as cottony blight, Pythium root rot, or grease spot, Pythium blight is a turfgrass disease caused by... - [When to Fertilize Your Lawn (A Guide to Green & Healthy Grass)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-fertilize-lawn/): If you search online, you will literally find a myriad of answers to the question, “when to fertilize lawn. ”... - [How to Get Rid of Spittlebugs](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-spittlebugs/): Whether you know them as froghoppers, cuckoo spitters, or plain-jane sap-suckers, the spittlebug can be a frustrating pest in any... - [Prodiamine vs Dithiopyr (Pre-Emergent Differences & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/prodiamine-vs-dithiopyr/): If you’re concerned about crabgrass control and begin scouring the internet for reliable treatment options, you’ll likely come across two... - [Calcium for Lawns - The Ultimate Guide to Applying Calcium to Your Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/calcium-for-lawns/): Your lawn soil is basically made up of clay, silt, sand, and organic matter. However, that’s putting it a bit... - [Propiconazole vs Azoxystrobin Fungicides (Differences & Similarities)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/propiconazole-vs-azoxystrobin/): Both Propiconazole and Azoxystrobin are effective fungicides for treating a wide range of fungal diseases, but which one is best... - [Azoxystrobin Fungicide - The Ultimate Guide](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/azoxystrobin-fungicide/): Preventing lawn diseases doesn’t have to be a matter of chance. Many fungal diseases that affect turf grasses can be... - [Propiconazole Fungicide - The Ultimate Guide](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/propiconazole-fungicide/): Brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, pink and gray snowmolds, powdery mildew–these fungus infections can undermine the health... - [When Is the Best Time to Aerate and Overseed a Lawn?](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-is-the-best-time-to-aerate-and-overseed-a-lawn/): Late summer and early fall are the best times to aerate and overseed your lawn, especially if your lawn contains... - [Purslane vs Spurge Lawn Weeds: Differences and Similarities](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/spurge-vs-purslane-lawn-weeds/): When it comes to lawn weeds, some property owners aren’t too concerned about the distinguishing features that differentiate one weed... - [How to Get Rid of Spurge in Your Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-spurge-in-lawn/): Spurge is one of the most common and persistent weeds I encounter on residential and commercial properties in mid to... - [Petra Tools Coupon Codes & Deals](https://lawnphix.com/tips/petra-tools-coupon-code/): Looking for a coupon code for Petra Tools ? Take $10 off your order with coupon code LAWNPHIX. Start here,... - [How to Get Rid of Ground Bees in Your Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-ground-bees-in-your-lawn/): Ground bees are a nuisance in every US state. These insects wreak havoc around residential and commercial properties by damaging... - [Drought Stress Lawn (Tips & Treatments For Heat Stressed Turf)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/drought-stress-lawn/): It seems to happen every year. Your once green and healthy lawn of springtime has turned a corner with the... - [Zoysia Grass vs. St. Augustine Grass](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/zoysia-grass-vs-st-augustine-grass/): Both zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass are warm-season grasses, but which one is a good turf grass for your... - [Zoysia Grass Care (The Ultimate Guide for Zoysiagrass)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/zoysia-grass-care/): A dense, low-growing turf grass, Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is popularly grown in the Southern US and... - [Why Is My Grass Turning Brown? Answers to Brown Spots in Lawn (with Pictures!)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-is-my-grass-turning-brown/): A healthy green lawn is a pleasure to behold. Unfortunately, most lawns experience problems like brown patches from time to... - [Common Weeds in St. Augustine Grass Lawns](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/common-weeds-in-st-augustine-grass-lawns/): St. Augustine grass is a popular warm-season grass and is often regarded as one of the best grasses for lawns... - [Bermuda Grass vs St. Augustine Grass (Similarities & Differences)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/bermuda-grass-vs-st-augustine-grass/): Trying to decide whether to install a Bermuda grass or St. Augustine lawn? Both of these warm-season grass types have... - [How to Get Bermuda Grass to Spread](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-bermuda-grass-to-spread/): A vigorous warm season grass, Bermuda grass produces an attractive medium green, dense turf that adapts well to various soil... - [When to Apply Grub Control on Your Lawn (Best Time For Grub Treatment)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-apply-grub-control/): LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS To prevent and control grubs in your lawn, I can’t recommend anything other than Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole).... - [Overseeding with Bermuda Grass](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/overseeding-with-bermuda-grass/): Maintaining a year-round lush green lawn isn’t typically possible unless you overseed Bermuda grass, your warm-season grass, with a cool-season... - [THE BEST Lawn Fertilizers for Grass (Updated November 2022)](https://lawnphix.com/products/best-lawn-fertilizer/): Maintaining a healthy lawn means choosing the best fertilizer for your grass type, climate, and lawn conditions. Although there are... - [How to Kill Bermuda Grass (Get Rid of & Control Bermudagrass)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass/): An aggressive and tenacious warm-season turf grass, Bermuda grass is both loved and despised. Extremely durable to foot traffic, drought-tolerant,... - [Why Is My Grass Turning Blue? (Answers to a Blue/Purple Lawn)](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-is-my-grass-turning-blue/): Throughout the year, particularly in cool-season lawns, turfgrass can often change colors due to season, climate, and many other environmental... - [How to Get Rid of Moss in Lawns](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-moss-in-lawn/): LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS A wet winter in 2024 has contributed to the surge in moss growth. I am getting... - [How to Get Rid of Purslane Weeds in Your Lawn](https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-purslane/): A summer annual broadleaf weed, purslane is an aggressive weed that can spread quickly, especially where the grass is struggling.... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-08-30 - Modified: 2025-08-30 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/terms-of-service/ Lawn Phix LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) provides lawn care services to residential properties in select areas of Massachusetts. By engaging our services, you agree to the following terms: 1. Service Schedule Our 2025 Lawn Care Program includes five seasonal treatments (April–October). Customers will receive a detailed service plan outlining each treatment’s timing, products used (EPA), and application methods. 2. Prepay & Pay-Per-Application Prepay Customers pay in full at the start of the season and receive all treatments as scheduled. Pay-Per-Application Customers are invoiced after each treatment and must remit payment within 15 days of the invoice date. A 1. 5% late fee will be applied every 5 calendar days past due until payment is received in full. 3. Refund Policy All sales are final. Prepay plans are non-refundable once services begin. This includes partial season completion or early termination of services. Lawn Phix guarantees delivery of all scheduled 2025 treatments per the customer’s plan. 4. Service Area & Property Access Customers are responsible for ensuring clear access to the lawn (e. g. , gates unlocked, pets secured). Missed services due to restricted access may be rescheduled at our discretion. 5. Weather & Treatment Adjustments Treatments may be rescheduled or adjusted based on weather, soil conditions, or product availability. Substitutions of equal or greater quality may be made at our discretion to ensure turf health and season success. 6. Service Continuity Statement Effective August 31, 2025, Lawn Phix has concluded active lawn care operations. Truly Lawn will perform the final... --- - Published: 2025-08-12 - Modified: 2025-08-12 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/turfco-t3100/ For Sale: 2023 Turfco T3100 Ride-On Spreader/Sprayer – $9,500 OBO Looking to boost productivity in your lawn care business? Looking for pro-grade lawn care equipment without paying full retail? This 2023 Turfco T3100 has under 150 hours, has been garage-kept, and is fully serviced and ready to work. Why This is a Great Deal Save 25–30% compared to new (retail is $13,696+tax & freight) No assembly required — ready to roll day one Includes: Duracell battery (new 2024), spare belts & parts, hi-flo nozzles, full tank of gas Low maintenance design – all mechanical, no electronics Fits through a 36” gate, holds 275 lbs granular + 18 gal liquid (upgradeable to 33 gal) Pivoting axle and steering wheel for smooth handling on hills & tight spaces Condition Serviced every season New front wheel bearings & recent oil change Pull cord is broken/missing, but the machine starts flawlessly via ignition Location: Bellingham, MA Price: $9,500 as-is (cashier’s check) Contact: mark@lawnphix. com --- - Published: 2024-04-03 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/free-lawn-care-estimates/ Free Lawn Care Estimates Please fill out the form below, and we will respond within 2 business days. Free Lawn Care Estimates Thank you for your interest in Lawn Phix's premium lawn fertilization, turf nutrition, and lawn care. Please fill out the form below, and we will respond within 2 business days. Phone: (508) 500 -8402 Mark's Email: mark@lawnphix. com Customer Service Email: info@lawnphix. com For free lawn care estimates, click here. For advertising inquiries, click here. Lawn Phix Description: Lawn Phix is a Massachusetts-based lawn care content brand founded by Mark Marino, providing expert guidance, seasonal lawn care programs, and hands-on product reviews for cool-season lawns. Originally launched in 2019 as a blog and later operated as a licensed and insured turf care provider (MDAR License AL-0053865), Lawn Phix has transitioned into a trusted, content-first platform. With over 200 published articles, DIY lawn care calendars, and real-world product testing, Lawn Phix helps homeowners across New England and beyond make informed decisions about fertilizers, weed control, soil health, and turf nutrition. All recommendations are based on years of field experience and tailored for results-driven, nutrition-focused lawn care. Email: mark@lawnphix. com Address: , --- - Published: 2023-05-03 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-size-calculator/ Why Lawn Size Matters Accurately measuring your lawn size is essential for determining the correct amount of seed, fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide. Using too little may lead to uneven results, while over-application can harm your grass and the environment. In this guide, I’ll explain the importance of measuring your lawn and how to calculate its square footage accurately. How to Measure Your Lawn Size Step 1: Divide Your Lawn Into Sections Break your lawn into smaller, manageable sections, especially with irregular shapes. Treat each section as a square, rectangle, triangle, or circle. Rectangles and Squares: Multiply length by width. Triangles: Multiply base by height, then divide by 2. Circles: Multiply the radius by itself (r²) and then by 3. 14 (π). Step 2: Add Up the Sections Once each section is measured, total them for your lawn’s full square footage. Step 3: Subtract Hardscapes Deduct areas like patios, driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds. Example Calculation: Front Yard: 30 ft x 20 ft = 600 sq. ft. Backyard: 50 ft x 40 ft = 2,000 sq. ft. Total Lawn Area: 600 + 2,000 = 2,600 sq. ft. Calculate your lawn size with Lawn Phix's square footage calculator Instructions Search the desired location. Click "Draw", and begin measuring your lawn. (optional) Toggle between units of measure(optional) Measure and use subtract to remove any obstructions (pools, sheds, homes, etc. ) Search Location Draw Tools for Measuring Lawn Size Measuring Tape A standard measuring tape works well for small yards and straightforward layouts. Measuring... --- - Published: 2022-11-30 - Modified: 2022-11-30 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care-sitemap/ PostsFlowZone Vortex 40V Battery Mist Blower Review – A Game-Changer for Mosquito and Tick Control (February 17, 2025)N-P-K Ratio (December 15, 2024)Lime Application (December 15, 2024)Overwatering (December 15, 2024)Winter Dormancy (December 15, 2024)Pre-Emergent Herbicide (December 7, 2024)Topdressing (December 7, 2024)Mulching Mower (December 7, 2024)Nitrogen (December 7, 2024)Soil Test (December 7, 2024)Broadleaf Weeds (December 7, 2024)Fall Fertilization (December 7, 2024)Core Aerator (December 7, 2024)Overseeding (December 7, 2024)Thatch Layer (December 7, 2024)Understanding Ascochyta Blight on Lawns (October 7, 2024)Monthly Phix Newsletter – September 2024 (Vol 07) (August 29, 2024)Can I Water My Lawn During the Day? (June 19, 2024)Water Conservation Tips: A Guide for Eco-Conscious Homeowners (May 24, 2024)Don't Break These 6 Rules of Lawn Mowing: Your Guide to a Greener, Healthier Yard (May 23, 2024)Weeds To Watch This Spring – Hairy Bittercress (March 21, 2024)Monthly Phix Newsletter – March 2024 (Vol 02) (March 6, 2024)Melting out disease in lawns: A guide to identifying, treating, and preventing (February 25, 2024)The Best Time to Apply Pre-Emergents (Don’t Miss This Step! ) (February 22, 2024)Top Grub Control & Prevention Products for 2025 (February 18, 2024)Don't Skip Grub Prevention This Spring (2024) (February 10, 2024)Monthly Phix Newsletter – February 2024 (Vol 01) (January 30, 2024)What To Do When You Find A Spotted Lanternfly? (Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents) (January 18, 2024)2023 Lawn Care Insights: A Season of Growth and Grub Control Mastery (January 8, 2024)Battling Powdery Mildew Lawn Disease: A Comprehensive Guide (2024) (December 26, 2023)When Does Grass Stop Growing? (November 26, 2023)Why You Should... --- - Published: 2022-09-06 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/quinclorac-calculator/ To use this quinclorac calculator, choose your desired method of application. Spot spraying (i. e. , spraying isolated spots with a one-gallon hand sprayer) Broadcast spraying (i. e. , blanket spraying the entire lawn with a backpack sprayer) This quinclorac calculator accurately provides the application rates for Quinclorac 75 DF. What is the Quinclorac 75 DF application rate? The application rate for Quinclorac 75 DF is 0. 367 ounces in at least a half gallon of water and will treat up to 1,000 square feet. How do I apply quinclorac to my lawn? Fill the sprayer with half the amount of water, followed by measured quinclorac and methylated seed oil, and finish with the remaining half of the water. Shake and mix thoroughly. Keep product agitated. Spray evenly over the lawn and weeds. How to mix Quinclorac 75 DF? Mix 1 Tablespoon of Quinclorac 75 DF with 1 gallon of water and 2 Tablespoons of Methylated Seed Oil (MSO). Spot spray weeds, like crabgrass. Read the label below for more mix rates. How much surfactant do I add to Quinclorac DF? Combine 0. 55 oz. of Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) with Quinclorac in at least a half gallon of water for blanket applications. Mix 2 Tablespoons of Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) with Quinclorac in 1 gallon of water for spot spraying. Quinclorac 75 DF Label More Calculators Azoxystrobin Calculator Tenacity Herbicide Calculator Liquid Nitrogen Calculator Lawn Fertilizer Calculator Lawn Size Calculator Nitrogen Calculator Dimension Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Prodiamine Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Quinclorac... --- - Published: 2022-02-18 - Modified: 2023-11-24 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/shop-fert/ Here are my preferred products that align with the 2024 lawn care calendar. If you have not yet downloaded the PDF, you can do so below: April 16-2-3 Screamin' Green Barricade Green Lawn & Turf May 16-2-3 Screamin' Green Acelepryn Green Lawn & Turf End Run broadleaf herbicide Non-ionic surfactant June 16-2-3 Screamin' Green Dimension 2EW Green Lawn & Turf End Run broadleaf herbicide Drive XLR8 crabgrass killer Non-ionic surfactant July Talak 7. 9% (bifenthrinin) Green Lawn & Turf Drive XLR8 crabgrass killer Empero nutsedge killer Non-ionic surfactant September 18-24-12 Jonathan Green Grass Seed November 24-0-8 fertilizer Calcitic Lime The links above are referral links. If you use them to purchase your lawn care products, I may earn a commission on the sale. Referral links are how this website stays in business and helps support our work. They don't cost you anything extra, and you'll still get whatever the best deal is. There is no special treatment with these referral links – they just tell the companies that you came from Lawn Phix. I appreciate your support. --- > Over 200 free DIY lawn care guides, product reviews, calculators, and printable calendars to help you grow greener, healthier grass. - Published: 2021-12-31 - Modified: 2026-04-26 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/ Transform your lawn with Lawn Phix. Get our simple step-by-step turf nutrition calendar and guide, and make your lawn the greenest on your block. Download our FREE cool-season lawn care guide today. ABOUT LAWN PHIX Hi there — I’m Mark Marino, the founder of Lawn Phix™. I started this site in 2019 to share real-world lawn care experience, product reviews, and DIY strategies for cool-season lawns. What began as a personal blog, operating as a licensed turf care business, has grown into a trusted, content-first resource for homeowners and lawn enthusiasts across the country. Over the years, I’ve created hundreds of lawn care guides, seasonal calendars, and product breakdowns rooted in decades of experience and hands-on testing. From soil health and turf nutrition to crabgrass control and disease prevention, Lawn Phix gives you the tools and insights to grow greener, healthier grass — on your terms. Read the blog https://lawnphix. wistia. com/medias/pxokuv5pai WATCH ALL VIDEOS EXPLORE BY TOPIC LAWN CARE WEED CONTROL FUNGUS/DISEASE GRUBS PRODUCTS EDITORIAL FEEDBACK & REVIEWS nherited a lawn that was full of weeds when we moved in. I didn’t know where to turn and then I found Lawn Phix and the cool season guide, and grateful I did. Following the easy steps with visuals and product links couldn’t have made it easier for a beginner like myself. I took my weed infested lawn and turned it into to a nice lush carpet like lawn that anyone would be proud of, in just one season. Couldn’t have... --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2024-03-24 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care-calculators/ AZOXYSTROBIN CALCULATOR Calculate DIMENSION CALCULATOR Calculate LAWN FERTILIZER CALCULATOR Calculate LAWN SIZE CALCULATOR Calculate LIQUID NITROGEN CALCULATOR Calculate NITROGEN CALCULATOR Calculate PRODIAMINE 65WDG CALCULATOR Calculate QUINCLORAC CALCULATOR Calculate TENACITY CALCULATOR Calculate Lawn Care Calculators - Free & Easy To Use! These lawn care calculators are easy and free to use. Get precise applications rates for all of your lawn care products – from granular fertilizer and liquid nitrogen fertilizer to Azoxystrobin fungicide, and Prodiamine 65WDG and Dimension pre-emergent herbicides. Simply type in your square footage and other specifics about each lawn care calculator, and you'll never have to fumble with the math or second guess your applications ever again. Please contact me if you have any questions or issues with these lawn care calculators. --- - Published: 2021-06-27 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/free-lawn-care-estimate/ Thank you for your interest in Lawn Phix's premium lawn fertilization, turf nutrition, and lawn care. Please fill out the form below, and we will respond within two business days. Email: mark@lawnphix. com --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lotm/ Time to cast your vote for Lawn Phix LOTM winner for May 2022. Polls close on May 22, 2022, so vote NOW! Tanner J. (left) — MissouriTrey L. (right) — Hampton Roads, VA Tanner J. (Missouri) Trey L. (Hampton Roads, VA) (left) Tanner J. vs (right) Trey L. Cast your vote below today! Want to submit pics of your lawn? Enter here today! PREVIOUS WINNERS June 2021 Winner – Michael S. – from Raynham, MA July 2021 Winner – Pete R. from N. H. August 2021 Winner – Rick C. from Whitman, MA September 2021Winner – Robert P. from Painesville, OH March 2022 Winner – Bruce C. from Knoxville, TN April 2022 Winner – Rhett H. from Liberty, Indiana --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-06-12 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-of-the-month-rules-regulations/ NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. 1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who sign up at the https://lawnphix. com/entry/ and who are 18 as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of United States, and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Lawn Phix, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. 2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Lawn Phix as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign. 3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting April 1, 2021 EST and ending on October 30, 2021 EST. All online entries must be received by October 30, 2021 EST . 4. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by submitting an entry using the online form provided at https://lawnphix. com/entry/ or emailed to mark at lawnphix. com. The entry must fulfill all Campaign requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do... --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-09-10 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/entry/ Thank you for stopping by! Please use the form below to submit pictures of your lawn to enter the Lawn Phix Lawn of the Month contest. Two lawns are chosen (at random) and an online poll will open here on Lawn Phix. The winner will have their lawn featured on our homepage and also win a $50 gift card towards lawn Effort Lush (Kelp4less) lawn care products from Kelp4Less. Already submitted? Vote today! Good luck! --- > Need help calculating the amount of Azoxystrobin for your lawn? Use our FREE Azoxy Calculator for exact application rates. - Published: 2021-05-22 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/azoxystrobin-calculator/ Need help calculating the amount of Azoxy 2SC or Artavia 2SC? This Azoxystrobin Calculator takes the guesswork out and calculates the exact amount of Azoxystrobin lawn fungicide you need for your lawn and landscape. Select the target fungus or disease in the first dropdown. Then select the Low or High Rates. Then your total square footage and click the 'Calculate' button. Note: These calculators are specific to 2SC Azoxystrobin products containing 22. 9% azoxystrobin. Other fungicides such as Strobe 50WDG contain 50% Azoxystrobin, so the calculations on this page are not intended for this or other products. Use this calculator below to target Snow Mold fungus only. However, we recommend using Propiconazole 14. 3 over Azoxystrobin for snow mold prevention. Azoxystrobin Fungicide Labels Azoxy 2SC Select Label Artavia 2SC Label Azoxystrobin FAQs What FRAC Group is Azoxystrobin ? (Fungicide Class)Azoxystrobin is FRAC Group 11. What is Azoxystrobin used for? Azoxystrobin is a broad spectrum systemic fungicide that is used to help prevent and cure fungus and diseases – such as brown patch and leaf spot disease – in residential lawns, golf courses, ornamentals and landscape. What are the application rates for Azoxystrobin (2SC)? The general app rates are between 0. 38-0. 77 fluid ounces per gallon per 1,000 sq. ft. of turf, applied every 14-28 days respectively. Can I use Azoxystrobin and Propiconazole fungicides together? Azoxystrobin (FRAC Group 11) and Propiconazole (FRAC Group 3) are great fungicides to use in rotation with one another. If one fungicide is used consecutively... --- - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2023-09-17 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/blog/ Latest Blog Prev. VIEW ALL ARTICLES Next --- > Need help calculating the amount of Prodiamine 65WDG for your lawn? Use our FREE Prodiamine Calculator for exact application rates. - Published: 2020-11-13 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/prodiamine-calculator/ If you're looking to prevent and control crabgrass, prodiamine herbicide is the best option. Prodiamine 65WDG by Quali-Pro is a generic Barricade and is one of the most cost-efficient pre-emergent herbicides on the market. When applied at maximum rates, prodiamine can provide season-long coverage. Depending on climate and region, Prodiamine 65WDG can last up to 8 months efficacy in the soil. The application rates are dependent on grass type and low/max rates.   WDG stands for Wettable Dispersible Granules. Important: Prodiamine 65WDG is measured by weight, not volume. So when measuring mix rates, be sure to use a digital scale.   To activate, Prodiamine 65WDG needs to be watered in within 14 days of application. With proper mix rates and when applied as directed, prodiamine creates a vapor barrier in the soil. This pre-emergent barrier is a root pruner/clubber, preventing grassy and broadleaf weeds from germinating. For the best result, use split applications. Prodiamine will lose efficacy in exposed sunlight (photodegradation). For cool-season grasses, apply low rates of prodiamine pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees and a second application 2-3 months after. Use our prodiamine calculator above to ensure you don't exceed the maximum annual amounts.   While prodiamine isn't as effective as Dimension (dithiopyr) in controlling broadleaf weeds, it's a more practical option for crabgrass control.   Prodiamine, particularly the Quali-Pro 65WDG, is much more affordable than dimension. This 5 lbs. container covers between 9,000 - 44,000 sq. ft. (depending on grass type and... --- > Need help calculating the amount of Dimension 2EW for your lawn? Use our FREE Dimension Calculator for exact appplication rates. - Published: 2020-11-11 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/dimension-2ew-calculator/ Try our other calculators: Azoxystrobin Calculator Lawn Fertilizer Calculator Lawn Size Calculator Liquid Nitrogen Calculator Nitrogen Calculator Tenacity Calculator Prodiamine Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Dimension 2EW is a great liquid pre-emergent herbicide option for grasses and broadleaf weeds, which makes it a popular herbicide for both established lawns and golf courses. It provides excellent pre-emergent control of crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds such as Poa Annua, Dallisgrass and Goosegrass. Dimension is also better than Prodiamine in controlling broadleaf weeds. Dimension 2EW is labeled for such weeds as Chickweed, Purslane, and Spurge. Dimension can technically be used as a pre emergent and post emergent. The active ingredient in Dimension 2EW Specialty Herbicide is the herbicide Dithiopyr, which contains post emergent qualities that can kill crabgrass in its early stages. The application rates for Dimension 2EW 0. 367 - 0. 73 oz. per gallon per 1,000 sq. ft. Do not apply more than 0. 73 oz. of Dimension 2EW per 1,000 sq. ft. per application, and no more than 6 pints of Dimension 2EW per acre per year (2. 2 fl oz per 1000 sq. ft). Use and bookmark this Dimension Calculator page to ensure you properly calculate the mix ratios of Dimension 2EW for your lawn every time.   While the price tag of $146 for 64 ounces* may seem daunting, the upfront cost is justified when it's broken down per 1,000 sq. ft. – just $1. 66 per 1,000 sq. ft. Example: a 10,000 sq. ft. lawn would be at... --- > Calculate the amount of Tenacity herbicide you need with our FREE Tenacity Calculator. Find exact application rates, total water needed and more! - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2024-06-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/tenacity-herbicide-calculator/ Select if used as a Pre-Emergent (weed prevention) or as a Post Emergent (weed killer) Select Low or High rates of Tenacity Herbicide (see below for more details) Type your total square feet you're looking to cover Tenacity Application Rates Recommended Application Rate for Tenacity Herbicide: Hand-held or Backpack Sprayers: Mix 1 teaspoon of Tenacity per 2 gallons of water. Add 3 teaspoons of a non-ionic surfactant (NIS). Detailed Mix Rates: Pre-Emergent Application: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity with 1 gallon of water to cover 1,000 sq ft. Water in with 1/4″ of irrigation or rainfall within 1-2 days. Post-Emergent Application: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity with 1 1/2 teaspoons of NIS in 1 gallon of water to cover 1,000 sq ft. Maximum Annual Usage: You can apply up to 16 fl. oz. of Tenacity per acre per year, which is about 0. 367 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Use Our Tenacity Calculator Calculate the precise amount of Tenacity needed for your lawn. Choose pre-emergent or post-emergent to get exact mix rates and surfactant amounts. How much Tenacity is used per 1,000 sq. ft. ? Apply between 5-8 fl. oz. per acre, equating to 0. 11 – 0. 18 fl. oz. per 1,000 sq. ft. For St. Augustinegrass, use 4 fl. oz. per acre. How much water is needed for applying Tenacity herbicide? Use 1 gallon of water for every 1,000 sq. ft. as per the Tenacity herbicide label. Can Tenacity be applied as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide?... --- > Applying the right amount of granular fertilizer is key to a healthy lawn. Use our free lawn fertilizer calculator today to help guide you! - Published: 2020-03-25 - Modified: 2025-03-08 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-fertilizer-calculator/ How to use this lawn calculator (fertilizer rates): Type the square feet of your lawn Type the total pounds of Nitrogen (N) you wish to apply per 1,000 sq ft (Note, this calculator can also be used for both Phosphorus and Potassium, N-P-K, fertilizer) Type the Nitrogen (N) percentage located on your bag of fertilizer eg: 6-4-0 for Milorganite (type 6) Click "Calculate" LAWN FERTILIZER CALCULATOR Square Feet to Cover: Your square footage is required Desired N per 1,000 ft²: Desired Nitrogen per 1,000 is needed % of N in Fertilizer: % of Nitrogen in fertilizer is needed Total Pounds of Fertilizer: CALCULATE CLEAR More Lawn Care Calculators Azoxystrobin Calculator Tenacity Herbicide Calculator Liquid Nitrogen Calculator Nitrogen Calculator Dimension Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Prodiamine Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Quinclorac Calculator Proper Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) fertilizer applications (N-P-K) on your lawn are crucial to the year-long success of your turf. Add too much nitrogen at the wrong time, and your lawn could burn. Add too little over the course of a year, and signs of your underfed turf – not thick, green, or healthy-looking – will show. A very common lawn care question is around fertilizer recommendations – 'how much fertilizer to apply per year? ' Or 'how much fertilizer to apply per acre or per sq ft? '. A good rule of thumb is to apply 3-4 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn every year. Depending on the results of your soil test, and the number of... --- > Try our FREE liquid nitrogen calculator online. Easily calculate ounces of liquid fertilizer to deliver the right amount to your lawn. - Published: 2019-11-02 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/liquid-nitrogen-calculator/ Enter the percentage of Nitrogen Enter the weight of liquid fertilizer per 1 gallon Enter the amount of Nitrogen you want to apply per 1,000 ft² e. g. for 3/4 lbs. /N, type 0. 75 LIQUID NITROGEN CALCULATOR Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is needed Weight per gallon: Weight is needed Supplied N/1,000 ft²: Desired N/gallon is needed Ounces/1,000 ft²: CALCULATE CLEAR More Lawn Care Calculators Azoxystrobin Calculator Tenacity Herbicide Calculator Lawn Fertilizer Calculator Lawn Size Calculator Nitrogen Calculator Dimension Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Prodiamine Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Quinclorac Calculator This liquid nitrogen fertilizer calculator takes the guesswork out of everything. Simply plug in the nitrogen percentage, weight of the liquid fertilizer, and total pounds of nitrogen you want to apply into our liquid nitrogen calculator, and we will show you exactly how many ounces to apply. To do the math on calculating the amount of nitrogen in liquid fertilizer, let's take CoROn 18-3-6 Plus 0. 5% as an example. Say I want to spoon feed at 1/2 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 ft². I plug in 18 in the first box, 10. 67 in the second box, and 0. 5 in the third box. I click "calculate," and I get 33. 32 ounces. So I now know I need about 1 quart of this fertilizer to get 1/2 pound on N per 1,000 ft².   Photo screenshot: DoMyOwn. com The key to a healthy lawn is first getting a soil test, then applying the fertilizers at the proper rates to ensure that your nitrogen, phosphorus... --- - Published: 2019-10-20 - Modified: 2019-10-20 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/purchase-confirmation/ Thank you for your purchase! --- - Published: 2019-06-25 - Modified: 2025-08-31 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/contact/ Get In Touch With Lawn Phix We love hearing from you! Please use the form below if you want to send Mark @ Lawn Phix a message about the blog, calculators, or have specific lawn-related questions. HAVE SOME FEEDBACK? Lawn Phix has officially wrapped up lawn care operations and is no longer taking service inquiries. Mark's Email: mark@lawnphix. com Customer Service Email: info@lawnphix. com --- > Confused about calculating the amount of nitrogen in your fertilizer bag, and how much goes down per bag? Use our free online nitrogen calulator to quickly and easily find out. - Published: 2019-03-09 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/nitrogen-calculator/ Trying to figure out how much nitrogen is in that bag of granular fertilizer? Or how much many pounds of N you're putting down per 1,000 ft²? Use our Nitrogen Calculator below to quickly get accurate results. NITROGEN CALCULATOR Weight of Bag: Weight is needed Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is needed Total ft² Coverage: Square feet per bag is needed Total N ⁄ 1,000 ft²: CALCULATE CLEAR More Lawn Care Calculators Azoxystrobin Calculator Tenacity Herbicide Calculator Liquid Nitrogen Calculator Lawn Fertilizer Calculator Lawn Size Calculator Nitrogen Calculator Dimension Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Prodiamine Calculator (Pre-Emergent Herbicide) Quinclorac Calculator How Do I Calculate the Total Amount of Nitrogen in Fertilizer? There's lots of numbers on the front and back of most lawn fertilizer bags that it can be quite confusing as to how much nitrogen (the "N" part of the "N-P-K" values) you're throwing down per application. The three main numbers we need to calculate are: Nitrogen (N-P-K) Pounds (total weight of the bag) Square feet (amount of ft² covered in the bag) Let's use a Andersons Starter Fertilizer for example:  N-P-K = 18-24-12 (Type "18" into the nitrogen calculator) 50 lbs. (Type "50" into the nitrogen calculator) 12,500 ft² (Type "12500" into the nitrogen calculator) The three (3) numbers we need to calculateTry our NEW Tenacity Herbicide Calculator! Calculate Total Pounds of Fertilizer per 1,000 ft² Now say your yard isn't exactly 12,500 ft² which the bag completely covers for a full application. My yard for example is broken out into three sections, Zone... --- - Published: 2019-03-03 - Modified: 2025-08-29 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/about-me/ Hi there! Thanks for checking out Lawn Phix. I’m Mark Marino — the owner, operator, and President of Lawn Phix Inc. This is your go-to resource for all things lawn care, weed control, soil health, and turf nutrition. It’s also where I review products, give personal anecdotes, and offer science-backed suggestions for creating green and vibrant lawns. My Mission I specialize in two core areas: Lawn Care and Weed Control: I take pride in transforming plain-Jane yards into the greenest grasses on the block. My nutrition-first approach creates a healthy, weed-free lawn that stands out in any neighborhood. I also write comprehensive guides on microbiology and weed species so you can better understand the health of your lawn. Soil Health and Turf Nutrition: I believe a vibrant lawn starts with a strong foundation beneath the surface. I’m passionate about nurturing soil health and optimizing turf nutrition, creating an ideal environment for grass to thrive. I also write reviews and share decades of experience, so you’re better equipped to diagnose yard issues. My Associations & Professional Affiliations Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide License: Number AL-0053865 Registered Trademark Serial Number 97675516 Why Should You Trust Me? 1. Accredited I’m the proud owner of a Massachusetts Core Applicator License (MDAR) and a Massachusetts Pesticide License. I’ve also taken courses from the UMass Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, which, combined with my degrees as a nutritionally-focused chef, allows me to revitalize lawns of any size. 2. Experienced I have 20+... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-02-17 - Modified: 2025-02-17 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/reviews/flowzone-vortex-40v-battery-mist-blower-review-a-game-changer-for-mosquito-and-tick-control/ - Categories: Reviews - Tags: flowzone, vortex Introduction The FlowZone Vortex 40V Battery Mist Blower is designed as a powerful, gas-free alternative for mosquito and tick control. After using it for the entire 2024 season alongside my Stihl gas-powered mosquito fogger, I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience with this unit and how it compares in real-world applications. I used the Vortex primarily for mosquito and tick spraying, applying Bifenthrin + IGR or EcoVita M&T insecticides. In this review, I’ll cover its build quality, performance, battery life, ease of use, and key pros and cons to help you determine if this mist blower is the right fit for you. Where to Buy: FlowZone Official Website Amazon Key Features & Specifications Battery: 40V Lithium-Ion (Rechargeable) Tank Capacity: 4 gallons (removable) Weight: Lightweight compared to gas-powered models Spray Distance: Effective for shrubs, grass, and mid-height trees Noise Level: Much quieter than gas-powered units Trigger-Lock: Allows for continuous misting without holding down the trigger Application Uses: Mosquito and tick control, insecticide and fungicide application Unboxing & First Impressions Right out of the box, the FlowZone Vortex felt sturdy, well-built, and lightweight, especially compared to bulkier gas-powered models. One of the first things I noticed was the extra padded shoulder straps, which made it significantly more comfortable for extended spraying sessions. The removable tank stood out as a major convenience feature, allowing me to fill and clean the reservoir without having to carry the entire unit. Setup was straightforward, and within minutes, I was ready to start spraying. Performance & Application Spray Distance... --- - Published: 2024-12-15 - Modified: 2024-12-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/winter-dormancy/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Winter dormancy is a natural process where cool-season grasses slow down growth and conserve energy during cold months. Dormancy protects the grass from freezing temperatures and helps it survive until spring. Signs of winter dormancy include browning or yellowing grass, reduced growth, and decreased water needs. Proper lawn care during dormancy, such as avoiding overwatering and limiting foot traffic, is essential to maintaining lawn health. What is Winter Dormancy? Winter dormancy is when cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass, temporarily stop growing during cold weather. This process allows grass to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures. Dormancy is a survival mechanism triggered by environmental changes, such as: Decreasing Temperatures: As soil and air temperatures drop, grass growth slows and eventually halts. Shorter Days: Reduced sunlight during fall and winter signals grass to enter dormancy. Dormant grass may appear brown or yellow, but this is not a sign of death—it’s a protective state that ensures the lawn will bounce back in the spring. Why Does Grass Go Dormant in Winter? Dormancy helps cool-season grasses survive the harsh conditions of winter. By slowing down metabolic processes and halting growth, grass can focus on maintaining its root system rather than producing new blades. Key benefits of winter dormancy include: Energy Conservation: Grass uses stored energy to maintain roots, ensuring quick recovery when growing conditions return. Cold Tolerance: Dormancy protects grass from freezing damage by reducing water content in the blades. Reduced Stress: Dormant grass is less vulnerable... --- - Published: 2024-12-15 - Modified: 2024-12-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/overwatering/ - Categories: Lawn Care Key Takeaways: Overwatering occurs when grass receives too much water, leading to waterlogged soil and shallow root growth. Signs of overwatering include persistent wet spots, yellowing grass, and fungal diseases. Overwatering weakens grass by depriving roots of oxygen and creating ideal conditions for pests and diseases. Proper watering practices, such as deep and infrequent watering, are essential to maintaining a healthy lawn. What is Overwatering? Overwatering happens when a lawn receives more water than it needs to thrive through excessive irrigation, poor drainage, or heavy rainfall. While grass requires water to grow, too much can drown the roots and create an environment that fosters disease and stress. Healthy grass roots need oxygen to grow deep and strong. Overwatering saturates the soil, filling air pockets with water and depriving roots of oxygen. This weakens the grass and leaves it more vulnerable to pests, weeds, and fungal diseases. Why is Overwatering a Problem? While water is essential for grass, overwatering can harm your lawn in several ways: Shallow Root GrowthOverwatered grass develops shallow roots because it relies on surface water rather than growing deep into the soil to seek moisture. Fungal DiseasesWaterlogged soil creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and Pythium blight. Pest InfestationsGrubs, mosquitoes, and other pests thrive in wet, poorly drained lawns. Nutrient LossExcess water washes away nutrients from the soil, leaving grass malnourished. Signs of Overwatering It’s important to recognize the signs of overwatering early to prevent further damage. Common indicators include: Yellowing... --- - Published: 2024-12-15 - Modified: 2025-01-08 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/lime-application/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Lime application raises soil pH, reducing acidity and creating optimal conditions for grass growth. Cool-season grasses thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6. 0–7. 0. Applying lime improves nutrient availability, enhances soil structure, and encourages healthier, denser grass. Perform a soil test before applying lime to avoid overcorrection or unnecessary treatments. What is Lime Application? Lime application is the process of spreading lime (calcium carbonate or dolomitic lime) on your lawn to adjust soil pH levels. Many lawns, especially those with heavy clay soils or in regions with high rainfall, tend to become acidic over time. Acidic soil can limit nutrient availability and hinder grass growth. By applying lime, you raise the soil’s pH, making it more alkaline and allowing grass to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Lime also adds calcium and, in the case of dolomitic lime, magnesium, which are beneficial for soil structure and plant health. Why is Lime Application Important? The pH of your soil plays a critical role in determining how well your lawn absorbs nutrients. If your soil is too acidic (pH below 6. 0), essential nutrients become less available, even if you fertilize regularly. Lime application offers several benefits: Improves Nutrient UptakeCorrecting soil pH ensures that grass can absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting healthier growth. Strengthens Soil StructureLime improves soil texture, helping to prevent compaction and encouraging better water retention. Boosts Fertilizer EffectivenessFertilizer is more effective in balanced soil, allowing you to use less while... --- - Published: 2024-12-15 - Modified: 2024-12-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/n-p-k-ratio/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: The N-P-K ratio represents the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a fertilizer. These nutrients are essential for grass health: nitrogen promotes growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances resilience. Understanding the N-P-K ratio helps you select the right fertilizer for your lawn’s needs. Soil testing ensures you apply the appropriate nutrient levels to avoid over-fertilization. What is the N-P-K Ratio? The N-P-K ratio is a three-number label found on all fertilizer packages that indicates the percentage by weight of the three primary nutrients essential for plant growth: Nitrogen (N): Fuels blade and leaf growth, creating lush, green grass. Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and seedling establishment. Potassium (K): Strengthens grass, improves drought tolerance, and boosts resistance to stress and disease. For example, a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-10-10 contains 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. The remaining 60% consists of filler materials that help distribute the nutrients evenly. Why is the N-P-K Ratio Important? Different lawns have different nutrient needs, depending on their grass type, soil composition, and overall health. Choosing the right N-P-K ratio ensures that your grass receives the nutrients it needs without causing imbalances or damage. Nitrogen: Promotes rapid growth and vibrant green color but can lead to thatch buildup and disease if overapplied. Phosphorus: Essential for young grass, particularly during seeding and overseeding, but often unnecessary for established lawns. Potassium: Helps grass withstand environmental stressors, such as heat, cold, and drought. Understanding the N-P-K ratio... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/thatch-layer/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Thatch is a layer of organic material that forms between the soil and grass blades. A small amount of thatch (less than ½ inch) is beneficial for moisture retention and insulation. Excessive thatch blocks water, nutrients, and air from reaching grassroots, leading to weak, stressed turf. Proper lawn care practices, including dethatching and aeration, are essential for managing and preventing thatch buildup. What is Thatch, and How Does it Affect Lawns? The thatch layer is the layer of dead and living plant material that builds up between the soil and the grass blades. While a thin layer of thatch—up to half an inch—can be beneficial, acting as a natural mulch that conserves soil moisture and protects grassroots, too much of it can wreak havoc on your lawn. When the thatch layer grows beyond half an inch, it becomes a barrier that prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil and grass roots. Excess thatch doesn’t just choke your grass. It creates the perfect environment for pests, fungal diseases, and even weeds, all while leaving your lawn looking patchy and unhealthy. If you’ve ever struggled with grass that seems to struggle despite your best efforts, it might be time to check the thatch layer. What Causes Thatch to Build Up? Thatch accumulates when organic material (like grass clippings and stems) builds up faster than it can decompose. Several factors can contribute to excessive thatch, including: Overwatering: Frequent watering can limit soil aeration and encourage shallow roots, contributing to... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/overseeding/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve density. It’s an effective way to rejuvenate a thinning lawn or repair damage caused by disease, pests, or wear and tear. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, early fall is the best time to overseed for optimal results. Pair overseeding with aeration to improve seed-to-soil contact and promote strong root establishment. What is Overseeding, and Why is it Beneficial? Overseeding is the practice of adding grass seed to an existing lawn without tearing up the turf or soil. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the appearance and health of your lawn, especially for cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. If your lawn looks thin, patchy, or is showing signs of stress, overseeding can help. By introducing new grass seed, you can: Fill in bare spots caused by pests, disease, or high foot traffic. Boost overall lawn density, making it harder for weeds to establish. Add a fresh blend of grass varieties with improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and color. A denser lawn isn’t just visually appealing—it’s also healthier. Thicker grass improves soil coverage, helps retain moisture, and crowds out weeds naturally, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. When to Overseed Your Lawn Timing is everything when it comes to overseeding. Cool-season grasses respond best to overseeding in early fall when soil temperatures are still warm, but air temperatures are cool. This creates... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/core-aerator/ - Categories: Glossary - Tags: What is a Core Aerator Key Takeaways: A core aerator is a lawn care tool that removes plugs of soil, reducing compaction and improving airflow, water infiltration, and nutrient absorption. Core aeration is especially beneficial for cool-season lawns like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. Early fall is the ideal time to use a core aerator on cool-season lawns to maximize recovery and growth. Regular core aeration promotes stronger roots and healthier, more resilient turf. What is a Core Aerator? A core aerator is a specialized lawn care tool designed to remove small plugs, or “cores,” of soil from your lawn. These plugs are typically 2-4 inches deep and about 0. 5-0. 75 inches wide. By removing these cores, the tool creates small holes in the lawn, reducing soil compaction and allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. Core aerators are widely regarded as the gold standard for aerating lawns. Unlike spike aerators, which simply poke holes in the soil, core aerators remove material, creating space for the soil to loosen and roots to expand. This makes them especially effective for lawns with heavy clay soil, high foot traffic, or excessive thatch buildup. Why is Core Aeration Important? Core aeration is one of the most impactful lawn care practices for maintaining healthy turf. It addresses several common issues that can hinder grass growth, including: Soil Compaction: Heavy soils and foot traffic compress soil particles, reducing the space for air and water movement. Core aeration alleviates compaction, giving roots the room they... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/fall-fertilization/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Fall fertilization strengthens grass roots, ensuring a healthy, vibrant lawn in the following spring. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass benefit significantly from fall fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer with higher nitrogen content in early to mid-fall and a winterizer fertilizer later in the season. Proper timing and application techniques are critical to maximizing the benefits of fall fertilization. What is Fall Fertilization, and Why is it Important? Fall fertilization is the practice of applying fertilizer during the autumn months to prepare your lawn for winter and promote vigorous growth in the spring. For cool-season grasses, fall is the most critical time to fertilize because the grass is actively growing and storing energy in its roots. Unlike spring fertilization, which focuses on top growth, fall fertilization helps grass develop stronger roots and store essential nutrients. This leads to a lawn that: Recovers quickly from summer stress. Grows thicker and greener in the spring. Becomes more resistant to weeds, diseases, and pests. Fall fertilization is the key to ensuring your lawn not only survives the winter but thrives in the next growing season. When to Fertilize in the Fall Timing is everything when it comes to fall fertilization. Cool-season grasses typically need two fertilizer applications in the fall: Early to Mid-Fall (September to October)Apply a balanced fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen content. This promotes root growth and helps the grass recover from summer damage. Late Fall (November)Use a “winterizer” fertilizer designed to prepare the... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/broadleaf-weeds/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Broadleaf weeds are non-grassy plants with wide leaves, such as dandelions, clover, and chickweed, that commonly invade lawns. These weeds compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, disrupting the uniformity of a healthy lawn. Controlling broadleaf weeds involves a combination of cultural practices and targeted herbicide use. Fall is the ideal time to treat broadleaf weeds, as they are actively storing nutrients in their roots. What Are Broadleaf Weeds? Broadleaf weeds are unwanted plants characterized by their broad, flat leaves, which make them easy to distinguish from the fine, narrow blades of grass. Common examples include: Dandelions: Known for their yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. Clover: A small, low-growing weed with rounded leaves. Chickweed: A fast-spreading weed with small, star-shaped flowers. Plantain: A tough, broadleaf weed with a low-growing rosette shape. These weeds thrive in lawns that are thin, under-fertilized, or stressed by improper mowing or watering practices. They are prolific and can quickly take over, reducing the visual appeal and health of your lawn. Why Are Broadleaf Weeds a Problem? Broadleaf weeds are more than just an eyesore—they actively compete with your grass for essential resources, including nutrients, water, and sunlight. Left unchecked, they can weaken your lawn and create opportunities for other pests or diseases to invade. Here’s why they’re problematic: Rapid Growth: Many broadleaf weeds grow faster than grass, outcompeting it for resources. Aggressive Spread: Some, like dandelions, produce thousands of seeds that spread easily by wind or water. Compromised Lawn Health: Weeds... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/soil-test/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: A soil test analyzes your lawn's soil for pH levels, nutrient availability, and organic matter, helping you tailor your lawn care practices. Testing identifies deficiencies in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Soil tests should be conducted at least once every 2-3 years or whenever significant lawn issues arise. Fall is an ideal time for soil testing, allowing you to prepare for next season’s lawn care needs. What is a Soil Test, and Why is it Important? A soil test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the health and fertility of your lawn's soil. It measures key indicators such as: pH Level: Determines whether your soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Grass thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, typically with a pH of 6. 0-7. 0. Nutrient Content: Identifies levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Organic Matter: Indicates how much decomposed plant material is present, which impacts soil structure and nutrient retention. A soil test provides invaluable insights that allow you to customize your lawn care routine. By knowing exactly what your soil needs, you can avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary or ineffective products. Why Should You Perform a Soil Test? Understanding your soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn. Here are the main reasons to perform a soil test: Identify Nutrient DeficienciesGrass requires specific nutrients for growth and resilience. A soil test pinpoints which nutrients... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/nitrogen/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that fuels grass growth, promoting vibrant green color and lush density. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass benefit significantly from nitrogen applications during their growing seasons. Apply nitrogen in balanced amounts to avoid common problems like thatch buildup or excessive top growth. The timing, type, and rate of nitrogen application are critical for maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn. What is Nitrogen, and Why is it Important for Lawns? Nitrogen is a macronutrient and a vital component of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives grass its green color and enables photosynthesis. Simply put, nitrogen is the fuel that drives your lawn’s growth and appearance. When nitrogen levels are adequate, your grass grows thick, green, and healthy. However, when nitrogen is lacking, grass becomes pale, thin, and more susceptible to stress, weeds, and diseases. Conversely, too much nitrogen can overstimulate top growth at the expense of root development, leaving your lawn vulnerable to drought and other environmental stresses. Benefits of Nitrogen for Lawns Nitrogen is the cornerstone of a thriving lawn. Here’s how it benefits your turf: Promotes GrowthNitrogen is essential for cell division and growth, helping grass blades grow longer and denser. Enhances Green ColorBy aiding in chlorophyll production, nitrogen gives your lawn its rich, green appearance. Improves RecoveryNitrogen helps grass recover from stress caused by foot traffic, pests, or drought. Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers There are two primary types of nitrogen fertilizers, each serving different purposes: 1. Quick-Release Nitrogen Provides an immediate... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/mulching-mower/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: A mulching mower finely chops grass clippings and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. This method saves time, reduces waste, and improves soil health by recycling nutrients. Mulching mowers are ideal for maintaining a healthy lawn when mowing frequently and under proper conditions. Avoid mulching when grass is wet or overgrown to prevent clumping and thatch buildup. What is a Mulching Mower, and How Does it Work? A mulching mower is a specialized lawn mower designed to chop grass clippings into small, fine pieces that are evenly distributed back onto the lawn. Unlike traditional mowers, which discharge clippings into a bag or side chute, mulching mowers use specially designed blades and decks to cut grass into tiny fragments that decompose quickly. These small clippings act as a natural fertilizer, returning essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil. Mulching mowers eliminate the need to bag and dispose of clippings, making them a convenient and eco-friendly choice for lawn care. Benefits of Using a Mulching Mower Mulching mowers offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for homeowners: Saves TimeNo need to stop and empty a bag or rake clippings. Mulching mowers allow for continuous mowing, saving time and effort. Improves Soil HealthGrass clippings decompose quickly, adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil, which promotes healthy grass growth. Reduces WasteBy recycling grass clippings, mulching mowers reduce lawn waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Conserves FertilizerThe nutrients in grass clippings can replace... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/topdressing/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: Topdressing involves spreading a thin layer of material, such as compost, soil, or sand, over your lawn to improve soil quality and grass health. It helps level uneven areas, reduces thatch buildup, and promotes better water and nutrient retention. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, topdressing is best done in early fall. Combining topdressing with aeration and overseeding maximizes lawn health and appearance. What is Topdressing, and Why is it Important? Topdressing is the process of applying a thin layer of organic material, such as compost, soil, or sand, evenly over a lawn. It’s a centuries-old practice used to improve soil structure, provide nutrients, and create a healthier growing environment for grass. This technique works beneath the surface to promote robust root development and better soil conditions. Topdressing benefits include: Improved Soil QualityCompost and organic matter enrich the soil, enhancing its ability to retain water and nutrients. Leveling Uneven AreasTopdressing helps fill in low spots and smooth out minor bumps, creating a more uniform lawn. Thatch ReductionBy promoting microbial activity, topdressing helps decompose thatch, reducing its thickness naturally. When to Topdress Your Lawn The timing of topdressing is crucial for achieving the best results. For cool-season grasses, early fall is ideal. Here’s why: Cool Temperatures: Grass is actively growing in the fall, but the cooler weather minimizes stress on your lawn. Seed Germination: Topdressing after aeration or overseeding enhances seed-to-soil contact, improving germination rates. Pre-Winter Prep: The organic matter in topdressing materials provides nutrients that strengthen... --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/glossary/pre-emergent-herbicide/ - Categories: Glossary Key Takeaways: A pre-emergent herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating, stopping weeds before they grow. It’s most effective against annual weeds like crabgrass and foxtail, which germinate each year from seeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring for summer weeds and in late summer or early fall for winter weeds. Timing and even application are critical for success. What is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide? A pre-emergent herbicide is a type of weed control product that works by creating a chemical barrier in the soil to stop weed seeds from sprouting. Unlike post-emergent herbicides, which kill existing weeds, pre-emergents are designed to prevent weeds from establishing in the first place. Pre-emergents are particularly effective for controlling annual weeds that grow from seed each year, such as: Crabgrass Foxtail Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) For homeowners aiming to maintain a pristine lawn, pre-emergents are a vital tool in the fight against weeds. How Do Pre-Emergent Herbicides Work? Pre-emergent herbicides form a protective barrier in the top layer of soil. When a weed seed begins to germinate and push roots into the soil, it absorbs the herbicide, which prevents the plant from growing. However, pre-emergents do not affect seeds that have already sprouted or established weeds, making proper timing crucial. Pre-emergents are safe for established lawns but may interfere with desirable seeds, such as grass seed, if applied too close to overseeding. When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides Timing is critical for pre-emergent herbicides to be effective. You’ll need to apply them before weeds start germinating,... --- - Published: 2024-10-07 - Modified: 2024-10-07 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/understanding-ascochyta-blight-on-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungus, lawn disease At Lawn Phix, we're passionate about helping you achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn. Today, we're talking about Ascochyta leaf blight, a common yet often misunderstood lawn disease. Frequently mistaken for drought stress, this unsightly fungal infection mainly affects cool-season grasses during late spring and summer. Luckily, you can keep your lawn looking its best by understanding what this disease is, what it looks like, and how to manage it. What is Ascochyta Leaf Blight? Ascochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes large, irregular patches of grass to turn straw-brown and appear dead, almost overnight. Symptoms of the disease are often mistaken for drought stress. It mostly affects cool-season grasses during late spring and summer, particularly after wet periods. Will it Kill Your Lawn? Although it looks scary, Ascochyta blight is relatively harmless and typically causes cosmetic damage rather than killing the grass. Infected leaves and turf may look like they have bleached tips and a "pinched" appearance. You might also notice grass with odd-looking dark brown lesions across the leaf blades. Ascochyta leaf blight can quickly spread across your lawn via watering, mowing, or other activities. How Does it Develop? Approximately 80 species of fungi in the genus Ascochyta can cause this often-overlooked lawn disease to develop. This specific type of fungi loves humid, wet weather the most. It also thrives in tall fescue, thick thatch, and lawns with poor soil conditions. Ascochyta leaf blight can also develop and start to spread if you over- or under-fertilize your... --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/tips/monthly-phix-newsletter-september-2024-vol-07/ - Categories: Tips - Tags: newsletter Download Now Turf Nutrition Services – September 2024 Welcome to September—a pivotal month for your lawn's health and vitality as we transition into fall. September is here, and it's the ideal time for crucial lawn care activities to ensure your lawn is lush and healthy. This month, our primary focus is core aeration and overseeding, adjusting mowing practices, and optimizing watering techniques. Here's how to ensure your lawn stays vibrant and lush. October Application In August, we applied 15-0-5 with Detonation technology and liquid nutrition. For October, and to close out the season, we’ll feature a 18-0-7 combo product with high-calcium lime, humic acid, and iron 18% Nitrogen (N): Provides a substantial boost to encourage lush, green growth, helping your grass store energy in its roots for the coming dormant winter months. 7% Potassium (K): Essential for strengthening cell walls and improving the grass’s ability to withstand stress, cold weather, and diseases. 13% Calcium (Ca): Remedy lime as a soil conditioner, improving soil structure and pH balance which enhances nutrient uptake and fosters healthier soil microbial activity. 10% Ammonium Sulfate (AMS): Provides readily available nitrogen to help maintain green color and density during the cooler months, and sulfur to enhance nutrient efficiency and protein synthesis. 7% Humic Acids: Enhances soil fertility by increasing cation exchange capacity, improving soil structure, and promoting better root growth and development. 1% Iron (Fe): Gives your lawn a deep green color without promoting excessive growth, ideal for entering the cooler season. Additional, Optional Applications Starter... --- - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/can-i-water-my-lawn-during-the-day/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: irrigation, watering I've been seeing a lot of questions on forums and groups asking, "Can I water my lawn during the day? ". While the best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 3:00 am and 8:00 am (finishing by 10:00 am), you can water your lawn during the day under certain conditions. This practice, known as "syringing," is standard on golf courses and can be beneficial for maintaining your lawn's health in hot weather. Why Early Morning Watering is Preferred Watering early in the morning is ideal because: Lower Temperatures: Cooler morning temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing water to penetrate the soil effectively. Less Wind: There is typically less wind in the morning, which means water is less likely to be blown away before reaching the grass. Prevention of Diseases: Watering early in the morning allows grass blades to dry quickly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Syringing: Watering During the Day Syringing refers to the practice of lightly watering your lawn during the heat of the day to cool down the grass and reduce heat stress. This technique is beneficial for golf courses where turf health is critical. Benefits of Syringing: Cooling Effect: Light, midday watering can help cool down the grass blades, reducing stress and preventing heat damage. Evaporation: While water does evaporate more quickly during the day, the cooling effect can still be beneficial. When Syringing is Appropriate Syringing should be used as a supplementary practice rather than a primary watering method. It's particularly helpful... --- - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/water-conservation-tips/ - Categories: Lawn Care In many parts of the world, water conservation is more important than ever. As droughts become more frequent and water resources become strained, residents are increasingly searching for methods to save water in order to maintain a healthy lawn without breaking the bank or overtaxing the environment. Luckily, there are a number of strategies that you can implement to achieve a lush healthy lawn while minimizing your water usage. Use these tips to save water.   Smart Irrigation System Practices: Watering your lawn can tax the environment. However, you can adopt smart irrigation system practices by doing the following: Deep and Infrequent Watering: Ditch the daily light watering. Instead, provide one deep watering session per week that soaks the soil to a depth of roughly 6-8 inches. This irrigation practice encourages deeper root growth, which can make your lawn more drought-tolerant; it can also reduce the need for more frequent watering. Water Early in the Morning: Water your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 3-5 am. This minimizes water loss due to water evaporation, ensuring that the maximum amount of water penetrates your grass roots. Advanced irrigation systems can leverage local weather forecasts to adjust watering schedules, ensuring optimal hydration without water waste. Early morning watering is best for your lawn as watering; watering in the evening can increase the risk of fungal disease for your lawn. Manual Watering: Ditch the automatic irrigation system and opt for a hose and sprinkler. This allows you to focus water only on... --- - Published: 2024-05-23 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/6-rules-of-lawn-mowing/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: lawn mowing To achieve a lush green lawn, you’ll need to take particular care in how you mow. Regular lawn mowing may be a chore, but it can help you boost the health and wellbeing of your landscape when you mow with care. In order to unlock the full potential of your landscape’s grass, you’ll need to practice these following essential lawn mowing tips: Master the 1/3 Height Rule: To ensure that your grass grows optimally, you should plan to practice the traditional ⅓ rule for grass height. Cutting more than one third will stress your grass blades and leave them vulnerable to lawn disease. Mowing according to the ⅓ height rule supports grass health and density. In order to practice this lawn mowing tip, you need to:  Know your grass species: Different grass species thrive at different heights. Cool-season grasses such as fescues prefer 2. 5-3. 5 inches; warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass prefer 1-2 inches. Avoid scalping: Removing more than a third of the blade length with your lawn mower weakens the grass, leaving it susceptible to weeds and disease development. Maintain mowing consistency: Regularly mowing your lawn at the proper height promotes its even growth and can also prevent thatch buildup, which is a dense layer of dead grass that can choke your lawn, preventing optimum air circulation and water absorption. . Mowing Frequency: There isn’t a precise mowing frequency rule owing to the variables that can impact a mowing schedule. How often you mow your grass depends... --- - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/lawn-weeds-to-watch-hairy-bittercress/ - Categories: Lawn Care Despite the chilly outdoor temps, spring is here. One surefire way to tell is the sight of weeds with small white flowers popping up in your lawn and landscape. I've seen several posts about this weed in forums and social media pages. I've even received a couple of emails.   The weed to watch this spring is hairy bittercress. Identifying Hairy BittercressHairy Bittercress LifecycleControlling and Eliminating Hairy BittercressOther Interesting Facts Identifying Hairy Bittercress Hairy bittercress Cardamine hirsuta is an annual winter weed. It is challenging to treat as the plant emerges early in the season, and can cause havoc to your lawn from early spring through late summer. This plant, characterized by tiny white flowers near the end of its flower stems, turns into seed pods. These seedpods produce seeds that can spread quickly throughout the soil surface in your lawn, starting the life cycle all over again with young seedlings when the weather warms after winter. Look for a cluster of leaves at the base of the plant. These leaves are divided into smaller leaflets, like a fern, with rounded edges. You might also see one or more stems growing taller with leaves with longer, narrower leaflets. Here are some pictures from my lawn and landscape this early spring. Hairy Bittercress Lifecycle Hairy bittercress seeds germinate in the fall, overwinter, and emerge in the early spring.   This plant will die off as the weather becomes hotter, shedding its seeds, only to repeat its lifecycle all over again. Example... --- - Published: 2024-03-06 - Modified: 2024-03-06 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/tips/monthly-phix-newsletter-march-2024-vol-02/ - Categories: Tips - Tags: newsletter Download Now Turf Nutrition Services Round One Application – Pre-Emergent  This is an exciting time of year. Spring is approaching, so I'll hit the road in the next few weeks! I plan on being out in the first week of April for Round 1 of the 2024 season – contingent on Mother Nature.   Round 1 is one of the most critical applications of the season as the pre-emergent herbicide (Prodiamine) suppresses crabgrass. The product is sprayed on your lawn, watered in, and activated in the soil. It acts as a vapor barrier under the surface to prevent weeds from emerging – mainly grassy weeds like crabgrass. The hybrid-organic fertilizer will also feed your turf and soil, providing a green-up and slow-release feeding through April and May. This product is packed with nitrogen, potassium, and organic matter to help stimulate the soil microbes.   And as with every Round, I'll spray liquid nutrition and spot-treat broadleaf weeds (chickweed, plantain, ground ivy, etc. ). Hybrid-organic fertilizer Crabgrass pre-emergent Liquid nutrition and micronutrients Soil amendments and biostimulants Broadleaf weed control Soil Test & Analysis For year one customers, I'll be out grabbing soil samples to send into the lab for analysis. Once the results return, I will share them with you so we can work on a plan to correct the soil over the next couple of seasons. pH Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Phosphorus Potassium Iron  Manganese Early Spring Checklist Sign up for Flea & Tick control Clean your lawn from sticks, twigs,... --- - Published: 2024-02-25 - Modified: 2024-02-25 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/melting-out-disease-in-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungus, lawn disease, melting out Melting out disease is a common lawn disease caused by a fungus. I see a lot of it up here in New England. Though similar to leaf spot, melting out disease is a cool weather disease while melting out disease is a warm weather disease. Kentucky bluegrass lawns are among the most vulnerable grass types to this condition, but it also affects tall fescue and ryegrass lawns. The cool, rainy conditions of April and early May are especially conducive to developing this lawn disease. The following information will help you identify and control melting out disease. Introduction to Melting Out Disease Melting out disease is caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. The reason it’s often confused with leaf spot is because symptoms closely resemble one another; however, leaf spot is a summer disease caused by a different type of fungus. Melting out disease features two distinct phases. The first phase occurs during spring. Property owners may notice black spots or brownish-black spots on grass blades. As cool, rainy weather persists, the disease attacks crowns and roots, causing the grass rot and die. If you suspect your lawn has leaf spot, it’s best to consult with the lawn care experts at Lawn Phix.  The disease can cause permanent damage to lawns, especially if left untreated. Severely damaged turf may need to be removed. Identifying Melting Out Disease Melting out disease impacts grass during the spring. Cool temperatures and spring rains are conducive to the spread of this fungus. The telltale symptom... --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2025-02-24 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/spring-lawn-care-pre-emergent-tips/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: crabgrass, pre emergent, weeds When Should You Apply Pre-Emergent To Your Lawn? A spilt-application will ensure a crabgrass-free lawn in 2025. Why Pre-Emergents Matter for a Healthy Lawn If you want a weed-free lawn this year, timing your pre-emergent application is critical. Applying too early or too late can reduce effectiveness, allowing weeds like crabgrass and dandelions to take over. This guide will walk you through when and how to apply pre-emergent herbicides for the best results. When to Apply Pre-Emergent (Timing Is Everything! ) Spring Application: Controlling Summer Weeds The best time to apply a pre-emergent for summer annual weeds like crabgrass is when soil temperatures reach 50–55°F for several consecutive days. This usually happens in early to mid-spring (March to April, depending on your region). Soil Temperature Guide by Region: Northern States (Zones 3-5): Mid-to-late April Midwest & Transition Zones (Zones 6-7): Late March to early April Southern States (Zones 8-10): Late February to mid-March Pro Tip: Use a soil thermometer or check local university extension services for real-time soil temperature data. Fall Application: Controlling Winter Weeds For winter annual weeds like poa annua and chickweed, apply pre-emergents in late summer to early fall when soil temps drop to 70°F. Best time: Late August through September Best Pre-Emergent Products for Lawns Choosing the right pre-emergent ensures effective weed prevention. Here are some top choices: Prodiamine (Barricade®) – Best for long-lasting control Dithiopyr (Dimension®) – Also controls early-stage crabgrass Pendimethalin – Affordable option with solid coverage Mesotrione (Tenacity®) – Safe for cool-season lawns, also works as a post-emergent Avoid mixing pre-emergents with overseeding (except Mesotrione) as they can prevent grass... --- > Find the best grub killers and prevention products that work quickly, and learn the difference between grub control products and a grub killer. - Published: 2024-02-18 - Modified: 2026-03-01 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/products/grub-killer-control-products/ - Categories: Products - Tags: grub control, grub killers, grubs LAWN PHIX PRO PICK Dylox 6. 2 granular insecticide is my top grub killer by a mile. If you’re looking for prevention, start with Acelepryn. I always have at least a few bags of both when applying fall lawn treatments for customers. You never know when you’ll need them — it's good to have them just in case. BUY NOW Top Grub Control ProductsGrub Killers are NOT the Same as Grub Preventers5 Best Grub Killer & Control Products1. Dylox: Best overall grub killer2. Milky Spore: Best natural grub killer3. Acelepryn: Best overall grub preventer4. BioAdvanced: Best big box store option (killer)5. Scott’s GrubX: Best big box store option (prevention)When to Expect Grubs in Your LawnWhen to Control Grubs (AKA Grub Damage)Grub Control FAQsGrub Killer vs. Grub Prevention Grubs cause devastating, widespread damage, and without the proper control and prevention, they can all but destroy your grass. The good news is that thousands of products are available to control grubs. The bad news is that it can be tough to know which ones work (and which ones don’t). I’ve been in the lawn care business for years, so I’ve tried them all, so you don’t have to. This is my list of the best lawn grub killers (and prevention products) for 2024: Top Grub Control Products Dylox: Best overall grub killer Milky Spore: Best natural/organic grub killer Acelepryn: Best overall grub preventer BioAdvanced: Best big box store option (curative) Scott’s GrubEx: Best big box store option (prevention) But before we jump... --- - Published: 2024-02-10 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/dont-skip-grub-prevention-this-spring/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: acelepryn, grubs, merit, pests LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS Grub Warning! This year's mild winter means more grubs. Skip the ineffective Imidacloprid and use Acelepryn for prevention instead. Apply confidently in the early spring (April-May) to avoid lawn damage. Acelepryn is safe for pets and pollinators and effective against various grub types. Combine with fertilizer and weed control for a complete lawn care solution. Consider professional help if needed. Imidacloprid is ineffective against grubs. Apply Acelepryn in early spring for prevention. Acelepryn is safe for pets and pollinators and is highly effective. Combine with fertilizer, nutrition, and weed control for complete spring care. Consider professional help if needed. When to apply your preventative grub control treatmentThe best grub prevention products to chooseFertilizer, weed control, and grub insecticide combosYour preventative grub control treatment starts with Lawn PhixQuick grub control FAQs It's been a relatively mild winter thus far. And while we've seen a bit more snow and rain to date, the warmer temperatures are, in fact, a cause for concern when it comes to the upcoming lawn care season. If you're enjoying the warmth and humidity this winter, you should know there's a tradeoff — and it starts with a grub infestation. Warm winters usually equal more grubs since the deep freeze won't kill off the unlucky extras. And if you're banking on Imidacloprid (Merit) as a solution, no dice: Imidacloprid is no longer effective against Oriental and Asiatic Beetles. We saw a lot of these beetles in 2023. We also saw grub breakthroughs and lawn... --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/tips/newsletter-february-2024/ - Categories: Tips - Tags: newsletter Download Now Stay Connected Be sure to stay connected and follow Lawn Phix on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. I use these social media outlets to post timely tips and showcase stunning before and after photos and everything in between.   Instagram Facebook YouTube Snow Mold What's Snow Mold? Snow mold is a common cool-season lawn disease that loves cold weather. It appears after a winter of heavy snow and prolonged cover. Moisture, compaction, and poor air circulation in our cool-season lawns create the perfect conditions for snow mold. Spotting Snow Mold: Look for straw-colored, matted-down turf with grass blades melded together. Gray snow mold appears in circular patches, while pink snow mold may affect golf courses, penetrating the crown and roots. Treatment Tips: Air Circulation is Key: Lightly rake affected areas after the snow melts and the turf dries. Wait for the ground to thaw and dry before raking to avoid damage. Use a light rake, not a thatch or metal gardening rake, to gently fluff the grass for better air circulation. Fungicide for Active Cases: If you see cobwebs (mycelium), the disease is still active. Consider a fungicide application to halt snow mold growth. Warmth Brings Recovery: Most grass will recover as temperatures rise in early spring. Extreme cases may require lawn repairs like seeding and patching dead areas. Remember, a little care now goes a long way in ensuring a lush lawn when warmer days arrive. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!... --- - Published: 2024-01-18 - Modified: 2025-09-11 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/what-to-do-when-you-find-a-spotted-lanternfly/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: spotted lanternfly The spotted lanternfly (or SLF) is an invasive insect slowly moving into yards around the East Coast. Easily identified by the black spots on their wings, these pests are a spreader of sooty mold and a destructive force in fields and orchards. This guide covers everything you should know about spotted lanternfly behavior, prevention, and elimination. We also cover specific prevention steps by state so you can report them effectively and reduce further spread. How to Identify a Spotted LanternflyThe life stages of spotted lanternflySLF Insecticides and TreatmentsWhat To Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly? (By State)Understanding Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine ZonesSpotted Lanternfly FAQs How to Identify a Spotted Lanternfly Indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly has become one of America's most serious invasive pests. The first sighting of this insect was Berks County, Pennsylvania, although it's quickly spread to 13 other states. You can usually identify a spotted lanternfly adult sitting on fence posts, outdoor furniture, or patio furniture. If you have a tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) in your yard, you may notice swarming pests sucking sap or depositing egg masses. Keep an eye out for: SLF egg masses, which look like whitish/grey scales on tree bark. Spotted lanternfly nymphs, which look like polka-dotted beetles with red markings. Contrasting patches of light brown and broad black bands, with gray wings, bright red hind wings and a white band across the middle of the wing. Why are these pests so dangerous? In a word, feeding.... --- - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-i-learned-in-2023/ - Categories: Lawn Care With 2023 (somehow) in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start planning for our 2024 lawns. As a chef by trade and training who loves perfecting ‘recipes,’ I want to use what I learned to grow richer, greener grass. I learned four major things in 2023: Acelepryn reigns supreme in grub control Liquid nutrition leads to a disease-free yard Hybrid organic fertilizer is a winning formula Proper mowing remains the cornerstone of a great lawn Let’s take a look at these takeaways in greater detail and then explore what they mean for 2024. 1. Acelepryn Reigns Supreme in Grub Control2. Liquid Nutrition Will Set You Free (Of Fungus And Diseases)3. Fertilizer With Better Filler Is... Better4. Proper Mowing Is Still The Number One Cultural PracticeGrowing Greener Lawns in 2024 1. Acelepryn Reigns Supreme in Grub Control In the face of unprecedented rainfall, Massachusetts lawns saw a massive surge in beetle populations. We saw nearly a foot of water in July alone — the second rainiest month on record. Japanese beetles are probably most common in our area, but we've also seen an influx in Asiatic and Oriental beetles this year. This is due to other lawn care companies applying inferior grub prevention products like Imidicloprid and Merit. A close and trusted source said a large national chain who uses Imidacloprid saw roughly 20% breakthroughs in 2023 alone. That's one in five homes seeing grub damage. In my opinion, that’s way too much.   Imidacloprid also has a short half-life now.... --- - Published: 2023-12-26 - Modified: 2024-03-02 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/powdery-mildew/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungus You've probably seen it around: white, powdery stuff that shows up on leaves, stems, and even flowers of everything from vegetables and woody ornamentals to other plants like trees and grasses.   Yes, I’m talking about powdery mildew, one of the most common plant diseases. If we don't keep it in check, it spreads, affects plants, and reduces their ability to grow and produce flowers.   Below, I'll discuss the nuances of powdery mildew, the symptoms it causes, and take a look at some effective treatment strategies. What is Powdery Mildew? In plain English, it's a fungal disease: a group of fungi called Erysiphaceae. From a technical point of view, the disease is host-specific, meaning there are different types of fungi within this family that infect different types of plants, but they all cause similar and common symptoms. One of these fungi, Blumeria graminis (or Erysiphe graminis in older books), is our culprit in the case of grasses. When a plant gets infected, you'll see these white or grayish patches that look like talcum powder on the stems, fruits, and leaves. These patches are actually the fungus's asexual spores, known as conidia.   If you look closely, you might also see these tiny, round structures that start off white, then turn yellow-brown, and eventually black. These are called cleistothecia, and they help the fungus survive the winter and continue its life cycle. The spores of powdery mildew disease are like seeds but for fungi. They can easily spread through the... --- - Published: 2023-11-26 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-does-grass-stop-growing/ - Categories: Lawn Care By the time harvest season arrives, some property owners begin to wonder, “when does grass stop growing? ” Temperature impacts grass growth, so once the weather becomes cool enough, you can put your lawn mower away for the season. Grass generally enters a long period of dormancy during late fall or early winter, depending on what part of the country you happen to be in. Consistent cold weather means grass stops growing during the cold season and won’t begin to grow again until the following spring when warm weather returns. What Temperature Does Grass Stop Growing? Grass stops growing when air temperatures consistently drop below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil temperatures cool, triggering grass to stop growing. Usually, grass growth stops by late October or early November. Still, winter dormancy might not occur until December in some areas of the country because colder temperatures don’t occur till then. A single temperature drop might not be enough to cool the soil temperature. However, once colder weather settles in, soil temperatures will fall and grass will stop growing. When Do Cool Season Grasses Stop Growing? Cool-season grasses stop growing once temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Grass blades slow down as temperatures dip below 50 degrees but tend to stop as temperatures freeze. The first frosts can also dramatically slow down growth for all landscape plants, including grass. Freezing temperatures tend to occur in late October and early November, leaving grass growth to enter its period of winter dormancy. When Do Warm... --- - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-you-should-cut-your-grass-shorter-before-winter/ - Categories: Lawn Care Tis the season to discuss and debate many end-of-season lawn care tips. The main ones I continue to see and hear at the end of fall and near winter are: How short should I cut my grass for the winter? Should I bag the leaves of mulch them? Can I walk on frozen grass? I have tested these different methods throughout my years as both a DIYer, and have seen a lot throughout my time as a professional applicator. Based on my experience, here are my thoughts and suggestions. The Ideal Grass Height The ideal winter grass height for cool-season grasses is between 2. 5" to 3. 0". The main reason to lower your mower deck heading into the winter is to prevent the grass from folding over on top of itself. This will limit air circulation throughout the lawn and likely cause snow mold and other diseases in the early spring. Be sure to mow with a sharp blade, as you usually would throughout the growing season. You want a clean cut to avoid shredding and tearing the grass tips. Taller grass in the winter tends to stay greener longer, but you'll be better in the long run with a shorter cut. Bag Those Fallen Leaves Contrary to many proponents for leaving the fallen leaves on the lawn over winter, I can't entirely agree. Do leaves contain some organic matter that might benefit your turf? Maybe. But my problem with this is that most homeowners do not mulch properly.... --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/turf-nutrition-plan/ - Categories: Lawn Care Turf Nutrition PlanEarly Spring (0. 8# K):Late Spring (1. 8# K):Early Summer (0. 4# K):Late Summer (Seeding – 0. 76# K):Late Summer (No Seeding – 1# K):Fall/Winter (0. 7# K):Nitrogen Totals At Lawn Phix, I constantly learn from podcasts, university extension studies and publications, and my own trial and error. I enjoy testing and experimenting with new products each season and am always improving my turf nutrition, weed, and insect control plans and services. Switching from Imicicloprid (Merit) to Chlorantraniloprole (Acelepryn) was a major one from several years ago. While more expensive, I've experienced zero grub breakthroughs with Acelepryn. Plus, it's a much safer product for both humans, pets, and pollinators. Kelp4Less products have always been in my rotation. To me, this is the secret sauce to making lawns thick, green, and lush. These EffortLush products provide so many nutritional benefits to turf and soil that it's become a staple in almost every application round through the season. A few more products that I've included as part of my residential and commercial plans in 2023 have been Yucca, Molasses, Mycorrhizae, and Innoculants. Yucca A natural wetting agent and surfactant Improves absorption and uptake of water and nutrients Stimulates turf and root growth and development Help protect from disease and stresses Molasses Provides energy for your grass in the form of carbohydrates/sugars A natural “dethatch” for your lawn Mycorrhizae Expands the depth and density of the turf's root system Improved biomass and mineral nutrition Better tolerance to water stress Lastly, I'm... --- - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/fall-is-the-best-time-to-control-lawn-weeds/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: broadleaf weeds, chickweed, creeping charlie, spurge, weeds It's always a sad time for lawn care enthusiasts like me and you to watch the leaves fall, temperatures drop, and early morning frosts on the lawn. We're all eager for winter to hurry up and springtime to roll around so we can begin our annual lawn care routine. But the lawn care season truly starts now in the fall. Here's why. One of the most crucial fertilizer feedings of the year is post-summer. Your turf takes a beating in July and August with extreme temps, drought, insects, fungus, and other environmental stresses. So feeding your lawn in the early fall helps repair the yard – and a late-season application will strengthen your grassroots and ensure your turf has enough food to withstand the long winter. But one overlooked task is weed control – specifically broadleaf weeds like ground ivy, chickweed, black medic, and more. Having a healthy lawn is the number one way to combat the most common weeds naturally. This is why best cultural practices like proper watering and frequent mowing throughout the season are essential. Thick turf will crowd out most weeds to the point of being its natural weed barrier. The good news is that most 3-way herbicides will do the trick. Cooler outside temperatures will make your grass less susceptible to herbicide damage and burn while spraying according to the label directions—ester-based herbicides are great options these cooler times of year. I always have good luck and recommend herbicides with triclopyr, 2,4-d, and Dicamba. All-in-one solutions like Speedzone, T-Zone,... --- - Published: 2023-10-21 - Modified: 2023-10-28 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/fall-lawn-care-checklist/ - Categories: Lawn Care Our 2023 lawn care season is ending rapidly here in New England. We have about one week left to get our lawns dialed in for Halloween and just a few short weeks after that, when the grass stops growing and we put our lawns to bed. Today, I applied 24-0-5 with 2% iron to my lawn with high-calcium lime and liquid nutrition (Orbix 8-5-3). Here’s a quick checklist reminder for you to ensure a successful fall. Feed Your Lawn Nitrogen is critical for turf this time of year. Not only will things thicken up and green up, it will promote stronger and healthier roots. These last feedings are really going to help the lawn “wake up” next spring, too. Don’t skip this autumn step. 24-0-6 Flagship (apply at 3-4 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. ) Balance Soil pH Choose a high-calcium lime to adjust your pH. You can apply lime any time of year, but between now and Thanksgiving is the most common (and ideal). Solu-Cal (covers up to 10,000 sq. ft. ) CalStar (covers up to 8,250 sq. ft. ) Kill The Weeds f you've mowed your new grass at least three times and it's been 30 days post-germination, you can start hitting those broadleaf weeds like spurge, creeping charlie, and other pesky winter weeds. A kill now will also help prevent secondary crops next year. EndRun (at 1. 5 oz. per gallon) Mow Low Aim for about 3" this time of year. Keeping your lawn it shorter in... --- - Published: 2023-10-20 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-apply-fall-fertilizer/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fall, october, october lawn care, september lawn care, winter lawn care A fall lawn fertilizer application can support the health of your lawn. Apply fertilizer in the fall to support a greener lawn, improve root growth, and reduce dead spots or lawn diseases. With a fall fertilizer application, you can ensure that your yard has the nutrients to withstand stresses associated with late fall, winter, and even early spring when the grass grows again after winter dormancy. Although the exact timing for fall fertilizer varies from region to region, this guide can help you fertilize your lawn according to your climate zone. What's The Difference Between Fall & Winter Fertilization? I see these terms used interchangeably, but there is a big difference. The main differences between fall fertilizer and winter fertilizer are clear – to me it's based on the timing and your fall plans (seeding vs. no seeding). Let's jump in. The Application Timing A winter app, or winterizer, is the last app of the year. The winter application goes down just before the ground freezes and when the grass stops growing – the same time as your final mow of the season. Here in Massachusetts, I recommend applying a winterizer in November before Thanksgiving. This is to help feed the lawn over winter, but it is also used by the grass when it "wakes up" in the spring. Fall fertilizer is applied during or after aeration and overseeding for the cool-season grasses. If seeding: Use a starter fertilizer – typically in September. If not seeding: Try nitrogen blitz in... --- - Published: 2023-10-20 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/light-green-patches-in-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: creeping bentgrass, poa annua, poa trivialis, seed heads It seems to be every year – particularly in the spring and early fall – that lots of questions about "patches in my lawn" pop up. I professionally treat over 15 acres of turf and see it all. Light green, dark green, lime green – you name it. Whether it be from social media posts and forums to my customers, this is a popular question, and I am here to share some images and quick descriptions of a few possibilities. POA TRIVIALISPOA ANNUAKBG GOING TO SEEDCREEPING BENTGRASS POA TRIVIALIS A perennial grass. It grows in clumps and has a distinct lime-green color. Prefers damp conditions. Avoid overwatering. Requires a non-selective herbicide to eliminate. I have so much of this in my backyard. Along my deck area gets a lot of shade and I have too much irrigation overlapping, so it creates the perfect environment for poa triv. The patches stick out like a sore thumb. POA ANNUA An annual grass – also called annual bluegrass. It also grows in clumps and a lighter green color. This goes to seed (around this time) and can be mitigated with fall pre-emergents. Two apps of Mesotrione can also damage this plant. I used a heavy application of Pendulum in the late summer of 2022 and it did a great job at suppressing the poa annua in 2023. I only saw a couple of spots here-and-there but nothing compared to the amount I had in 2022. I'd use Pendulum or Prodiamine as the pre-emergent... --- - Published: 2023-09-03 - Modified: 2026-03-01 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-spotted-lanternflies/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: pests, slf, spotted lanternfly Have you spotted an unusually bright-colored moth near your home? You're likely seeing a new invasive species: the spotted lanternfly (SLF). Native to China, India, and Vietnam, this unwelcome pest was discovered in the US in 2014 and has since spread to more than 14 states. If you're seeing adults or nymphs in your own backyard, you may have to act fast to protect plant and tree species in your yard. This article can help you better understand how to get rid of spotted lanternflies around your yard. Once we explain how you can identify this invasive pest, we walk through the products and methods you can use to protect backyard plants and control SLF in your yard. Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Life CycleHow do you get rid of spotted lanternflies? Insecticides & Chemical ControlBiological ControlCultural ControlSpotted Lanternfly FAQs Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Life Cycle Before we get into the meat and potatoes of cultural and biological control, we need to answer a fundamental question: what is the spotted lanternfly anyway? The spotted lanternfly is a type of moth native to east Asian countries like China, India, and Vietnam. Sometimes referred to as SLF, these pests have become economically significant pests on the East Coast due to their proclivity for soybeans, stonefruits, grape vines, and other plants. These pests kill plants and destroy agricultural livelihoods while crowding out native species and disrupting natural ecosystems. You can understand the lifecycle of the spotted lanternfly in three stages: Eggs: In late summer,... --- - Published: 2023-08-06 - Modified: 2023-08-09 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/methylated-seed-oil-vs-surfactant/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: Methylated Seed Oil, mso, nis, non ionic Surfactant, Surfactant Landscapers apply an adjuvant and herbicide spray solution to ensure that a post-emergent herbicide works effectively. Adjuvant spray solutions help boost herbicide performance in one of two ways: they either enhance the activity of recommended adjuvants or improve the application for adjuvants like crop oil concentrates. In short, this means improved weed control for property owners. Property owners can use various types of adjuvants along with their preferred herbicides. Two common types of adjuvants used today are MSO, which refers to methylated seed oils, and NIS, which refers to nonionic surfactants. Methylated seed oil, aka vegetable oils, are essential crop oils that have been modified. As an oil-based surfactant, methylated seed oil improves the penetration of herbicides through leaf surface waxes and improves the rate of herbicide absorption into plants. However, there is potential for leaf burn with oil-based surfactants like MSO, so it’s essential not to over-apply the adjuvant spray solution. NIS are ideal for ensuring that herbicides cover the plant more fully; they improve penetration of herbicides onto the leaf surface or through leaf surface waxes by reducing surface tension. Many professional landscaping companies favor NIS because it has a low plant toxicity rate. What Is Methylated Seed Oil? As mentioned above, methylated seed oil is vegetable-based and modified to act as an adjuvant. Manufacturers add methanol to change oil compounds, improving its ability to act as an adjuvant. Advantages of MSO There are various advantages of spraying plants with methylated seed oil that include: Effective replacement of... --- - Published: 2023-08-06 - Modified: 2026-02-22 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/kyllinga-vs-nutsedge/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: green Kyllinga, Kyllinga, nutgrass, nutsedge Kyllinga, also popularly known as green kyllinga, and nutsedge are both perennial sedges that are native to Asia and have a reputation for spreading quickly. Both are also known to spread rapidly when conditions are wet and soil is poorly draining. Even so, there are notable differences between these two sedges that can help property owners manage them effectively. Both species can invade turfgrass, but they can be eradicated with proper identification and control measures. Sedges like green kyllinga and nutsedge are aggressive and persistent when infiltrating turfgrass. Early identification and weed control measures are ideal for managing them effectively. Both nutsedges and kyllinga are unique in that they aren’t broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds; they are weeds that you don’t want to invade your landscape and lawn. What Is the Difference Between Green Kyllinga and Nutsedge? Although green kyllinga and nutsedge are both sedge species, they differ. Kyllinga has finer blades than nutsedge. The leaves of both purple and yellow nutsedge are much wider than kyllinga blades. Kyllinga also has a small and round seed head. Nutsedge has an open spikelet as its seed head. Additionally, nutsedges have underground tubers, but kyllinga does not.  Additionally, false green kyllinga (Kyllinga gracillima), which is similar to the species it's named for, grows in mid-Atlantic states where it, too, is difficult to eradicate. You can suppress false green kyllinga with controls like killing other sedges invading healthy turf. What Is Nutsedge? Purple or yellow nutsedge are commonly referred to as nutsedge. Both... --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-dallisgrass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: crabgrass, dallis grass, dallisgrass, paspalum, weeds Difficult to control, both crabgrass and dallisgrass are grassy weeds that can be difficult to identify and manage. Once they invade your healthy lawn, either grassy weed may prove tenacious and tough to eradicate. Although both crabgrass and dallisgrass are similar in appearance in many respects, they are quite different from one another too. The key difference is that crabgrass is an annual weed and dallisgrass is a perennial grass. Knowing how to distinguish between these two grassy weeds will help you to employ the best weed control solutions.   Table of ContentsCrabgrass vs Dallisgrass: The Key DifferencesDallisgrass Identification OverviewHow to Get Rid of DallisgrassCrabgrass Identification OverviewHow to Get Rid of CrabgrassCrabgrass vs Dallisgrass FAQsDoes vinegar kill dallisgrass? Does crabgrass killer also kill dallisgrass? What kills dallisgrass and crabgrass? Crabgrass vs Dallisgrass: The Key Differences Aside from crabgrass being an annual plant and dallisgrass being a perennial plant, there are other key differences between the two that can help you properly identify them in order to employ the best weed control measures and keep your lawn healthy. Each year, dallisgrass returns from its root system, while crabgrass grows new from seed. Additionally, crabgrass grows by a branching habit. Dallisgrass grows in a clump that increases in diameter as the weed spreads. Perhaps the most distinguishing difference between the two weeds is that dallisgrass has large seed heads, and crabgrass has smaller seed heads that are finer in texture. Dallisgrass Identification Overview Paspalum dilitatum is one of the more tenacious lawn... --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/stolons-vs-rhizomes/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: rhozomes, stolons, tillers Understanding the difference between rhizomes and stolons is important to know how plants and some cool and warm season grasses propagate and spread. Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, and centipede grass all spread as they grow, filling in bare spots and developing into a lush lawn. Stolons and rhizomes are crucial for vegetative propagation, but not all plants have stolons and rhizomes. Of course, then there are tillers; what are these? Here, we’ll explore these three types of branches produced by cool and warm-season grasses. Once you understand tillers, stolons, and rhizomes, you’ll be better able to identify, support, or control the plants and grasses growing on your landscape. Use the following information for your upcoming lawn project. What’s the Difference Between Rhizomes and Stolons? Similarities Between Stolons and RhizomesWhat Are Rhizomes? What Are Stolons? What Are Tillers? Stolons and Rhizomes FAQsWhat are examples of a rhizome and stolon? What is the main difference between rhizomes and runners? What grasses have stolons and rhizomes? What is the difference between rhizomes and stolons? What’s the Difference Between Rhizomes and Stolons? Although tillers, rhizomes, and stolons are branching parts of plants that include cool and warm season grasses, they each function differently in order to propagate and spread. The chief difference between stolons and rhizomes is that stolons are shoots of stems that creep or run along the surface of the soil. Rhizomes grow, on the other hand, underneath the soil’s surface. Both of these plant structures give rise to... --- - Published: 2023-07-01 - Modified: 2023-12-19 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/horseweed-control/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: 24d, horseweed, weeds An annual plant that grows throughout North America, horseweed is sometimes known as a mare’s tail or butterweed. Generally regarded as a noxious weed, horsetail can be highly problematic for lawns as it’s developed resistance to glyphosate, a non-selective weed killer. Horseweed is a summer annual that produces thousands of seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for a long time. Not only is common horseweed a problem for lawns, it can also have a strong impact on agricultural crops. Horseweed may also thrive in ditches, fields, and roadsides. The wind can carry its seeds quite far, making it easy for the species to spread. Horseweed Description & IdentificationLife Cycle of Horseweed PlantSimilar Species to HorseweedControlling Horseweed in LawnHorseweed Plants FAQs Horseweed Description & Identification Horseweed, Conyza canadensis, is a member of the sunflower family. Horseweed can emerge in spring, fall, or summer. The plants can grow up to six feet tall. Horseweed is easy to identify by its bat-shaped leaves that are long and hairy with a bristly look. Near the top of the plant, its small branches feature small white flowers that resemble miniature daisies. The plant's stem is usually single and erect, but several stems may exist. Life Cycle of Horseweed Plant The life cycle of the horseweed plant begins with seed germination. Horseweed will emerge as a rosette in the fall or spring, but fall is the usual time for this plant to emerge. The plant produces seeds between June and September and generally flowers... --- - Published: 2023-06-03 - Modified: 2023-11-27 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/why-are-there-so-many-dragonflies-in-my-yard/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: dragonflies, dragonfly, pests Dragonflies are some of the most fascinating insects in the United States. Despite their ferocious name and brightly colored exoskeletons, these flying insects are far less dangerous than you may first believe. But what happens when dragonflies show up around your property in massive numbers? The sound of beating dragonfly wings or relentless hungry swarms could put your teeth on edge while in the yard or garden. If you want to know the answer to "Why are there so many dragonflies in my yard? " this article has you covered. We're discussing everything you need to know about dragonflies in the US, including what they are, why they swarm, and how you can attract (or not attract) these insects to your yard. What are dragonflies? What are dragonfly swarms? Attracting dragonflies to your propertyHow to control dragonflies flying around your yardDragonfly FAQs What are dragonflies? Dragonflies are flying insects from the order Odonata. Approximately 3,000 dragonfly species are located worldwide, with an estimated 300 in the US and Canada. Although dragonflies share some resemblance to their close cousin, the damselfly, they are far better fliers and much heavier in build compared to these smaller insects. There are several species of dragonfly common to the US, including: Green darner Migrant hawker Common sanddragon Great blue skimmer Midland clubtail Dragonflies are primarily beneficial insects that consume other pests during their lifecycle. In fact, many gardeners strive to retain dragonflies for their many pest control proclivities. These insects cannot harm plants, people, or... --- - Published: 2023-05-26 - Modified: 2025-06-03 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/red-thread-fungus-lawn-disease/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungus, lawn disease, red thread LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS With this year's excessive rain and overcast, I witnessed a lot of red thread in the spring of 2023. Here are a few quick bullet points on managing red thread disease in your lawn. Red Thread thrives in the springtime with prolonged wetness on grass blades, limited sunlight, and lack of nitrogen. Fine fescue, in particular, is the most susceptible cool-season grass to red thread fungus. Prolonged red thread will form mycelium, which looks like pink cotton balls on the turf. A quick-release nitrogen fertilizer can help "push out" the unsightly red thread. Preventative and curative applications of fungicides containing propiconazole, azoxystrobin, or myclobutanil should be applied to help treat and stop the growth of red thread. How to get rid of Red Thread Lawn Disease Red thread disease typically appears during cool, humid periods in the spring and fall, leaving lawns with irregular patches of pink or reddish discoloration. As infected grass blades die, they often turn a dull, tan color. This disease most commonly affects cool-season grasses such as perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and bentgrass. The presence of red or pink threadlike structures on the leaf tips indicates active infection. While red thread can make a lawn look unsightly, it rarely causes permanent damage and can be managed effectively with proper lawn care practices. Read on to learn how to treat and prevent this common turf issue. How to get rid of Red Thread Lawn DiseaseWhat Is Red Thread Fungus? Signs of... --- - Published: 2023-05-24 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-chiggers-in-your-yard/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: chiggers, pests Chiggers are unsavory skin-eating pests that can ruin any outdoor activity. Apart from their itchy bites and unsavory appearances, these arachnids are also known to transmit disease. Thankfully, chiggers aren't impossible pests to remove from your lawn or garden. You can get rid of chiggers and their larvae with a few prevention steps, some DIY treatments, and a pinch of elbow grease. Here's everything you need to know about fixing a chigger problem, including what these arachnids look like, how to treat their bites, and what products you can use to eliminate them for good. What Are Chiggers? Chiggers are arachnids from the Trombiculidae family, which includes approximately 10,000 different species of mites. These pests remain active throughout spring and early summer and only go dormant after the first frosts of fall. There are many different names for chiggers in the US, including harvest mites, red bugs, berry bugs, and harvest lice. However, all of these names refer to the same thing: a bright-red mite with parasitic larvae. You can identify adult chiggers by: Its eight legs. Unlike other outdoor insects, chiggers have more than six legs. Its bright red body. Adults are seen easily by the naked eye. It's bite. These are typically much smaller and itchier than your average mosquito bite. You should know that adult chigger mites cannot bite or effect humans in any way. Instead, their almost microscopic larvae latch onto human skin and use specialized saliva to dissolve skin cells. Then, the chigger ingests the... --- - Published: 2023-04-30 - Modified: 2023-06-09 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/reviews/flowzone-typhoon-2-5-review/ - Categories: Reviews - Tags: backpack sprayer, flowzone, typhoon 2.5 Flowzone is a top lawn care equipment manufacturer brand known for its high-quality backpack sprayers. I've been fortunate enough to use Flowzone Typhoon 2. 5 backpack sprayer for my lawn nutrition and weed control business for the last several months, and I can't say enough good things about it. This has been a considerable addition to my business – from applying micronutrients, spraying weeds, insect and pest control around homes, and even tick and mosquito applications – the Typhoon 2. 5 sprayer has been excellent. This is a powerful tool capable of being used to soft wash – I even use it sometimes to rinse off my fertilizer spreaders and use it for my home lawn and garden. I've had this machine for nearly six months and have put plenty of hours into it, and here is my review of this great product – the Flowzone Typhoon 2. 5 ProsConsFlowzone Typhoon 2. 5 FeaturesThe wishlistConclusionFrequently Asked Questions Pros Solid wands, nozzle, and handle Water-proof lid with strainer and handle Super comfortable backpack straps High-pressure power with variable pressure control Battery charging station Overall look and design Cons I don't call it cons but rather a "wishlist": Manual push to show voltage meter A shallow basket strainer Flowzone Typhoon 2. 5 Features The ComfortStraps System Starting from the top-down with the backpack straps. These are incredibly comfortable. A convenient padded handle on the top makes carrying, transporting, and emptying a breeze. There is padding on the back of the Flowzone sprayer... --- - Published: 2023-04-22 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/prodiamine-vs-tenacity/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: herbicides, prodiamine, tenacity, weeds If your lawn is lush and green and free from grass weeds and broadleaf weeds, you might not need to worry much about pre and post-emergent herbicides. However, if crabgrass, dandelion weeds, white clover, and creeping jenny have plagued your lawn before, there’s a good chance you need to prepare for battle again this coming growing season. As you research weed control, you’ll likely encounter herbicides like Prodiamine and Tenacity. Which one can eradicate the weeds in your yard? Which one is best for weed control? What’s the Difference Between Prodiamine and Tenacity? What Is Prodiamine? What Is Tenacity? Tenacity’s Unique Mode of ActionWhat Is Similar to Tenacity Herbicide? Prodiamine vs Tenacity FAQsCan I use Tenacity with Prodiamine? How long does prodiamine last in soil? How effective is prodiamine? Is there anything better than Tenacity? What’s the Difference Between Prodiamine and Tenacity? Both Prodiamine and Tenacity provide good pre-emergent weed control. Prodiamine is, in fact, a pre-emergent herbicide, while Tenacity can be used as a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. Both chemicals can be effective for lawns, but one or the other may be better for your particular lawn, depending on the time of year and even the size of your yard. Other factors may impact your decision about what chemical to choose. Tenacity herbicide is a good choice when you want to kill weeds within a short period. Its formulation as a selective herbicide makes it safe for cool-season and warm-season grasses, so it’s perfectly safe for your established turfgrass... --- - Published: 2023-04-16 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/urea-vs-ammonium-sulfate/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: Ammonium Sulfate, nitrogen, urea, urea nitrogen Both urea and ammonium sulfate can give your lawn a fertilizing boost and are good alternatives to ammonium nitrate, which may be more difficult to procure and more costly. Each of these is a nitrogen fertilizer, but which one is better for your lawn? Considering the cost of nitrogen fertilizers, it makes sense to choose a product that’s destined to be most effective for your turfgrass. Nitrogen is essential for a healthy lawn; without it, your turf will appear dull and stunted as opposed to vibrant green and lush. In order to choose between nitrogen fertilizers like urea and ammonium sulfate, it’s important to understand how they differ to determine which is best for your turf.  You may also need to conduct a soil test. What Is the Difference Between Ammonium Sulfate and Urea? Both ammonium sulfate and urea are nitrogen fertilizer sources that you can apply to your lawn and soil. Choosing one over another depends on soil pH and even your budget. Typically, urea containing 46% nitrogen, a high content of nitrogen, is less costly than ammonium sulfate, even though ammonium sulfate contains less nitrogen, 21%; however, it is also less effective as a nitrogen fertilizer.   So why is more nitrogen-rich urea less effective in soil and for lawns? Urea isn’t always rapidly converted to nitrate that your lawn can use. So, nitrogen loss can result in more than 40% with urea. That means that ammonium sulfate offers more reliable total nitrogen for lawns; however, it is... --- - Published: 2023-04-07 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/sea-kelp-for-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: biostimulants, sea kelp, soil amendments If you’ve been chasing that deep green, lush lawn but feel like something’s still missing, you’re not alone. Lawn care can be a puzzle, especially when it comes to building long-term soil health and resilience. That’s where sea kelp comes in. At Lawn Phix, we have seen firsthand how sea kelp for lawns acts as a supercharged natural biostimulant. Whether you’re maintaining cool-season lawns, such as Kentucky bluegrass, or warm-season lawns, like St. Augustine, sea kelp is a gentle, organic solution that delivers consistent results. It feeds the roots, boosts nutrient absorption, and improves your turf’s ability to handle drought, disease, and stress. Here’s how sea kelp works, how to use it, and why it’s one of our favorite lawn care tools. What Is Sea Kelp? Sea kelp is a type of brown seaweed that grows in cold, nutrient-rich ocean waters. Packed with organic compounds, sea kelp contains trace minerals, amino acids, natural plant hormones (like cytokinins and auxins), and antioxidants that work together to support plant growth and root development. When processed into liquid kelp or water-soluble powder, it becomes one of the most effective natural biostimulants available for turf and gardens. And while it might be a marine plant, its benefits back on land are truly impressive. Benefits of Sea Kelp for Lawns 1. Improves Nutrient Uptake and Absorption Sea kelp improves how plants absorb nutrients from the soil. It acts as a natural chelator, making minerals like nitrogen and potassium more bioavailable. This leads to healthier, greener... --- - Published: 2023-04-07 - Modified: 2023-05-12 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/yucca-extract-for-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: biostimulants, soil amendments, yucca Yucca is a flowering plant that grows in the desert and is native to the American Southwest and Mexico. The yucca plant works as a biostimulant and natural surfactant when applied to lawns. Not only can yucca extract support a healthy lawn, it can promote soil health too. Agricultural experts report that yucca is beneficial for turf as well as crops, fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals too. Learn more about using yucca extract in your landscape and why you should.   What Is Yucca? Benefits of Applying Yucca Extract to Your LawnLiquid Yucca Extract for LawnsDry Powdered Water Soluble Yucca Extract for LawnsHow Much and How Often Should You Apply Yucca Extract to Your Lawn? Yucca Extract for Lawns FAQs What Is Yucca? The yucca plant grows in the American Southwest as well as Baja California and other parts of Mexico. It’s been used in folk medicine for centuries and contains a myriad of nutrients like choline, folate, vitamin A, and calcium. Yucca plants are masters when it comes to water conservation, which is why they’re able to thrive in some of the harshest, most drought-prone conditions.   Yucca extract is a great source of steroidal saponins, which are natural surfactants / wetting agents. Rich in antioxidants, yucca also boasts stress-alleviating compounds that can help other plants (i. e. your lawn) manage natural environmental stressors like heat and drought. Today, yucca compounds are found in some modern medicines prescribed to treat conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and high cholesterol. Just as... --- - Published: 2023-04-06 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/humic-acid-for-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: humic acid, kelp4less, soil amendments Let’s be honest: lawn care can be a bit of a mystery sometimes. You put in the work, but the results don’t always match the effort. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your lawn healthier from the soil up, humic acid might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. At Lawn Phix, we’ve seen first-hand how humic acid helps lawns thrive. It’s not a magic potion, but it gets pretty close. When used correctly, it can improve your soil structure, supercharge nutrient uptake, and promote deep, resilient root growth. Whether you're dealing with heavy clay, fast-draining sandy soil, or tired, compacted turf, humic acid brings life back into your lawn. In this guide, I’ll break down what humic acid is, how it works, and how to use it effectively — without all the fluff. What Is Humic Acid? Humic acid is a naturally occurring compound formed from the decomposition of organic matter. It's found in humus — the rich, dark material in soil created by microbial breakdown of plant and animal material over thousands of years. Chemically speaking, humic acid is a complex mixture of carbon-rich molecules that work like a bridge between soil and plant roots. It chelates (binds) essential nutrients, making them more available for plant uptake. This improves nutrient exchange, soil structure, and root development — especially in poor soils. It's not a fertilizer itself, but it's an incredible complement to your fertilizer program. Think of humic acid as a turbocharger for your soil. Humic... --- - Published: 2023-03-14 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/calcitic-lime-vs-dolomite-lime/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: calcitic lime, calcium, dolomite lime, lime Gardeners and farmers alike have long used lime to improve the fertility of their soil. An alkaline material, lime reduces the pH of acidic soils, to ensure that lawns, plants, and crops grow better. There are two basic categories of lime: calcitic lime and dolomite lime. Both are important soil amendments, but which one is better for your lawn? We’ll explore the topic here. What Is the Difference Between Calcitic Lime and Dolomite Lime? Calcitic LimeCalcitic Lime UsesDolomite LimeDolomite Lime UsesWhen to Use Calcitic or Dolomitic LimeHow Do Lime and Gypsum Differ? What Are the Impacts of the Particle Size of Limestone? Lime FAQsIs calcitic lime the same as dolomite lime? Should I use calcitic lime or dolomite lime? What is calcitic lime used for? What Is the Difference Between Calcitic Lime and Dolomite Lime? In order to choose between these two types of lime, it’s crucial to consider your soil and plant needs. Calcitic lime, made from calcium carbonate, is ideal for improving plant growth and breaking up clay soils. Dolomite lime, made from magnesium carbonate, is a better option if your lawn is magnesium deficient or if you need to improve soil drainage and guard against erosion. Calcitic Lime Calcitic lime is a useful soil amendment if you have acidic soil. To determine soil acidity, you’ll need to conduct a soil test. While both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate can help you reduce soil acidity, calcium carbonate–or calcitic lime–tends to dissolve faster. However, it contains barely no magnesium,... --- - Published: 2023-03-04 - Modified: 2026-02-22 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-long-does-it-take-for-quinclorac-to-work/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: crabgrass, crabgrass killers, quinclorac, weed killer, weeds Quinclorac is an effective selective herbicide to control any crabgrass problems. This weed killer is popular among many homeowners and most lawn care professionals as it kills a broad spectrum of grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. It can also be mixed with other 2-way and 3-way herbicides that contain 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, or triclopyr. When trying to eradicate weeds, particularly crabgrass, you’ll probably wonder how long it takes for quinclorac to kill weeds... How Long Does it Take for Quinclorac to Work? Quinclorac takes 10-14 days to work and kill crabgrass and other weeds. Evidence of quinclorac working on the plant can be seen within the first three days after application. Signs of dying include the wilting and discoloration of the weeds (turning brown, yellow, purple). Results may vary depending on the conditions, growth stages of the weeds, and applied mix rates. A second application of quinclorac can be applied again after 14-21 days. How to Kill Crabgrass with Quinclorac Crabgrass will germinate in the early spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees and warmer. Mix your spray tank with half the amount of water, followed by your quinclorac, methylated seed oil, and then the remaining water. Spray evenly over the entire lawn where crabgrass is present. Avoid the treated area for 1-2 hours or until the herbicide has completely dried before re-entering. We have had great success Drive XLR8, which contains 18. 92% quinclorac as the active ingredient. Mix 1. 45 ounces of Drive XLR8 and 0. 55 ounces... --- - Published: 2023-02-28 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-bermuda-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass, crabgrass The chief difference between crabgrass (or crab grass as it's sometimes called) and Bermuda is that some property owners actually choose to cultivate Bermuda grass as their lawn, while nobody wants crabgrass. On the other hand, many people want to keep common Bermuda grass out of their lawns because of its aggressive, rapid growth. Bermuda grass, like crabgrass, can be a nuisance. Both plants have aggressive growth habits so it's important to eradicate them sooner rather than later. Read the following information to protect your lawn from crabgrass and Bermuda grass invasion. What Is the Difference Between Crabgrass and Bermuda Grass? Similarities Between Crabgrass and Bermuda GrassBermuda Grass IdentificationBermuda Grass Management How to Control and Kill Bermuda GrassHow to Identify CrabgrassManaging Crabgrass in LawnsBermuda Grass and Crabgrass FAQs What Is the Difference Between Crabgrass and Bermuda Grass? Common Bermuda grass and crabgrass are quite different from one another. Though both are warm-season plants, crabgrass is an annual grass (and troublesome weed), whereas Bermuda grass is a perennial grass and can make for an attractive turf. Crabgrass produces seed spikes that each drop thousands of seeds. While the plants generally die with the first frost of fall, new plants emerge from crabgrass seeds in May or soon after the soil warms up enough for seeds to germinate. On the other hand, Bermuda grass is a perennial lawn, so it doesn’t die in winter; it simply becomes dormant for a period. Bermuda grass spreads via its rhizomes and stolons primarily as opposed... --- - Published: 2023-02-23 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/crabgrass-vs-quackgrass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: crabgrass, quackgrass, weeds In the war between crabgrass vs quackgrass, you’ll want to take any appropriate measures you can to ensure that it’s your lawn grass that is victorious. Keeping desirable lawn grasses free from weedy grass does sometimes feel like a war, but you can win it by learning how to remove and keep quackgrass and crabgrass from infiltrating your lawn. What Is the Difference Between Crabgrass and Quackgrass? Similarities Between Crabgrass and QuackgrassCrabgrass IdentificationQuackgrass IdentificationHow to Treat These Unwanted WeedsCrabgrass vs Quackgrass FAQsHow do I get rid of quackgrass? Are crabgrass and quackgrass the same thing? What Is the Difference Between Crabgrass and Quackgrass? Crabgrass and quackgrass may look similar, but these two grass weeds are quite different. Crabgrass is a warm annual season, which means it sprouts back each year from crabgrass seeds. Unlike crabgrass, quackgrass is a cool-season perennial; this weedy grass develops a deep root system and returns each year, emerging from winter dormancy in the spring. While both of these grass weed plants have wide grass blades, only quackgrass has auricles that appear to grasp its stem. Crabgrass grass weed plants do not have these auricles. In the fall, crabgrass usually becomes brown right after the first frost. With its hardy winter roots, quackgrass tends to remain green even late into the fall; in fact, in areas with mild winters, it might even remain green all year long. Similarities Between Crabgrass and Quackgrass Crabgrass and quackgrass may be quite different types of lawn invaders, but they can... --- - Published: 2023-02-21 - Modified: 2023-10-20 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/why-are-there-so-many-ant-hills-in-my-yard/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: ant hils, ants, fire ants You've spent the fall and winter seasons totally free from pest activity. But as the weather starts to warm up and the growing season reappears, you've spotted dozens of new ant mounds all over the yard. What happened? And why are there so many ant hills in your yard? The truth is that ants don't have a single entrance or exit that lead to their underground nest. Most species prefer to build multiple access points, which look like small hills around sidewalk cracks, driveway edges, and surrounding grasses. You have so many anthills around your property because a single ant colony has begun to build new access points (AKA ant hills) — and it's only a matter of time before things get even worse. Thankfully, it's not impossible to remove unsightly ant mounds from your property or even get rid of the ant population causing the problem in the first place. Let's take a closer look at how to remove ant hills from your lawn, including some experimental ant mound treatments, ant infestation control, and FAQs to help you get started. Why Worry About Removing Ant Hills From Your Yard? How to remove ant hills in your lawnHow to get rid of (kill) ants in your lawnGetting rid of ants with natural methods (natural ways)Getting rid of ants with insecticides (chemicals)How to prevent ants and colonies from returningAnt Hill FAQsWhat species of ants create an ant hill? How do I get rid of multiple ant hills in my yard? What... --- - Published: 2023-02-14 - Modified: 2023-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/whats-the-difference-between-chelated-and-non-chelated-iron-for-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: iron If you’re longing for a lush vibrant green lawn but yours remains a dull or pale green, your soil might be iron deficient–or it might have a high pH that makes it difficult for the plant to use existing iron in the soil. Fortunately, iron deficiencies are not difficult to correct when you take the time to get to know your soil’s needs. Many people don’t worry about iron because soil fertilizers tend to focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but iron is essential too. Iron supports chlorophyll production in the plant. Your grass will struggle to produce chlorophyll if it’s iron deficient. The following article explains which iron supplements to choose and how they can enhance your lawn. What’s the Difference Between Chelate and Non-Chelated Iron? What Causes Iron Deficiency in Lawns? Why Is Chelated Fertilizer Needed? Types of Chelated Iron for LawnsCitric AcidChelated and Non-Chelated Iron FAQsHow to use chelated iron? What does iron do for lawns? What is the benefit of chelated iron? What does chelated iron mean? What’s the Difference Between Chelate and Non-Chelated Iron? Some gardeners are stumped by this scenario: there’s iron in their soil but their lawn isn’t greening up as it should. What’s going on?   Simply put, non-chelated iron is plain old iron. Chelated iron refers to chelate molecules that protect the iron, preventing it from turning to rust, and allowing it to be absorbed by plants such as your cool-season grass.   In some situations, there may certainly be ample... --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: chipmunks, pests When we think about destructive or frustrating lawn pests, visions of cute, furry rodents aren't the first things on our minds. However, they definitely should be — tiny animals like chipmunks can wreak havoc on our lawns, gardens, and landscaping. You don't need us to describe chipmunks for you — they're present in practically every state — but you're probably only just discovering how destructive they can be. From their destabilizing tunnels and myriad of diseases to their endless appetite for plants, flower bulbs, and insects, they can be some of the most frustrating wild animals to take hold of your lawn. If you're one of thousands of Americans trying to manage your chipmunk population, look no further! We're going into weeds on everything you need to know, including how to get rid of chipmunks, why it's important, and plenty of FAQs to repel chipmunks fast. Why get rid of chipmunks? How to prevent or deter chipmunksTrap and release methodChipmunk removal productsBucket MethodFAQsWhat will keep a chipmunk away? How do you get rid of nuisance chipmunks? What can I pour down chipmunk holes to get rid of them? Why get rid of chipmunks? Before we get into the thick of things, let's set the record straight — despite their cute appearances, rampant chipmunk activity must be controlled at all costs. Even just a few too many can disrupt the balance of your yard, and potentially cause thousands of dollars' worth of damage. Here's why: Chipmunks carry diseases. Lyme disease is... --- - Published: 2023-01-19 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-kind-of-grass-do-golf-courses-use/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass, creeping bentgrass, poa annua Golf courses are celebrated for their lush green lawns and picturesque landscapes. While, yes, they enjoy expert landscaping and lawn care services, they also feature certain types of grass that are ideally suited for the game as well as the region where the golf course is located. Here, we explore the types of grasses that golf courses favor.   Cool Season Grass Cool-season grasses are grasses that are ideally grown in cooler climates. These grasses perform best during the spring and fall seasons. They are more vulnerable to the heat of summer, so they tend to perform less well during the hot season. The following cool season grasses are grown on golf courses where they may be best suited to certain areas of the course. Bentgrass Creeping Bentgrass, or bent grass as it’s sometimes called, is often used for putting greens. Bentgrass is especially ideal for coastal areas and regions that experience cooler summers. This grass’s habit of forming thick mats makes it especially ideal for golf course turf. Bentgrass also tolerates rainy weather better than many other popular golf course lawns like Kentucky bluegrass. Golf clubs also favor creeping bentgrass because it features a beautiful green hue and tolerates low mowing heights. Poa Annua Another cool season grass, Poa Annua grass, is famously featured at the Pebble Beach Golf Course, where it grows on the putting greens. Some golf clubs plant it in tee boxes or in the rough. Poa Annua tolerates shade better than many other cool-season grasses.... --- - Published: 2023-01-19 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/flea-tick-spraying-control/ - Categories: Lawn Care There are so many reasons to enjoy the summer season–and so many insects that seem bound and determined to wreck your backyard fun. When insect pests like fleas and ticks infest your landscape, they can send you and your guests scrambling back indoors. These pests can be a terrible nuisance, but they can also cause serious health risks, too – carrying dangerous diseases, even here in Massachusetts.   That’s why customers in and near Bellingham, Massachusetts, rely on Lawn Phix for our pest control solutions. We offer flea, tick and mosquitocontrol, grub control, and other surface insects. Worry less about pests and let our pest control company deliver the outdoor protection you need to enjoy your Bellingham property all summer long. GET A FREE ESTIMATE Flea & Tick Control Like mosquitoes, ticks can pose a health threat to humans and pets. Here in Massachusetts, Lyme Disease is one disease spread by ticks. During some warm seasons, ticks can reach infestation levels. Contact Lawn Phix for our tick control solutions to protect your property from tick invasions. We can spray before tick season gets started to initiate protection. Then, we will spray approximately every month during the season to keep these insects away from you and your pets.   Pest Control Many customers in or near Bellingham, Massachusetts, contact our company for pest control service that targets other pests such as ants, ticks, or grubs. We always strive to customize our services for each client. Contact us to discuss what pests... --- - Published: 2022-12-17 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-jackets-in-lawn/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: pests, yellow jackets Hornets and paper wasps and garbage bees, oh my! Yellow jackets may have a wide range of names, behaviors, and appearances, but they all share the same two traits: they all have black and yellow bodies, and they all sting ferociously! Here's everything you need to know about dealing with these stinging insects around your lawn and garden, including what they look like, how they nest, and how to get rid of their numbers for good. How to identify yellowjackets Yellow jackets are a species of wasp known for their extreme aggression and ability to sting multiple times. As mentioned earlier, there are three major species: Hornets Paper wasps Common yellow jackets We're focusing on common yellow jackets here, which are some of the most familiar (and aggressive! ) species you'll find around the house. Thankfully, they're also extremely easy to identify. Apart from their black and yellow coloration and smooth, hairless bodies, yellow jackets have a pinched, thin waist that immediately distinguishes them from bees. These pests are attracted to sweet, sugary foods and good sources of protein, and are active predators of other pests. Types of yellow jacket nests Yellow jackets typically nest in one of two places: in the ground or in the air. Identifying where these pests are coming from is the first step in controlling their activities. Here's what you need to know: Ground nests are typically camouflaged in shady areas of the lawn. You might not see the entry and exit points at first... --- - Published: 2022-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/henbit-vs-purple-deadnettle/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: henbit, purple deadnettle, weeds Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) are winter annuals that produce seeds and flowers in the spring. While both plants are regarded as weeds for their aggressive growth habit, both of these plants, members of the mint family, are essential food sources for pollinators like bumble bees and honey bees. Both henbit and purple deadnettle also produce purple flowers and are frequently seen growing together. Although related, these are differences between these close cousin plants. What’s the Difference Between Henbit and Purple Deadnettle? In spite of the similarities between henbit and purple deadnettle, there are several distinctions to look for when trying to identify these plants. For one, henbit’s purple flowers are pink or purple with darker spots than those of purple deadnettle. Purple deadnettle’s flowers are not as slender or long as henbit’s flowers. Another way to note the difference between these winter annuals is that the leaves of henbit are rounded and have scalloped edges while the leaves of purple deadnettle are slightly triangular. What Are the Similarities Between Henbit and Purple Deadnettle? Since both henbit and purple deadnettle are members of the mint family, they share many traits. Both plants produce tubular-shaped purple flowers and provide pollen and nectar for pollinators like bumble bees and honey bees in early spring. Both of these plants also share a similar life cycle, germinating in fall and dying, flowering and laying seed in early spring, and dying by late spring or early summer. Both plants also thrive in... --- - Published: 2022-12-03 - Modified: 2023-11-04 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/oxalis-vs-clover/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: clover, Oxalis, weeds LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS Oxalis and clover are two different weeds but have many similarities. I found it easier to keep it simple and treat these weeds the same. Both can be eradicated throughout the growing season with a selective broadleaf weed herbicide containing 2,4-D and Triclopyr. Clover is one of the most common lawn weeds I encounter, and for an all-in-one solution, I recommend End Run with Trimec. Oxalis is also known as yellow woodsorrel. Common clover species are white, red, and hop clover. Oxalis has small heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers Clover will have larger leaves and white flowers. Clover is a perennial – oxalis is perennial but can also be an annual. A pre-emergent (prodiamine) can help stop the proliferation of both weeds. It's best to use a surfactant as the herbicide droplets can roll easily off these tiny leaves. Both oxalis and clover can pop up suddenly in lawns. Left untreated, these common weeds can spread, and their large quantities may threaten to take over your lawn and flower beds. While oxalis forms three heart-shaped leaflets, clover features three oval-shaped leaflets; the differences in each plant’s leaflets are the easiest way to identify these weeds, but there are other distinguishing factors that we’ll explore here. What’s the Difference Between Oxalis and Clover? What Are the Similarities Between Oxalis and Clover? What Is Oxalis? What Is Clover? Oxalis vs Clover FAQs What’s the Difference Between Oxalis and Clover? Oxalis, also known as yellow wood sorrel and false... --- - Published: 2022-11-16 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/henbit-vs-creeping-charlie/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: creeping charlie, ground ivy, henbit, purple flower weeds, weeds Spring weed control can be tricky when it comes to look-alike weeds like henbit and creeping charlie. While these invasive weeds might share some similar traits, they are quite different and, as such, require a different approach to get rid of them from your lawn and garden beds. The first step to control creeping charlie and henbit is to learn how to properly identify each weed if it pops up in your yard. The following information can help. What Are the Differences Between Henbit and Creeping Charlie? Henbit, like purple deadnettle (another look-alike weed that may sprout up in the spring with these), is a winter annual weed. Creeping Charlie, sometimes called creeping jenny or ground ivy, is a perennial weed. Henbit and purple dead nettle will lay their seed and die during spring, creeping charlie will bloom in spring and continue to grow through the fall.   Another difference is that even though henbit, purple dead nettle, and creeping charlie are each a member of the mint family, creeping charlie is the only one producing a strong mint fragrance. Look at the leaves if you’re still struggling to tell the difference between henbit and ground ivy, which both produce purple flowers like purple dead nettle. The leaves of henbit have fine hairs, while creeping charlie leaves are smooth. What Are the Similarities Between Henbit and Creeping Charlie? As mentioned, henbit, creeping charlie, and purple dead nettle are all members of the mint family. Additionally, each attracts pollinators, like honey... --- - Published: 2022-11-11 - Modified: 2024-06-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/poa-annua-vs-poa-trivialis/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: poa annua, poa trivialis, weeds Both Poa annua (annual bluegrass) and Poa trivialis (rough bluegrass) are undesirable weeds in lawns. They share similarities like light green color and boat-shaped leaves but differ in their growth and control methods. Poa annua is an annual grass that spreads by seed, whereas Poa trivialis is a perennial that spreads by stolons. Controlling these weeds requires different approaches due to their distinct growth habits and environmental preferences. Poa Annua vs Poa Trivialis Seedhead Production Poa annua: Produces prolific seedheads, especially noticeable in May and June. Poa trivialis: Rarely produces seedheads when mowed, spreading primarily via creeping stolons. Growth Pattern Poa annua: Annual bluegrass, spreading by seeds that can remain dormant in soil for years. Poa trivialis: Perennial grass, spreading through above-ground stolons. Preferred Environment Poa annua: Thrives in full sun, often dying in the summer heat but reseeding in the fall. Poa trivialis: Prefers shaded areas, forming dense mats that can outcompete desirable grasses. What Is Poa Annua? Poa annua, annual bluegrass, is one of the most widely distributed plants on the planet, which underscores why controlling these weeds is so difficult. Poa annua is a cool season grass that looks similar to Kentucky bluegrass, which is why it can be difficult to identify. However, it features a lighter green color than Kentucky bluegrass and is an annual plant. That means it will die, but each plant can leave behind thousands of weed seeds.   Typically, annual bluegrass plants die in the intense summer heat, but their seeds ensure... --- - Published: 2022-11-10 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/nutsedge-vs-crabgrass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: crabgrass, nutsedge, weeds When you’re trying to maintain a lush, uniform lawn, any plant that doesn’t belong there can stand out to ruin your lawn’s perfect effect. Established lawns in good health have their own natural defenses against invasions of common weeds, but most lawn grasses will fall victim to a few broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds now and then. Nutsedge and crabgrass are both undesirable plants that can invade lawn grasses. While crabgrass is categorized as a grassy weed, nutsedge is technically a perennial plant. Learn about the similarities and differences between nutsedge and crabgrass here. What’s the Difference between Nutsedge and Crabgrass? The Similarities between Nutsedge and CrabgrassWhat Is Nutsedge? What Is Crabgrass? Nutsedge vs Crabgrass FAQs What’s the Difference between Nutsedge and Crabgrass? Nutsedge plants like yellow nutsedge or purple nutsedge are perennial flowering plants that tend to thrive in moist soils. Conversely, crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that will grow in compacted soil where lawn grasses struggle. Both types of plants differ in the way they spread too. Nutsedge spreads via underground tubers and seeds. Crabgrass spreads by seed. Size is another distinguishing factor. Nutsedge can grow up to 10 inches tall, vehicle crabgrass won’t exceed four inches. You can also look at each plant’s growth habit to tell them apart. Crabgrass grows in sort of a star pattern. Nutsedge leaves grow in bunches of three. Although some people find it hard to tell the difference between nutsedge and crabgrass early in their growing season, nutsedge can be... --- - Published: 2022-11-06 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/what-is-potash/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: potash, potassium Fertilizers can help you grow a greener lawn and a more productive garden, and the fertilizer industry produces a wide range of products for you to choose from. As you compare fertilizer products, you're likely to see potash listed as a key ingredient in many of your options. The reason for the prevalence of potash fertilizer products is their effectiveness and unique benefits. Knowing what the term potash means and what types are available can help you make an informed decision about which residential or agricultural fertilizer to choose. What Is Potash for Lawns? Potash is a type of potassium salt commonly used as a fertilizer. Depending on the formula, most potassium fertilizer products contain one of three nutrients: sulfate, nitrate, or chloride. Each type of potassium fertilizer has its own distinct characteristics, but generally, potash encourages plant growth. For a lawn, this means lusher, healthier growth. In the agriculture industry, potash is critical in supporting crop yields. Where Does Potash Come From? The world's potash production begins with potassium, an essential element that is vital to the human diet and needed for plant health. In nature, potassium isn't usually found in its raw state. Instead, it comes in the form of minerals combined with other elements like nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. Most of the world's potash is potassium chloride (KCl). Canada has the largest global reserves of the salt, so most of the supply of potash is mined there. The world reserves of potash also include deposits in... --- - Published: 2022-11-06 - Modified: 2022-11-06 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/clover-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: clover Spend a few minutes watching landscaping videos on TikTok, and you're bound to come across at least one video touting the benefits of a clover lawn. The buzz about clover lawns is growing nearly as quickly as the unique alternative to grass itself, but the excitement about going clover isn't just hype. A clover yard provides many benefits for homeowners. In this guide, we explore different types of clover, examine the benefits of planting clover seeds, and answer common questions regarding the switch to a clover lawn. Read on to get the facts you need to know, so you can decide if a clover yard is right for you. Types of clover for lawns Although most people think of a clover lawn as one thing, you can choose from different clover species for your yard. The most popular clover seed options include white clover, red clover, and microclover. White clover Also called Dutch clover, white clover is the most popular and well-known in the US. It typically gets to be 4 to 8 inches tall and produces attractive white flowers. Red clover Red clover blooms have a purplish color that stands out against the green leaves and stems of the plants. It gets taller than white clover, usually growing to around 6 to 24 inches. Microclover A newer option, microclover produces fewer flowers than red and white clover varieties. When mature, it is around 4 to 6 inches tall. Because it doesn't tend to form clumps, it is a good... --- - Published: 2022-11-06 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/buffalo-grass-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: buffalo grass, warm season grasses You want your lawn to look as attractive as possible, but that doesn't mean you're necessarily willing to invest countless hours caring for it. Low-maintenance grass can give you that boost in curb appeal that you desire while reducing the need for frequent mowing and fertilizing. Buffalo grass is one popular option for those looking to cut down on lawn care. Read on to learn more about the species, so you can decide if it's the best choice for you. What Is Buffalo Grass? Planting Buffalo Grass from SeedWhy Choose Buffalo Grass Lawns? Buffalo Grass Lawn FAQs What Is Buffalo Grass? Buffalo grass is the common name for the grass species Bouteloua dactyloides. You may also see it referred to as buffalograss. Along with Bermuda grass, buffalo grass is a popular choice of turf for golf courses because it is hardy and low maintenance. In recent years, it has become a popular choice for lawns in some parts of the country. Planting Buffalo Grass from Seed The best time to get buffalo grass seed planted is during the late spring and early summer months of April or May. Depending on your preferences, you can start the grass from seed or from sod. In most cases, sod consists only of female plants to limit the spiky grass of the species. If you opt for seed, the result will be a mix of female and male plants. Normally, experts recommend 4 to 6 lbs of buffalograss seed per 1,000 square feet. It... --- - Published: 2022-10-28 - Modified: 2024-03-02 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/st-augustine-grass-care/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: st. augustine grass, warm season grasses A warm-season grass popular in sub-tropical climates like the Southern United States, St. Augustine grass is a spreading, low-growing grass with a vibrant green hue and broad, coarse leaf blades. St. Augustine grass forms dense mats and is well known for its terrific salt tolerance. Many property owners favor this grass for its low maintenance needs. This grass type also grows well in sandy soil and other soil types. Even though St. Augustine grass is not as fussy as some grass types, it does require some lawn care to support its health. St. Augustine Lawn Care Tips To care for St. Augustine grass and achieve a healthy lawn during the growing season, rely on the following lawn care tips: St. Augustine Grass Fertilization It’s a good idea to fertilize your St. Augustine lawn. Plan to provide nitrogen fertilizer at one pound per 1,000 square feet of lawn. You should begin fertilizing your St. Augustine lawn about three weeks from the time the grass turns green. Follow a fertilization schedule, applying soluble nitrogen about every eight weeks.   Although one pound per 1,000 square feet of soluble nitrogen is a rule of thumb for fertilizing St. Augustine Grass, you may want to conduct a soil test to determine if your soil is low on important nutrients such as phosphorus or micronutrients like calcium. Conduct a soil test in early spring to identify the ideal fertilizer for your lawn. A soil test will tell you if you need a high-potassium fertilizer or... --- - Published: 2022-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-onion-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: onion grass, weeds, wild onion While onions make great additions to kitchen gardens, they look highly out of place growing in your lawn. Wild onion, a winter perennial plant, can pop up in lawns or flower beds just like other weeds. Wild onion, also known as wild onion grass, definitely has a grass-like appearance, but it’s a fast grower. It will quickly outgrow the surrounding lawn, leaving you with a lawn that looks anything but uniform. The following information will help you get rid of wild onions. What Is Wild Onion? Wild onion (Allium canadense), like wild garlic, can be pesky weeds when they grow where they haven’t been cultivated. Wild onion grows from a bulb and prefers moist soil and full or partial sunlight. Both wild onion and wild garlic emerge from their bulb in fall and will grow during the winter and spring. The grass that emerges from the soil will have a strong onion smell. Wild onion plants will feature grass that grows in clumps or tall clusters. These plants can spread by seed or underground by their bulbs beneath the lawn. How to Identify Wild Onions Onion grass has a strong onion odor. Similarly, wild garlic produces grass with a strong garlic smell. Though the onion grass is similar in appearance to wild garlic, its grass blades are more flat and wide. Wild garlic leaves are hollow and grow longer than wild onion leaves. Wild onion leaves can grow between 8-12 inches. Multiple leaves emerge from a single wild onion stalk,... --- - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2025-03-27 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-foxtail-in-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: foxtail, weeds Foxtail is an aggressive, fast-growing annual weed that can quickly invade thin or neglected lawns. Known for its distinctive bushy seed heads, foxtail competes with grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients—especially during the hot summer months. Whether you're dealing with yellow foxtail, green foxtail, or giant foxtail, early identification and the right control strategy are key to eliminating this weed and preventing its return. What is Foxtail? Foxtail is a summer annual grassy weed that germinates in late spring, thrives in full sun, and produces tall, bristly seed heads that resemble a fox's tail. It typically appears in lawns with poor density or compacted soil and spreads quickly if not addressed. There are three main species of foxtail: Yellow Foxtail (Setaria glauca) – Features fine hairs at the base of the leaf blade and a yellowish seed head. Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis) – Has a compact green seed head with smooth leaves. Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi) – The largest of the three, with a drooping seed head and hairy upper leaf surfaces. How to Get Rid of Foxtail in Your Lawn 1. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Spring The best way to control foxtail is by stopping it before it germinates. When to apply:Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring, when soil temperatures reach 55°F for a few consecutive days. This typically aligns with the timing for crabgrass prevention. Recommended pre-emergents: Prodiamine (Barricade®) – Long-lasting control that prevents foxtail and other grassy weeds. Dithiopyr (Dimension® 2EW) offers both pre- and early... --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/common-lawn-weeds/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: Black Medic, Buttercup, chickweed, crabgrass, creeping charlie, dandelion, hairy bittercress, henbit, Knotweed, nutsedge, Oxalis, poa annua, purple deadnettle, Purslane, weeds, wild carrot, wild violet Broadleaf weeds, perennial weeds, perennial broadleaf weeds, annual weeds–the truth is, there are lots of lawn weeds that can affect the health and well-being of your lawn. Here, we’ve gathered information about identifying the most common lawn weeds along with the best weed control measures so you can get rid of common weeds like white clover or wild violet and maintain an attractive, healthy, weed-free lawn. Broadleaf Weeds Broadleaf weeds include common lawn dandelion and other common annual and perennial weeds. Broadleaf weeds may appear quite different from one another, but they often share this trait: their wide leaves (relatively speaking to the plant’s size) have a central vein that runs along it with smaller veins that branch from it. Frequently, these weeds produce small flowers and are easier to identify as weeds because they’re quite distinctively different in appearance from grass. To get rid of broadleaf weeds from your lawn, you can use a broadleaf selective herbicide such as Tzone. While hand pulling might suffice for a couple of weeds, broadleaf herbicides are most effective for eradicating these tenacious lawn and garden weeds. Black Medic Black medic, also known as yellow clover, is an annual summer weed that is low-growing and produces small yellow flowers. It has teardrop-shaped leaves and also produces hairy stems that trail out from its base. It’s best to contend with black medic before it produces its weed seeds. You can deter black medic from taking up residence in your yard by improving any nitrogen... --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-treat-pythium-blight/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungus, Pythium Blight Sometimes referred to as cottony blight, Pythium root rot, or grease spot, Pythium blight is a turfgrass disease caused by oomycetes, a group of water molds that are no longer classified as fungi. Although the disease behaves similarly to fungal lawn diseases, there is an important distinction between the two. Pythium blight affects various types of turfgrass across the country, particularly warm-season grasses in the southern U. S. Wet, humid weather creates the perfect environment for Pythium outbreaks. Affected grass blades will appear wet or oily, and as the disease progresses, cottony white tufts may develop. If you’re concerned about Pythium blight, use the following information to help identify and control outbreaks. What Is Pythium Blight? Pythium blight, or cottony blight, thrives in hot, humid conditions. It primarily affects poorly drained areas of golf greens, athletic fields, and residential lawns. Once Pythium blight appears, it can spread quickly, especially during consecutive days of high humidity. Prolonged leaf wetness and excessive soil moisture promote disease development. Unlike true fungi, oomycetes require standing water or saturated conditions to infect turf. Pythium blight is particularly aggressive in perennial ryegrass and bentgrass. What Causes Pythium Blight in Lawns? Several factors contribute to Pythium blight outbreaks. First, the Pythium species must be present in the turfgrass root zone or thatch layer. The most common species associated with disease development is Pythium aphanidermatum, though other species can cause similar symptoms. Pythium blight thrives when: Turfgrass remains wet for more than 12 hours Daytime temperatures exceed 82°F,... --- - Published: 2022-10-14 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-fertilize-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fertilizer, lawn care If you search online, you will literally find a myriad of answers to the question, “when to fertilize lawn. ” Some say fertilize heavily in the spring, and some say in the fall. Moreover, you’ll find conflicting answers about when to fertilize lawns from reputable experts. So, what is it? What’s the best time to apply fertilizer? Before we offer our experienced-backed response, keep in mind that your specific climate and grass type may impact when you apply fertilizer to your lawn. The frequency for fertilizing grass and the type of fertilizer you choose may also affect your lawn fertilizer schedule. That aside, our lawn fertilization recommendations are based on general fertilizer information designed for most grass types. When Is the Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn? The best time for applying fertilizer to your lawn is in the spring, between March and May. Soil temperatures should be 55 degrees Fahrenheit or even warmer before applying fertilizer to cool-season grasses. You can wait until late spring or early summer for warm-season grasses to apply lawn fertilizer. Spring Fertilizer Spring is a great time to apply fertilizer to lawns because they’re emerging from winter dormancy and can benefit from a nutrient boost to support their active growth. You can give your lawn its first feeding in early spring. Consider using a soil thermometer to ensure your soil is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit before you apply fertilizer. Summer Fertilizer During the summer, applying fertilizer is safe if your lawn is growing well... --- - Published: 2022-10-11 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-spittlebugs/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: pests, spittlebugs Whether you know them as froghoppers, cuckoo spitters, or plain-jane sap-suckers, the spittlebug can be a frustrating pest in any property. These bugs are some of the most common lawn pests in the continental United States, with several species affecting grasses, ornamental trees, and herbaceous plants around residential yards. Thankfully, the process required to control spittlebugs is extremely straightforward. Here's how to get rid of spittlebugs around your lawn and garden plants and easy tips for spreading their spread during the early spring and late summer. What Are Spittlebugs? Spittlebugs are a type of turf insect that suck plant juices from leafy, herbaceous plants. Adult spittlebugs lay eggs in dense groves and shady places, giving rise to hungry nymphs that hatch in two weeks or less. Some of the spittlebug's favorite host plants include seasonal weeds, ornamental grasses, and goldenrod, although they're also known to target woody plants like trees. There are four different kinds of spittlebugs common to the United States: Meadow spittlebug Diamondback spittlebugs Dogwood spittlebugs Two lined spittlebugs Both the nymphs and adults of these spittlebug species consume plant juices throughout their 50-day lifecycle. Left to their own devices, they can cause an enormous amount of damage to the lawn and garden — draining hundreds of liters of plant sap every single year. What Do Spittlebugs Look Like (Identification) There's a good reason spittlebugs are called froghoppers by locals. These tiny-inch pests sport wide backs, elongated bodies, and enlarged hind legs, looking all the world like little... --- - Published: 2022-10-11 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/prodiamine-vs-dithiopyr/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: barricade, crabgrass, crabgrass preventers, dimension, dithiopyr, prodiamine If you’re concerned about crabgrass control and begin scouring the internet for reliable treatment options, you’ll likely come across two effective choices: prodiamine and dithiopyr. These are generic names–not brands–but various products will list one or the other as an active ingredient for crabgrass and broadleaf weed control for turf grasses. But what’s the difference between these weed control solutions, and which is better for your lawn? Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of prodiamine vs dithiopyr for weed control and crabgrass control in residential lawns.   Keep in mind what pre- and post-emergent mean when it comes to killing weeds. In spite of both types, the weed seed germinates. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent the seedling from emerging from the soil. Post emergents kill the weed after it penetrates the soil surface. To stop the seedling prior to emerging in your lawn, opt for a pre-emergent that stops the weed right after the seed germinates and emerges from the seed. Prodiamine Pros First, keep in mind that prodiamine is a pre-emergence herbicide. Pre-emergents don’t kill weed seeds; they kill the weed seedling as soon as it begins to sprout from its seed but before it emerges from the soil surface. Post-emergent herbicides like dithiopyr kill weeds after they emerge from the soil surface. However, dithiopyr works as both a pre-emergent herbicide and post emergent herbicide on your ground. The benefits of prodiamine include: Long lasting: prodiamine can provide a pre-emergent chemical layer of protection for up to nine months. Inexpensive:... --- - Published: 2022-10-10 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/calcium-for-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: calcium, fertilizer, minerals Your lawn soil is basically made up of clay, silt, sand, and organic matter. However, that’s putting it a bit simply. Within these ‘ingredients’ are some basic nutrients that are also part of your soil–or should be. It’s not uncommon for soil to lack nutrients, which will then, in turn, affect the health of the lawn or other plants. Calcium is a micronutrient for soils that helps combat soil acidity. Though not one of the big three nutrients–nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium–that are essential for healthy soils, calcium is certainly needed by plants, and to ensure your lawn has enough calcium, you may need a calcium supplement. What Is Calcium? Calcium is a mineral that’s vital to plants. Without it, the result is invariably stunted plant growth. Just as calcium is needed for strong and healthy bones and teeth in humans, it’s needed by plants to strengthen their cell walls and membranes. Without strong cell walls, turf grass, for example, will be more vulnerable to pests and disease. If you notice brown spots on your lawn, it may have a calcium deficiency that leaves it susceptible to common lawn diseases. To ensure a healthy lawn, you’ll need to be sure that the soil Ph is ideal for turf grass, amend the soil if it’s suffering from calcium deficiencies, and take time to understand your soil conditions so that you can improve it where needed to support healthy grass growth. In the US, many regions contain soil that has a fair amount of... --- - Published: 2022-10-07 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/propiconazole-vs-azoxystrobin/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: azoxystrobin, fungicides, propiconazole Both Propiconazole and Azoxystrobin are effective fungicides for treating a wide range of fungal diseases, but which one is best for your lawn problem? In most cases, the answer is probably both! Each of these fungicides can treat many of the same lawn diseases as well as a few different ones that they’re particularly effective for treating. The problem is that using the same fungicide each year can lead to disease resistance. By alternating fungicide treatments, you can prevent the brown patch or leaf spots from becoming resistant to either fungicide application. Learn about these differing fungicides here so you can determine which is best for your lawn and why switching them up from time to time can prevent fungicide resistance. Azoxystrobin and Propiconazole Both Azoxystrobin and Propiconazole are helpful fungicides for treating fungal disease of lawns and various plants, but how are they different, and which one should you choose? Let’s examine each of these fungicides and their active ingredients in detail: Azoxystrobin Azoxystrobin is a broad-spectrum fungicide that can cure and prevent fungal lawn diseases. Unlike many other lawn fungicides, Propiconaloze also shares this preventative ability too. Azoxystrobin is FDA approved and is a strobilurin fungicide (sometimes referred to as Qoi fungicides), which means that it contains natural ingredients that disrupt the respiratory system of fungal cells present in various fungal diseases. Specifically, Azoxystrobin works by preventing mitochondrial respiration of the cells of fungal diseases. Because their metabolic processes are disturbed, the cells can’t convert food to energy.... --- - Published: 2022-10-01 - Modified: 2024-03-02 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/azoxystrobin-fungicide/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: azoxystrobin, fungicides Preventing lawn diseases doesn’t have to be a matter of chance. Many fungal diseases that affect turf grasses can be prevented as well as effectively controlled with the use of fungicides such as azoxystrobin. Azoxystrobin is a popular lawn fungicide used to prevent and control disease in lawns, gardens, various plant types, and food crops. Approved by the EPA and popularly used by golf courses to control fungal diseases, azoxystrobin is featured in various products for use in both commercial and residential settings. As a preventative and curative control, the active ingredient in azoxystrobin can be part of your turf grass care routine if you’re concerned about fungal diseases.  You can make azoxystrobin part of your lawn disease and pest control routine (but use pesticides to kill harmful pests). What Is Azoxystrobin Fungicide? Azoxystrobin is an EPA-approved broad-spectrum systemic fungicide with preventative and curative properties. It is one of the only fungicides approved by the FDA to protect against each major group of fungal diseases. This broad-spectrum fungicide works by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration of fungal cells, disrupting their metabolic pathways. As a result, the fungi cannot complete its metabolism processes, converting food into energy it can use to grow. The active ingredient in azoxystrobin binds to cytochrome B and stops electron transport. The fungal disease basically ‘starves’ and cannot complete spore germination or, ultimately, survive to harm your plant or turf grass. Today, EPA-approved azoxystrobin fungicide is widely used to protect agricultural crops from fungal plant diseases is used as... --- - Published: 2022-09-29 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/propiconazole-fungicide/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: fungicides, propiconazole Brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, pink and gray snowmolds, powdery mildew–these fungus infections can undermine the health and beauty of your lawn quickly if not controlled effectively. If you notice that areas of your lawn have become infected by fungi, it’s important to determine what type of fungal lawn infection you’re dealing with. Broad spectrum disease control for fungi may not be the answer depending on the lawn disease in question. In many cases, however, a powerful systemic fungicide like propiconazole is effective for killing many types of lawn fungi.   What Is Propiconazole? Propiconazole is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide that can kill a wide range of diseases that affect lawns, plants, trees, and shrubs. Broad spectrum disease control with Propiconazole fungicide is a popular option among landscapers because it can kill about a dozen different diseases, including brown patch and gray leaf spot, and it is safe for all grass types–provided that the fungicide is used as directed.   This broad-spectrum systemic fungicide is a triazole fungicide, which is renowned for its curative power. Propiconazole works by slowing down the infection and impacting the cell walls of the fungi. The action of lawn fungicide stops the fungi from growing and eventually eliminates it. Its growth-inhibiting action can work up to 30 days after your application. Most other fungicides outright kill the fungus, but propiconazole fungicide products and their active ingredients render the fungus unable to grow and spread until it eventually dies. If you notice that... --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-is-the-best-time-to-aerate-and-overseed-a-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: aeration, overseed Late summer and early fall are the best times to aerate and overseed your lawn, especially if your lawn contains cool season grass. If you have warm-season grass, you should perform aeration and overseeding in early summer for best results. The combination of warm soil temperatures and cooler nights make this the best time to aerate and overseed your lawn. Achieving a thick, healthy lawn with a rich green hue isn’t a matter of luck. A lush lawn depends on water, sunlight, proper nutrients, and various tasks that support its health. Most lawns need aeration at some point; many need it annually. If your lawn struggles with bare patches and compact soil, you should aerate, overseed, and apply starter fertilizer to promote improved grass growth and soil conditions. A healthy lawn doesn’t generally happen by chance, but effective lawn maintenance tasks like aeration and overseeding can help you maintain and improve your existing lawn. What Is Lawn Aeration? Aerating your soil improves its circulation of air and water, allowing the grass roots to obtain the water, nutrients, and oxygen it needs for healthy growth. While some people prefer to hire a landscaping or lawn aeration service to perform this task, especially for large yards or tracts of lawn, others prefer to manage their own lawn care tasks. By taking time to aerate your lawn and bare areas of your lawn, you can improve your lawn's health. Aeration involves poking holes in the soil so that water and air can penetrate... --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2024-06-16 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/spurge-vs-purslane-lawn-weeds/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: Purslane, weeds When it comes to lawn weeds, some property owners aren’t too concerned about the distinguishing features that differentiate one weed from another. However, when it comes to some look-alike weeds like spurge and purslane, it’s important to know the difference as spurges are poisonous and purslane is not. Spurges release a milky white sap that can be irritating to skin, so it’s a weed you should wear rubber gloves to handle and should also keep away from children and pets. Conversely, purslane weeds are wild edibles with tiny yellow flowers and almost always smaller than spurges. Here, we’ll explore the similarities between these lawn weeds in detail.   Key Differences Between Purslane and Spurge Leaf Texture and Appearance: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): Fleshy, succulent leaves that resemble those of jade plants. Leaves are smooth, and stems are red and fleshy. Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata): Flat, thin leaves with a reddish spot at the center. Stems are woody, hairy, and release a milky white sap when broken. Flower Characteristics: Purslane: Produces small yellow flowers. Spurge: Produces small pink flowers. Growth Habit: Purslane: More erect, with a prostrate growth pattern and thicker stems. Spurge: Creeping growth along the ground with thinner stems. Edibility and Toxicity: Purslane: Edible and nutritious, often used in salads. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Spurge: Poisonous, causes skin and eye irritation, and can induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Identification Tips Purslane: Look for succulent, smooth leaves and red, fleshy stems. No milky sap is present when stems... --- - Published: 2022-09-22 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-spurge-in-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: spurge, weeds Spurge is one of the most common and persistent weeds I encounter on residential and commercial properties in mid to late summer. Whether it's creeping along curb lines, overtaking thin areas of turf, or popping up in driveway cracks, this weed thrives wherever competition is low and soil temperatures are high. Getting rid of spurge requires a combination of prevention, proper lawn care practices, and targeted herbicide use. Here’s how I help Lawn Phix customers tackle spurge and keep their lawns healthy, lush, and weed-free. What is Spurge? Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata), often called prostrate spurge, is a fast-growing annual weed that spreads low to the ground in a mat-like pattern. Its small, oval leaves often feature a reddish or purplish spot at the center, and its stems release a milky sap when broken. This weed thrives in high-heat, low-moisture conditions, which is why it’s most noticeable in the summer. Spurge quickly invades thin, stressed lawns or areas with poor drainage, spreading aggressively and producing seeds that germinate rapidly. How to Identify Spurge Spurge can be tricky to spot early on, but here are a few key features to look for: Growth Habit: Spreads horizontally in dense mats close to the ground. Leaves: Small, oval leaves, often with a reddish spot in the center. Sap: Milky white sap exudes from broken stems—handle with gloves, as it can irritate skin. Seed Production: Produces an abundance of seeds that germinate quickly, even in poor soil. I always check curblines, bare patches, and... --- - Published: 2022-09-17 - Modified: 2022-09-17 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/tips/petra-tools-coupon-code/ - Categories: Tips - Tags: coupons Looking for a coupon code for Petra Tools? Take $10 off your order with coupon code LAWNPHIX. Start here, choose your product, and use our coupon code LAWNPHIX at checkout. Some of my favorite Petra Tools products are: 28-0-0 Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer A combination of fast-release nitrogen and slow-release nitrogenNitrogen available by foliar intake and root absorption Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer Long-lasting 8-hour battery lifeThick HD shoulder strapsAdjustable PSI knobWide mouth lid with strainer Shop these deals and save today with promo code LAWNPHIX. --- - Published: 2022-08-28 - Modified: 2022-12-17 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/pests/how-to-get-rid-of-ground-bees-in-your-lawn/ - Categories: Pests - Tags: ground bees, pests Ground bees are a nuisance in every US state. These insects wreak havoc around residential and commercial properties by damaging lawn aesthetics, mounding the soil, and inadvertently causing painful stings. More than 70% of all native bees burrow into dry soil, meaning most stinging insects come from the ground up. This may take a toll on your yard by damaging healthy grass or leaving piles of dirt around your property. Thankfully, there are many options for removing ground bees naturally, chemically, or through DIY methodologies. Here's everything you should know about the ground bee removal process, including common burrowing bee species, nest identification steps, and ways to get rid of ground bees before taking over your yard. What Are Ground Bees? Ground nesting bees live in small underground tunnels near loose soil or shady areas. Unlike yellow jackets, these pests live alone and do not function in large colonies. They also don't produce any honey, although they pollinate plants in their quest for food. Female ground bees lay eggs during the fall and emerge in early spring, then busy themselves with pollinating 80% of the world's flowering plants. Ground bees are attracted by various substances, including fruit juice, flowers, or even human sweat. Once they've established a burrow on your property, they will reappear every spring for at least three to four weeks. Burrowing bees are sometimes referred to as mining bees or digger bees, although these are umbrella terms referring to multiple species. Common ground bees to know include:... --- - Published: 2022-08-15 - Modified: 2026-02-22 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/drought-stress-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: blue grass, summer survival, watering It seems to happen every year. Your once green and healthy lawn of springtime has turned a corner with the high temperatures and dry weather of the summer months. Drought damage and pre-dormancy begin with your green lawn slowly turning blueish color. And with prolonged periods of watering, irrigation restrictions, and lack of rainfall, brown patches of stress begin spreading. Dormancy is normal and is your lawn's natural defense mechanism. During times of dormant drought stress, brown lawns are typical and generally not a cause for concern. However, if the grass begins to turn a grey color, it indicates that the lawn drought stress is extreme, and fall seeding repairs may be needed. However, there are some things you can do now to help your turf recover from lawn drought stress - even before Mother Nature's conditions improve. Watering If there's no rain and your town allows, water deeply twice a week. For example, on trash days, I can run my irrigation system before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm. My six zones looked like this: Zone 2: 20 minutes (x2)Zone 3: 20 minutes (x2)Zone 4: 20 minutes (x2)Zone 5: 20 minutes (x2)Zone 6: 20 minutes (x2) Each zone ran for 40 minutes, close to an inch of water. We water deep and infrequent to ensure the water penetrates the soil deep into the root system. The repeated watering intervals ensure that the first round of watering had enough time to infiltrate the ground and avoid any potential runoff. Water... --- - Published: 2022-08-03 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/zoysia-grass-vs-st-augustine-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: st. augustine grass, warm season grasses, zoysia Both zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass are warm-season grasses, but which one is a good turf grass for your setting? Although both grass types have their positive traits and drawbacks, one might be preferable to another once you learn about their characteristics. Learn about these grasses here. Similarities and Differences Between Zoysia Grass and St. Augustine Grass Generally speaking (because some cultivars of each grass type might alter certain grass characteristics), zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass do share many traits, but there are, of course, some differences that you’ll want to learn about before making a choice between the two lawns. For instance, zoysia grass spreads very aggressively by both rhizomes and stolons. St. Augustine grass spreads by stolon.   Although both St. Augustine and zoysia lawns are popular with golf courses, zoysia grass has the edge over a St. Augustine lawn when it comes to durability. If you need grass that can stand up to excess foot traffic, zoysia grass lawns provide a more robust defense than St. Augustine lawns. Let’s explore each versatile turf grass in detail: Zoysia Grass Zoysia lawns are found all over the Southern U. S. today. A perennial warm season grass, zoysia is highly regarded among property owners for its low maintenance care requirements, improved cold tolerance, durability, and lovely deep green or emerald green color (light green zoysia cultivar has an emerald green hue). Zoysia lawns have a smooth texture that feels like a soft carpet. It will thrive in clay,... --- - Published: 2022-08-01 - Modified: 2023-01-19 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/zoysia-grass-care/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: warm season grasses, zoysia A dense, low-growing turf grass, Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is popularly grown in the Southern US and into transition zones where warm-season grasses are frequently planted with cool-season grasses. When planted in the south under optimal conditions, a Zoysia grass lawn is wonderfully weed resistant. Grassy weeds will find it quite difficult to infiltrate a well-established Zoysia lawn.   Introduced to the US from Korea around the year 1900, Zoysia grass, or Zoysiagrass as it’s sometimes referred to, spreads aggressively and is quite durable, which is why it’s a popular turf grass option for golf courses. It also boasts an attractive medium green to dark green hue and appears like a dense carpet when established. Learn how to care for your Zoysia grass lawn here so you can keep it healthy and looking its best. Caring for a Zoysia Grass Lawn Although a Zoysia lawn is terrifically low maintenance, it’s certainly not a no-maintenance type of grass. The following information will help you maintain a healthy Zoysia lawn.   Fertilization of Zoysia Lawns  In comparison with other warm-season grasses, Zoysia is not especially needy when it comes to nutrients. Plan to provide about one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every four weeks between May and August for your established Zoysia lawn. Starting your fertilizing program in late spring is best; if you begin too early, you may have a weed control problem on your hands soon after. By early fall, at the end of the... --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-is-my-grass-turning-brown/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: brown grass, brown lawn A healthy green lawn is a pleasure to behold. Unfortunately, most lawns experience problems like brown patches from time to time. Patches of brown grass are not uncommon, but they’re definitely not something you want to see erupt across your lawn. If your grass is turning brown in areas during the summer, you might find it challenging to determine why. That’s because there are many reasons for brown patches to occur, especially during the heat of the summer months. Here, we’ll explore why your grass sod may be suffering from brown spots and what you can do about them. Brown Grass, Dead Grass, and Brown Patches of Lawn Brown spots on your lawn can be unsightly. It’s only natural that you want to know what’s causing your grass blades to turn brown. After all, brown spots on grass can be caused by a number of reasons, including poor soil quality, lawn disease, over-fertilization, lawn pests like chinch bugs, and even summer lawn stress like hot weather and drought conditions. Brown spots can also indicate areas of dead grass or dying grass. If your healthy lawn is turning brown in areas, you need to find out why so you can apply the proper fix. Lack of Water: Drought Stress or Heat Stress Brown spots on your lawn can be a sign of drought damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, drought conditions can cause your grass to turn brown and even result in areas of dead grass. If your grass... --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2026-02-22 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/common-weeds-in-st-augustine-grass-lawns/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: st. augustine grass, warm season grasses, weeds St. Augustine grass is a popular warm-season grass and is often regarded as one of the best grasses for lawns in southern areas like Florida and nearby gulf states. It boasts lovely blue-green leaves and has a spreading or creeping growth habit that forms dense mats. Although a relatively low-maintenance grass tends to need less mowing than other lawn grasses, St. Augustine grass needs weed control to prevent common weeds like broadleaf and grassy weeds from infesting your healthy lawn. Learn how to control weeds in order to maintain the health and beauty of St. Augustine grass lawns. Broadleaf Weeds in St. Augustine Lawns The most common broadleaf weeds in St. Augustine lawns are white clover, dollar weed, broadleaf plantain, henbit, and chickweed. Because of their thicker leaves, broadleaf weeds are generally easier to spot than grassy weeds, which means you may be able to eradicate them before they have a chance to spread. Although it’s possible to perform weed control for these common weeds without chemical control, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate these pesky weeds once they gain a foothold in your St. Augustine grass or other lawn grass. Grassy Weeds in St. Augustine Grass Some of the most common grassy weeds that plague St. Augustine lawns include Bermudagrass, poa annua, crabgrass, and dallisgrass. Identifying the types of weeds growing in your St. Augustine lawn will help you choose the best weed killer for eradicating them. There are many herbicides, so you want to take care to select the... --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/bermuda-grass-vs-st-augustine-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass, st. augustine grass, warm season grasses Trying to decide whether to install a Bermuda grass or St. Augustine lawn? Both of these warm-season grass types have their advantages and disadvantages as well as their similarities and differences. But which lawn grass should you choose? Let’s consider. Similarities and Differences between Bermuda Grass and St. Augustine Grass Bermuda grass vs St. Augustine grass: does it have to be one or the other? Actually, it doesn’t. In fact, some property owners choose to install both to create a dense carpet of lawn that incorporates the best of both grasses. Even so, if you are looking for a single grass to plant, you should know that both of these grasses prefer deep watering and are low-growing. Both a Bermuda lawn and a St. Augustine lawn feature a deep green hue and broad leaf blades and prefer sandy soil. Both grasses also feature stolons, above-the-ground runners, that help the grass spread across the soil surface.   On the other hand, there are also differences to keep in mind between these grasses. A St. Augustine lawn needs twice as much water as Bermuda grass and will also tolerate shade better than Bermuda grass. However, St. Augustine grass isn’t as resistant to cold snaps as a Bermuda lawn. Learn more about these grasses in detail in the following sections. Bermuda Grass Bermuda grass is a popular perennial grass species that has a soft feel and medium green color. Because it’s tough, it’s a popular sod choice for golf courses as well as... --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2023-11-04 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-bermuda-grass-to-spread/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass, warm season grasses A vigorous warm season grass, Bermuda grass produces an attractive medium green, dense turf that adapts well to various soil types and climates. Able to withstand foot traffic well and compete with existing weeds, Bermuda grass has become a popular grass for property owners. A Bermuda lawn tends to be heat tolerant to a considerable degree and is highly resistant to diseases that plague many other types of grass. If you’ve chosen to plant a Bermuda grass lawn, you’ll want to learn more about it so you can cultivate its spread and maintain its health. How to Get Bermuda Grass to Spread and Thicken To encourage your Bermuda grass to spread, you’ll first want to understand how Bermuda grass spreads. Even though Bermuda grass spreads well enough on its own, it often requires some help from property owners just as many other warm-season grasses do. Whether you are planting Bermuda grass seed to fill in bare spots of your grass or want it to establish it as a new lawn, you can get Bermuda grass to spread with various methods. First, understand that Bermuda grass spreads in three primary ways. Bermuda grass can spread from seeds, stolons, and rhizomes. Growing a Bermuda lawn by seed is the slowest way to get Bermuda grass to spread. Keep in mind that late spring is the best time for Bermuda grass to spread by seed. You can add Bermuda seed to your soil, but if you intend to allow your already growing Bermuda... --- - Published: 2022-07-09 - Modified: 2026-02-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/when-to-apply-grub-control/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: grub control, grubs LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS To prevent and control grubs in your lawn, I can't recommend anything other than Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole). It is without question, the best and safest product around for white grubs. This product must be applied and watered into the soil in the early spring. Here in Massachusetts, the best time to apply grub control is in the first week of May. Acelepryn can last up to 500 days, but I recommend applying annually. I use a 22-0-5 fertilizer with 0. 067% Acelepryn for most of my customers. If you choose Merit (Imidacloprid) this goes down towards the end of spring and early summer. In Massachusetts, that's in June. I don't recommend this product, but it's better than nothing if you missed the Acelepryn window. If you or your lawn care provider missed grub prevention entirely, you'll want to keep Dylox (Trichlorfon) on hand. You may see active grub larvae damage begin around September – or the end of the summer. This kills grubs as soon as 24 hours. Grubs are the larvae of certain insects such as Japanese beetles, Oriental beetles, June beetles, and European chafers. Voracious in their appetite, grubs can do extensive damage to lawns, which is why it’s important to apply grub control measures to stop them before they eat through grassroots. These c-shaped grubs feast on organic matter in the soil leaving behind dead, brown patches of lawn in their wake. Knowing when to apply grub control is key to controlling these insect... --- - Published: 2022-07-07 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/overseeding-with-bermuda-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass, warm season grasses Maintaining a year-round lush green lawn isn’t typically possible unless you overseed Bermuda grass, your warm-season grass, with a cool-season grass like perennial ryegrass. If your Bermuda grass lawn is thin, you should also overseed with perennial ryegrass seed or another cool-season grass like tall fescue. Overseeding a Bermuda grass lawn allows you to fill in bare spots of your lawn. You will also have more green lawn to enjoy during the winter months as opposed to the brown, dried-out appearance that usually accompanies Bermuda grass during the cold season. When you overseed Bermuda grass, you can also reduce the risk of weed infestation. Common weeds will find it difficult to get a foothold in a dense lawn, especially in early spring when your winter grasses are still thriving. To promote a year-round green lawn, use the following tips to overseed Bermuda grass. When to Overseed a Bermuda Grass Lawn Spring is the peak of the growing season for Bermuda grass; it’s also the best time to aerate and overseed your Bermuda grass lawn with bermuda grass seeds. You’ll want to avoid aerating and overseeding Bermuda grass in early spring in case the soil isn’t warm enough to support seed germination. Instead add bermuda seeds in the middle of spring to fill out your lawn. The soil temperature should be sufficiently warm enough to support seed germination. As new grass seedlings emerge, they’ll fill in patches or thin areas of the lawn. On the other hand, if you want to... --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/products/best-lawn-fertilizer/ - Categories: Products - Tags: fertilizer Maintaining a healthy lawn means choosing the best fertilizer for your grass type, climate, and lawn conditions. Although there are lots of lawn fertilizers to choose from today, you can narrow down the selection by opting for the best fertilizer for your grass and keeping the following information in mind. The right grass fertilizer for your cool or warm season grasses will help you achieve a healthy lawn along with a proper lawn care routine. Best Lawn Fertilizer Product by TypeBest Overall Lawn Fertilizer: The Anderson's Fertilizer 24-0-8Best Starter Fertilizer: 12-12-12 Starter FertilizerBest Organic Fertilizer: Organic Lawn Food by Jonathan GreenBest Specialty Fertilizer: Carbon PhixBest Non-Burning Fertilizer: MilorganiteBest Liquid Fertilizer: CoRoN 18-3-6How to Choose the Best Lawn Fertilizer for Your GrassTypes of FertilizersStandard Fertilizer NPK ratioLawn Fertilizers FAQsWhat are the best numbers for lawn fertilizer? What month should I fertilize my lawn? Should I add more fertilizer to grass during the growing season? Best Lawn Fertilizer Product by Type Consider using these best lawn fertilizers for your grass.  Most lawns can benefit from a quick-release fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer with the right nutrients. Best Overall Lawn Fertilizer: The Anderson's Fertilizer 24-0-8 BUY NOW It's no secret that we're big fans of The Anderson's products. In fact, their 21-0-10 with 0. 15% Dimension is our #1 pre-emergent herbicide + fertilizer combo, and this 24-0-8 lawn fertilizer is no exception. First, it contains N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (Fortify-N) which helps limit nitrogen loss in the soil. Next, it contains iron which helps make... --- - Published: 2022-06-26 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: bermuda grass An aggressive and tenacious warm-season turf grass, Bermuda grass is both loved and despised. Extremely durable to foot traffic, drought-tolerant, and heat-loving, this tough grass can be challenging to remove if it invades your lawn or flower beds. Known botanically as Cynodon dactylon, Bermuda grass has also been dubbed ‘devil’s grass’ for its difficulty to eradicate. Even so, with patience and the following tips, you can kill Bermuda grass; though don’t be surprised if you have to repeat your methods more than once. About Bermuda GrassIdentifying Bermuda GrassKilling Bermuda GrassHow to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in FescueHow to Kill Bermuda Grass in Flower BedsHow to Kill Bermuda Grass FAQsWhat kills Bermuda grass weed permanently? What is the best killer of Bermuda grass? Does vinegar kill Bermuda grass? How do I get rid of Bermuda grass? About Bermuda Grass Bermuda grass is a creeping grass that originally comes from Africa but is popularly grown in subtropical and tropical climates all over the world. In the U. S. , it’s widely grown in the South, but it has a habit of invading flower beds and fescue lawns. In fact, it’s particularly troublesome for zoysia lawns and tall fescue lawns. As a tough grass that stands up well to foot traffic, Bermuda grass is often grown on golf courses and athletic fields as well as in pastures. However, if you have not planted this turfgrass on purpose and it creeps onto your fescue lawn or zoysia grass, it operates very much like... --- - Published: 2022-06-26 - Modified: 2024-03-12 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/why-is-my-grass-turning-blue/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: blue grass, purple grass Throughout the year, particularly in cool-season lawns, turfgrass can often change colors due to season, climate, and many other environmental and chemical factors. A brown lawn can indicate fungal disease or drought; an orange lawn indicates a chemical burn (herbicide or fertilizer), and a yellow lawn can indicate a lack of iron and nitrogen or overwatering. How about blue grass? No, we're not talking about Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Annua, or other bluegrass varieties, but when your yard turns an actual blueish or purplish hue. Grass Turning Blue or Purple? Here's whyBrown GrassBlue Slime MoldWhy does my grass look blue? Why does my grass have a purple tint? Why is my grass changing color? Grass Turning Blue or Purple? Here's why If you notice the grass in your yard turning blue, particularly in warmer weather, it's a clear indication of heat and drought stress. Before a lawn turns brown and goes dormant, it will begin to fade from green to a blue color. Below are some images showing the signs of a lack of water in the lawns. Brown Grass In the images above, notice how the healthy green turf fades into a blue hue before the brown dry and dormant spots. This shows poor irrigation coverage and overlap, and is a textbook sign that your lawn is dry and thirsty. Before your lawn turns brown (when drought has kicked in and the grass has gone into dormancy) it will turn blue – which are signs of drought stress. If you... --- - Published: 2022-06-25 - Modified: 2024-03-15 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-moss-in-lawn/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: moss LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS A wet winter in 2024 has contributed to the surge in moss growth. I am getting a lot of questions and concerns about moss now. While it may be tempting to rip it up this spring, remember these factors before doing so. Moss thrives due to environmental factors – specifically in dense shade, excessive moisture, poor drainage, and low soil pH. A well-balanced lawn care and nutrition plan can help correct soil deficiencies and acidic soil. pH balancing with lime applications. Iron, specifically ferrous sulfate, will temporarily kill moss. Consider first implementing better cultural practices: Pruning trees and landscape canopies to allow for more sunlight. Address water runoff, pooling, and drainage issues. Annual core aeration can help improve soil compaction and drainage. Although some people choose to grow moss intentionally in areas of their garden and landscape, moss growth can also be a sign of a struggling lawn that suffers from problems like poor drainage and compacted soil. A mossy lawn can appear unsightly to many gardeners, and it can also be extremely slippery to foot traffic. Primitive plants and moss plants are different from other plants that commonly grow in yards. Moss plants lack vascular systems and roots, which is why many conventional weed killers often don’t kill lawn moss. However, with the following tips, you can get rid of lawn moss and prevent it from overtaking your existing lawn. What Is Moss? Moss IdentificationHow Does Moss Thrive? How to Get Rid of MossHow to... --- - Published: 2022-06-19 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://lawnphix.com/lawn-care/how-to-get-rid-of-purslane/ - Categories: Lawn Care - Tags: weeds A summer annual broadleaf weed, purslane is an aggressive weed that can spread quickly, especially where the grass is struggling. While it can be challenging to get rid of purslane, it’s certainly possible–and easier when the plants are young, before they develop their small purslane seeds that can lay dormant in the soil for years. If your lawn is infested with common purslane, you can rely on the following lawn and garden cultural practices and weed control tips to put an end to your purslane problem. What Is Purslane? Purslane IdentificationHow to Get Rid of Purslane PlantsHow to Prevent Purslane from Growing in Your Lawn and GardenPurslane FAQsHow do I permanently get rid of purslane? What kills common purslane? How do you stop purslane from spreading? Does vinegar kill purslane? What Is Purslane? Purslane, botanically known as Portulaca oleracea is a type of succulent and, of course, a virulent weed that grows from seed and is also adept at rerooting itself in lawns and garden beds. The purslane weed sports teardrop-shaped leaves and produces small, five-petaled yellow flowers. Purslane weeds have fleshy leaves like other succulent plants. Purslane seeds typically germinate in early spring and the plant completes its growing cycle by the fall. Purslane plants prefer moist soil, but like many succulents, they’ll tolerate dry conditions too. Purslane weeds have a low-spreading growing habit and can form dense mats. Its smooth, reddish-brown stems grow laterally across the surface of the soil so that it looks like the plants are... --- --- > © Lawn Phix. Content may be referenced with attribution. For corrections or licensing inquiries: mark@lawnphix.com ---