Frequently asked questions regarding lawn care in Georgia

Why is maintaining a proper pH so important in Georgia soil?

Turf-grass thrives in the right environment and doesn't in the wrong one. A big part of that environment is the soil. Grasses grow best in a neutral soil environment (approximately 5.5-6.5 pH for fescue, zoysia and Bermuda grasses). A pH that is either too low or too high will reduce the availability of nutrients for the grass, and that's why it's very important to maintain a proper pH.

Because Georgia tends to have highly acid soils, lawns here require applications of calcium and magnesium to help restore the pH balance. This calcium and magnesium mixture is like a soil conditioner. It corrects soil acidity, furnishes important plant nutrients and reduces the solubility and toxicity of certain elements in the soil, such as iron and aluminum.

The best time to apply calcium and magnesium in Georgia is in the winter. It will react immediately, reduce acidity and improve your grass' growth this summer.

Did the drought affect your lawn and trees for the long-term?

Although we're all hoping for a lot of rain this winter to bring us out of this drought, the effects of it can remain. Drought not only has short-term effects on lawns and trees, but can result in some long-term effects as well.

While Bermuda lawns should recover quickly once rain returns, zoysia and fescue, which are slow-growing grasses, might have a hard time recovering. Patience will be key, as bare spots need time to grow back in. Re-seeding will help fescue recover quicker.

Trees are also affected by the drought as you can see the article below from www.treesatlanta.org.

Georgia's fourth year of drought has experts warning that many trees may die if they don't get enough water. Most people do not think about watering big trees on their property, but the cost of not doing so may get many to pull out their garden hoses. Some of those costs could be...

• A 15% decrease in residential property value
• Increased cooling expenses (due to a loss of shade)
• Removal fees of up to $1000 per dead tree

When?

If we move down to a level three drought this spring and can water, the best time to water trees is the late evening and early morning. Over 50% of water can be lost to evaporation when watering during the day. Trees drink water during the nighttime hours, and this is also when the soil is most absorbent. Watering during this period may also comply with many outdoor watering restrictions that have been implemented across the state to help conserve water. To find more info on water restrictions, go to the Environmental Protection Agency's website at www.georgiadrought.org.

How Often?

Do not water every night! Trees benefit more from watering once or twice a week.

How Much?

Make sure the water thoroughly penetrates the soil to about one foot deep (this is where the tree's absorbing roots are located). A good rule of thumb is to water 30-45 minutes per tree. Watering for short periods of time only encourages shallow rooting, which can lead to more draught damage.

Where?

Although tree roots extend far beyond the drip-line (the ground area beneath the furthermost edge of the tree branches), the most efficient watering method involves concentrating the water from the drip-line to within three feet of the base.

What Else?

Mulch slows water loss from the soil due to evaporation and helps to prevent water run-off. Apply only three to four inches of organic mulch under the plant canopy (using more than this amount will impede water and air flow). Mulch is a landscaping favorite that can help increase the aesthetic quality of your property.

Hopefully we can all work together to keep Georgia's trees healthy and beautiful.