by Shane Harris, Regional Extension Agent
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Published  in The Outlook and The Dadeville Record

Moisture and Humidity Trigger Lawn Diseases

How is the lawn looking these days?  Doing well? Having to mow it once a week or so?  All the warm, humid weather and abundant rainfall we have received lately has helped keep the lawn looking nice and green.   But these conditions, I am afraid, may also help promote some of those nasty lawn diseases as well.  Brown patch, dollarspot, and leaf spots can occur on lawns where the night temperatures are greater than 70 ºF, excess nitrogen fertilizer has been applied, there is overcast weather, and the grass stays wet for long periods of time. All perfect for a fungus. 

To help prevent fungal diseases from popping up in your lawn, remember these tips:
  • Maintain recommended fertility and pH levels (take a soil test); don’t overfertilize.
  •  Water properly - the more often and longer the grass is wet, the more potential for a disease. Always water deeply. Don’t water in the evening; water after 2 a.m.
  • Improve drainage, fill in low spots.
  •  Core-aerate compacted areas to improve water and oxygen movement into root zone.
  •  Control excessive thatch (> ½  inch)
  •  Mow at the correct height and frequency
  • Improve air circulation by pruning trees and shrubs.
  •  Identify diseases and apply appropriate lawn fungicides.
Hummingbirds
This past week, the Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners and I had an opportunity to hear Fred Bassett, an Elmore County Master Gardener, speak on hummingbirds.  Mr. Bassett is very passionate and knowledgeable about hummingbirds and is even a master bird bander. He travels a lot around the country speaking to groups about hummingbirds and often visits homes and migration sites to band rare hummingbirds, including albino ruby-throated hummingbirds and occasional western species that visit our area.

Mr. Bassett had some interesting things to say about hummingbirds.  He stated that starting after July 4th, we should begin seeing more of our native ruby-throated hummingbirds at our feeders.  Many of the birds that are further north will soon begin migrating back south and will be stopping by briefly.  But since they do not all migrate at the same time, there will birds coming through until about late October. Be sure to have the feeders ready.

He also reminded us to keep our feeders out during the winter. Why? Because even though the ruby-throated hummingbird over-winters in Mexico and Central America, there are other hummingbirds that come to Alabama for the winter.  If you see a hummingbird between November 15th and the 1st of March, it won’t be a ruby-throated hummingbird; it is another kind. Mr. Bassett has the proof.  He showed us photos of a few western species hummingbirds, including the rufous hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird, that have been seen and banded in Alabama. If you have a winter hummingbird at your feeder, contact Fred Bassett so he can come to your house, band the bird, and document its presence in Alabama.  His email address is Fhound@aol.com and his phone number is 334-244-0227.

Tree Assessment
With all the strong gusts of wind from thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes we have experienced within the last year, many people have become more concerned with the welfare of the trees growing near the home. Some have fallen, some have broken, some have become weakened, and some have survived. Strong storms always have the potential to knock down the largest and healthiest tree, but it is those weak or damaged ones that will likely come crashing down in a storm. When and why is the unanswered question.

Assessing a tree for the potential to decline in health and possibly fall is very difficult, even for the trained eye.  But if you inspect your trees often, and it is important that you do, here are a few things to look for that may indicate a problem and if the tree is at risk of being a hazard.  Look for dead branches within the canopy. Watch for cracks and splits on the trunk and major limbs. Note trees with co-dominant or two main trunks - these are structurally unstable. Trees with good taper are stronger than those that have long, lanky stems. Visible defects, like cankers and wounds, along the trunk and branches are sometimes weak points and could indicate other problems.  Take notice of any presence of insects or insect damage, cracked or loosen bark, fruiting bodies, such as mushrooms, and decay or open wounds on the tree.

Lastly, any kind of construction, trenching, digging, grading, or soil compaction near the tree, within the root zone, is a no-no and usually unforgivable. There will likely be long-lasting effects - mainly resulting in the tree eventually declining and dying.  You must protect it if you wish to save and keep it.

For more information, contact the Tallapoosa County Extension office at 256-825-1050.