How to Have the Best Lawn in Your Neighborhood MG/Lawn Rangers in Training Ken Caro Jim Henry Vince Rasper

The Good, Bad and Ugly Examples from Near and Far

Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

Agenda Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly The Challenges We Face Steps to Impressing Your Neighbors –Establishing New Lawns –Renovating Old Lawns –Maintenance Tips Summary

Lawn Examples – Good, Bad and Ugly

The Challenges We Face Our Climatic Transition Zone is Tough –Hostile to Cool-Season Grasses –Not Kind to Warm-Season Grasses –Cost to Water Sufficiently an Added Challenge To Meet the Challenge – Use Proper Cultural Practices – Utilize the Extension Office Guidance

Steps to Impressing Your Neighbors Establishing New Lawns Renovating Old Lawns Maintenance Tips

Establishing New Lawns Step 1 – Soil Test Step 2 – Pre-Planting Steps –Weed Control –Irrigation and Drainage Assessment –Soil Prep Based on Step 1 Step 3 – Choose the Best Time of Year –Dependent on Grass Seed Type –Seed vs. Sod Step 4 – Post-Planting Irrigation

Renovating Old Lawns Step 1 - Assess Existing Conditions Step 2 - Soil Test Step 3 - Weed Control Step 4 – De-thatch / Aerate Step 5 - Apply Lime / Fertilizer Based on Soil Test Step 6 - Overseed Step 7 - Water

Maintenance Tips Annual Program –Mowing Technique –Utilize the VCE Calendar Based on Grass Type and Soil for Fertilization and Weed Control Periodic Maintenance –Dethatching / Aeration –pH Adjustment –Disease / Insect Control

Summary Get to Know Your Soil Utilize the Extension Office Develop and Execute a Soil Amendment Program as Needed Water Wisely to Develop a Healthy Lawn and Strong Root System Maintain Your Lawn Based on the VCE Turf Care Calendar Watch for Diseases, Insects and, If/When They Appear, Remember …..

….ACE Is the PLACE

References Master Gardener Handbook, Chapter 12 Photography –V. Rasper World Travels –K. Caro Local Travels