Grass Clippings - Lawn Advice From a Team of Lawn and Turf Experts

Controlling an Attack of Rust Disease on your Lawn

We are now in the late summer into the autumn months and that time of year when you go outside and shrug your shoulders at the dropping night time temperatures.

Not suggesting that the summer is over as the weather might be unseasonably warmer this weekend after a lot of rain.  The last time I thought about treating Rust was on my old Mini Metro that was rather prone to it on the front panels - well it was almost a 100 rust bucket to be honest!  Glad to see that car construction has moved on a bit since the early 80's.

Not suggesting that the summer is over as the weather might be unseasonably warmer this weekend after a lot of rain.  The last time I thought about treating Rust was on my old Mini Metro that was rather prone to it on the front panels - well it was almost a 100 rust bucket to be honest!  Glad to see that car construction has moved on a bit since the early 80's.

Damaging New Fungal Disease for Rye Grasses

The first known UK case of 'Gray Leaf Spot' disease on perennial ryegrass turf signals the arrival in Britain of potentially the most damaging fungal disease for this grass variety – and it’s a problem that can be extremely difficult to control writes Dr Kate Entwistle of The Turf Disease Centre for The Grounds Management Association Magazine.

October Lawn Care Advice

With an Indian summer and warm temperatures in September, October has started with a crash with colder weather and rain.  

Storm Alex and another low-pressure system will buffet parts of the UK with strong winds and heavy showers over the next three days, bringing the possibility of localised flooding and travel disruptions reports Rory Sullivan in the Independent Newspaper today.

Forecasters have said that parts of the English south coast could see winds of up to 65mph and could experience flooding by the end of Sunday.

Controlling Leatherjacket Larvae

We are all aware of "Daddy Long Legs" flying around in the late summer months, being chased by the cat and dog with children finding fun pulling the legs off the fly like insects!

What you may not be aware of is the devastating effect the larvae of the insects can have - literally stripping a lawn bare! Do not under estimate them!

What are they?

Leatherjackets are the Larvae of the Crane Fly or Daddy Long Legs, as they are more commonly known. The fully grown Larvae are typically up to 4 cm in length.

What you may not be aware of is the devastating effect the larvae of the insects can have - literally stripping a lawn bare! Do not under estimate them!

What are they?

Leatherjackets are the Larvae of the Crane Fly or Daddy Long Legs, as they are more commonly known. The fully grown Larvae are typically up to 4 cm in length.

Invasion of more than 200 billion Daddy Long Legs on Lawns

With record temperatures, it's been a summer to savour – for daddy long legs, that is.

Now homeowners have been warned to brace for an invasion of more than 200billion of the amorous insects.

Experts say the warm but wet weather has provided perfect growing conditions for crane fly larvae, or 'leatherjackets', in their underground tunnels.

And the 'sex-crazed' creatures are now hatching – with hordes expected to swarm into homes searching for a mate.

To Autumn by John Keats as we celebrate the Autumn Equinox

When leaves begin to fall, temperatures drop and days become shorter, it can only mean autumn is on its way. No matter how hot the summer has been, the next season of the year is fast approaching, with home comforts, bronzed woodland hues and a pumpkin or two. 

For many, autumn is enjoyable because of its festivals and the sense that "life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall", if you're of the same opinion as F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

According to the astronomical calendar, the seasonal transition occurs on September 22 (today), the date of the Autumn equinox. However under the meteorological definition, which is based on the Gregorian calendar, autumn began on September 1.

Here is everything you need to know about the changing seasons, from how the equinox works to what you can look forward to over the next few months.

Read more about the Autumn Equinox

Ig Nobel Awards Celebrates 30 Years of the Lighter Side of Science involving Earthworms

Since 1991, the Ig Nobel Awards have been celebrated to award ten unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research that "first make people laugh, and then make them think." The award is a parody of the Nobel Prize and the word ignoble.

This year is the 30th year that showcases the lighter side of science but in quarantine style due to the restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the global crisis, it seems there is no shortage of amusing people, from the alligators made to bellow in helium chambers to drunken earthworms that vibrate on speakers. These all seemingly odd experiments have caught the eye of the Judges.

Wetting Agent Tablet solves lawn dry patches

We have only seen 1.4mm of rain in the South East in the month of September and as a result are almost in drought conditions with lawn dry patches appearing in carefully tended green swards.

Dry patches that are hard to re-wet are the primary causes of lawn failure.  If a lawn is renovated, it is always these long lasting dry areas that are the root cause of any seed failing to germinate and establish in these well marked and visual areas.

You may notice a darkening halo on parts of the lawn, visible from the upstairs window. This is a good indicator that the soil underneath is starting to or has dried out.

You may notice a darkening halo on parts of the lawn, visible from the upstairs window. This is a good indicator that the soil underneath is starting to or has dried out.

You may notice a darkening halo on parts of the lawn, visible from the upstairs window. This is a good indicator that the soil underneath is starting to or has dried out.

Gucci unveils £600 jeans with fake Grass Stains on the knees

Just when you think that you have heard all the stories about candles that smell of freshly mown grass you learn that trendsetters are set to be divided over a pair of worn-looking jeans from Gucci's autumn/winter collection.

The Italian luxury brand is selling their Eco washed organic denim pants for £600, complete with the illusion of fresh grass stains around the knee area.

Gucci claims the material has been specifically treated to channel a 'grunge vibe' throughout Fall Winter 2020.

Autumn Lawn Care Tips

'It is great to see an article in The Daily Mail about looking after your lawn as it is rare that our UK daily newspapers recognise that a lawn is part of a garden!

The author of the article is Nigel Colborn, a British TV presenter and gardening expert/writer.

'This is the season for making a new lawn. Soils are still warm and autumn weather is usually perfect for speedy germination.

The seedlings have plenty of time to develop a green cover before winter. Turf laid now will also settle down quickly.

So if you fancy a new lawn, or would like more grass in your garden, this is the moment. It’s a simple procedure and results are rapid.

New York park commissions Goats to trim grass

New York City is welcoming a new breed of essential workers. 

Goats have been enlisted to clear weeds at Stuyvesant Cove Park. In the wake of the pandemic, staffing and budget cuts have left the 2-acre park unmaintained. Moreover, as New York residents convened in parks as a safe space during the outbreak, they left their garbage and trampled plant life. 

Keep off the grass!

A curious mouse in Canada was caught chopping on cannabis leaves before being found passed out on its back 'high'.

Colin Sullivan, from New Brunswick, Canada where cannabis is legal, said he found the rodent pinching leaves from his plants for two days in a row last week.

Four images show the inquisitive mouse nibbling at both the stem of the plant leaves before the substance took effect.

Photos captured shortly after show the rodent lying in the middle of a heap of leaves, completely comatose.

Read more on The Daily Mail

What are the legal implications of selling a home with Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing, highly invasive plant with deep roots, known as rhizomes, which can be a real nuisance for homeowners. 

Although knotweed dies back during the winter months, its thick rhizomes can lie dormant several metres underground, making it notoriously difficult to detect - and remove. 

If you find the plant present at or even near your property, it could reduce the value of your home and make it difficult to sell.

Dakota Gardener: Earthworms and gardens

Gardening lessons are always a highlight of my summer programs writes Carrie Knutson, NDSU Extension Agent, Grand Forks County, USA.

This year when I asked the gardeners what they wanted to learn about for their last lesson, worms were the undisputed winner. Earthworms are a beneficial garden creature that many of us take for granted.

We have thousands of different types of earthworms. The scientific classification could be and probably is a college course. Earthworms belong to the animal kingdom and phylum Annelid. To prevent information overload, I will stop there with earthworm scientific classification.

Casting Worm Aside on Lawns this September

For several decades, lawns both small and large have been plagued by worm casts. The worms do a splendid job in the soil just beneath the grass plant crown, but it's their soil cast deposits that pose a real problem for lawn owners.

With the recent wet August, the earthworms are having a field day!

The domestic lawn is set to become a sanctuary for casting worms this spring. The record volume of rainfall this winter coupled with mild temperatures is the ideal scenario for this to become a reality. Although the ideal time for worm cast control is early September, the use of CastClear® can help alleviate worm deposits now!

For several decades, lawns both small and large have been plagued by worm casts. The worms do a splendid job in the soil just beneath the grass plant crown, but it's their soil cast deposits that pose a real problem for lawn owners.

With the recent wet August, the earthworms are having a field day!

The domestic lawn is set to become a sanctuary for casting worms this spring. The record volume of rainfall this winter coupled with mild temperatures is the ideal scenario for this to become a reality. Although the ideal time for worm cast control is early September, the use of CastClear® can help alleviate worm deposits now!

For several decades, lawns both small and large have been plagued by worm casts. The worms do a splendid job in the soil just beneath the grass plant crown, but it's their soil cast deposits that pose a real problem for lawn owners.

With the recent wet August, the earthworms are having a field day!

The domestic lawn is set to become a sanctuary for casting worms this spring. The record volume of rainfall this winter coupled with mild temperatures is the ideal scenario for this to become a reality. Although the ideal time for worm cast control is early September, the use of CastClear® can help alleviate worm deposits now!