As we approach this 4th of July weekend we’re coming out of a June that’s experienced near-record levels of rainfall.  Lawns are growing faster than normal which uses more fertilizer than normal weather conditions.  If your yard isn’t very green or almost chlorotic, your lawn is more than likely suffering from adequate food.

The image shown in this post is of a fungus (lawn disease) called Red Thread.  We’re seeing more of this disease appear on Northeast Ohio lawns this year because of the lack of nutrients for fast growing grass.

Mild cases of Red Thread can easily be treated with a fertilizer application.  If it becomes more severe we may need to apply a fungicide treatment.  Our specialists will be able to determine the best treatment for each lawn.

Identifying Red Thread Disease

How do you know if your lawn has the Red Thread fungus?  Generally, Red Thread will appear to be brownish or yellow in color but if you look very closely at the affected areas of grass you should see a red or pinkish tint.  If you’ve identified the reddish color in your lawn then it’s likely the fungus is Red Thread.

If you’re having problems identifying your current lawn disease as a result of this spring’s weather, don’t worry, you can call us and we’ll have a technician come out and identify the disease and treat it right away.

Sometimes weather conditions that are abnormal can increase disease in your lawn.  If you see anything in your lawn you aren’t sure of, call Custom Spray and we’ll get your lawn green and healthy again.  Phone# 330-861-5035

If you are like most new customers this time of year, you are concerned with dandelions in your yard.

It’s mid-May and dandelions are starting to produce their yellow flowers once again. Mowing them down might seem like a quick and easy solution to this pesky problem, but it will in fact spread the seeds causing an  increase in the reach and consistency of your dandelion issue for years to come.

Dandelions are perennial, self-pollinating, broadleaf weeds that return every year and may be the most widespread flowering weed in Ohio. They reproduce and spread from those white, fluffy, wind-blown seeds and root fragments.

Much like clover, ivy, plantain, and other weeds, dandelions can be controlled without harm to the grass with proper applications of the correct weed control. 

To wipe out the dandelion population in any yard more quickly, it is important to treat  your lawn during the dandelion’s early stage of growth. You don’t need to kill them before they start turning yellow. You should, however, take care of them before they have the opportunity to seed and repopulate your yard in greater numbers.

Right now is the best time for us to treat your lawn. Once we have started treatment, your dandelion population is going to decrease significantly because we will have prevented the seeds from blowing around and germinating. Although we can eradicate most all dandelions quickly, it will take longer for a more complete control. You will notice almost no dandelions even attempting to grow after 2-3 seasons. You will enjoy a virtually dandelion free yard, especially if your neighbors take good care of their yard to prevent seeds from blowing into yours. (And vice-versa)

While dandelions are a pesky perennial herb or weed to most, they do have some very interesting medicinal qualities that might intrigue you.

Interesting Dandelion Facts:

• Dandelions are edible weeds. (Although, we do not recommend picking dandelions to eat)
• Dandelion roots may have a calming affect on the body.
• The milky white substance in the dandelion root has known to be effective on warts.
• Dandelions contain large quantities of vitamins B, A, C, E and P.
• Dandelions are an effective diuretic.

If you want to learn more about the medicinal properties of the dandelion visit:  https://www.altmd.com/Articles/Dandelion–Encyclopedia-of-Alternative-Medicine

Your Northeast Ohio lawn and turf is an environmental asset and having crabgrass in your lawn can make that asset look awful, especially in late summer.

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an annual weed that germinates from seed, grows rapidly, and it’s one of the most troublesome grass weeds in Northeast Ohio lawns.  Crabgrass is a warm weather weed that germinates in the spring when your soil starts to warm above 55-60 degrees steady for about a week.  It’s an invasive weed that spreads in the summer, looks horrible in the fall, and dies in the winter. [Read more…] about How to get rid of CrabGrass in Your Lawn

Living in Northeast Ohio, there’s a good chance you’ve had Snow Mold.  Weather conditions this winter have been optimal for the growth of snow mold.  One day it’s 60 and golfing weather, the next evening we’re shoveling snow off the driveway.

What is Snow Mold?

Snow Mold is a fungal disease that occurs underneath the snow where the ground is not previously, completely frozen.  As early spring approaches and the snow melts away, we’re going to start to notice these brownish, dead grass spots in our lawns, that’s the effects of snow mold. [Read more…] about How to combat Snow Mold in Northeast Ohio