Fall Lawn Preparations

Fall is here! The change in the season means for some big changes to prepare for in the yard. Dropping temperatures and falling leaves provide for some extra chores around the house. If some of these chores are left unattended, your lawn could pay a price!

Leaves: Mulch, Burn, or Throw Away?

The biggest chore we can think of in the fall is dealing with all of the leaves. Should you rake them into big piles and burn at the edge of your property? Should you shove them in lawn bags and leave them by the curb? Should you just mow over and mulch them to scatter them on your lawn? 

The answer: 

Mulch! By mulching these leaves, you are allowing nutrients to be returned to the soil. Mulching these leaves will not be as simple as mowing your lawn. Make several passes in different directions to ensure no large clumps are left and the leaf material is finely chopped up. 

Piles of leaves that are left unattended will have some very nasty consequences in the Spring. The compaction of the wet leaves will choke out the grass it is covering. The leaves provide a great place for different winter fungus to grow and spread. Waiting until Spring for leaf cleanup will do more harm than good. Thin areas that have large clumps of leaf debris collected will become stressed and drastically hurt turf quality.

Fertilize!

As the fall months lead  into winter, the turf will need more nutrients. The grass will need more nitrogen to sustain during the winter months as it enters dormancy. When spring arrives, the turf will be in a much better position than lawns that received no fall fertilization. It is recommended by turf scientists to apply at least 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during these fall and winter applications. This increased nitrogen will bring great benefit to the lawn. 

Proper Mowing

As we have always said, proper mowing height is at least 3.5 inches for cool season grasses. This does not change when the seasons change. For your lawn to maintain through the winter, the grass plant needs to be as strong as possible. By mowing at that height, it is proven that the turf will be healthier year round.

When do I seed?

Unfortunately if you are just now asking that question, it is almost too late! The optimum time to seed is between August 15th and September 30th. The seed needs time to germinate and grow before the first frost hits. Any seeding done after September 30th is at risk and we do not encourage it. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more lawn care tips!

How We Protect The Environment!

The recent news coming from South Carolina of a massive bee kill from pesticide use has reminded us of the high risks involved in our industry. When we first learned about this tragedy, we asked a few questions that were quickly answered. It appears that a major lapse in following proper procedures were made when making the pesticide application. 

As more of the story was made public, we decided that we should make a clear statement on how we protect the environment and the practices and policies we have in place to keep everyone and everything safe. 

Properly Trained and Licensed Technicians

We feel the first step in protecting the environment is to have properly trained and licensed technicians. Every technician employed at Bowman's Pro Turf carries a Pesticide Applicator License through the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This license is obtained only after the successful completion of the CORE examination issued by OISC. Once the exam has been passed, our technicians receive in depth, on site training. Our trainers have a combined 50 years experience in the lawn care industry. 

Proper Disposal of Containers

Each day we go through dozens of bags and jugs of products. All of the used containers are disposed of in an OISC approved facility. Any jug that contained a liquid product is triple-rinsed and holes are drilled in the bottom, rendering them useless. We also require our technicians to make a count each morning and evening of total bags loaded and used. This allows us to track the amount of waste that we produce and ensure that no trash is left behind on a job site. 

Responsible Use and Knowledge of Fertilizer and Pesticides

Several times a year we attend seminars and training sessions regarding industry updates. Through these sessions, new information is shared about advances made on the products we use. We also are extremely conscious about how much products we use on lawns. There are very specific regulations that mandate how much of certain products can be used in a given time frame. We watch these regulations closely and adjust our lawn care programs accordingly. We also are very aware of the recommended nitrogen amounts suggested by several reputable institutions. This allows us to further adjust our programs while still maintaining maximum results. 

Pesticides and herbicides that are used are strictly regulated both at the national and state level. Every product that we apply has already met strict regulator standards put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency. We will never use a product that has not met these requirements. Similarly, each product is issued a label by the EPA. That label instructs the user of specific site, personal protection equipment, rate of product, and any special restrictions. The label is law and if any part of the label is not followed, the user is in violation and at risk of harming themselves, others, and the environment. 

Avoid Adverse Weather Conditions During Applications

Weather is one of the biggest challenges in the lawn care industry. If we feel that the weather conditions are not fitting to make an application, we will hold off until it is more appropriate. Wind can blow products off and away from the indented target. We are constantly monitoring the weather and making decisions accordingly. 

To protect our liquid products from runoff, we mix and additive in our tanks that enhance the ability for the product to stick to the surface of the intended target. If it rains shortly after an application, our products have a higher chance of staying where we applied them and less chance of runoff.     

Pollinator Protection 

Earlier in the year we shared how we have partnered with Bayer Bee Care for their Feed A Bee program. So far, we have distributed over 3,000 wildflower seed packets in the Wabash Valley. We have trained our technicians about how to properly apply our products without harming pollinators. We have several customers who are bee keepers and have worked with them to maintain a pollinator friendly lawn care program. 

You can read our article about the FeedABee program here.

Pollinator Protection EPA

Follow Strict Office of Indiana State Chemist Guidelines

There are hundreds of laws and regulations in place to protect the environment. We gladly follow and abide to each of these regulations. Wavering from any of the safety regulations that are in place can create a business culture of taking short cuts. We will never cut corners when it comes to protecting our employees, our customers, and our environment. 

For more information about the Office of Indiana State Chemist you can visit their website at www.oisc.purdue.edu. 

If you have any questions about our environmental practices, please let us know. You can learn more about our company by visiting our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Turf Disease Outbreak!

This summer has provided the lawn care industry with a lot of challenges. While we can control the products used and application technique, we cannot control the weather. Heat, humidity, and rain have caused an outbreak in turf diseases in the Wabash Valley. We wanted to take some time to share what some common trends we are experiencing in lawn care. 

You may ask "Why does my lawn have the disease and the house down the street does not?" That neighbor may have a different type of grass, less shade, mow at the proper height of 3.5 inches, have better air flow, etc. We first need to identify the disease and understand all factors involved.

Disease Triangle

An easy way to understand why diseases in turf occurs is to look at what is called "The Disease Triangle". If one side of the disease triangle is missing, a disease will not cause a problem. The three sides are:

1. Host Component- the plant must be susceptible to disease. Depending on the type of grass in your lawn, you may be more at risk than others. 
2. Pathogen Component- the disease pathogen must be present.
3. Environmental Component- conditions must be favorable. 

Understanding the triangle can allow us to easily identify how diseases spread and attack lawns. 

Grass Types

Some grass types are more susceptible to diseases than others. Overall, Kentucky Bluegrass is the most high at risk, while turf type fescue has more disease resistance. Knowing what kind of grass is present in the lawn can be a key to identifying the disease. Some diseases will not affect certain grasses. 

During the heat, grass stops growing as fast. Most turf grasses have diseases in the spring months but go unnoticed because we are mowing so frequently. As the summer heat stress slows growing, the diseases can become more apparent and noticeable. Once it cools off and the turf starts growing, you will see significant improvement.  

Grass Types

Soil Fertility

Many diseases thrive based on the fertility of the soil. Diseases can become an issue depending on the grass type and soil fertility. If too little nitrogen is present, the turf may become more be more susceptible to disease, recover slower, and have a longer outbreak of symptoms. Our "Healthy Basic Lawn Program" is designed to carefully manage the amount of nitrogen applied throughout the year. 

Environmental Component

This summer has been unusually wet. Jessie over at Channel 2 has been talking about the record rainfall we have had in the last 3 months. Combine the rain with the humidity and you have the perfect disease growing condition. Turf diseases are a fungus, or mold. The hot, humid, and wet summer months has been the perfect environment for turf diseases to thrive. 

Disease Control

Treating a turf disease is very similar to treating a cold. We can apply a fungicide if desired, however, that will only be treating the symptoms. We also compare lawns getting diseases to human diseases. We have no explanation as to why I get a cold but my wife does not and we live in the same house. In most cases, the disease will not kill the turf. Once the temperature drops and humidity settles, we will see significant improvement in the lawn. 

Diseased Lawn

 Resources

Over the last 28 years, we have worked with many national, regional, and local organizations to stay educated and informed in the lawn care industry. One of our most reliable resources we have is Purdue University. Their free publication, Turfgrass Disease Profile, is a great way to learn more about turf diseases. 

Working with turf and lawns is very scientific. Everything that we say and do has a scientific reason behind it. We have to understand the full biology of the plant, the environment, and cultural practices to properly address any issues. If we inspect a lawn and come to the conclusion that a turf disease is present, we will let you know why, how, and what can be done. 

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and head over to our website for more information about our company. 

Midwest Regional Turf Foundation: Purdue Summer Field Day 2016

Purdue University Logo on turf

On July 14th, Dennis and I had the opportunity to attend the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Summer Field day at Purdue University. More specifically, we spent 8 hours at the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center. I wanted to share a few of the topics that were discussed and some pictures from our day. 

It is very hard to accurately describe the Daniel's Center. The grounds hold 22 acres dedicated to studying turf, both residential and sport. Experiments happen daily at all times of the year. Professors and companies work together to test anything you can think of in the turf industry. Throughout the 22 acres, we were able to have hands on experience with the professors and their research as they led us through training sessions and discussion. Some of what we talked learned about was the "behind the scenes" experiments that happen years before a new product, equipment, or grass seed cultivar hits the market. Everything that was discusses helps us to provide a better service to you! 

Not all grass seed is created equally!

One of my favorite experiment plots at the Daniel's Center is where they are testing new cultivars of grass seeds. These experiments test several things including drought stress, disease resistance, and durability. 

Bluegrass Seed Plots

Many of the seed cultivars tested here do not have names. The manufactures test different species and mixes to see how they hold up over time. It was very interesting to see how different each plot was from those around it. These seed plots were planted 3 ago and have had proper irrigation, fertilizer, and weed control. 

The most obvious difference was in the Kentucky-31 or K31 seed. A homeowner will often read "Kentucky" and assume that it is a bluegrass. That is not the case! If you look close at the following picture, you can see the K31 is much lighter in color and has a wider blade.

Kentucky 31 or K31 grass between Turf Type Tall Fescue

Walmart and Rural King will have K31 grass seed on sale for a very cheap price. As you can see, even with ideal irrigation, fertilizer and weed control, the K31 stands out as undesirable among the rest. It goes to show that you get what you pay for.

Thousands of studies!

As the day progressed, we were able to learn about just a handful of the current studies that are happening. It was fascinating to hear how many different ways they test equipment, products, grass types, and much more. All of the experiments they preform are replicated at multiple locations throughout the 22 acre complex to ensure that they have the most accurate data. Below are pictures of some of the experiments.

This picture shows one experiment testing what affects mowing height and fertility have on dandelion blooms. A common theme throughout every experiment that involved mowing height was that the higher you mow, the less weeds are present. You can also observe that the turf is darker on the plots that are mowed above 3.5 inches.

Mowing Height Demonstration

The white grub is one of the most destructive insect pests in our region. This area is being used to test different behaviors of the white grubs and their adult beetles. It is fenced off with electrical wire and the beetles are protected in small cages to protect them from being eaten by animals. 

White Grub Management Experiment

The hot, humid, and rainy conditions have produced an ideal environment for many turf diseases.If you look closely at this picture, you can see the middle area was treated with a fungicide. The surrounding areas might have also been treated with fungicide but maybe at a different rate, with a different machine, or different formulation. 

Golf Course Turf Disease Management

This area shows the effectiveness of about 10 different types of crabgrass pre emergent used at the same time. The study went into detail so far as to test the effect of watering in immediately or waiting a week for rain. Each herbicide was also tested at different strengths.

Pre-emergent Experiment

Summary

Field Day Book

Overall we had a great day! Special thanks to everyone how put on this event and Dr. Aaron Patton who led many of our sessions. We had a great time learning about current topics in the lawn care management industry and how we can better serve our customers. A lot of what we talked about was how we can achieve better results. I was fascinated to see how many different ways they test one product before it even makes it back to the manufacture for final production. We talked about much more than what I can fit into this blog post!

As I have said before, lawn care is more than just a hobby. We are constantly reading and learning about different turf management topics. We utilize experts to become better informed so that we can provide the best service to our customers. While having a license to perform lawn care applications is important, a company also needs to have the knowledge of how to use that license. 

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Head over to our website for more information about services we offer.

About MRTF

The mission of the MRTF is to support turf research and education at Purdue University for the advancement of the turfgrass industry.

Visit www.mrtf.org to learn more about the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation.

Problem Pest: Moles

Moles are some of the most destructive pests that we see on a daily basis. Recently, we have received more phone calls than normal regarding mole treatments and what solutions we have for this issue. Below are some common questions and answers about moles. All of this information can be found through Purdue University and has research to back it up.

Mole

If I have moles that means I have grubs!

No. This is simply not the case. Moles primarily eat earth worms. If you do have grubs, they will also eat the grubs. We have been asked to preform grub treatments on lawns to "get rid of the moles." Because this is a huge misconception, we have not and will not ever claim that the grub treatment will get rid of moles. Getting rid of grubs will not get rid of moles. 

Spraying castor oil and soap on my lawn will prevent moles, right?

Again, no. There is nothing on the market that has been scientifically proven to prevent moles. Spraying oils and soaps on your lawn will actually do more damage than good. Articles and DIY blogs instruct to soak the lawn so visible puddles are shown. These pictures show the oily rainbow slick produce by the "treatment." Home remedy solutions to moles and other lawn care nuisances are often more toxic and harmful to the environment than products specifically designed for that use. 

If you want to waste time, money, and hurt the environment then go ahead and spray this oily solution all over your lawn. We do not recommend going this route, no matter what the DIY bloggers say. 

Chewing gum, beans, and bombs! 

Mole Run Damage 

No, no and NO! These remedies simply do not work. Many of the home remedy solutions involve a "Caddyshack" like approach to fix the issue. Almost all of these remedies are more harmful to humans than they are to moles. 

Traps don't work!

You guessed it...no! Traps have been our most reliable form of mole control. With the proper placement and trap, moles stand little chance. The more traps that are properly set, the more likely the moles will be caught and eliminated. Many consumers believe that traps are just like snake oil and do not work. Traps need to be well maintained and placed in areas where moles are active. If nothing is caught, move the trap! 

Our Recommendations...

We recommend and provide 2 treatment options for moles.

1. Mole Bait-The mole bait that we use looks like earth worms. When applied correctly, the moles will eat the bait and be eliminated. 
2. Mole Traps- The mole traps that we use are spring loaded and all underground. We recommend moving the traps ever few days having several traps in the infested area. 

Remember, there is nothing on the market that will ever prevent mole families from moving into your lawn. As research has shown, the most effective and reliable method is trapping.

Always read and follow all labeled instructions when using traps or bait. If you are unsure, call a professional like us. We can provide these treatments and get your on the right track to finding a solution to manage this issue! 

You can read more about moles here! Make sure that you are getting your information from a credible source. Just because you hear multiple say the same thing does not make it right. Do your research like we have. Check multiple sources and see what experts say. There are individuals who spend years doing research on the environment. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Head over to our website to find our more information about our company and the services we offer. 

Emerald Ash Borer Alert!

A few weeks ago I called the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to report more ash trees in Vigo County that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer's. We were told that the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Indiana is so severe that they can no longer manage the database to track it. 

There are 150 million ash trees in Indiana. Without proper identification, care, and maintenance of ash trees, we are facing a very serious problem! 

What is an Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash Borer's are not native to the United States. This invasive species likely came from Asia through shipping containers and survived for about 10 years before being discovered. As the name suggests, this green insect attacks ash trees. It spreads naturally and through human movement of infested firewood. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) creates D shaped holes in the tree. These holes are random throughout the tree and seem to have no uniform placement. 

Emerald Ash Borer

What does it do?

Simply put, the Emerald Ash Borer destroys ash trees. Burrowing under the bark of an ash tree, it creates tunnels that eventually overtake the trees ability to survive. Over time, the canopy of the tree will start to die back. We use the canopy as a gauge to measure how much damage has been done and how likely we will be able to save the tree. All ash trees are at risk at this time. Because the infestation can only be handled by properly treating the EAB, ash trees MUST be treated in order to survive. It is only a matter of time for an uninfected ash tree to be overcome by the EAB. 

How can this problem be fixed?

Unfortunately, the only way known to address this problem is to treat ash trees. If an ash tree is not infected but is being treated, any EAB that tries to make that tree home will be killed. If a tree is already infected, the treatment will work up through the vascular system of the tree and kill the EAB. 

Why does this matter?

If ash trees are not treated, they will die. If an ash tree dies from EAB damage, it will need to be cut down and disposed of properly. The cost of properly removing an ash tree is far greater than treating! Ash trees are important to our environment in Indiana and around the country. We need to do what we can to protect them from this nasty invasive species. 

We can help!

If you have an ash tree or want us to come identify your tree, give us a call! We will come out and inspect your ash trees for free and give you an estimate of what it would cost to treat them to protect from the Emerald Ash Borer. We have seen several neighborhoods in the Wabash Valley that have a very large EAB infestation. The chances are that if your ash tree is not infested now, it will be soon.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Head over to our website for more information about services we offer.

Turf Treatment: Grubs!

One of the most destructive insects that can infest your lawn is the white grub. If not properly controlled, severe damage can occur in a very short amount of time.

Grub found in garden.

Life Cycle
To understand the grub, we need to understand their life cycle. The grub is the larva stage of several species of beetles, including Japanese beetles. 

Summer- Beetles will feed on common ornamental plants, trees, and grasses. In doing so, they will lay eggs. The eggs protect the new insect from the environment until they hatch. 

Fall- The newly hatched larva begin feeding on the root system of the turf. The damage will cause the turf to quickly deteriorate. The symptoms can include sod that can be easily pulled up, almost like rolling up a rug. Occasionally, animals such as raccoons or skunks will forage the turf for the grubs and cause additional damage. 

Winter- As cold weather takes over, the grubs move to deeper soil and overwinter. This is similar to a hibernation stage for the grub.

Spring- Temperature rises and the grubs begin to move back towards the surface. They undergo several changes from the larva to pupa. In late spring and early summer the adult will finally emerge as a beetle. 

Control Options
As with just about everything, it is always better to be proactive and not reactive! If an insecticide is applied when damage is occurring, it is usually too late. Our grub preventative program utilizes a product with imidacloprid to provide the best results. Because of the life cycle of the grub, the product does not have an impact when the insect is in the egg stage. Once the egg hatches, the grub will ingest the imidaclorprid and die.

An application in spring will ensure that the newly hatched larva in the summer are impacted by the application.  

Common Grub and Japanese Beetle Questions
Treatments-The chemistry behind the products that we use today is different than the products of the past. I have been asked before "Doesn't it take 3 years for the grub control to work?" With applications such as milky spore, it would. However, the application we apply this spring will work this year! 

Moles- Probably 9 out of 10 requests for grub control stems from the thought that it will get rid of moles. We do not sell a grub control with the side effect of treating moles. Grub treatments will get rid of the grubs, but we do not guarantee the elimination of anything else. 

Japanese Beetle Traps- I have been asked about the yellow Japanese beetle traps or bags and if they work. One main problem with these traps is that it attracts beetles to it. When the beetles are attracted, they will lay eggs. This will cause a problem with future grub damage. If you insist on using a Japanese beetle trap, the best place to put it is in your neighbors lawn. Since that likely is not an option, the far back corner of your property away from ornamental plants, trees, and high traffic areas would be better. 

Brown Spots- Far too often we will meet with potential customers and they will tell us that "XYZ Lawn Care" said we needed grub control because we have brown spots. Brown spots do not instantly mean you have grubs. If a company tries to sell you something over the phone by just looking at a satellite image, be very cautious. A brown spot can be a result of hundreds of factors, not just grubs.
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Grubs and other common Indiana insects can cause a lot of destruction to your lawn. Unfortunately, they tend to migrate towards the healthiest lawns to feed on. A well maintained lawn with a strong root system can in turn cause become a smorgasbord for feeding insects. It is important to properly identify what symptoms your lawn has and determine the desired solution with realistic expectations.

We will never sell anything over the phone or just by looking at a picture. The only thing we use satellite images for is to measure a property. Visual inspections are required for us to adequately asses each customers needs and find the best solutions. 

We would love to hear back from you! Leave comments below or write us on our Facebook page. We also have a new website! Be sure follow us on Instagram and Twitter! 

"Why do I have weeds?"

This is Indiana. We all know how the weather is here. We joke about how one day it will be 75 and sunny and that same afternoon it can be snowing. Spring in Indiana is probably one of the most changing times for weather patterns. Why is this important to lawn care and weeds? The reality is that weather plays a huge role in all lawn care programs.

We receive several phone calls every day with the same simple question. 

"Why do I have insert weed name here?"

While this may be a simple question, it is not a simple answer. There are several factors that control how we address weeds. 

Soil Temperature

Herbicides are only effective when soil temperatures are just right. We might have a few nice days of 50-60 degree weather but the soil temperatures may still be well below what is required for the herbicide to be effective. We use charts and scientific trackers to follow when the temperatures are right to begin using the products. We can spray for weeds during our Early Spring application but it would be a waste of product, money, and environmentally irresponsible. 

Timing

The products that we use are of high quality, however, the proper timing and technique of the use of these products determines the results. We cannot guess on when we should make applications. Everything that we do has science behind it. Timing is one of the most important parts of the science. Like with soil temperature, we could apply products when the timing is least optimal but we would see less than satisfying results. 

Plant Type

Weeds are classified into several different categories. Grassy weeds, broad leaf weeds, winter annuals, summer annuals, not all weeds are the same. Each kind of weed also can require a different product to be effective. Some grassy weeds may not be affected by products that kill broad leaf weeds. Proper plant identification is very important in determining the product used. 

Many consumers buy products based on the picture on the bottle. They then apply that product at the first chance they get and disregard most of the printed label. Results are never as expected because misapplication likely happens. 

Misunderstanding of Application Terms

I have visited Facebook pages of several stores and product manufactures and see the same statements. "I applied the crabgrass pre-emergent and I still have dandelions. Your product doesn't work!" We also hear this from time to time here. 

A crab grass pre-emergent specifically targets crabgrass and the germination process of crabgrass. As stated above, different weeds are affected by different kinds of products. A grassy weed such as crabgrass takes a specific product to control. Dandelions and purple dead nettle take a different product. 

Many products on the market for residential consumer use are very misleading because they say things such as "Total Weed Control" when really it is just a pre-emergent. This label confusion has caused a lot of misled consumers with high expectations that are never met. Properly reading the label of what weeds are controlled will help you gain an understanding of what the application will manage.

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Nothing of what we do is a secret. Many lawn care professionals have spent years perfecting their lawn care management programs. Universities have entire degree, masters, and PhD programs on Turf Management and Lawn Care. I am not making any of these facts up either. For a very detailed article that goes into more about the specific science of weed control, click here!

As lawn care professionals. we are constantly learning from publications and attending courses hosted by Purdue University. We take our industry very serious. Lawn care is not just a hobby. Our industry provides over 800,000 jobs and $57.9 billion in economic impact. We want everyone to know that we are proud of what we do and our knowledge and expertise show it! 

We would love to hear back from you! Leave comments below or write us on our Facebook page. We also have a new website! Be sure follow us on Instagram and Twitter! 

Lawn Care Myths...

Since it is April 1st, we wanted to write about some topics that are myths but commonly are mistaken as fact. 

This is not an April Fools Joke blog...

Getting rid of grub worms gets rid of moles! FALSE

The primary food source for moles are earth worms. Your lawn may be infested with moles and not grub worms. If grub worms are present, moles will eat them but they will consider it a special treat. Also, when moles feed, they follow their food source. When the soil is dry, the earth worms move to deeper soil that is moist and cool and the moles follow. When it rains a lot the earth worms move to the top. This is often when we see a lot of mole damage because they are closer to the surface.

I got rid of my moles so that should mean we will not get any more! FALSE

Moles do not care about property lines or if there were moles in your yard previously. New families of moles will come and go. There is no "mole preventer" on the market that will actually act as a barrier to keep new moles from moving into your yard. 

I used a product that said year long control so I will not have any more weeds this year! FALSE

Year long or season long control is hardly a real thing. To understand why, you need to understand the biology of plants and the weeds that you are trying to fight. Different species of weeds germinate and grow at different times of the year. One application of one product will not provide year long control from all weeds. 

When you are sick with a cold you use one medicine. If you have strep throat you use a different medicine. It is the same with weeds. You might have killed one weed, but other weeds may not be affected. And just because you killed one, does not mean it will prevent new weeds from growing. 

Lawn care is nothing more than just throwing some fertilizer on a lawn. It can't be that hard! FALSE

In the lawn care industry, everything that we do has a scientific reason behind it. From the fertilizer analysis we choose, to the time we apply products, we calculate everything. It is not as simple as some people try to make it sound. If proper timing is not closely monitored or the wrong product used in an area not designated safe, a lot can go wrong. 

It is extremely important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. A cheap price tag might be appealing but if they truly do not have an understanding of plant and insect biology and the chemical makeup of products, you will pay for it in the long run.

I picked up some grass seed that can be planted in heavy shade and at any time of the year and get full results! This is going to be easy! FALSE

Unfortunately, there is no grass that can truly thrive in heavily shaded areas. If you go to state park, look around and see how much grass is growing in the woods. Chances are you will see moss, ferns, and other plants...but not grass. Grass needs at least 8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Heavily shaded areas require a lot of care to build up the turf. 

Irrigation, seeding timing, and soil preparation all need to be carefully analyzed to ensure that any seed has a chance to germinate and grow. 

I saw on the TV that the bee population is dying and that pesticides have killed them all. FALSE

The USDA has released a study showing that the bee population has actually been on the rise over the last 10 years! The number one killer of bees are mites. Mites are tiny insects or parasites that attach themselves to the bee and live off of the bee. Many bee keepers use pesticides to kill the mites that have infected their bee colonies. 

The EPA and other governing agencies including the Office of the Indiana State Chemist have put strict regulations into place regarding the use of pesticides around bees and other pollinators. We are always looking out for our little bee friends. You can find out more about what we are doing to help the bees in our blog "Our Commitment To Bees!"
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Here at Bowman's Pro Turf, Co. we take pride in working with our customers to provide the best quality service in the Wabash Valley. We are not going to sell you something that you do not need, that will not work, or you do not want. When anyone calls us, we provide the facts. We work to ensure the integrity of the Lawn Care Industry is upheld. We work to provide an experience that builds trust and confidence in our company. Anything less is unacceptable. 

From our 28 years in the Lawn Care Industry, to constantly attending training, we have the knowledge and understanding to properly address your lawn care needs.  

We would love to hear back from you! Leave comments below or write us on our Facebook page. We also have a new website! Be sure follow us on Instagram and Twitter! 

Mowing Tips

I want to let you in on an industry secret. Having a dense and healthy lawn with minimal weeds begins with you! One of the simplest ways that you can begin to achieve the yard that you desire is by adjusting your mowing habits. Here are some important tips to follow that will help give you a head start this season on your lawn.

Mowing Height

I have seen too many residential lawns cut to look like a putting green. This needs to stop happening. In general, we recommend to our customers that they mow between 3 and 3.5 inches. There are several reasons that mowing height affects turf health. Mowing too low is known as "scalping" and can create brown areas that are often misidentified as diseases or other non-related causes. 

One of the biggest benefits to a taller turf is that it allows for the plant to build a stronger and deeper root system. This root system will be beneficial for building a dense turf, maintaining turf performance during drought, and limit weed competition. 

When assessing the mowing height of your lawn, we suggest that you DO NOT rely on the setting of your mower alone. Start your mower and cut a small strip and check that area with a ruler or tape measure. The deck setting on mowers are just a gauge and not a true height of the cut. Even if your mower says 3 or 4 that simply is just a guide and not the actual height of the cut. 

Infrequent Mowing

It takes a long time to mow. Sometimes it is easier to let your lawn go for a few weeks until you cannot stand to look at it any longer. You go out to mow and the tall grass bogs down your mower, giant clumps of grass are left all over your lawn, and you feel exhausted. While you might think that this is only a visual eyesore for your lawn, it is a very big problem for the overall health of your lawn. The stress caused on the turf from infrequent mowing is detrimental to plant health that will allow for more weed competition.

When mowing, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the blade in one mowing. If your desired mowing height is 3 inches you should be sure to mow before the grass is over 4.5 inches tall. 

Do Not Bag!

When you mow, the cut part of the leaf will fall back to the ground and return valuable nutrients to the soil. If you bag after each mowing, you are depriving your lawn of these nutrients that promote dense growth. The same goes with in the fall when the leaves fall. While it may not look the nicest if you mulch all of the leaves in your lawn, you are doing a huge favor in providing your lawn with extra nutrients that will be needed to last through the winter. 

Dull Mower Blades

One last tip that we suggest is to sharpen mower blades often. A dull mower blade will tear the leaf of grass instead of providing a clean cut. If your blades are dull, you will notice that the top of the blade looks frayed and white or brown. A dull mower blade will result in the plant to lose more water, heal slower, and have poor aesthetics. 

Dull mower blades leave turf damaged and frayed.

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We hope that you find these tips helpful in maintaining a healthy lawn. If you have any questions feel free to call us or visit our website for more information.

Our website has a new look! Check it out at www.bowmansproturf.com

Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @BowmansProTurf and Instagram @Bowmans_Pro_Turf. 

Our Commitment to Bees!

Over the last several years a lot of focus has been put on the health of pollinators and more specifically, bees! We have the same concerns as everyone when it comes to keeping our pollinator population healthy.

We are excited to announce that Bowman's Pro Turf, Co. and Bayer are partnering together to help protect the pollinator health in the Wabash Valley!

Feed A Bee Initiative

Together with Bayer, we are offering the opportunity for all of our customers to be involved in the Feed A Bee Initiative.

"Feed a Bee is an initiative started by Bayer to create forage areas with a diversity of bee-attractant plants for honey bees. In 2015, thousands of individuals joined Feed a Bee efforts to provide bees with plentiful food options. We are now collaborating with more than 70 agricultural, university, non-profit and other organizations and businesses to provide an abundant diversity of forage for bees and to help in bee forage research and education efforts." - www.beehealth.bayer.us 

Seed Packets

We are very excited that in 2016, we will be providing all of our customers with a packet of pollinator wildflower seeds through the Feed A Bee program. We want to share these seed packets with as many people in the Wabash Valley to help spread the awareness of the importance of pollinators and bees. These seed packets are intended to be planted in the flower beds of homes all over the Wabash Valley to help promote bee health and pollinator population growth.

Bayer had a goal of planting 50 million wildflowers for pollinators and to date they have planted over 65 million. We are proud to be a part of their initiative to help grow that number!


There are several ways that we actively work to protect pollinators.

EPA Pollinator Label

1. Read and follow all labeled instructions- The EPA issued new labeling instructions specific to pollinators. Below is an example of what this looks like. It is very important for ANYONE who uses any type of pesticide to follow all label instruction. The label is the law and if it is not followed properly, the damage done harms more than the environment.
   
   
   
2. Apply products at appropriate times- We work to ensure that when we apply products that they are applied at a time when bees and other pollinators are not foraging. Most pollinators like to forage for food during the hottest times of the day. We are always looking for pollinators during our applications and make sure to avoid applying products that would potentially cause harm when they are most active.
   
   
3. Attend education sessions about pollinators- To maintain our pesticide applicator licenses we must attend educational sessions to stay current on what is happening in the industry. During these sessions we gain valuable information about how to best protect the environment while providing our services.

If you have any questions about how you can become involved in the Feed A Bee initiative, please let us know. You can also visit their website here.

Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @BowmansProTurf and Instagram @Bowmans_Pro_Turf.