Are You A Lawn Guru?

Grubs are the insect that eats at the lawn's roots. Grubs are the larvae of beetles and they feed on the grassroots, causing damage to the lawn. They are commonly found in the soil and can be a common problem for lawns.

Aeration/overseeding is the best beneficial service you can perform to your lawn annually. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots, promoting healthy growth. Overseeding, on the other hand, involves spreading new grass seeds over the existing lawn to fill in thin or bare spots. This helps to improve the overall density and appearance of the lawn. By combining these two practices, you can effectively rejuvenate your lawn, improve its health, and promote a lush and vibrant appearance.

The correct answer is phosphorus. In the context of fertilizer NPK, the P stands for phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and is responsible for promoting root development, flower formation, and overall plant growth. It plays a crucial role in energy transfer and storage within the plant, as well as in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Therefore, phosphorus is an important component of fertilizers to ensure healthy and vigorous plant growth.

Snow mold is a disease that commonly occurs following a harsh winter. This fungal disease affects lawns and can be identified by the presence of gray or pink patches of mold on the grass. Snow mold thrives in cold, wet conditions, making it more prevalent after a winter with heavy snowfall. The fungus damages the grass, causing it to become matted and discolored. Therefore, snow mold is the most likely disease to occur after a harsh winter.

Dandelion is the correct answer because it is a weed that has two growing cycles annually. Dandelions typically have a spring growing season where they produce flowers and seeds, and then a fall growing season where they produce a second round of flowers and seeds. This allows dandelions to spread and reproduce more effectively throughout the year.

The frequency of watering the lawn depends on various factors such as the type of grass, climate, soil type, and rainfall. It is important to consider the moisture needs of the lawn and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. If there is sufficient rainfall, watering may not be required as often. Therefore, the correct answer is "depends on mother nature" as it emphasizes the importance of considering natural conditions before determining the frequency of watering the lawn.

Creeping Charlie is a weed that spreads rapidly throughout lawns, similar to a vine, and is difficult to eliminate. It is known for its ability to quickly take over large areas of grass, forming dense mats that can smother other plants. Creeping Charlie has long, trailing stems that root at nodes, allowing it to spread and establish new plants easily. Its aggressive growth habit and resilience make it challenging to get rid of, often requiring multiple treatments to effectively control and remove from the lawn.

Chinch bugs are considered surface insects because they primarily live and feed on the surface of lawns and grasses. They are known to cause damage by sucking the sap from the grass, causing it to turn yellow and die. Chinch bugs can be commonly found in warm and dry areas, particularly in the southern regions of the United States.

Quack grass is commonly confused with crab grass. Both grasses have similar growth habits and can be difficult to distinguish from each other. Quack grass is a perennial grass that spreads through underground rhizomes, while crab grass is an annual grass that spreads through seeds. They both have similar appearance and can be invasive in lawns and gardens. Therefore, quack grass is the type of grass commonly confused with crab grass.

Cutting and watering can be considered cultural practices because they involve intentional human intervention in the maintenance and care of plants. These activities are carried out to promote the growth, health, and aesthetic appeal of plants in a specific area. Unlike natural processes, such as weeding and feeding, sodding, and de-thatching, cutting and watering require human effort and are done with a specific purpose in mind.

Violets commonly spread from gardens to lawns. Violets have a creeping habit and produce seeds that can be easily dispersed by wind, animals, or water. They also have rhizomes, which are underground stems that allow them to spread and establish new plants. Violets are known for their ability to adapt to different environments, including lawns, and can quickly colonize an area if not controlled. Therefore, violets are a common flower that spreads from gardens to lawns.

A leather jacket is the name of the larval stage of a crane fly. During this stage, the crane fly larvae are often found in damp soil or decaying organic matter. Once they mature, they will transform into adult crane flies. Therefore, the correct answer is crane fly.

Roundup is the correct answer because it is a brand name for a herbicide that contains glyphosate, which was not included in the Ontario Pesticide Ban. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has faced controversy due to its potential health and environmental effects. However, it was not included in the ban, allowing its continued use in Ontario.

Bent grass is the most commonly seen type of grass at golf courses. It is preferred for its fine texture, ability to withstand frequent mowing, and ability to tolerate close mowing heights. Bent grass provides a smooth and consistent playing surface, making it ideal for golf courses.

The correct answer is "potassium." In the context of fertilizer, NPK refers to the three essential elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These elements are crucial for plant growth and development. Potassium helps regulate various physiological processes in plants, such as water uptake, nutrient transportation, and enzyme activation. It also contributes to the overall health, disease resistance, and fruit quality of plants. Therefore, the K in NPK fertilizer represents potassium.

The correct answer is crane fly.

Crab grass is the correct answer because it is a type of weed that is known to thrive in areas with ample sunlight, such as boulevards and edges. It is a common weed that can quickly spread and take over lawns and gardens if not properly controlled.

The best time to plant new grass seed is in the spring. This is because the soil temperature is warm enough for the seeds to germinate and grow successfully. Additionally, spring provides a good balance of moisture from rain and mild temperatures, which are ideal conditions for grass seed to establish strong roots. Planting in the spring allows the grass to grow and develop before the hot summer months, ensuring a healthy and lush lawn.

Kentucky bluegrass should be maintained at a height of 2-3 inches in July to keep its color. This height allows the grass to maintain a healthy root system and withstand the summer heat while still providing enough leaf surface for photosynthesis. Mowing it too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and drought, while allowing it to grow too long can lead to a thatch buildup and a less vibrant color. Therefore, maintaining a height of 2-3 inches is ideal for the health and appearance of Kentucky bluegrass in July.

Dog urine is the worst chemical for your lawn because it contains high levels of nitrogen, which can burn and damage the grass. When dogs urinate on the lawn, it creates concentrated spots of urine that can cause the grass to turn yellow or brown and eventually die. Additionally, dog urine can also contribute to the growth of weeds and create an unpleasant odor in the lawn. Therefore, dog urine is considered the worst chemical for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn.

The correct answer is "poison ivy at the schools" because poison ivy is a harmful plant that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. It is important to remove poison ivy from school grounds to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. The other options mentioned, such as killing weeds on the lawn or crabgrass around edges, are not directly related to the potential health hazards posed by poison ivy. Therefore, addressing poison ivy at schools is a priority and justifies its separate mention.

Chinch bugs burrow in gardens during the winter. This is likely because gardens provide a suitable environment for them to survive and hibernate during the colder months. The vegetation and soil in gardens offer protection and insulation, allowing the chinch bugs to stay hidden and avoid extreme temperatures. Additionally, gardens may also provide a source of food for the chinch bugs, further incentivizing them to burrow in this location.