What is a good Winterization Treatment in Georgia

[jallwine]

I have heard Lime and aeration, but is there anything else. If so could I get a semi detailed reason why so I can upsell it to my customers? Thanks!! Josh Allwine

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Josh, Our friend Steve would probably have a great response for you. Let me pm him about this.

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[swstout]

Originally Posted by jallwine

I have heard Lime and aeration, but is there anything else. If so could I get a semi detailed reason why so I can upsell it to my customers?

Thanks!!
Josh Allwine

First, you need to know what turf grass you are treating. If it is Centipede, do not fertilize with a nitrogen fertilizer. Treat with micro nutrients (I use Nature's Magic - http://www.natureslawn.com). 2nd check the lawn's pH. Lowe's sells a pH meter for about $10. Different turfs require different pH. Lime raises ph, sulfur or iron lowers pH.

I use Aerify (from the same company listed above for aeration. It's less messy, easy to apply and does a better job of aerating than mechanical aeration.
If turf is other than Centipede I use their liquid fertilizer (16-4-8).

If the lawn is Centipede do not use a fertilizer that contains phosphorous or potassium. Both do more harm to Centipede than good.

Steve

[Steve]

2nd check the lawn's pH. Lowe's sells a pH meter for about $10. Different turfs require different pH. Lime raises ph, sulfur or iron lowers pH.

What ph level should he be shooting for? When you need to make a correction with lime, sulfur or iron, how much should be applied and how long does it take to see a change in the ph level?

[swstout]

Originally Posted by Steve

What ph level should he be shooting for? When you need to make a correction with lime, sulfur or iron, how much should be applied and how long does it take to see a change in the ph level?

Mosser Lee
Soil Master Moisture, Light & pH Meter
One meter measures moisture, light and pH with just the flip of a switch.
The simple probe tester comes with easy to use instructions.
Test results are easily read and accurate.
Meter requires no batteries.
$9.98 at Lowes
Soil pH Levels for Grasses:

GRASS pH RANGES	pH - LOW	pH-HIGH
BAHIAGRASS ARGENTINE　 - PENSACOLA - TIFTON-9	6.0	7.5
BENTGRASS *****IAL &- CREEPING	5.6	7.0
BERMUDA HYBRIDS & COMMON	5.6	7.0
BLUEGRASS	5.7	7.4
BUFFALO	5.6	7.0
CARPETGRASS	6.0	8.0
CENTIPEDE	4.3	5.8
FESCUE RED & CREEPING	5.6	6.8
FESCUE TALL	5.6	7.0
RYE ANNUAL	5.8	7.4
PERENNIAL	5.8	7.4
ST. AUGUSTINE	6.3	7.8
ZOYSIA	5.5	7.0

　

It is best to limit applications to 50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.

Functions of Lime
Lime is primarily a soil amendment or conditioner and not a fertilizer, as is commonly thought. Lime performs several important functions:
1. Corrects soil acidity
2. Furnishes important plant nutrients—calcium and magnesium
3. Reduces the solubility and toxicity of certain elements in the soil such as aluminum, manganese, and iron. This toxicity could reduce plant growth under acid conditions
4. It promotes availability of major plant nutrients. Calcium acts as a regulator and aids in bringing about the desirable range of availability of many plant nutrients. Some elements which lime aids in regulating are zinc, copper, and especially phosphorus.
5. It increases bacterial activity and hence induces favorable soil structure and relationships. Soil structure is also improved by the addition of decayed organic matter or compost. The soil becomes more porous, increasing air circulation and the ability of the soil to absorb and hold moisture.

Pounds of Sulfur/1,000 sq. ft. to Lower pH to 6.5

If pH	Sandy Soil	Clavey Soil
8.5	35-45	45-60
8.0	25-35	35-50
7.5	10-15	20-25

It is best to limit applications to 5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.

Functions of Sulfur
The sulfur slowly breaks down (with help from oxygen from the air and water) to produce an acid that lowers the pH of the soil. The lower pH of the soil helps make the iron naturally in the soil more available to the grass as a nutrient. Iron helps provide a deep green color.
　
Steve

[Steve]

That is fantastic! Thank you Steve!

Josh I bet you get your lawn looking amazing in no time now!

[swstout]

Pounds of limestone/1,000 sq. ft. to raise pH to 6.5fficeffice" />>>

If pH>>	Sandy Soil>>	Loamy Soil>>	Clavey Soi>>
6.0>>	20>>	35>>	50>>
5.5>>	45>>	75>>	100>>
5.0>>	65>>	110>>	150>>
4.5>>	80>>	150>>	200>>
4.0>>	100>>	175>>	230>>

[jallwine]

WOW!! Thanks so much for your time Steve! I will be putting together some material tonight to market your suggestions. I will let you guys know how it goes!

[Steve]

I look forwards to it!