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GRASS TYPE PROS AND CONS BERMUDA PROS: Drought tolerant. Tolerant of heavy use. CONS: Needs more sun than other varieties. Common Bermuda can be invasive in flower beds. ZOYSIA PROS: Tolerant of heavy use. Some varieties of zoysia will do well in partial sun. CONS: Certain varieties need a little extra care when mowing to look their best. Most expensive warm-season grass, depending on cultivar. ST. AUGUSTINE PROS: Does well in partial sun. Wide leaf blades are favored by many homeowners. CONS: Vulnerable to chinch bugs, freeze damage and gray leaf spot. Limited availability. CENTIPEDE PROS: Can install as seed (more economical) or sod (among the lower priced). Lowest fertilizer requirement; 'thrives on neglect.' CONS: Natural yellowish-green color leads homeowners to increase nitrogen fertilization, which leads to centipede decline. Not tolerant of heavy use or shade. The differences lie in color, blade form, drought resistance, shade tolerance, etc. These grasses don't have as many problems as other grass varieties and can be found at many Central Georgia garden centers and sod producers. LOVE THE LAWN YOU'RE WITH For many of us, lawns may not be at the top of our priority list until problems occur. As with most things in life, it is easier to prevent the onset of problems rather than correct them. Lawns require a few things to keep them healthy and beautiful. In general, most turfgrasses thrive best in full sun. This is easy to accomplish in new spaces. For existing lawns, look up and see if there are some strategic lower tree limbs that might be removed to provide a sunnier environment. Grass needs regular irrigation to stay healthy and growing. As a general rule, provide about an inch of water once per week to an established lawn. Less frequent, deeper watering is preferred to develop a deeper root system and discourage thatch development, which can increase disease and insect problems. Those of us here at the Bibb County Extension Office preach what we call the "soil test gospel." We will share our secret: It is important to have the pH (measure of acidity/alkalinity) in the proper range for the plants' roots to properly absorb nutrients as fertilizer is applied during the growing season. The sample is fairly simple to take. The goal is to pull eight to 10 random samples of soil (4-6 inches deep) from within a given space, mix them together in a plastic bucket and bring about a sandwich bag full down to the Extension office at 145 First St. The analysis costs $8 and has a quick turn- around time. The soil test report will direct pH adjustments and detail how and when to fertilize. WEED AND FEED BE GONE Maintaining a strong, healthy lawn will go a long way to stave off weed and disease problems. Fertilizer should not be applied after August to the warm-season turfgrasses we grow in Central Georgia. September is the time to apply pre-emergence herbicide — to keep winter weeds from popping up. October is a strategic time to apply fungicide — to keep disease organisms at someone else's buffet. Curb appeal, of course, involves much more than a lovely lawn. In the next issue, we'll share some pointers on how to use ornamentals to achieve a professional look. Karol Kelly is an Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with Bibb County Extension. Please send questions about lawns or other topics to hello@ maconmagazine.com or call 478-751-6338 and tell them Macon Magazine sent you. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 | maconmagazine.com 109