Understanding your Lawn: St. Augustine Grass By Mario Villarino
Understanding your lawn: St Augustine grass
As our temperatures steadily increase and maintain temperatures, so is our desire and interest in the garden and lawns. After last weekend, the consultations coming to the extension offices related to lawn issues increased significantly. Common questions related St. Augustine grass lawns. St Agustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), is a perennial robust grass widely used for pastures and lawns. In the warmer climates of the tropics and subtropics it rivals bermudagrass in importance. St. Augustine grass is adapted to moist, coastal areas with mild winter temperatures. It is known to be tolerant of high summer temperatures, and St. Augustine grass retains its color at temperatures as much as 10° lower than those which discolor bermudagrass.
St. Augustine grass tolerates moderate shade, being as good or better than other warm season grasses for shaded sites. However, under densely shaded conditions, St. Augustine grass develops thin, spindly turf. So long as fertility and drainage are adequate, St. Augustine grass tolerates a wide range of soil types. St. Augustine grass grows satisfactorily at a pH range from 5.0 to 8.5, but develops a chlorotic appearance in highly alkaline soils (above pH 7.5). It does not tolerate compacted or waterlogged soil conditions. St. Augustine grass is highly tolerant of soil salinity, producing satisfactory growth at salt levels as high as 16 mmhos. Bermudagrass will tolerate only slightly higher salt levels.
St. Augustine grass is used primarily for lawns as it does not tolerant traffic as well as some other warm season species. It produces satisfactory turf at moderate levels of maintenance, effectively competes with weeds and other grasses and has only a few serious pests. After establishment the success of St. Augustine grass as a lawn grass depends largely on management. Mowing, fertilization and supplemental watering are required to maintain a dense, green, weed-free turf of St. Augustine grass. The growth rate of St. Augustine grass is dependent on temperature, moisture availability and nutrient availability. Any one of these factors can limit the rate of growth of this species. In the spring with mild daytime temperatures and cool night temperatures, St. Augustine grass greens up, but makes little growth. As day and night temperatures increase during late spring and summer, the growth rate increases.
Thus, an established turf of St. Augustine grass may require mowing every 2 weeks in early spring and as often as every five days by late spring if nitrogen fertilizer is applied. St. Augustine grass is responsive to nitrogen fertilizer in terms of color and growth rate. On sandy soils St. Augustine grass requires about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month during the growing season to maintain satisfactory color and density. At rates above 1 pound per 1,000 square feet, St. Augustine grass produces lush growth that is highly susceptible to insects and diseases. On heavier textured soils 1/2 pound of nitrogen every month is adequate to maintain good color and growth. Thatch accumulation is also a problem when nitrogen fertilization exceeds the required rate.
Pests. Several insect pests cause serious damage to St. Augustine grass lawns. The Southern lawn chinch bug is the most serious pest on St. Augustine grass where the insect if active most of the year. In other states it ranks among the most serious pests along with SAD, brownpatch and white grub.
Timely applications of insecticides will control chinch bugs. Two or more treatments are required during the growing season in most areas, and as many as 5 or 6 may be required in some areas. White grub are also a serious pest on St. Augustine grass lawns. The grubs are the larvae of the May beetle or June bug that develop in the summer and fall just below the soil surface. The grubs feed on roots of St. Augustine grass and cause significant losses of turf during some years.
Damage usually appears the following year as dead areas of grass that can be easily lifted from the lawn. Grub control is difficult since the larvae are often quite large when detected and feed below the soil surface. Also, for them to be effective, insecticides must be drenched into the soil where the insects feed. Since some insecticides are tightly bound to the thatch layer of St. Augustine grass, drenching the material into the soil is difficult.
St. Augustine grass is susceptible to a number of turfgrass diseases including brownpatch, SAD, gray leaf spot, Helminthosporium, Pythium, rust, downy mildew and others. All of these diseases, except SAD, are caused by fungi and can be controlled by good management and fungicides. SAD is a virus disease for which there is no chemical control. Only resistant varieties of St. Augustine grass are effective against this disease. Floratam, Seville, Raleigh and several experimental varieties have shown good resistance to the SAD virus.
Brownpatch and gray leaf spot are the most serious diseases caused by fungi attacking St. Augustine grass. Although these diseases rarely kill St. Augustine, they severely weaken and thin the grass to the degree that the lawn is unsightly. Preventive applications of fungicides are most effective against these diseases.
A healthy St. Augustine grass lawn effectively crowds out most weeds. But St. Augustine grass that is not properly maintained or is weakened by insects or disease can be invaded by grassy and broadleaved weeds. Cool season weeds such as henbit, chickweed and clover are a serious problem in dormant St. Augustine grass. These weeds can be controlled by hormone-type herbicides in early spring.
Annual grassy weeds such as fescue, annual bluegrass and crabgrass are best controlled by timely applications of preemergence herbicides. Perennial grasses such as dallisgrass and bermudagrass are difficult to control in St. Augustine grass turf. Nonselective products can be applied as directed sprays to these weeds to obtain control. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email [email protected].
Coming UP
Basic Vegetable Training with the Hopkins County Master Gardeners, Tuesday April 24, 2018 at the Hopkins County Extension Office 7:00 to 9:00 PM. $10 at the door.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Atmos Energy to Perform Routine Maintenance/Flare in April 2018
Atmos Energy to Flare Natural Gas in Sulphur Springs
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (April 3, 2018) – Atmos Energy crews and contractors will oversee a controlled natural gas flaring beginning April 3rd from approximately 7 a..m. to 7 p.m. at the intersection of Hopkins County Road 2319, just east of FM 1870. It is expected to last approximately two days while the company works on a a section of natural gas pipeline in the area as part of normal, routine maintenance operations.
If further work is needed, an additional flaring will be conducted April 10 – 12th, 2018.
“Flaring” is a standard industry practice to safely burn natural gas that must be removed from a specific section of pipeline so employees can work on the pipe. People in the area will notice a large, controlled flame and moderate noise during this process. Atmos Energy employees will be on site to monitor the process as natural gas is vented into the atmosphere.
The Hopkins County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer Fire Departments in the area, 911 operators and city and county officials are being advised of the flaring prior to the work beginning April 3rd.
For an informational video explaining why Atmos Energy performs flaring operations click, here.
Wildcat Baseball to Play Greenville
Farmers say it’s too wet to plow. It’s also too wet to play baseball at new Wildcat Park on this game day Thursday (March 29). Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack said Greenville’s baseball field is in playable condition so the Wildcats game, varsity only, is moving to Greenville at 7 p.m. Thursday. To complete the switch, in the second round of district play on April 24, that game will be at Wildcat Park instead of Greenville. The Wildcats are off to a good start in district play with a 3-0 record. Their season record is 10-7 and the Wildcats have won seven straight games. Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack is expected to pitch either Ryan Humphries or Triston McCormick Thursday against Greenville and again the game will be in Greenville Thursday (March 29) at 7 p.m.
Ladycats Soccer to Play Wylie East
The Lady Cats’ soccer team is hoping to extend their season as they play Wylie East in a bi-district playoff soccer match Thursday (March 29) at 6 p.m. at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium in Rockwall. The Lady Cats finished in third place in district while Wylie East ended up second in their district. The Lady Cats were 7-5 in district play and they have a 15-7-3 season record. The winner of Thursday’s bi-district game will play the winner of a Prosper and Frisco game also being played Thursday evening.
Wildcats Soccer to Play Lovejoy
The Wildcats’ soccer team plays Lovejoy again this year in a bi-district playoff match Thursday (March 29) at 7 p.m. at Pirate Stadium on the campus of Wylie East. The Wildcats are the four seed in their district while Lovejoy is a district champ. On KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins said that Lovejoy is a solid team with no apparent weaknesses. He said the Wildcats would have their work cut out for them. Coach Wiggins said the Wildcats would have to prepare and play as well as they can. He said the Leopards lost their best player last year, Cal Cranfill, to graduation. The Dallas Morning News is touting Benji Merrick as a player to watch. Coach Wiggins said former Wildcat Coach Andy Holt, now at Frisco Wakeland, said Lovejoy is just like a Frisco team with their team full of club ball players who all can touch the ball and can play multiple positions.
Coach Wiggins said the Wildcats have played well lately. He said they have been involved in some intense games including the 1-0 victory over Hallsville that wrapped up a playoff spot. Coach Wiggins said he liked the Wildcats’ chances. He said the Wildcats would need to win balls in the air, avoid turnovers, limit mistakes and play good and hard. Taking inspiration from recent March Madness Basketball, Coach Wiggins said #1 doesn’t always beat #4. The Wildcats are 13-12 for the season including a 6-6 district record.
The winner of this bi-district contest will face the winner of a Lake Dallas and Frisco Lone Star match also played Thursday evening. We will bring you Wildcats Soccer versus Lovejoy live on KSST Radio from Wylie. We will also videotape the game for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – To Open New Parking Garage
TYLER, TX – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System will open their newly constructed 850-space parking garage on Dawson street to improve ease of access for patients and visitors to the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler.
“The older garage facility has served the hospital and our patients very well, but it was important that we relocate and improve the parking structure to allow for the construction of the new Bradley-Thompson Tower to begin in full” said Jason Proctor, Chief Operating Officer of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler.
The new garage was built to accommodate the logistical and vehicle needs of hospital and clinic patients, families and visitors, and it is open and ready to help improve the ability of all those who visit the Tyler campus to access the treatments and services they need.
“The new garage opening is a huge help to the flow of traffic, a convenience for visitors and an important first step in the ongoing expansion of the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler campus,” said Proctor. “We are incredibly excited to open this new garage and take a huge step toward the finalization of the new Bradley-Thompson Tower being constructed where the old garage is currently located.”
For the ease of those using the new garage, there will be a clearly defined and partially covered walkway from the garage to the hospital entrance. However, because it may be more difficult for some patients or visitors to walk the distance from the new garage, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System will be offering shuttle service from the garage to the hospital’s front door every 5-7 minutes.
The new garage is part of a multi-million-dollar expansion project that includes the new 200,000 (actually 190,000 but what’s 10,000 SF)-square-foot Bradley-Thompson Tower to be built on the South side of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler, with a skywalk leading to a new garage across Dawson Street. The Tower will house a state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center, advanced Intensive Care Units and multiple support departments, as well as space for future growth. Construction of the tower is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2020.
“This expansion project will build on a legacy of more than 80 years of critical care service to the people of Northeast Texas that was set forth by our Founding Congregations and the caregivers here when they opened a day early to care for the victims of the New London School disaster,” said Chris Glenney, FACHE, Senior Vice President of Group Operations for CHRISTUS Health, Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Health Northeast and President of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “This organization has completed a lot of important projects; each one of which has had outstanding community support. This expansion is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by this health system, and we cannot do this without the support of the Northeast Texas community. This project is future-focused and patient-centered, enabling us to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ for generations to come.”
The 60-Plus Health Fair is Coming to FBC “The Roc” on Tuesday April 3
‘The Roc” at 115 Putman Street across from First Baptist Church in downtown Sulphur Springs will host the free Health Fair on April 3, 2018 from 9am until 12 noon
Serving the senior citizens community is just one of the many hats worn by Fred Lewis, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. He approaches this annual spring event, the 60-Plus Health Fair, with the same enthusiasm and joy as his varied opportunities to serve his community and congregation. He invites you to take advantage of this helpful, resource-rich health fair on Tuesday morning, April 3, from 9 am til noon at ‘The Roc’, 115 Putman Street near downtown Sulphur Springs.
The gym-sized venue will be filled with vendors who work in the medical and care-giving community. Health screenings and a wide variety of health-related information will be available free of charge, from simple screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol checks to more specialized needs like foot checks for diabetics and the latest in mobility equipment. Chair massages, freshly baked cookies and helpful household gadgets will also be offered at various vendor booths. Sign up for door prizes; these will be awarded at 11:45am just before the close of the fair.
This is Fred Lewis’ 37th year serving the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community through his work at First Baptist Church. Although a Florida native, Fred became a Texan when he attended Baylor University. He met his wife Linda while attending Southwestern Seminary in Ft Worth. After pastoring churches in the northeastern part of the United States, he returned to Texas at the invitation of Dr. Redmon. He joined the SSFBC staff in 1981 and they have made their permanent home in Sulphur Springs. Lewis feels that Sulphur Springs is blessed with great people and bountiful resources that benefit senior citizens.
Fred Lewis, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs
Chamber Connection March 29, 2018
It’s almost here! The 29th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club on Friday, April 13th. Just like last year, we will have morning and afternoon tee times. Please consider bringing a team and enjoying a very fun day of golf and prizes! We have limited availability, so let us know as soon as possible if interested. Give us a call at (903) 885-6515 for additional information!
Rock Creek Health & Rehab is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt
Rock Creek Health & Rehab is hosting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 30th at 2 p.m. You are welcomed to bring your children and enjoy the hunt! Rock Creek Health & Rehab is located at 1414 College Street in Sulphur Springs.
Heart of Hope is hosting a 3K and Family Fun Run
Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center located at 407 South Davis in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a 3K & Family Fun Run on Saturday, April 7th beginning at Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. Check-in and on site late registration will be available at 9:00 a.m. The 3K Run will kick off at 10:00 a.m., and the Family Fun Run (1/2 mile) starts at 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration deadline is March 22 in which the Family Fun Run cost is $10, and the 3K cost is $20. Late registration costs change to $15 and $25 respectively. Awards will be given to the top 3 qualifiers of the 3K Race at 11:15 a.m. For more information, visit www.sulphurspringspregnancy.com.
Pilot Club hosts their Spring Fundraiser
The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs is hosting their Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, April 7th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. They are doing it “Branson Style” with music and entertainment by Robert Joe Vandygriff. A $30 ticket includes meal and entertainment. $5.00 also buys chances for themed gift baskets and a trip for two. Tickets can be purchased through Pay Pal at www.sspilotclub.org. For additional information call (903) 348-5099, (903) 243-0979, or (903) 438-7153.
Cedar Canyon hosts the Inaugural Veteran’s Freedom Ball
Cedar Canyon is hosting the Inaugural Hopkins County Veteran’s Freedom Ball on April 7 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event is to honor our active and retired Military here in Hopkins County and, equally as important – to raise money for continued maintenance, upkeep, and updates to the Memorial and to engrave the remaining names of Veterans on the Walls. The entire debt in building this $1.2 million Memorial was retired within the first three years; however, there is no perpetual funding available. The goal with this very first Freedom Ball is to breathe new life into the Memorial Committee, raise awareness in the community for the needs of the Memorial itself, and to engrave the remaining 2000 names on the Walls. Several hundred visitors come each year to the Plaza in Sulphur Springs to see this amazing, moving, and beautiful tribute. For pricing and ticket information, visit www.hcfreedomball.com.
Carriage House Manor is hosting a Senior Brunch
Carriage House Manor is hosting a National Healthcare Decisions Day Senior Brunch to learn the benefits of advance care planning. It will be held on Monday, April 9th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center located at 150 Martin Luther King Drive in Sulphur Springs. This event is free to all seniors and includes brunch.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls will hold their grand opening and ribbon cutting
To kick-off the flea market style and swap, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Celebration on April 12th, 12:00 p.m. at The Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Early shopping will begin immediately following the ribbon cutting until 6 p.m. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market Style/Swap on April 12-14, at 8:00 a.m.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market style/swap event April 12, 13 & 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Vendors are wanted as well as shoppers and “junque” lovers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Early shopping will be held on Thursday April 12th from noon to 6, and the first 50 shoppers will be presented a goody bag filled with donations by local merchants. The entry fee on Thursday is $10 and will go to the “Save the Trolley” fund. The entry fee on Friday and Saturday is $5. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
The 6th Annual Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is scheduled for April 14th
The 6th Annual Tanner Higgins 5 Mile Warrior Run and One Mile Grunt Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th at Cooper Lake State Park. Registration is being held until April 13th for $45. You may also register the day of the race for $50, and the Grunt Race will be $25. Warrior Run Registration includes race chip timing and a race day t-shirt. For additional information, visit www.tannerstonehiggins.com.
CANHelp prepares for their annual tennis tournament
CANHelp is preparing for their Fourth Annual Play It Forward Tennis Tournament and fundraiser which is scheduled on Saturday, April 14th at the Sulphur Springs High School Tennis Courts located at 1200 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Entry forms are available at CANHelp, 613 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, or online at www.canhelponline.org. Proceeds from this event will allow CANHelp to continue to provide important services to the residents of Hopkins County in times of need. All ages and skill levels are welcomed. The tournament is round robin style with doubles play. Don’t miss this fun event benefiting a great cause!
History by Foot is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th
History by Foot with John Sellers is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th, at 10 a.m. Cost is $10.00 per person. Make reservation by emailing John Sellers at [email protected] or call CNB at 903-885-7523. Reservations are filling up fast!
Reilly Springs Jamboree welcomes Jack’s Western Swing Round Up
The Reilly Springs Jamboree, Hopkins County’s original music venue, presents Jack’s Western Swing Round Up on Saturday, April 21st at 7 p.m. Jack Phillips and his friends will entertain throughout the evening, and it shouldn’t be missed! The Reilly Springs Community Center is located at 109 CR 1439 in Sulphur Springs. For additional information contact Allison Phillips at (903) 348-7321, Enola Gay at (903) 438-3568, or visit www.jackphillipsmusic.com.
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra presents Family Music Night
The Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra presents a Family Music Night on Friday, April 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Shannon Oaks Church, located at 1113 Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs. This event is free to the public. Come enjoy movie themed and great classical music performances by local musicians. Children are welcomed to dress as their favorite movie characters. For more information, call (903) 261-7907, or email [email protected].
Ribbon Cuttings:
Tim Halcomb Allstate hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Tim Halcomb Allstate hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, March 28th at noon. Their office is located at 319 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Tim and his crew are ready to help you with all your insurance needs. For more information, contact their office at (903) 886-0500.
Blooming Where They Are Planted:The Annual Plant Sale 25th Anniversary
The Teen Department of the Church of the Nazarene will benefit from the annual “truckload” Plant Sale during April 5, 6 and 7 from sunrise to sunset. The greenhouse-fresh bedding plants will be placed in rows on the lawn of the church at 1300 League Street, so feel free to browse and pick your favorites. Most bedding plants will be sold by the flat, and various types of ferns and healthy pot plants will also be offered. Proceeds benefit activities planned by the Teen Department of the Church of the Nazarene.
