Here are some basic tips to help get your St. Augustine lawn ready for fall and the colder winter months.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fungus Identification
Many St. Augustine grasses are known for their adaptability to shade. They are often planted under trees and below overhangs where other grasses simply won't survive. This is an appealing feature for selecting a St. Augustine for a less-than-ideal landscape. But with the pluses come the minuses. Shade and moisture can lead to fungus in any turfgrass. This months Landscape Contractor Magazine has some detailed photos and descriptions to help you diagnose your problem. Click the magazine cover below to read the story.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Natural Grass Beats Synthetic in NFL Player Survey
Yearly statistics show that an overwhelming majority of players in the National Football League prefer natural grass. The number remains constant year after year, despite advances in artificial turf technology. The stats are based on natural grass versus the newest generation variety of synthetic turf that uses infill.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.
Some other key statistics from the survey:
• Which surface is more likely to contribute to injury? o 84.8% of respondents said artificial infilled turf.
• Which surface is more likely to cause more soreness and fatigue? o 91% of respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to shorten career? o 92.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
• Which surface is more likely to impact quality of life after playing days are over? o 61.6% of the respondents said infilled artificial turf.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Southern Living's "Picture a Greener Lawn"
Southern Living April 2009 Edition article on many of Sod Solutions' grass varieties by Rebecca Bull Reed. Click the link to download the article. The article has been reprinted with permission.
Sapphire St. Augustine is headed west. Valley Sod Farm in North Hills, California has aquired a license from Sod Solutions to grow the finer-bladed St. Augustine variety. This partnership will open western markets to a grass that has become widely used on the east coast.
"We loved the fact that Sapphire is so soft. It grows fast laterally and has an excellent color," said Dan Gibson, owner of Valley Sod Farm. "All of these qualities make this a successful grass, both for residential and commercial landscapes. Sapphire as it is touted, is a lawn to live on."
Gibson said his plans are to plant out Sapphire this spring. He believes the grass will be ready for sale sometime in mid to late summer.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sapphire St. Augustine a Hit In Big Box Stores
That beautiful, jade green grass you see sitting in a pallet at Home Depot or Lowe's is likely Sapphire St. Augustine. Sapphire has become a staple grass in "big box" stores throughout the Southeast.
"Lowe's and Home Depot want a great homeowners grass. Sapphire not only makes for an outstanding lawn, but it self-repairs so rapidly that many people will buy a small amount just to do some patching in their yards," said Mike Pope, sales manager for Bethel Farms. Bethel, based in Arcadia, Florida, is one of the largest producers of Sapphire in the Southeast. "Those qualities are just what the two home improvement giants are looking for."
Sapphire St. Augustine is the only high performance, finer blade St. Augustine in the world. It features fast lateral growth, durability and less maintenance once established. It tolerates shade, salt and drought while featuring excellent color retention. Be sure to ask for it by name at a Home Depot of Lowe's near you.
Monday, December 01, 2008
On the Road with Sapphire
One look will tell you that Sapphire St. Augustine is "a lawn to live on." That was the message conveyed to drivers throughout Florida at times during 2007 and 2008. Sod Solutions implemented roadside advertising of Sapphire during the past two years resulting in more brand awareness. Sapphire billboards and posters were found in Florida's largest cities in 2007. In 2008, Sod Solutions focused on a two hotbeds of sales: Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Monday, April 28, 2008
FSGC Convenes in Ft. Pierce for Annual Field Day
On an emerald green field of Sapphire St. Augustine, members of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative gathered at the end of April for the annual FSGC Field Day. This years gathering took place at Bethel Farms Ft. Pierce property. Representatives rolled in (or in one case, flew in) from across the state for 2008's get-together.
From reel mowers and chemical distributors to turf rollers and harvesters, the Field Day showcased turf industry equipment from around the world. Demonstrations gave even better insight into the latest technology the industry has to offer. The day under the South Florida sun was not only informative, but as usual, the event was a great chance for the movers and shakers in the Florida turf business to talk face to face about the issues facing the industry today.
The big news of the day was the unveiling of the logo for the new St. Augustine, CaptivaTM. Captiva is resistant to chinch bugs and to the sod web worm. The release of the grass itself is expected in the near future.
An exceptional barbeque lunch wrapped up the afternoon and brought the field day to a close. Congratulations on another successful exposition in 2008. Special thanks to Bethel Farms and to the board of the FSGC for all of their hard work and dedication.
In a 2008 survey of 1,565 active players from all 32 teams in the league, 71.7% of players said they prefer to play on natural grass compared to 15% who prefer artificial infilled turf. 11% indicated they had no preference. These athletes have played on all varieties of natural and artificial grass at facilities throughout the league and consistently advocate their preference for the real thing.