June 2009
HOT TOPICS at HGIC
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Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that is probably the number one weed problem for homeowners in their lawns and gardens. Crabgrass is low growing, spreading from a central growing point. It can quickly take over bare spots and thin areas in sunny lawns. Many people confuse it with wiregrass. Wiregrass is a perennial grassy weed that has long trailing stems. Wiregrass is very invasive and can only be controlled with a non-selective herbicide. Fortunately crabgrass is much easier to manage.
Crabgrass seed lies dormant over winter in the soil and quickly germinates as soon as the daily temperatures consistently reach the 70’s. Many homeowners apply a crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide to their lawns in March and April to prevent it from germinating. It is now too late to apply such a pre emergent herbicide. Hand-dig crabgrass from landscape beds and lawns. If hand-digging is an over whelming task there are herbicides labeled for post-emergent control of crabgrass. Always follow the label directions. Mowing your cool season grass lawn (bluegrass and fescues) too short is a sure invitation for crabgrass to invade it. Remember to keep your lawn mowed at the proper height of 2-3 inches and mow frequently enough to remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade per mowing.
Care of Spring-flowering Bulbs
Did you know that how Spring-flowering bulbs are treated after they have bloomed can either strengthen or weaken their bloom for next year? After blooming, it is best to remove the spent blossom so it will not put energy into developing seed. This chore may not be possible when you have hundreds of bulbs to care for. More importantly permitting the leaves to mature after blooming is recommended.
The green leaves above ground produce food that is transported and stored to the lower portion of the leaves, which is the bulb. Therefore the leafy green growth that remains a few weeks after blooming is extremely important. Many gardeners consider them unsightly and cut them off. This practice weakens the bulb and dramatically reduces bloom quality the next spring.
After bloom, allow the leaves to persist until they turn yellow, then you may remove them if you want. Bulb vigor can be enhanced by broadcasting a general purpose granular fertilizer such as 5-10-5 around the plants at this time. Drought will also affect bulb quality, later this summer if we experience a drought remember to water the areas where your bulbs are planted.
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle from Asia that attacks ash trees. It has been found in Prince George's and Charles Counties, Maryland. It has killed many millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. The Maryland Department of Agriculture needs your help in locating possible infested ash trees and stopping the movement of the emerald ash borer into other areas . Read more on our EAB page!
Gypsy Moth
The gypsy moth is by far the most destructive pest of forest and shade trees in Maryland. MDA is planning to spray about 38,454 acres in 14 counties and Baltimore City this year. The majority of the acreage to be treated is in Western Maryland. Frederick, Washington, Baltimore, Cecil and Allegany are the counties with most proposed acreage to be sprayed. Spraying will begin around the last weekend in April and go through the end of May. The spray activities get underway in the early morning, around dawn. Private, state and federal land will be sprayed, and written notifications were sent to property owners in and near spray blocks.
The toll free numbers will be updated as new information becomes available: Baltimore County and east, 800-492-2105; Carroll Co. and west, 800-492-2106. More information on MDA's gypsy moth program. See our gypsy moth page for more information.
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