Disappearing Honeybees

The recent decline in honeybee populations have been caused by what is referred to as colony collapse disorder ("CCD"). This may not even be an actual disease. This "disease" is responsible for up to 90 percent of honeybee hive losses.
The "disease" interferes with the bees ability to process sensory input resulting in disorientation. When bees leave the hive they are not able to find their way back. Adult bees simply disappear, leaving behind honey, pollen, queens, etc.
There are numerous potential causes, and chances are it is multiple causes in combination with each other that may be responsible for the decline in hives and colonies. It should be noted that contrary to the environmental alarmists accusations, cell phone towers and global warming have been discredited as primary causes. If you would like more info on this study check out the Kansas State University Dept of Entymology website.

Fall Fertilization

Fall is the ideal time to fertilize turf. Among the benefits are better fall and winter color and a quicker green-up earlier in spring continuing into summer. Also, there will not be excessive blade growth as in lawns that are fertilized in spring. Other benefits that result from fall fertilization are winter survival and optimum root growth.

In basic terms it works like this: nitrogen is taken up by the roots, even though blade growth has ceased. Roots remain active during cooler temperatures. Nitrogen increases chlorophyll content, thereby enhancing color. More chlorophyll equals more photosynthesis equals increased sugars. Because turf blades are not growing during this time that sugar is being stored, winter survival and spring recovery is enhanced. As a result turf goes into spring and summer with deeper, healthier roots, and spring green-up is earlier because of the nitrogen stored in the roots.

Mowing Lawns Guilt-Free

Just in case you are a "Global Warming Alarmist" check out this report. Healthy turfgrass can capture up to four times more carbon from the air than is produced by the engine of today's lawnmowers, according to a new study from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. www.opei.org/carbonreport

Renovation Aftercare

Watering

Water twice daily for 3 weeks to maintain proper moisture levels for seed germination. Do not allow the seed to dry out; this reduces the germination rate. After the seed has germinated, deeper watering 2 to 3 times per week is appropriate until the lawn is established.

Mowing

Once the seed germinates and is about 3 to 3 1/2 inches high, mow it using a sharp blade. Set your mower at 3 inches or higher removing no more than 1/3 of the grass. Mowing high results in the following benefits:

· Grass roots grow deeper.

· Soil is shaded resulting in reduced water usage, as well as preventing weed seed germination.

· Reduces clippings and prevents clumps of grass from covering the new seedlings.

Do not bag clippings until the leaves fall in autumn. The clippings contain nitrogen and bagging removes this valuable nutrient from the soil.

Renovation Preparation

Now is the time to prepare the lawn for renovation. First, mow the turf lower than usual, down to 2 to 2 1/2 inches. This may take consecutive mowings over a period of a few days because mowing off more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time will stress the turf. Next, remove all debris from the turf (e.g. leaves, sticks, gumballs, etc.) A leaf rake is ideal and will also remove some of the dead grass. Then, water heavily to soften up the ground for the aeration. Finally, flag all sprinkler heads, valve boxes, and any other underground objects that may be damaged by the aerator.