Resolve this year to keep ahead of the weeds. That is what I am going to do. One weeds always sneaks in my St. Augustine lawn and that is crabgrass. If I was only more diligent and stayed alert to the first, few shoots, I could keep it under control. I could even pull out the small sprigs or dust them very lightly with baking soda a home remedy that seems to work.

Other weeds sneak in among the St. Augustine and zoysia shoots. Some include the heartleaf drymary, yellow woodsorrel, hawksbeard and doveweed just
to mention a few. All could be taken out if I spot treated them with a liquid herbicide. Maybe one of those ready to use products in the Bayer or Ortho lines would be all I need. You do have to get one for your lawn type so read the label carefully. With St. Augustine a liquid atrazine product is likely best. These are misted over top of the weedy areas and don't water for a few days.

Now, weed control is only part of this resolution. You have to provide the other good care part of the program too. Here is more of my New Year lawn care resolution.

- Keep the soil moist by watering as allowed. Normally once or twice a week is fine. If needed, the watering rules normally permit hand watering when dry spots pop up. You might also try soil aeration to help moisture penetrate the water resistant soils.

- Feed two to three times a year. Use a good slow release product in the Ortho or similar product line. Once in March and early October for sure. Then you may need an application in the summer too. Now if you are restricted as to feeding times the summer application will have to be made at the end of May.

- Keep an eye out for pests. All lawns get insects and diseases. Chinch bugs are the worst in St. Augustine lawns. Use a preventive treatment or apply an insecticide when they are first noted. With zoysia, fungicides are likely to be needed especially during the fall and winter. Both lawns can get lawn feeding caterpillars during the warmer months.

- Mow frequently and at the proper height. Use a sharp blade. Find out the mowing height from lawn care information provided by your local University of Florida Extension office.

Now here is another thought. Limit lawns to the areas you use most. Lawn care does take some work but most of us like that green lawn look. If you do not need or want a lawn in a portion of the landscape use another ground cover or ornamental planting. These areas can be attractive too.
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