[Redtenchu]

This thread is to reflect back on the 2017 season and share what you have learned.

I learned how to spray without marker dye. I'm especially excited about this because the cost per application for blue dye can be more than some of the chemicals I apply.

I learned having a backup Reel Mower is VERY nice to have! After my Toro went down, the JD was there to fill the gap.

What did you learn?

 

[MasterMech]

I learned that mowing Annual Rye with a rotary mower makes a mess. I also figured out that mowing Bermuda like a cool season grass doesn't work. (Yes, I'm new to Warm Season grass.) I'm also learning that reel mowers are expensive and addicting!

 

[Suaverc118]

I learned that mowing Annual Rye with a rotary mower makes a mess. I also figured out that mowing Bermuda like a cool season grass doesn't work. (Yes, I'm new to Warm Season grass.) I'm also learning that reel mowers are expensive and addicting!

How is warm season and fool season grass mowed differently? I don't know this one yet...

 

[MasterMech]

I learned that mowing Annual Rye with a rotary mower makes a mess. I also figured out that mowing Bermuda like a cool season grass doesn't work. (Yes, I'm new to Warm Season grass.) I'm also learning that reel mowers are expensive and addicting!

How is warm season and fool season grass mowed differently? I don't know this one yet...

In my case, my Bermuda lawn had been allowed to grow to a ridiculous height creating a mess of stems and thatch under the canopy. I tried lowering my HOC gradually like I would have for my old KBG/PRG lawn up north. This does not work as all you do is wind up scalping the lawn every time you mow. Had I known then what I know now, (in regards to Bermuda), I would have dropped the deck as low as I dared the first time out and let it recover to my desired HOC.

 

[Mightyquinn]

I learned this year that letting your lawn go for a year and then trying to get it back into shape is A LOT of work! I also learned that once you have a good sprayer set up that I don't really like using the spreader as much as I do the sprayer and I plan on using it more for all my applications. Also, sanding or topdressing your lawn is not a one and done thing and will require multiple applications over several years to get your lawn where you want it in terms of smoothness and grade. That is all I can think of for right now

 

[bretben55]

Perrenial rye is truly perrenial, it'll come back in the fall if you don't kill it off.
A 26" wide cut seems so much wider than a 21" cut.
PGR is a miracle potion, well worth every penny.
Ferrous Sulfate will burn perrenial rye.

 

[Bunnysarefat]

The cute green caterpillairs that suddenly appeared en masse near your Bermuda lawn are not just the cute 'Very Hungry Caterpillars' from the children's book that will turn into butterflies any moment. They're a problem, and you need to take care of them, like yesterday. Same will moles. If you want to use the word dominate to describe your lawn, you have to act like it and must dominate your lawn like a brutal dictator against pests. No quarter.