When our areas lawns see long periods of snow cover, the turf can sometimes get snow mold. Most of the time these areas will just need a light “fluff” raking to get oxygen in the turf area and push out new growth. Our trained technicians will let you know if extra steps our necessary to help bring turf back to full health.

The tunnels are from moles and/voles, they burrow under the snow pack through out the winter. Moles are mainly insectivores and Voles are Vegetarians (they feed on plants). They are there because they have do not have as many obstacles (turf roots growing) in the winter. It does not indicate grubs, moles feed on many other insects, like earthworms. You can simply step to push down there tunnels and as soon as the turf starts growing actively you should see the moles and voles move out.

Being an IPM Company (Integrated Pest Management) we want to put our products down, at the best possible time to make sure that the product and our inspections are timed for the greatest possible success. We know it is time to start our first lawn visit when, in our area the Forsythia shrub starts to bloom with its beautiful yellow flower.

Being an environmentally sensitive company that is practicing Integrated Pest Management we are not putting down a product that will have a residual effect on weeds. We are spot treating weeds as the year progresses and the treatment will work best when the weeds are actively growing.

It is important to understand that weeds are opportunistic and can germinate every 5-7 days in unhealthy turf areas. We will definitely treat any weeds that pop up between our visits when we are there. If you have a specific concern or problem area you can also call and let us know and we will make sure to address it. You may see weeds germinate along hot reflective areas throughout the season, like side walk edges and/or driveway edges. These will be treated when we are there for our regular visits.

Moss does not kill grass but rather moves into lawn areas that are weak and thin. Mosses produce numerous spores that are spread readily by wind and rain. If moss is a problem in your lawn, evaluate the site conditions and consider your turf care practices. Our technicians can help evaluate and make recommendations.

These may be a fairly new invasive insect that have moved into the Monroe County area about 2005. You can identify this insect here.

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/turfgrass/ecf.pdf

At Broccolo we have been monitoring, following and studying this insect with Dr. Peck and his team from Cornell University. If you are seeing this it doesn’t always mean there is damage occurring to your turf. Let our trained technicians come out and assess your turf. Call our office for questions.