CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A free seminar designed to help homeowners improve their lawns by avoiding common maintenance mistakes is planned this month in Crestview, according to UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County.
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The two-hour seminar, titled “Growing a North Florida Lawn 101,” will be held Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, located at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.
Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent for Okaloosa County, will lead the session and explain several key practices that can help homeowners grow healthier lawns while avoiding costly mistakes.
According to Mr Williams, the first step in managing a Florida lawn is to identify the type of grass being grown.
Knowing the grass type is essential because mowing height, irrigation needs, fertilizer requirements, herbicide selection, and pest management all depend on the specific grass species.
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Many lawns decline or die because they are maintained improperly, often because the homeowner does not understand the requirements of the grass being managed, Mr Williams said.
Another common issue is that many homeowners do not know their lawn’s square footage, which can lead to overapplication of fertilizer or pesticides.
Most lawn care products are labeled for application at a specific rate per 1,000 square feet, and applying more than recommended can damage a lawn and increase costs.
Overuse of pesticides and herbicides can also lead to resistance among weeds and insects, making them harder to control over time.
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Irrigation mistakes are another frequent problem, Mr Williams said.
Proper lawn watering generally involves applying about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water as needed, which requires calibrating irrigation systems so homeowners know how long to run them.
Mowing lawns too short is another mistake that can weaken turf and allow weeds to move in, he said.
The seminar will explain these common issues and provide guidance on proper lawn care practices for North Florida homeowners.
Space for the seminar is limited, and registration is required.
Those interested can register online at
https://forms.office.com/r/q9B4QVViUy
For additional information, residents may call the UF/IFAS Extension Office at (850) 689-5850.
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