George.com wrote:
Martin wrote in message ...
I have a similar problem. In addition to the straw appearance, my lawn
seemed to have stopped growing. I also noticed numerous spots where
animals had apparently "core aerated" the lawn, probably in search of
grubs.

For reference, I'm in Southern New Jersey and have an irrigation
system.

Based on not wanting to repeat last year (described below), I applied
the following:

- Spectracide Grub Stop at the recommended rate.
- Bayer Fungus Control. I kind of miscalculated, and put down about 5
lbs. per 1000 ft**2 instead of 3.

The lawn seems to be growing again.

I have a problem like this every year. Last year, I had a lawn service
fertilize. During early spring, the lawn looked great - check the
photo from May, 2005. However, it had to be cut three time a week. By
late July it was awful. My theory was that the service applied too
much nitrogen, causing all top growth and no roots.

Martin. Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to me.
I may understand if people had really big properties and needed gardeners
but this doesn't seem to be the case. Can you shed some light on it for me
please.

rob


Can't speak for Martin, but as an American, I'll give you my opinion.

People have it done because it's convenient and reasonably priced
(courtesy of Mexico). I do my own, which is about a 1/3 acre of lawn,
because it's one good way to get a little excercise in. But today,
people have a lot less time. Thirty years ago, people tended to have
more fixed work schedules. Now, it's not unusual for people to be
traveling more on business, working longer/irregular hours, plus taking
kids to soccer, little league, 2 people in the family working full
time, etc. So, just knowing that the lawn is taken care of for a
reasonable price sounds like a good deal.

When I moved in, my next door neighbor, a Dr, told me he uses a service
because he doesn't want the hassle of getting fertilizer, chemicals,
etc. Plus, beyond cutting grass, you have to know what you are doing.
There is definitely value in a good lawn service. For example, they
see many lawns and should be able to correctly identify pest or disease
problems.

Funny thing though. If you look at the border line between me and the
Dr, on my side it's nice, thick lush grass. On his side it instantly
turns to crap. Sparce grass, full of weeds, ground chewed up at mower
turn around points, looks like hell. It really would make a great
marketing photo for a lawn service if it were only the other way
around! But there are good services out there. My friend has one and
his lawn looks fantastic.