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SPOTTY LAWN
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We have been getting a lot of rain lately and I have started to notice oily spots in my lawn? What do you think these spots could be, and what should I do about them? |
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The most likely culprit causing these oily spots in your lawn is slime mold. Slime mold usually appears after heavy rain as oily or sooty circular spots that can be several feet in diameter. They appear as thin, white, yellow or gray layers of slimy paste-like material that cover the leaf blades. These masses later dry to form bluish-gray, black or white powdery growths on the leaves.
Although they may look alarming, slime molds pose no real harm to your lawn because they grow on dead organic matter and do not feed on green plants. If heavy infestations are causing a problem, they can be removed by mowing, raking or using a forceful spray from a garden hose. Only use the water method during dry weather to keep from spreading the fungus further. In most cases the slime mold will turn black and disintegrate within a few days on its own.
Slime molds are favored by long periods of wet, humid weather. Poor drainage and heavy thatch can also increase the odds of occurrence. Fortunately, slime molds are simply using the leaf blade for structural support and they do not compete with the grass for nutrients. The visible discoloration is actually due to extensive sporulation by the fungus. Small, pinhead sized spore capsules can generally be seen on the leaf blades. Grass may begin to yellow when spore production is extremely heavy because the spore masses cause shading resulting in reduced photosynthesis.
Slime molds do not typically require chemical management because they will disappear when dry weather returns. For areas with light to moderate slime mold infestations, it is best just to let nature take its course.
*Use chemicals only according to the directions on the label. Follow all directions, precautions, and restrictions listed. |
THOSE NAUGHTY INVASIVES
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My landscaper talked me into planting a hedge of Ligustrum japonicaum ‘Recurvifolium’. I’m reading terrible things about ligustrum on the internet. Have I made a big mistake? |
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Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’, a type of Japanese privet, is commonly used in landscapes as a formal or informal hedge. It will tolerate heavy pruning to shape it into many forms. Because of its rapid growth rate, this privet actually requires heavy pruning to keep it within boundaries. It flowers in late spring to early summer has a white bloom with a strong fragrance that some find offensive.
Although L. japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’ is commonly used, it is not necessarily a wise choice for the landscape. What your internet browsing has most likely revealed is that many species in the Ligustrum genus are classified as invasive. To be a responsible steward of the environment and to preserve forests and native plant communities for future generations, most invasive specialists would recommend replacing your privet with some other plant. Hollies, such as the ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ or the ‘Mary Nell’, would be good alternatives. Another choice might be the Fortune’s Osmanthus (Osmanthus x fortuneii). Both hollies and osmanthus make excellent large hedges and eliminate any concerns associated with the invasive Japanese privet. |
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