Soil Additives

Here in North Texas, we have black clay for the most part. Some but very few have sandy soils and quite a few have clay mixed with rock. I truly believe everyone should be doing some soil amendments each year. The best thing I have used is Apex 10 mixed with amino acids. Even though it is a little costly it is worth it.

The weather hasn't been cooperating as of late but getting your pre-emergent out is critical. Before long we will be in a warming trend with weeds germinating and crowding out the turf grass. If you have bare areas in the shade next week will be time to put down some fescue seed.

Dormant oil

Very best way to control scale insects on crepe myrtles.

http://lawnpestmanagement.com/

Pansy diseases

Pansy flowers are the best winter color for D/FW hands down. They sometimes come down fungal diseases and from time to time insects feed on them. Applying systemic fungicide and insecticide at the time of planting is the best way to rid yourself of this problem.

pythium blight

Dallisgrass control

With msma taken away Dallisgrass has taken off. There is a new product available Tribute Total which is a bit more expensive. Some people wait until early winter when the turf has gone dormant and just treat the weed with glysophate (Round Up)

Lariope disease

An old very reliable ground cover has a new pest that is killing it. Green Lariope has a bacteria that is causing the death of many plants. I've only seen it in Plano but it must be in other places. The Texas Dept. of Agriculture says there is no control.