Carpet Grass | Crabgrass becoming an epidemic

LAWN INDUSTRY LOSES ASULOX HERBICIDE CREATING CARPET GRASS EPIDEMIC

                    

PART 6 of 6

 

 

   There is currently no labeled chemical application that is selective in killing/ controlling Crab Grass, Carpet Grass and/or Bermuda grass within St Augustine variety lawns (one that doesn’t adversely affect the desired turf in a very negative way).  In years past, the primary chemical used was Asulox.  In May of 1999, the EPA’s actions again began affecting the Tampa lawn spraying industry and we lost the ability to utilize Asulox in residential and commercial lawns.  This product has now been almost forgotten by most, thus creating the out of control carpet grass problem we have today.  For years, I used Asulox and it delivered 100% satisfaction in killing carpet grass and other weeds within St Augustine lawns.  Around 2001, companies Asulox supplies had run out at the same time that water restrictions were becoming all too common.  This combined with the record long severe drought that lasted between 1999 and 2003 threatened the lawn spraying industry. Because of these frustrations adding much weight, it was my decision in 2003 to sell my first million dollar lawn spraying division to a national company.  Over the next few years, I observed that virtually all Tampa lawn spraying companies began losing ground with their customer satisfaction in the quality of the lawns that was once easily attainable (and taken for granted). This has unfortunately caused Florida lawn spraying companies to take the position of ignoring the problem grasses while the grasses continue to destroy lawns throughout Tampa lawn care, and Florida.  It has also been my observations over the last 9 years that these two issues have in and of them self created the approach companies today have regarding delivering you a better looking lawn.  Adding even more fuel to customer’s dissatisfaction, since 1999, companies have developed the typical response regarding these problems grasses over the last 13 years with statements such as:  “I guess you’re going to have to re sod these areas”, or “The recommended treatment from the University of Florida is to spray those small areas of crabgrass with Round-Up and then re-sod.” I have heard this approach countless times over the years, and it infuriates homeowners as well as myself.  Since getting back into the lawn spraying business in 2008, we at Nelson’s Pest Control, Inc. have found additional alternative methods for killing Carpet Grass, Crab Grass selectively amongst St Augustine turf (just as Asulox did in the past).  Just contact us and mention your carpet grass concern if you would like us to handle these problem grasses for you.  Read more in Articles 2 through 5 to find out about how you can kill carpet grass yourself. 

Written by David Nelson

About David Nelson

David Nelson has wrote 41 articles on this blog.

You’re family when you’re one of our customers!!!! Having been self employed since the 7 th grade and grown up through my early teen age years in a wonderful family has instilled the importance of core family principles in me. Since as long as I can remember I have always had a passion to work outside in the lawn, whether it was raking leaves when living up North, planting flowers with my mother, or just capturing those big black & yellow bumble bees in a glass jar. Looking back, its not surprising to me now some 30 years later that I have passionately and thoroughly enjoyed growing and operating Nelsons Pest Control, Inc. In 1995 I delivered and began raising the first of my 3 girls, who are each are so amazingly unique, what a joy it has been being their Dad!!! Having been remarried now since 2007, my day to day home life has become an indescribable time filled with joy, full of peace and contentment. Thank you Barb for being the most amazing and caring woman to me!!! Words cant even describe the depths of love you have for me and my 3 girls!!! Oh, how could I not mention my step son Jostin who was adopted from Guatemala at 6 months old. Walking in the door after a long hard day at the office after dealing with volumes of sales/service calls……. yet to be greeted with so much excitement at the door to be told of his day’s accomplishments as he looks up at me……Each and every one of those memories are truly PRICELESS!!! After all is said and done, if you want to experience the quality and results of a GREAT family run, yet customer driven and expert pest control company what are you waiting for?

• View all posts by David Nelson →
• Blog
• Facebook