Bayou Lafourche

such as along the banks of Bayou Lafourche, and wet, boggy areas. Replacement
vegetation that is best suited to local conditions should be chosen to replace turf.
Recommendations for applicable plants are available from a local extension office.
State specific cooperative extension service information is available from the
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) at
http://www.csrees.usda.gov.
Minimal fertilization
A lawn may require the addition of nutrients to promote or maintain healthy growth. A
soil test can give you an accurate picture of the quality of your soil. Nutrients can be
partly supplied by leaving a moderate amount of fine grass clippings on the lawn after
mowing—these clippings can provide nearly half of the required nutrients to the lawn
and they hold in moisture, speed decomposition, and relieve the burden of landfills to
handle excess yard waste. Additional nutrients can be supplied with compost or
commercial fertilizers that are of an organic or encapsulated nitrogen type, but they
should be applied at or below the rates prescribed on the packaging. Compost or
organic and encapsulated nitrogen fertilizers reduce the risk of nutrient leaching and
have been shown to release nutrients more gradually. Slow-release fertilizers are also
beneficial for reducing nitrogen losses from soils that are prone to leaching. Organic
products offer the additional benefits of
increasing soil condition and promoting
the growth of desirable soil organisms.
Timing of fertilization is very important.
Warm-season grasses generally benefit
more from spring and summer
fertilization. Fertilizers require water for
activation; a light watering is usually
enough (note that fertilizer should not be
applied if rainfall is expected).
Excessive fertilization causes unwanted
growth and the need to mow more often.
Fertilizing at the wrong time of year may favor the growth of weeds rather than healthy
turf. Excessive fertilization along with excessive watering can lead to the buildup of
thatch that can increase insect and disease problems.
Weed control and tolerance
A property owner must decide how many weeds can be tolerated before action is taken
to eradicate them. A few weeds will not substantially interrupt the continuity of the turf.
The best way to keep weeds at bay is to maintain a healthy, dense lawn that shades the
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