Cooperative Extension

Grass Roots Program

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Grass Roots 2008

Applications for the Grass Roots 2008 Program are being accepted now through June 1, 2008.  Registration is limited so please reply early to reserve your spot in the program.  To register for the program, please print the following document: Registration materials for the 2008 Grass Roots Program.  Complete & return the registration and presurvey along with your check to the Extension Office (make checks payable to Treasurer, Chesterfield County).  Our mailing address can be found on the first page of the above document. Program cost: $20 which includes one soil sample; additional soil samples are $9 each.

Getting to the Root of Lawn Problems

The Chesterfield County Extension Office is again offering Chesterfield homeowners personalized lawn management plans through its GRASS ROOTS program. The GRASS ROOTS program provides participating Chesterfield County homeowners with fertilizer management plans tailored specifically to their lawns’ needs. Maintaining healthy lawns can be a major challenge in our area; proper fertilization practices are integral to getting the best looking lawns. Improper fertilization often contributes to disease problems, such as brown patch, a very common summer lawn problem. Correct fertilization can help grass resist or, at least, recover better from such attacks.

The first steps in a management program are soil testing and determining the size of the lawn area. When a homeowner registers for the GRASS ROOTS program, a Chesterfield Master Gardener will come to measure the size of their lawn and sample the soil for laboratory testing. An Extension technician will then devise a management plan for the lawn based on the type of grass being grown, soil test results and size of the lawn. This plan will specify the amount and type of fertilizer needed, the amount of lime (if required), and when to apply these products for the best results. In addition, the plans will contain general lawn maintenance tips on subjects such a proper watering and mowing. Each homeowner will receive four newsletters during the following year to remind them of basic maintenance chores to keep their lawns looking their best.