Our Lawnifesto: Unleashing the Green Revolution

We’ve assembled a passionate team of lawn enthusiasts and horticulturists who embrace the philosophy that lush grass and ecological responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

We created this book to help guide you through the art and science of sustainable lawn care. But this book is more than just a guide – it’s a call to action.

At My Organic Turf, we have a unique philosophy: If you have a lawn or garden, no matter how big or small, you’re a farmer.

And even though our team of dedicated experts is committed to providing you with a sustainable, low-maintenance, and toxin-free lawn that you can enjoy with peace of mind, we can’t do it alone. What you do at home is equally as important as what we do on a monthly basis.

That’s why inside this handbook, we’re sharing our expert tips and recommendations. From proper watering techniques to mowing heights and other maintenance routines, you’ll become a steward of your own green oasis.

Together, we’ll sow the seeds of change, one blade of grass at a time. This is our Lawnifesto, our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable world for today and tomorrow.

Ready to join the My Organic Turf revolution?

Let’s not throw away your shot at a beautiful, sustainable lawn.

Nick and Eric

Dear Valued Client,

Welcome to the Organic Turf revolution. We’re thrilled to have you join our movement.

Our hunch is you chose to partner with us because you want a beautiful, healthy lawn, but you also believe in the power of organic and sustainable practices. You’re making a choice that not only benefits your property but also contributes to the well-being of the environment.

Did you know? A well-maintained lawn can increase your home’s overall value by 15%. Our dedicated team of experts is here to help you protect your investment while delivering results that transcend mere aesthetics. We’re committed to providing you with a lawn that is not only a beautiful asset but is also sustainable, low-maintenance, and free from harmful toxins. It’s a lawn you can enjoy with complete peace of mind.

Just like you, we hold transparency, integrity, and exceptional service in high regard. We go above and beyond to surpass your expectations every step of the way. Our highly trained professionals bring their expertise to the table, utilizing the finest organic products to nurture your turf. We pay meticulous attention to detail and employ eco-friendly methods that foster a healthy ecosystem for your Florida lawn to flourish.

On behalf of all of us, thank you for choosing My Organic Turf. Together, we’ll revolutionize your lawn, transforming it into a vibrant and sustainable oasis that will leave a lasting impression.

Raise a toast to a greener future!

Cheers,

Nick and Eric

P.S. Referrals are the best compliment we can get. Do you have a friend, colleague or family member who’s been looking for a more sustainable approach to keeping their lawn green?
Ask us about your referral program.

P.P.S. If you have ANY questions, give us a Call at 813.957.4440 or email us at hello@myorganicturf.com

MORE THAN LAWN & TREE CARE

We’re proud to be the top choice for organic residential and commercial fertilizer application services in South Tampa and beyond. We’re also thrilled to offer Tampa residents a science-based approach to getting rid of mosquitos, fleas and ticks, and indoor pests while keeping your kids and four-legged friends safe. Here’s our complete list of services:

Mosquito & Pest Control

Our targeted pest control methods ensure that only pests are getting affected by our treatments — not your garden, kids’ toys, or pool. Our organic pesticide formulas control and repel mosquitos, fleas, and ticks for up to 21 days.

Lawn & Shrub Care

Our treatment plans give your lawn that magazine-worthy look — without ever flooding your turf with harsh chemicals. We practice targeted applications using organic fertilizer, so we’re treating the source of the issues and not just the symptoms.

Palm Care

We offer palm injections upon request to help you protect your palm, leaving it greener, healthier, and safe from pests or diseases such as Lethal Bronzing. While Lethal Bronzing can’t be cured, it can be prevented and controlled from spreading with OTC (oxytetracycline) landscape-use-approved antibiotic preventive injections. The injections prevent infection and they must be performed every few months, indefinitely, in order to be successful. Protect your palm, leaving it greener, healthier, and safe from pests or diseases.

Sprinkler Tune-Up & Repair

Much like your car, sprinklers need regular maintenance. We offer sprinkler head cleaning, adjustments, and repairs. Our irrigation engineers can also monitor your irrigation system remotely to detect leaks, blockages, or failures.

Get a Free Quote

If you’re looking to add one or more of these to your existing service, give us a call. Within 24 hours, we’ll be at your home for a complimentary evaluation.

Call 813.957.4440

Rise Up & Hydrate Your Lawn

A guide to watering your Tampa Lawn

It seems simple: Just run your sprinkler every day and voila! Your lawn will stay healthy. Especially in Florida, proper irrigation can be tough to achieve, yet it’s the leading factor in the overall health of your lawn.

Water is the lifeblood of plants, from houseplants to vast fields of crops. Unfortunately, your lawn is no exception to this rule. Nailing proper irrigation is the key to maintaining a healthy lawn in the Sunshine State, but it can be quite a puzzle to solve.

Despite the myriad of factors at play, we believe there’s a solution tailored to your lawn’s unique needs. Check out these tips below, and let’s uncover that formula together:

Discover the Right Rhythm:

Watering frequency takes the stage as one of the first things you should focus on. It varies depending on factors like grass species, rainfall, soil type, compaction, shade, Tampa’s geography, and, of course, the season.

Unfortunately, you can’t just “set it and forget it.” It requires seasonal adjustments to match the changing water needs throughout the year. You should have received an email from your technician with average seasonal irrigation frequencies. However, keep in mind that these frequencies assume no rainfall. So, if we’re blessed with at least ½ to ¾ inch of rain, you can usually reduce the watering frequency. For instance, if it’s a rainy spring, consider tweaking your schedule from every three days to every five days.

Remember, Tampa and the rest of Florida usually receive a generous 50 or more inches of rainfall annually – and as you likely know, approximately 80% of this rainfall happens between June and September. If Mother Nature provides enough hydration for your plants, you might not even need to run your sprinklers. According to the University of Florida, you can water on an “as-needed” basis. We’ve provided some more specific watering guidelines for each grass in the next section of this handbook.

Look out for signs of water stress:

● Leaf blades folding in half lengthwise to conserve water.

● The grass taking on a blue-gray tint instead of maintaining a green hue.

● Footprints or tire tracks remaining visible on the grass long after they are made.

Calibrate

You may also want to calibrate your sprinkler system to determine how much water your system is applying in a given amount of time. We often over- or under-watering our lawns without knowing it. Calibration is an easy process that can be done by anyone

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:
Gather five to ten coffee cans, tuna cans, jars, or other straight-sided containers. Containers that are 3 to 6 inches in diameter work best.

a) If you have an in-ground system, place the containers in one zone at a time, scattering the cans randomly throughout the zone. (You’ll need to repeat this procedure in each zone.)

b) If you use a hose-end sprinkler to water your turf, place the containers in a straight line from the sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern. Space the containers evenly.

Step 2:
Turn the water on for fifteen minutes.

Step 3:
Use a ruler to measure the depth of water in each container (you can round them to the nearest 1/8 of an inch). Find the average depth of water collected in the containers by adding up the depths and dividing by the number of containers. To determine the irrigation rate in inches per hour, multiply the average depth of water times four.

Now that you know your sprinkler system irrigation rate, you can apply water to your turf more efficiently.

For example, if your sprinkler system applies water at the rate of 2 inches per hour (or a 1/2 inch per fifteen minutes) and your grass needs up to 3/4 inches of water, then you would need to run your sprinklers for about 23 minutes.

Regular irrigation system maintenance will save you money in water bills and in large repairs that result from neglecting the system.

Time It Right:

The early morning hours take center stage as the best time to water your lawn. Watering during the day leads to unnecessary water loss due to excessive evaporation. Late-morning watering can be detrimental if it extends the time your lawn stays naturally wet from dew. This prolonged “dew period” can accelerate disease occurrence. Let’s avoid that drama!

Uniformity is Key:

Make sure your sprinklers are playing their part correctly. Some counties in Florida require licensed irrigation system installers, while others have minimal regulations. Unfortunately, this can lead to shoddy installations, resulting in water waste and uneven coverage across your turf.

Insufficient water distribution can cause dry spots and all the problems associated with drought-stressed turf. A simple trick to check the uniformity of your system is to place small, straight-sided cans in a line from your sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern. Run the system for 15 minutes and check if each can has roughly the same amount of water.

Keep Your Sprinklers in Check:

Regularly inspecting your sprinklers is vital, even with a professionally installed system. If a sprinkler head becomes off-center, clogged, damaged, or starts leaking, it can disrupt your coverage. You’ll also want to ensure that valves open and close correctly. During each visit, our technicians are looking for problem areas that may have been caused by improper irrigation practices and we will always let customers know if we see irrigation-related issues. In addition, we offer sprinkler assessments for a fee. If you’re interested, just give us a call and we’ll take care of it.

DID YOU KNOW? We offer Sprinkler Tune-Up & Repair.
Call us at 813.957.4440 for a free quote.

Consider Other Factors:

Remember, every lawn is unique, so there are various factors to consider. Not every part of your lawn will have the same irrigation requirements. Areas close to trees or large shrubs will experience shade for part of the day, while some mature tree canopies may shade a section for the entire day. In such cases, you may need to reduce irrigation in those specific areas.

Soil conditions also play a role in water requirements. Sandy soils dry out faster than those with more clay content, requiring more frequent irrigation. Many urban soils are compacted, which hinders water penetration and may result in waterlogged conditions or standing water.

Follow the Local Guidelines:

Stay informed about the outdoor irrigation restrictions in your community. These restrictions may change depending on the season and aim to conserve water.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re struggling to find the perfect irrigation formula for your lawn, we’re here to lend a hand. Give us a call at 813.957.4440 and we’ll assist you in identifying your lawn’s unique conditions and variables. Together, we’ll create a beautiful, sustainable, thriving turf.

Grass Guide

A guide to keeping your Bermuda, St Augustine, and Zoysia grass a cut above the rest.

In the sunshine state of Florida, where the weather dances to its own tune, certain grass types have emerged as the champions of lawns. Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine have stolen the hearts of Floridians, and for good reason.

Bermuda grass thrives in Florida’s scorching heat, demonstrating its resilience and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Its versatility makes it a perfect fit for sports fields and bustling backyards.

Zoysia, with its lush carpet-like appearance, graces Florida lawns with elegance and beauty. Its drought tolerance and durability make it ideal for those seeking a lower-maintenance yet luxurious lawn.

St. Augustine, the coastal charmer, withstands the salty air and sandy soils that Florida’s coastal regions offer. Its thick blades and vibrant green color create a welcoming oasis in coastal communities.

Florida’s unique climate and landscape make these grass types the darlings of local homeowners. Embrace their qualities, and let your Florida lawn flourish.

Recommended irrigation: ½-¾ inches for each application (Pro tip: To see how your sprinklers are measuring up, put a cup of water out while you run your sprinklers, then measure the amount of water)

Fascinating Fact: Bermuda grass thrives in hot climates and is incredibly resilient. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for active outdoor spaces like sports fields and backyard play areas.

Mr. Turf’s Top Things to Avoid:

1. Overwatering: Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant and can be negatively affected by too much moisture.

2. Improper Mowing: Avoid cutting Bermuda grass too short, as this can weaken the turf and make it more susceptible to stress, weed invasion, and disease. Mowing too low can scalp the grass and inhibit its ability to photosynthesize and recover.

3. Ignoring Pest Control: Stay vigilant against pests that can negatively impact Bermuda grass. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests such as grubs or chinch bugs and take appropriate measures to control them.

Keeping It Green: Bermuda grass is highly resilient to foot traffic and heavy use, making it suitable for high-activity areas such as sports fields, parks, and backyard play areas. It recovers quickly from damage, thanks to its vigorous growth and ability to spread and fill in bare patches.

For that perfectly manicured Bermuda lawn, mow it low and often. Regular mowing promotes density, discourages weed growth, and ensures your lawn remains the star attraction all summer.

Proper Irrigation: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Provide the grass with about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Avoid frequent light watering, as it promotes shallow root development and makes the grass more susceptible to stress.

Fascinating Fact: Zoysia grass is known for its exceptional drought tolerance and resilience. It forms a dense, lush carpet that feels like walking on a cushion. It’s perfect for creating a picture-perfect lawn with a touch of elegance.

Mr. Turf’s Top Things to Avoid:

1. Overwatering: Zoysia grass has good drought tolerance and can be damaged by excessive watering. Avoid overwatering and maintain a proper watering schedule based on the grass’s needs and local conditions.

2. Heavy Traffic: While Zoysia grass is known for its ability to withstand foot traffic, excessive or constant heavy traffic can still cause wear and tear. Avoid placing heavy objects or repeatedly walking or driving over the same area to prevent compaction and damage.

3. Mowing too short: Avoid mowing Zoysia grass too short, as this can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to stress, weed growth, and disease. Follow the recommended mowing heights for Zoysia grass and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

4. Shaded Areas: Zoysia grass performs best in full sun. Avoid planting or maintaining Zoysia grass in heavily shaded areas as it may struggle to thrive and develop thin or patchy growth. Consider alternative grass types that are more suitable for shaded conditions.

Keeping It Green: To maintain Zoysia’s plush appearance, mow it slightly higher than Bermuda grass. This encourages deeper root growth, enhances its natural tolerance to pests and diseases, and creates a visually stunning lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy.

1. For established Lawns, St. Augustine is best watered on an as-needed basis. Apply approximately ½ inch of water per irrigation session. This amount of water should penetrate the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

2. Time of Day: Water your St. Augustine grass early in the morning, preferably between 4 am and 8 am. Watering during these hours allows the grass to dry before evening, reducing the risk of disease development.

3. Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust the watering frequency based on seasonal weather conditions. During cooler months or periods of reduced rainfall, you may need to water less frequently. Conversely, in hot and dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency of watering.

Fascinating Fact: St. Augustine grass thrives in warm and humid coastal regions. It’s known for its thick, broad blades that create a luxurious, inviting look. This grass variety is a popular choice for lawns in coastal areas due to its ability to withstand salt spray and sandy soils.

Mr. Turf’s Top Things to Avoid:

● Mowing Too Short: St. Augustine grass should not be mowed too short as it can stress the grass and make it more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and weed invasion. Maintain a recommended mowing height and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

● Heavy Traffic: St. Augustine grass is sensitive to heavy foot traffic, especially when the soil is wet or compacted. Avoid excessive or constant heavy traffic on the lawn to prevent compaction and damage to the grass.

Keeping It Green: Embrace St. Augustine’s laid-back charm by mowing it at a higher length. This helps to retain soil moisture, minimizes weed competition, and maintains its vibrant green color. With a little extra height, your St. Augustine lawn will radiate a relaxed, beachy vibe.

Remember, these mowing lengths are mere guidelines, and you should adapt them based on your grass’s growth and specific lawn conditions. Keep nurturing your lawn with proper watering, fertilization, and regular maintenance, and it will reward you with a breathtaking green oasis.

Weekly Lawn Care Checklist

Your My Organic Turf team will take care of weed control and fertilization, and inspect for pests and diseases. We also preemptively treat your lawn for pests, weeds, and fungus for any and all turf-eating pests regularly. But in order to keep your lawn looking vibrant, green, and healthy, we’ll need your help too.

Here are some weekly tasks we recommend:

● Mowing: Regular mowing is essential to keep your lawn looking neat and healthy. Set your mower blade at the recommended height for your grass type and aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Adjust the mowing frequency based on the grass growth rate and reference our recommended mowing requirements for different grass types.

● Watering: Adequate and consistent watering is crucial for maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn in Tampa’s warm climate. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to adjust the watering schedule. It’s best to water early in the morning to minimize water loss through evaporation.

● Debris Removal: Clear your lawn of any debris, such as fallen leaves, branches, or other clutter. Regularly remove debris to prevent it from smothering the grass or providing a breeding ground for pests or diseases.

● Edging and Trimming: Keep your lawn edges neat and well-defined by edging along walkways, driveways, and borders. Trim any overhanging branches or vegetation that may encroach on your lawn. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents the grass from getting damaged.

Monthly Lawn Care Checklist

● Pest Control: Stay vigilant for pest activity and take appropriate measures to control them. Apply insecticides or use organic pest control methods to manage pests like grubs, chinch bugs, or armyworms. Consider consulting with a professional if you have persistent or severe pest problems.

Did you know?

We offer eco-friendly mosquito and pest control. Our targeted pest control methods ensure that only pests are getting affected by our treatments — not your garden, kids’ toys, or pool. Our organic pesticide formulas control and repel mosquitos, fleas, and ticks for up to 21 days. Call us at 813.957.4440 for a free quote.

● Irrigation Adjustment: Monitor weather conditions and adjust your irrigation system accordingly. During rainy months, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid overwatering and potential issues like fungus or root rot. Conversely, during dry months, ensure your lawn receives sufficient water to prevent drought stress. Most homeowners don’t realize that every irrigation system is required to have a built-in rain sensor. This sensor makes sure that your sprinklers don’t go off if it’s already rained sufficiently. Make sure yours is working properly so that during our rainy season, you’re not overwatering your lawn!

● Lawn Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your lawn equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and sprinkler systems. Clean or replace mower blades as needed, sharpen trimmer blades, and ensure your sprinkler system is functioning properly. Properly maintained equipment will improve performance and efficiency.

● Edging and Mulching: Maintain crisp edges along walkways, driveways, and flower beds. Monthly edging will help define the boundaries of your lawn and give it a neat appearance. Consider applying fresh mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

● Monitor Shade Conditions: Keep an eye on areas of your lawn that are shaded by trees or structures. Adjust your lawn care practices for these shaded areas, as they may have different water and nutrient requirements compared to areas exposed to full sun. Consider trimming or pruning trees to allow more sunlight to reach shaded sections of your lawn.

● Leaf Removal: Tampa may not have a traditional fall season, but we do have oak trees, palm leaves, crepe myrtle leaves, and pine needles, depending on where you live. Excessive leaf accumulation can smother the grass, block sunlight, and promote disease. Rake or use a leaf blower to gather and remove the leaves, or consider mulching them with a mower if the volume is manageable.

● Disease Prevention: Stay vigilant for signs of lawn diseases, such as brown patches or dollar spots. Walk through your lawn once a month and keep an eye out for areas with discolored or dying grass and take appropriate action, such as applying fungicides or adjusting watering practices, to prevent the spread of diseases. We’ll do this as part of our service as well, but because we’re only on-site once a month, we need your eagle eyes on your lawn so we can nip lawn issues in the bud quickly.

● Trim and Prune Trees: Regularly trim and prune trees and shrubs to prevent them from overshadowing and depriving your lawn of sunlight. Trim low-hanging branches and thin out dense foliage to allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration, particularly in shaded areas of your lawn.

If you see this

Try this

Brown Spots

● Check irrigation system for proper coverage.

● Adjust watering schedule.

● Seeing more brown spots than usual? Let us know.

Weeds Taking Over

● Improve lawn health through proper watering, fertilization, and mowing.

● Use pre-emergent herbicides.

● See more weeds than usual? Let us know

Thin or Patchy Areas

● Conduct a soil test and amend as necessary.

● Trim back overhanging branches to allow more sunlight.

● Limit foot traffic or consider installing stepping stones.

Yellowing Grass

● Test the soil and apply appropriate fertilizers.

● Aerate the soil to relieve compaction.

● Adjust watering schedule.

Patches of Mushrooms

● Improve drainage in the affected areas.

● Remove decaying organic matter.

● Reduce thatch through dethatching or core aeration..

Insect Infestation

● Let us know, so we can take a look and confirm what kind of pest it is

● Call us for a free quote on pest control

Faded or Dull Color

● Provide adequate watering during hot periods.

● Consider shade options.

Uneven Growth

● Sharpen or replace mower blades as needed.

● Address shade issues by pruning overhanging branches.

● Consider alternative grass types for shaded areas.

Remember, these solutions are general recommendations, and it’s important to assess each situation individually. If you encounter persistent or severe issues with your lawn, give us a call so we can make a more accurate diagnosis and specialized recommendations.

Share your feedback

We greatly value your feedback and want to ensure that your experience with us is exceptional from start to finish. Your thoughts and opinions matter to us, which is why we encourage you to leave a Google Review or share any feedback you may have.

Leaving a review not only helps us understand what we’re doing right, but it also allows others in our community to make informed decisions about our services. Your words have the power to make a difference and help us continue to provide top-notch lawn care solutions in Tampa.

We genuinely appreciate your honest feedback, and we take all comments and suggestions to heart.

If, for any reason, you encounter a concern or issue during your journey with us, we kindly request that you reach out to us directly before leaving a negative review. Our team is dedicated to resolving any problems and ensuring your complete satisfaction. By contacting us, we can work together to address the situation promptly and find a solution that exceeds your expectations.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to deliver exceptional service that leaves your lawn looking its best. We value the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve, and your feedback plays a vital role in our continuous commitment to excellence.

Thank you for considering leaving a review or sharing your feedback with us. We are grateful for your trust and look forward to serving you and your lawn care needs in Tampa, Florida.

THANK YOU

We hope this handbook has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to maintain a sustainable and vibrant lawn. By following the principles of organic and eco-friendly lawn care, you’re not just increasing your property value and creating your own green oasis, you’re also contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

Here’s to a thriving, healthy, and sustainable lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Happy lawn care, and thank you for being part of the My Organic Turf family.

We’re always here when you need us.

Phone: 813.957.4440

Email:

Nick Bissett | bissett@myorganicturf.com

Eric McCarthy | Eric@ myorganicturf.com

Website:

www.MyOrganicTurf.com

SOURCES:

The Florida Lawn Handbook: Best Management Practices for Your Home Lawn in Florida

Solutions for Your Life – The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)