Here's a direct link to your slideshow.

What are we watching? It looks like the deterioration of your lawn.

dchall, it looks like the pictures at the end are from Winter (no leaves on the trees). The pictures at the beginning of the slide show look like they're from Spring (look at the new leaves on the trees). :-)

OH NO! The trees are dying too!

I was looking at the slide show as a chronological series.

Sorry about that order. That would be an awful bad transition thinking wow it really looks better.

Jim, looks GREAT!! Good job!

So your lawn is a mix and blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass?

When did you last fertilize?

What is your zip code? (I want to see your yearly average temperatures)

Thanks.

"What is your zip code? (I want to see your yearly average temperatures) "

Do you have a favorite site for this? I've used this for average temperatures and precipitation by state, but it uses selected cities in each state instead of zip codes.

Thanks Auteck. Galaxy blend is the bluegrass and Turfstar is the perennial rye. Still have the leftover k-31 from previous owner but I am slowly chipping away at it. Last time I fertilized was exactly 2 months ago. I am afraid to put out anymore as it is growing extremely fast with the rain and not sure I can cut more than once a week. Was thinking organic, maybe even soy meal or alfalfa if I do fertilize. Mower is already at next to highest level. Zipcode is 28715 but can say from living here nearly 5 years summer is usually upper 50's in the morning to low 80's afternoon. Winter is the big difference especially vs. Asheville airport. Many mornings are up to 10 degrees colder than airport especially if windy. Elevation is 500 feet higher for me at 2640 feet.

You have basically the same blend I have. However, my Galaxy blend is about 4 years old, and my Perennial Ryegrass blend is Turfstar and Greyhawk (about 6 different types of PRG).

If you fertilized 2 months ago with slow release, then you're probably ok right now (your grass looks dark green to me)I'll wait another month and fertilize with Lesco Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12) (N-P-K) The nitrogen content is broken down as follow: 8.5% is Amoniacal Nitrogen coated with PolyPlus technology (slow release) the other 8.5% is relatively quick release, which is not ideal in the summer, but because it's only 8.5% and your summer temperatures are very mild, is safe to use (be sure to water your lawn in absence of rain) The second number on the bag (24) is great for root growth, specially if you applied Crabgrass Pre-emergent (all DNA type pre-emergents are root inhibitors/pruners). The best is Ronstar, and you can get that at your local John Deere/Lesco dealer.

The last number deals with heat, drought, cold, disease, stress related scenerios.

Of course, a soil test will be your first step. Your soil maybe different than our soil here in Raleigh, and you might not need to add P or K - or even nitrogen (N)

Keep the pictures comming.

Regards,

Auteck

Gotta love North Carolina. I live near Charlotte where Summer highs hit mid to high 90's in the dog days. Drive less than 2 hours west and it's a totally different climate.

Good job on the lawn Jim and great views. I went to App State 20 years ago. I wouldn't mind moving back one day.

Tarheel, Charlotte's average summer temperature for the month of July (the hottest month based on the past 30 years) is 90f during the day, and 71f morning low.

Has your temperature changed that much lately? I always thought Charlotte was cooler than Raleigh because of its proximity to the mountains...

In Raleigh we average 89f during the day in July, and 69f in the morning. When the heat waves come, we can get into the mid to upper 90's F, but that only last for a few days to 2 weeks max. To put this into perpective, it's not rare to get down into the mid 50's F as morning low during June, July, or August on any giving day.

I almost moved to Charlotte last year, but the recent crime wave kept me away. Too bad because I really like the city a lot - much better than Raleigh anyway.

View to awesome Uptown Charlotte at night...

{{gwi:92057}}

Thanks Tarheel23. Auteck I will go with the starter fertilizer then. Love the mountains. Mt. Pisgah is only about 2-3 air miles south of me. Takes about 15 minutes to drive to the top from my house. Funny what a big temp. difference it is especially if it is a warm day down in the valley up there always about 15 degrees cooler. Makes summer a breeze. Used to live in Orlando and cringe at the thought of that summer heat.

Auteck, it hasn't gotten any hotter. I'm sure those averages are correct. But it's not unusual to have hot spells in the high 90's a few times a Summer.

Great pic of Charlotte. Murder rate has dropped significantly since last year by the way. But Charlotte definitely has its problems. I live in a small town about 12 miles east of downtown Charlotte.

...west of downtown Charlotte, I meant to say.

Lowell, Belmont, or Gastonia?

Belmont

I know Belmont. I've stayed there many times when I go to Charlotte. It's very close to the airport.

That reminds me, there's an awesome BBQ place in Lowell called Hillbillys Barbeque & Steaks. Have you been there?

Posted by tarheel23 (My Page) on Wed, May 13, 09 at 20:28
"I went to App State 20 years ago. I wouldn't mind moving back one day."

Cool, I was there '88-'92. Going to the ECU game this year. Hope the boys can get back to the BCS Championship Game again...