Q. My centipede lawn has been damaged by this

year's weather cycle of cold, warm and then cold again. Will

my lawn come back?

A. Damage from late spring frost results from the fact that

initial spring growth must be made from food reserves stored in

live portions of the plant. When frost kills new spring growth, this

reserve is destroyed. A number of frosts separated by warm

periods, which permit new growth to take place, may completely

exhaust the food reserves and kill the plant. In less severe cases, the

root system does not develop sufficiently to absorb adequate

water and, minerals to the turf becomes thin and unattractive. If the

deficiency is not too severe, the grass may gradually recover.

Centipede lawns damaged by late spring frost or our cold, warm,

cold weather cycles usually respond well to added iron.

Q. Last year I ordered some trees and plants from a

mail-order nursery and received only dead, dried up sticks. When

I contacted the company they extended their condolences

but refused to give me a refund or additional plants. What

should I have done?

A. Garden catalogs are blooming in mailboxes all over the

state, but before you place an order there are a couple of things

you should do. Only order seeds and plants from established

nurseries with proven track records (If you're not sure that the

nursery has a good reputation contact our Nursery and Plant Protection

Office for assistance.) Also read the company's guarantee or it

does not offer to give your money back, a credit, or a free

replacement for their stock that is not of good quality, do not order.

Q. My home has been treated for termites and I have a

good repair contract. What else can I do to prevent a termite

infestation?

A. Do not store or put wood scraps, cardboard, paper

and other cellulose debris in the crawl space of your home. Do not

store firewood, lumber, or other wood on the ground under or next

to your home. Make sure that your pest control company conducts

a thorough inspection of your home every year.

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