ENCROACHMENT OF GRASSES: In my backyard, I am growing plugs of a new St. Augustinegrass called 'Palmetto.' Will this hold back my neighbor's 'Floratam' or will I soon have two grasses in my yard? - Broward County

ANSWER: The long-reaching stolons of 'Floratam' can advance several feet per year into other turf varieties. It is the most aggressive variety of St. Augustinegrass of which I am aware. While dense, healthy turf will help reduce the encroachment by 'Floratam,' you will eventually have two grasses unless you patrol the perimeter. One strategy is to half bury four-by-fours along the perimeter, which will at least facilitate prompt detection and hand pulling of invading stolons as they sneak over the lumber. This won't work in trafficked areas, for safety reasons. Hopefully you can convince your neighbor that you are not being snobbish.