By Kay Olson March has always been a time for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and the beginning of Lent. It also marks the beginning of Spring! We’ll bet you have your plans already down, but what about your yard? Everything from February – power raking, aerating, fertilizing, and pre- and post-emergent care – still applies in March. And yet, there’s more! Bugs freak most people out, but they can also damage your greenery. (They party hard, too.) One of the best ways to be rid of pests is the use of insecticides, and an easy way to deliver insecticides safely is known as an insect drench. This is perfect for trees and shrubs, such as rose bushes (affected by thrips, aphids, and leaf miners) or pines (impacted by pine tip moths and bores). Just don’t use the insect drench on stuff you eat! | Wondering about pruning your trees and shrubs? You came to the right place. Trees are still okay to prune (in most cases) while the tree is dormant, there’s no new leaves growing, and there’s no buds. Different trees have different signs of dead wood, so be sure to do some research before grabbing those pruning shears. Most shrubs are fine to prune this month - however, some (such as lilac, forsythia, and spanish broom) flower on the growth from last year, and it’s best to prune them once they’re done flowering. This also gives you an opportunity to enjoy the rewards before the work begins! Above all, March is a month of connection. Whether you’re connecting to your friends, religion, your yard, or yourself, remember to be open and genuine. I have a good feeling about this month. |
By Kay Olson Spring is almost here! You know what that means - a new growing season is upon us, and it's time to give your yard (and yourself) some love.
After taking a day to care for yourself (maybe at the spa?), take care of your yard by removing leaves and debris that might have blown in to ensure healthy growth. You look good, and so should your yard! As you keep an eye out for the green to start growing once more, you might notice some areas just aren't as lively as they once were. When the ground compacts, everything has a harder time taking root, and it may be in need of a deep-tissue massage (aerating). They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but I bet that's because they haven't heard of de-thatching. It's sometimes hard to spot the tight accumulation of organic debris just above the soil, hiding in the grass. Power raking breaks up the thatch and, once removed, your lawn can grow thicker and greener, making you the envy of the neighborhood. Don't forget to fertilize your lawn, either - it's like vitamins for the grass, and you can see the difference. Then buy yourself some chocolate, because why not? Weeds and spam mail have one thing in common: nobody likes them. Unsubscribe from weeds by investing in pre- and post-emergent care. Less stress for you and your yard! (Keep in mind that with pre- and post-emergent care, different products are designed for different circumstances - make sure you invest in the right stuff.) Finally, Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Buy or make your loved ones something special for the special occasion, and don't forget it can be as simple as a phone call to remind them what they mean to you. It's important to care for your yard, but it's important to take care of yourself, too. If you have any questions, or would like any help with your lawn care, feel free to keep us in mind! |
Robert HairstonHaving been deeply involved in the residential yard care industry since 1990, I have encountered nearly everything: neglected lawns, ineffective irrigation systems, sodding, seeding, planting, designing landscapes for microclimates, and I've mowed, aerated, power raked, and cleaned countless yards. In this blog, we will provide tips to help you maintain your yard monthly. Although some of these entries date back years, the majority of the advice remains applicable to today's conditions. Archives
July 2020
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