Lawn & Landscape News
FALL 2011
Subject: Preparing for fall-winter after a weather roller coaster season!!
The summer of 2011 will certainly go down in the record books as one of the bumpiest rides in recent memory. Rainy and wet through late spring season, yielding the June 1st tornado, followed by hot, humid weather most of the summer. Late summer ended with one of the rainiest periods, coupled with Hurricane Irene. Along with this rare summer season, there were many lawn and shrub problems as a result. Lawns suffered from diseases and overall stress, especially when the short heat wave in late July hit with record temperatures over 100 degrees! The shrubs and trees had severe insect activity, as well as disease issues. Water was necessary, however, too much can be just as harmful as not enough. Now that fall is here, things should get back to normal. However, it has been very wet, with prolonged summer, and unseasonable warm temperatures.
1. Fall watering tips:
Even though it is fall, we still need to actively water lawns and plants if there isn’t enough natural rainfall. However, the frequency can be decreased by about 50%. The general rule of thumb is to water infrequently for longer periods of time for each area. Generally speaking 2-3 times per week at your regular length is adequate. However, pay attention to cold weather in October, and prepare hoses and sprinkler systems for winter to prevent freezing damage. Shutting off lawn sprinkler system water supplies and draining your exterior backflow prevention device and outdoor piping can save high repair costs next season. We can provide this necessary service for you.
2. Fall Insects, Diseases, and Grubs!!
Insect and disease activity is still present, usually through frost. Grubs are most likely to be the most troublesome in your lawn. Early control will result in better results. Signs of grub activity range from disturbance of the turf by skunks and raccoons. Large groups of birds on the lawn feeding on the grubs can also be a another indicator. Grub activity will first show as signs of drought, progressing in loose, un-rooted turf. The damage is caused by the grubs feeding on the roots of your turf. Early detection and curative controls can prevent severe damage. Be sure to monitor next season for another generation.
3. Fall Weed control!!
The short heat wave in July, and seasonable warmth in August and September, combined with adequate moisture allowed weeds to flourish in lawns and garden beds. Controls can be applied this fall to eliminate the existing weeds. By controlling weeds this fall, it will prevent large populations next season. There is no need to treat crabgrass now. Crabgrass is an annual, and will die off after first hard frost. Next spring will be critical to apply a pre-emergent control for crabgrass. This application will help prevent next season’s outbreak.
4. Shrubs and ornamental trees:
Shrubs also pushed additional growth during August and September due to the excessive moisture this year. Generally July or August trimming is adequate. However, this season, additional trimming may be needed. Trimming and pruning your plants this fall will not harm them. Also, fall is the time to prune back perennials, roses and ornamental grasses after their growth has stopped or when they start to go dormant after a killing frost. In addition, if there are certain shrubs that you want to prune back heavily, fall is a good time to approach this task. It is important to protect your shrubs and trees from winter stress. Fertilization this fall will allow them to store nutrients creating a stronger healthier plant without pushing new growth this fall. The plants therefore can store and use these nutrients to sustain their health. Also, an application of a “winter kill protection” to your evergreens will also help prevent winter damage to plants. We can provide these important services for you!
5. Mowing:
As the temperatures begin to cool, gradually lower your mower blades to reach a final cutting height of 2 ½” or so. Be sure not to drop your cutting height at one time, this will stress the turf. Sharpen your mower blades often, dull mower blades will rip the grass blades weakening the health and give your lawn a dull yellowish appearance. Alternating mowing direction weekly, as allowable, will help decrease compaction from mower tires, and create an interesting pattern, similar to those on golf courses and sports fields. Be creative, your lawn can be cut in several different directions to create a unique appearance. When trimming your edges with a weed whacker, be sure to trim at a 90 degree angle, this will produce a nice clean edge, and prevent scalping. Be sure to remove accumulation of leaves from your lawn, especially before the first snowfall.
6. Fall Aeration:
Aerating your lawn each fall will prevent compaction, eliminate standing water, allow nutrients, water and air to enter the roots zone creating a healthier and stronger turf. Aeration will also aid in thatch control by allowing bacteria to break down any thatch layer. During the fall, and even during the winter, turf is working hard on root development. Aeration will allow the maximum root development possible. A strong root foundation will result in a healthier and stronger stand of grass! Call us today for this important service.
Call us today for more information or price quotes on any of your Lawn, Landscape, or Lawn Sprinkler needs. Phone: 413-532-4888 E-mail: info@ghlandscaping.com
Have a great fall!
