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Lawn Care Round 2 – Bermuda, Zoysia & Fescue Turf

25 February, 18:47, by admin Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Round 2 Lawn Care Tips

Bermuda and Zoysia Lawns:  This round we are focusing on preventing weeds in the upcoming season, controlling existing weeds, and building a strong root system to withstand the summer heat. 

Mowing:  Bermuda and Zoysia lawns are still dormant but it is still important to occasionally mow.  Mowing the lawn will help keep it free of debris and condition the turf.  One to two times a month should be sufficient.  As we move into warmer weather, mowing will need to be increased.  A higher mowing height of 2” (especially for Bermuda) will help minimize weeds by shading the soil surface, and protect the turf should we get a late frost. 

Watering:  We normally receive adequate rainfall through early spring so lawns will not need supplemental watering until later in the spring.

 

Fescue Lawns:  This round we are focusing on feeding the lawn with a balanced fertilizer, controlling existing weeds, and preventing weeds for the upcoming season.

                Mowing:  Fescue lawns are “cool season” and actively grow this time of year.  A regular mowing schedule is important (every 7 days) at a height of 2-3”.

                Watering:  Fescue needs around 1” of irrigation (water 2-3 times) a week if we do not receive adequate rainfall.  It is important to monitor because typically in Atlanta we receive plenty of rain in February/March so very little additional watering is needed.

Nature’s Twelve Days of Christmas

22 December, 14:04, by admin Tags: , , , ,
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 The Twelve Days of Christmas (Nature’s Style)

On the first day of Christmas Natures gave to me, Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the second day of Christmas Natures gave to me 2 landscape crews and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the third day of Christmas Natures gave to me 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the fourth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the fifth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 5 ESTIMATES. 4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the sixth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES…4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the seventh day of Christmas Natures gave to me 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the eighth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 8 dry creek beds, 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the ninth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 9 drip zones dripping, 8 dry creek beds, 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the tenth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 10 mowers mowing, 9 drip zones dripping, 8 dry creek beds, 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Natures gave to me 11 shovels digging, 10 mowers mowing, 9 drip zones dripping, 8 dry creek beds, 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Natures gave to me 12 leaves a falling, 11 shovels digging, 10 mowers mowing, 9 drip zones dripping, 8 dry creek beds, 7 loads of mulch, 6 Crape Myrtles, 5 ESTIMATES….4 sprayer trucks, 3 soil tests, 2 landscape crews, and Bristol our black lab puppy.

From my desk to your backyard,

Sheryl

And from the Natures family to yours….MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Attack of the Pesky Weeds! Coming to a yard near you.

26 October, 12:48, by admin Tags: , , , , , ,
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They creep into your lawn like thieves in the night. During the fall they germinate and grow slowly throughout the winter. Come spring they arise from the ground and scatter hundreds of seeds throughout your yard. Then they multiply and selfishly gobble up precious nutrients intended for your grass. They are the Pesky Weeds and they are relentless in their pursuit to take over yards across America.

 

OK. So “Attack of the Pesky Weeds” would make for a pretty poor movie and gross almost nothing at the box office. It is however a good reminder of The War which is sure to ensue in lawns across the country this spring. Weeds are not one of the Goodfellas. They are relentless and if allowed to take over…take over they will. Not only are weeds unsightly in lawns but they also impede the growth and spread of grass.

 

So what might you ask is our best line of defense against this Clear and Present Danger? One word…..

pre-emergents. Pre-emergent herbicides stop the germination of plant seeds and thus prevent unwanted growth of weeds. It is important to note that application of pre-emergents must occur before germination. These herbicides are not effective against weeds that are already growing. Here at Nature’s Landscape we have

A Few Good Menwho apply pre-emergents both in the fall and spring. Fall application will help control winter weeds and provide early control of summer weeds. Because pre-emergents break down over time, it is best for them to be reapplied in the spring.

 

We all long for a healthy, lush, weed free lawn to enjoy during the warmer months. Is this a Mission Impossible? Not at all if we act now. Don’t let the pesky weeds creep into your lawn during The Dark Knight. Join forces with pre-emgergents and stop them at their Inception.

From my desk to your backyard,

Sheryl (who is trying to be both informative and a Funny Girl) 

Trees: Heroes of the Landscape

20 September, 17:33, by admin Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
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Waking up recently to cooler temps has allowed my mind to dream of fall. Scarecrows and pumpkins somehow found their way out of my attic and onto my front porch. The kids and I even built an outdoor fire and roasted marshmallows one evening. I have also started to notice the leaves on certain trees losing their color and in some cases already dancing to the ground.

I love trees. I have ever since I was a little girl. I had a thinking tree in the woods beside my house that sat on Highway 85 south.  I would go there often and sit on a low branch which created the perfect chair. And there I would read and write and daydream to my heart’s content. That little girl is all grown up but still loves trees. I sit beneath them as often as time allows. You see, I believe trees are the real heroes of the landscape. Think of all they provide for us.

Visually, they give structure to an outdoor space. The can soften the harshness of buildings or provide form where it is much needed. They can provide privacy and define a space. Aesthetically, they awe us with each passing season. Just reflect on the blooms they offer in the spring, the colorful foliage in the fall, and the beautiful branching patterns which are unveiled in the winter. Practically, trees offer shade in the heat of summer. Strategically placed, they can lower our air conditioning bills. They also help block winter’s cold winds thus helping to reduce our heating bills. They do their part to improve air quality and even help with the property value of our homes.

When walking through a garden people are much more likely to point out the flowers. Certainly, their colors are a feast to our eyes. But often the flower’s beauty is brought out even more so when a perfect backdrop is present. Trees. Trees are simple and often overlooked. And yet, they are heroes of the landscape.

 There is an old Chinese Proverb which says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.”

 If you haven’t sat beneath a tree lately…you should. There is something magical about it.

If you haven’t planted a tree lately…you should. Someone twenty years from now will be thankful you did.

From my desk to your backyard,

Sheryl

 

 Here are some photographs I took of two of my favorite trees. Do you have a favorite tree you would like to share?

 

Mulch in Southern Landscapes

15 August, 16:00, by admin Tags: , , , , , ,
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 A friend recently asked me what would be the best mulch to use in her plant beds.  She was weighing the positives and negatives of bark mulch, rock, and pine straw. I thought this was a good question and one that truthfully, only crosses my mind twice a year; once in the spring and again in the fall.

            After reading several articles, as well as talking to our knowledgeable Nature’s team, my ideas for this blog post began to take shape. I had fully planned on listing the various types of mulch used most often throughout the South. I would then go on to list the positives and negatives of each type. This however, is not going to happen. While researching the various types of mulch, all of which do have both positives and negatives, one specific mulch stood out to me above the rest.  So, in this post I am going to write an ode to the blessed mulch of the South.

 

Ode to Pine Straw

We love you very ‘mulch’

 

Precious pine straw we gather from the trees.

Natural and renewable you supply landscaping needs.

You shield the soil from the harsh Georgia sun.

You knit together a barrier so the soil won’t run.

You give the soil nutrients as you decompose.

You’re like a warm blanket when winter’s winds blow.

Brave weed fighter you are by blocking sunlight.

And beds without weeds are a beautiful sight!

You ask nothing more than to be three inches deep.

You scare aware termites and your price is not steep.

Thank you pine trees for this gift which you shed.

And thank you blog followers for this ode which you read.

 

 

As fall approaches and we all weigh our mulching options, here’s hoping your choice of landscaping mulch “comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines”.

 

From my desk to your backyard,

 

Sheryl

Summer Color in Your Landscape

05 August, 14:03, by admin Tags: , , ,
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A Late Summer Sunday Stroll

 Spring has passed and summer is coming into its final phase. We notice this not only by the abundant amount of backpacks at the local Wal-Mart, but that all too familiar Georgia humidity. You know the one. It wraps itself around you like a heavy wet blanket. The air is thick and has each of us secretly wishing for cooler nights, football games, and turkey.

 Fall however, is still a couple of months away for us here in Georgia. So we might as well embrace what we have left of the summer. This past Sunday I took a late summer stroll with my momma.  While strolling through a friend’s garden, I was amazed at the amount of color still painting the landscape. We tend to crown spring as the king of color and that is a well deserved title. However, late summer has many hidden treasures if we are only willing to look for them.

 One plant we stumbled upon was the perennial, Tardiva Hydrangea. It is thought this plant may have gotten it’s name from the word ‘Tardy’ as it’s lacy white blooms appear later in the growing season. This hydrangea is not only disease resistant but a beautiful addition to any landscape.

                                                                       

Hydrangea ‘Tardiva’

Wanting a pop of color? One cannot help but notice the glory of Rudbeckia, otherwise known as the black-eyed Susan. During these late summer months this glorious flower shines upon us as bright as the sun itself. If you are looking for a way to brighten up your landscape, the easily adaptable black-eyed Susan will most certainly do the trick. And speaking of color, as I strolled through the garden I could not help but be taken in by the bold colors offered by the Zinnias. I was not the only one mesmerized by these flowers. I was able to watch a tiny hummingbird for quite some time, work his way through a maze of purple, pink, and orange.

 Rudbeckia ‘Black-eyed Susan”

                                                                                   

Zinnias

As summer fades, color in the garden doesn’t have to follow. Take a late summer stroll and enjoy the Joe Pye Weed, Bottlebrush Buckeye, Ironweed, Zinnias, Rudbeckia and other hidden treasures of summer’s end.

From my desk to your backyard,

Sheryl

Watering Lawns

01 August, 15:29, by admin Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Since we talked about tree and shrub watering last week, we thought it would be best to talk about lawn watering this week.  These two watering schedules are very different and when it comes to an irrigation system, you can really save some money on the watering bill.  Turf will need to be watered on a different schedule than your trees and shrubs.  Like we talked about last week, established trees and shrubs should only need to be watered 1 time per week.  Unlike trees and shrubs, turf has a very short root system.  Turf roots are so shallow that they dry out faster than tree and shrubs.  We recommend watering your turf three times per week.  So how do you save money?  You need to have your tree and shrubs on a separate zone!  If they are on the same zone as your turf , you’ll be forced to water them when you water your turf.  So spend the money and have an irrigation contractor come out and separate your trees and shrubs from your turf.  The money you save in water bills will easily pay for the irrigation modifications.  Below are some pictures of different irrigation heads and average run times.  Always start on the low end and work your way up on run times.  Your turf will show dry spots if you aren’t watering enough.  If you need help with your system, email us!  info@naturesls.com  

This is an irrigation head that we refer to as a “mister”.  This head stays stationary and will water the same area for the entire time it is on.  For this reason it will not need to run for as long of a time.  Run this type of irrigation head for 10-30 min. 

This is an irrigation head we refer to as a “rotor”.  It is called this simply because it moves back and forth, not keeping the water on one particular spot.  Since this rotor moves it will need to run longer than the “mister” irrigation head.  Run this type zone for 30-60min.  Remember to start low and work your way up.  Your lawn will tell you if it’s thirsty!

Shrub Pruning – Growth Regulators

27 April, 18:05, by admin Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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Pruning is one of the most important chores to be done in the landscape.  If you do your own pruning, you know that it is very labor intensive, especially if done in the correct manner.  If you hire others to prune, you know how difficult it can be to find someone that will do it correctly.  If you can find someone that knows how to prune correctly, they usually have to charge so much more to do so that you may be tempted to go the less desired route.  

As a result, shrubs that look and perform better if “pruned” are often “sheared”, which challenges future pruning and often leads to pest problems that wouldn’t otherwise occur.

To make matters more difficult, we are often trying to keep plants that grow tall when left alone, to a height of approximately four feet which results in the need for still more pruning.

 Disposing of pruned clippings can also be a problem as landfill operators are being forced to restrict the intake of landscape waste.  To help manage pruning needs, some landscapers have begun to rely on Growth Regulators.  Properly used, these products can reduce pruning needs of some plant species to at least half the time needed prior to treatment.  This is a link for more information on this topic http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/fact_sheets/greenhouse_management/pgr.html

Frost Burn on Ornamentals

13 December, 09:27, by admin Tags: , , , ,
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Unfortunately I had to be out in the cold a little bit this morning in downtown Atlanta.  As I was walking through Woodruff Park, I noticed a Wintergreen Barberry that had experienced some severe burn from the cold.  If you look in the photo you can see a rather tightly shaped plant with several “shoots” coming out that are dark brown to black in plantcolor.  The plant appears to have been recently pruned (sheared actually) which has encouraged the growth of the new shoots.  It is important to remember that any pruning will temporarily eliminate apical dominance and stimulate the growth of lateral buds into shoots.  The plant will most likely be fine, but all of the new growth will die back and it will look unsightly for the next few weeks.  The moral of the story is to not prune your ornamentals (if you can avoid it) until we get a little closer to spring.  Stay Warm!

Brian Arnold is Named President of the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council

12 December, 15:53, by admin Tags: , , , , ,
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Brian Arnold, Vice President, Horticultural Services at Nature’s has recently been named the President of the Georgia brianExotic Pest Plant Council.  Brian earned his B.S.A. in Ornamental Horticulture at the University of Georgia in 1987 and has enjoyed a successful career in the Green Industry.  He has been with Nature’s Landscape Services Inc since 2007 and specializes in management of Tree/Shrub & Turf Care programs.  Brian has become increasingly alarmed by the damage resulting from non-native invasive species, including insects, pathogens, and plants. As a wildlife enthusiast, Brian became involved with GA-EPPC to contribute to the collaborative effort of combating non-native invasive plants and protecting habitat.  You can learn more about invasive species at www.gaeppc.org