Published on Sunday, September 21, 2014
![Ask Adam! Armyworm Damage...]()
Did you have thinned out dead spots in your lawn last month? Did you know it was probably from armyworms? Armyworms are stout-bodied, hairless, striped caterpillars that chew the foliage of grasses. The name army applies very well as they move across the ground like a feeding army in the hundreds of thousands. They seem to appear overnight and can basically chew turf grasses down to the crown.
The life cycle of the armyworm is near over, but now is the time to repair any dead patches in...
Published on Tuesday, August 26, 2014
![Ask Adam! Allow your lawn to breathe!!!]()
Aeration is beneficial and should be performed annually. Heavily used lawns, or those growing on heavy clay or subsoils may need more than one aeration each year. Again, turf responds best when tine spacing is closer and penetration is deeper. Core aeration can help make your lawn healthier and reduce its maintenance requirements through the following means:
Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere.
Improved fertilizer uptake and use.
Reduced water runoff and puddling....
Published on Monday, April 28, 2014
![Ask Adam! Winter Burn...]()
Winter burn is the discoloration of evergreen leaves or foliage, most noticeably in boxwood and holly shrubs. It is caused when the leaves or needles of evergreens dry out. It has been very noticeable this spring due to our record-breaking winter weather.
During the cold months, evergreens continue to lose water vapor through their leaves (or needles, which are modified leaves). The leaves must replace the water by pulling it up from the roots. But when the ground is frozen, the plants’...
Published on Thursday, January 16, 2014
![Ask Adam! Winter Seeding Your Lawn!]()
A common misconception is that grass seed needs to be planted in the Spring or Fall. While this is probably the most ideal time, Winter seeding your lawn is also a great way to help thicken it up for the next growing season.
In late December, January or early February, go out and remove any fallen leaves and twigs from the areas to be reseeded. Apply grass seed to your lawn or any bare spots at a rate of 4-5lbs per 1000 sq. ft. and go back inside and watch TV! Freezing and thawing occurs...
Published on Thursday, May 23, 2013
![Ask Adam! Back to Reality...]()
As a green industry professional, I often laugh at the TV commercials and cable TV shows that are broadcasted to the public. The misinformation that is construed to the public is mostly false when it comes to showing pictures of lawns that are 100% weed free and perfectly healthy. Having a thick lawn in the first place is the best way to control weeds such as dandelions, clover, and henbit but, proper irrigation, fertilization, and ideal growing conditions are a necessity!
Have you ever...
Published on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
![Stressed plants may look like early Fall!]()
To state the obvious, many of our landscape trees and shrubs really show the signs of excessive heat and extreme drought. Some trees are losing leaves and may be turning color before they drop. Others have turned completely brown while still remaining attached.
Early fall color and/or defoliation is common when plants are under stress and this season has been quite challenging for many trees, shrubs and turf. The intense heat made it difficult for plants to keep up with water and cooling...
Published on Thursday, May 24, 2012
![Ask Adam! Organic Gardening!]()
There’s nothing like a chemical free home grown tomato picked fresh from your back yard garden!
There are many ways to keep your vegetables chemical free now days and properly fertilized. By using organic fertilizers such as manures, blood meal, bone meal or just a simple Milorganite fertilizer, you will keep your garden vegetables much healthier for you and your family.
Horse manure can usually be picked up from horse farms for free. Applying this to your garden at an acceptable...
Published on Monday, April 23, 2012
![Ask Adam! Did you know?]()
1. A well cared for lawns can significantly increase the property value of a home.
2. A healthy lawn is very important to our environment. A 50-foot by 50-foot lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
3. Lawns cool the atmosphere. Four average lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning, which is enough for 16 average homes.
4. Do not overwater. Watering your lawn should almost never be done daily. Overwatering causes shallow roots, nutrient loss,...
Published on Tuesday, March 27, 2012
![Ask Adam! Bugs the Word!]()
With the not so hard winter months, insects will be out in full force this year! I’ve already seen mosquitoes out in mid March! In this month’s Ask Adam article, I’d like to talk on using insecticides as a preventative, which will keep you much happier and bite free.
Consider spraying your trees and shrubs several times this year, preferably 3 times. If you apply insecticide similar to a liquid Seven, you will not only help prevent insects such as Japanese ...
Published on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
![Ask Adam! Colorful Winter Gardens!]()
Wintertime, like an x-ray of the landscape, reveals a garden’s basic structure and composition. If you want to add more interest in your garden, consider some of these ideas and plants.
By using focal points, such as trellises, pergolas, statuary, containers and even large boulder rocks, you can help create dramatic year round interest. Certain features like ponds or bubbling boulders can bring attention to your garden, and sometimes can even be left running in the winter....
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