Do It Yourself Lawns V

It is time for the first weed control application of the season. A crabgrass control preferably without fertilizer, which should be applied immediately to control all weed grasses (eg. crabgrass, johnsongrass, dallisgrass, foxtail and others). Then a liquid broadleaf weed control to take care of weeds like dandelion,chickweed, henbit etc. Another lime application would be a great idea if you did not get it down before all the snow last winter. Remember to get a soil analysis before liming or fertilizing to see what the soil actually needs. Happy mowing!

Do It Yourself Lawns IV

The final application for the season should be performed now or anytime the ground is not frozen. Apply pelletized lime at a rate of 1 bag or 40#'s per 2000 square feet. This will raise the ph level by about a half point. Having your soil analyzed would be preferred before performing this step, however most soils in this area are acidic anyway and need lime to raise the ph. After this step the lawn should be green until we get extremely cold and it goes dormant. Merry Christmas!

Do It Yourself Lawns III

Part III is as simple as part II. The final fertilizer application should be the highest nitrogen application, (e.g. 32-0-7) or similiar ratio. Remember to keep the leaves off of the lawn. This hinders photosynthesis from occuring. That's all til next month.

Do It Yourself Lawns II

Part II is very simple. The second application of fertilizer should be applied in October. This application should be higher in nitrogen to focus the nutrients on the root system (eg 25-0-5 or similiar ratios). As the soil temperture cools the turf roots will begin to store carbohydrates for next spring. That's all til next month. That was easy huh!

Energy Efficient Planting

Energy efficient landscapes begin with the right plant in the right place. This can contribute to reduced heating and or cooling costs. Trees are a landscape's greatest energy savers when planted in the right place. Tall trees (eg maples,oaks) should be planted 25' from a home's southside to shade south-facing windows and the roof during the summer months when the sun is highest. Broader and shorter trees (eg crape myrtle, redbud) should be planted 20-50' from a home's east and west walls to block the morning and late afternoon sun that can also overheat a home during the summer months. This should reduce the need for air conditioning, as well as cool the air through evapotranspiration. According to the EPA a building's shaded walls may be 9 to 36 degrees cooler than unshaded walls. Studies have shown that by shading 20 percent of a home- the equivalent of planting one tree to the west and another to the south- annual savings of 8 to 18 percent may be realized. Another way to save energy is by protecting a north facing wall in winter by planting an evergreen (eg cypress,holly) windbreak. I can perform a free landscape energy audit for anyone who may be interested.

Do It Yourself Lawns

My friend Rick asked if I would write a blog series for lawn do-it-yourself types. So I agreed. I hope this is helpful to Rick and anyone else who may read it. Step #1: Late summer to early fall begin by thoroughly aerating the lawn, in addition rough up any bare patches with a rake. Next apply a slow release starter fertilizer (e.g. 14-20-14). After the fertilizer apply the grass seed, preferably a quality turf-type fescue. Finally water daily for 10-15 minutes per area to keep the seed evenly moist. This should be done until the seed germinates. Note: If you use a drop spreader make two passes in perpendicular directions to avoid striping when fertilizing. Also, use a drop spreader to apply the seed around areas that you don't want grass to grow, namely mulch beds, natural areas, gravel driveways etc.

Midlothian Masterpiece

For your viewing pleasure another Midlothian landscape installed for friends. This one was partially on a steep incline at the end of a driveway which was quite challenging. Like hiking up a mountain with shrubs and shovel in hand. Before I began the homeowners rebuilt the deck and had a beautiful stamped concrete patio and steps with landings installed. This gave me a great framework to design around. The results were better than even I expected.