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In This Issue
September 2009
Turf
Don't hesitate, aerate today! Did you know that late-August/early September is the best time to perform lawn renovation? Yes that's right, the months of August and September offer the most optimal climates for seed germination in cool season lawns.
Call today to schedule your lawn renovation! Our renovation schedule is nearly full and we only have a few slots left due to the limited germination window during fall. We recommend all seeding be completed by October 1st due to risk of freeze damage.
INSECT damage most common during September is white grub damage. Damage from grubs is relatively easy to diagnose by simply tugging on the surface of the plant. If the sod is easily pulled up as if pulling up a rug, take a closer look! If you notice white c-shaped grubworms just below the root zone, you've got a problem. Immediate attention recommended, especially during high stress periods in the summer.
Round 6 applications have begun. This round we will be addressing broadleaf weeds and providing a heavy feeding of fertilizer.
*PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU ARE SEEDING YOURSELF THIS FALL! This application will affect new seed germination if applied.
Design & Build
Fall is a great time to plant! Many horticulturists beleive that fall planting is as good if not better than spring planting. Cooler fall temperatures, and limited plant growth all provide low-stress situations for plants installed during fall months. Plants typically begin to go dormant beginning in September thus requiring minimal water and nutrients. By the time Spring rolls around, your new plants are ready to take off.
**Note Make sure an extra layer of mulch is used on fall plantings to help protect the un-established roots through the winter.
Drainage solutions should be installed now before Winter approaches and Spring rains return.
Aspen lights up the night with our low voltage outdoor lighting options. Lighting up your most important investment isn't only safe & practical; it also creates an ambiance & inviting appeal making your home the perfect place for entertaining guests t summer.
Bed mulching will add protection to your plants throughout the harsh winter months, especially new plantings. Call us to get your fall mulching qoute.
We are currently taking requests for fall shrub trimming- If you would like to have your shrubs trimmed this fall, please call us to schedule an appointment
Landscape Maintenance
NOTHING SAYS FALL LIKE PANSIES AND MUMS! Call us today, we'd love to add some fall flair to your "outside room". We'd also love to decorate your front porch or patio for your parties or gatherings this fall.
Need our help in your garden? September is a great time to transplant and divide perennials during your regular maintenance visit. Daylilies, hostas, shasta daisies, and iris are some of the most popular perennials to divide due to their rapid growth habits. The easy way to determine what plants to divide in the fall is by following this simple guideline: if it blooms in the spring or summer than you are able to divide in the fall. The plant is able to focus on establishing roots and leaf growth during this time and not waste energy on producing flowers. If flowers are smaller than normal, there is a dead center in the plant, or poor or sparce bottom foilage your plant is trying to tell you they need dividing. Usually most plants start to show these types of stress every 3 to 5 years. The bright side is you have more plants for your landscape and it's free!
Mowing
Mow low! It is time to lower your blades for the Fall season. During Autumn months; turf begins to grow horizontal/spreading rather than the vertical/top growth habit of the spring and summer months. Mowing heights should be around 3"- 3.25" during September and October.
Are you seeding your lawn this fall? If so, make sure to "scalp" the lawn before performing lawn renovation. We recommend a height of 2 3/4" - 3" before any aeration, verticutting, or seeding. This ensures good soil/seed contact is made, which is imperative for seed germination. Give your new grass 1 1/2 - 2 weeks before mowing the lawn to give the new grass time to germinate and develop roots. Changing directions when you mow during stressful periods will prevent the plant from laying over in the same direction and causing damage to the turf. If you would like information on our "custom mowing," please contact the office.
Arborist's Corner
Dormant oil works! Fall dormant oil applications are helpful in ensuring that pests do not overwinter on your ornamentals and cause damage next spring. These applications should be performed in Late September-November.
Please call us if you'd like more information about our plant protection programs including: "Save your Pines!", deep root fertilization, insecticide programs, Ash borer treatments, Iron injections and much more.
Irrigation
Don't turn your water off yet! September has been a very dry month and root systems are very shallow from spring and summer rains. It won't take much to have a drought stricken lawn.
Here are you fall irrigation recommendations:
TURF AREAS:
Rotors- 2 days per week @ 25 minutes per zone
Sprays- 2 days per week @ 7-10 minutes per zone
BEDDING AREAS:
Sprays- 2-3 days per week @ 5-8 minutes per zone
HAVE YOU SEEDED?
Rotors- 2 times every day @ 10-15 minutes per zone (2 week minimum)
Sprays- 2 times every day @ 5 minutes per zone (2 week minimum).
If you would like us to set your clock for the fall or make seasonal adjustments, feel free to call us to set up an appointment.
Have you heard?
Our Irrigation maintenance programs are our worry-free options perfect for the homeowner who doesn't have time to worry with watering their lawn. We call these programs "insurance for your sprinkler system". You pay a one-time yearly rate for the program, and the only costs you incur are for parts used on any needed repairs made during regularly scheduled visits.
The SILVER program includes: annual start-up, winterization, & 2 maintenance checks during the season to make necessary adjustments and/or repairs. Our GOLD program includes all of the above, plus an in-depth system calibration. This calibration is guaranteed to save you $ on your water bill. Call us for more details or to sign up.
Irrigation System Installation Remind us to give you a FREE start up and shut down when your family member or friend has a new Aspen system installed.