Winterize Your Lawn

Just a few tips

–Leaf Removal

Be sure to remove leaves, sticks and other debris from the lawn. Leaves will block sunlight from reaching the grass blades, and they will be harder to remove in the spring when they are wet. These things can smother the grass, create disease conditions and invite insects, mice and other damaging pests.

–Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture should be covered or brought indoors. Clay pots and other outdoor statuary should be brought indoors to keep from breaking. Alternating freezing and thawing of these items could cause them to crack. If they are too large to move, cover them with a plastic tarp.

–Snow Removal

We aren’t in an area that “normally” sees a lot of snow fall, but its Hampton Roads, you never know. Many of your plants could be damaged from excess accumulation of snow on the branches. This is especially true of evergreen trees, such as Arbor Vitae. Carefully and gently, brush the snow in an upward direction off the limbs and boughs. If they become coated with ice, leave them alone. Trying to break off the ice could damage the tree or shrub, and won’t help much with your tree maintenance. The ice normally melts at a rapid pace, even if the temperatures are below freezing.

–Irrigation System

Temperatures are getting colder, and the need for supplemental irrigation has passed. Preventing your irrigation system from the winter temperatures in vital.

–Feathered Friends

Finally, put out a bird feeder or two for our feathered friends. There are many birdseed mixes available, so choose one that will attract the varieties of birds that are most common for your area.

If you have any questions, you can always call us here at Nansemond Lawn & Garden, Inc. We can help you with leaf removal, irrigation systems, snow removal and so much more! Call today! 757-538-4581

Garden Mistakes

Nip these common garden mistakes in the bud and enjoy gardening this year.

A few beautiful days of 70 degree weather is enough for anyone to catch spring fever. But before you say ready, set, grow; do your homework. Resist the urge to rush into breaking out your gardening arsenal of tools too early! As many seasoned gardeners know, patience is key.

Timing

First things first. Understand your local climate. A great resource which will help you to understand your planting zone’s climate is the United States Department of Agriculture’s interactive map.

Planning

Having a plan will not only ensure that your garden has a theme but will also help you to stand firm against impulse buying once you get to the store. Write down a list of what you will need prior to purchasing seeds, soils, tools and all other garden essentials and stick to it. The bare minimum that any green thumb needs to get the job done includes a shovel, spade, garden fork, pruners and a hose (splurge on one that won’t kink up).

Water

It may sound like common sense but many people aren’t aware that it is possible to drown a plant. Too much water can be deadly to a plant. Conversely, relying on rain alone as your plants source of water is a mistake as well.  There are three keys to ensuring that your plants are being water properly:

1) Touch Test: This is an easy one! Stick your finger in the dirt, if it is wet then skip watering until the soil feels dry again. When the time comes to water, focus on the soil, not the leaves. Again, this may sound silly but this is a very common mistake.

2) Time of Day: Prime watering time is in the morning. By giving your plants a drink in the morning you will avoid water evaporation.

3) Amount: When it is time to water make sure you water deeply, meaning water your plants with at least an inch of water. It is better saturate your plants less often than to water only a bit at a time.

While many cringe at the sight of bugs in their garden it is important to understand that many bugs do play an important role in cultivating healthy gardens.  Many bugs are good for soil, others help to pollinate flowers and some even eat other bugs which could be potentially harmful to your garden.Good Guys and Bad Guys

According to http://www.varanasiestate.com these are some of the good guys:

• Ladybug
• Dragonfly
• Ground beetle
• Hover fly
• Beneficial nematodes
• Big-eyed bug
• Braconid wasps
• Damsel bugs
• Minute pirate bug
• Rove beetles
• Honeybee
• Assassin Bug

Animal control *TOP SECRET*

One of my mom’s best kept gardening secrets (don’t tell her I told you) is shaving Irish Spring soap bars over all of her flowers. This trick does a great job deterring deer, rabbits and other animals from munching on her beautiful flowers.

All else fails, call an expert!

Nansemond Lawn and Garden ~ 757-538-4581

Thanks for reading! ~SS~

 

Quick Spring Lawn Care Tips

There are several things you can do to help your lawn in the spring but here are our top tips!

1. Fertilization: Spring is a crucial time to fertilize because it replenishes the food reserves your yard draws from while dormant in the winter and fuels grass’ rapid growth phase.  Thin grass and bare spots invite weed seeds to sprout and take hold. There are lots of packaged organic fertilizers on the market, but you can also do your own at home compost. We sell compost as well.

2. Weed control: The best way to control weeds is to have healthy, vigorously growing lawn grasses. Also, you can apply a pre-emergent weed killer on lawns to prevent grassy weeds from germinating. Check out natural and effective options like Burn Out, (made from clove oil, vinegar and lemon juice) instead. 

3. Pest control/Disease repair: Severe winters  may increase the incidence of winter diseases such as snow mold and Bermuda dead spot. Properly timed fertilizer application and mowing at the recommended height for your grass type are two items that will aid in the recovery of your lawn.

4. Mowing: Contrary to popular belief, setting your mower at a very low height can actually increase weeds by exposing the soil surface to sunlight and removing stored nutrients in leaf blades. Allow grass to get a strong head start before you begin mowing, reaching a height of 3 or 4 inches.

Want someone that’s knowledgeable in all areas of lawn care maintenance to handle your lawn for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 757-538-4581. Servicing all of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

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