Weed Control: Put Down Pre-Emergent in the Spring

Weeds seem to appear everywhere, especially after winter and spring rains. They get in the way of your lawn and garden plants and flowers getting the nutrition and water they need. That's why they must go. Spring is a good time to get those weeds under control as part of your lawn maintenance. There are many ways you can do this, but applying a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the most effective weed control strategies. Here's why: For our commercial lawn and garden services here in Memphis, we use high-quality pre-emergent herbicides to control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass that start to infringe on turf, landscaping, agricultural lands, golf courses and other areas.  Pre-emergent herbicides weed killers are perfect for spring and fall application. Pre-emergent herbicides are typically applied in the early growing season, which is the springtime. This helps prevent the weed seeds from germinating and becoming full-grown weeds. The pre-emergent herbicide weed control forms a barrier around a weed seed. This makes it nearly impossible for the wee seed to sprout so then it's less likely to grow. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied a few different ways. You can utilize a granular spreader or a pressurized handheld sprayer. Liquid herbicides are often concentrated solutions that have to be mixed with water first. Granular herbicides can be spread and require irrigation to help the granule release the pre-emergent chemical.    To help make the pre-emergent work effectively, it's important to aerate the lawn and surrounding area first. Then, apply the weed control substance. This helps the pre-emergent get the seeds to do its work. Watering the pre-emergent also helps it to get into that topsoil layer where the weed seeds tend to germinate. Follow the instructions provided on each pre-emergent weed control solution you select. For all of our commercial clients, we take care of this part of lawn care and maintenance for you to ensure you have the healthiest lawn and garden possible. Contact us today to learn more.

By |2018-05-30T11:51:05+00:00May 24th, 2018|Categories: Feed Your Lawn, Fertilize, Insect Control, Lawn Care, Weed Control|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on Weed Control: Put Down Pre-Emergent in the Spring

Time to Change Out Those Flower Beds

Flower beds provide a beautiful and eye-catching feature to any commercial or residential garden. With a burst of color, these beautiful floral displays can provide enjoyment the entire year round. However, flowers tend to provide that beauty on a seasonal basis. That means that, at certain points in the year, it's time to change those flowers out for others that are in-season. At this time of year, it means going with flowers that flourish in hotter temperatures. Here's how to re-do a flower bed. The first step is to clean out the existing flower bed.  Remove old perennials, weeds, and any debris. Think of it as a clean slate so you can start again with seasonal blooms. This may be a good time to change the shape of your flower bed. Rather than going with that traditional rectangular look, why not add some curves to it by drawing out new lines with the soil? Now, it's time to add new soil to your flower bed. Dig up rocks, roots, and any debris before putting a layer of garden-specific soil. It should be about six inches deep. You can also add compost and leaf mold. This will boost soil nutrition. Let your flower bed settle for 30 to 60 days before planting. Work with your local garden center on the ideal flowers for this time of year. Once you have an idea of what works, then you can select the colors and varieties to use that will fit your space and garden style. This is where you can be creative. As you plant the flowers in the bed, be sure to add enough water to make puddles under each flower. Add a thin layer of mulch. This will help prevent weeds and allow the soil to retain moisture even during the hot summer ahead. Of course, if you don't have the time to re-do your commercial flower beds, consider turning to professionals like Pugh's Earthworks. Contact us today!

By |2018-05-30T11:53:27+00:00May 17th, 2018|Categories: Landscape Design, Landscaping, Lawn Care|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Time to Change Out Those Flower Beds

Focusing On Insect Control in the Spring Pays Year-Round Benefits

Now that spring has arrived and your garden, trees, shrubs, and lawns are starting to grow again, all this activity will be sure to attract insects. While some are there to help, other insects don't do your garden or lawn any good. That's when you know it's time or insect control strategies. Plus, what you do now in the springtime can help control insects the whole year round. To get started, it's important to know that there are three general strategies you can use for garden insect control. These include physical controls, live controls, and packaged controls. Although each insect control strategy is good, you need one that fits your type of garden and insect issues.  This is where it can help to have a professional assist you with your garden and lawn maintenance as they are adept at understanding the best inset control strategy to implement. First, physical pest control manually removes insects. For example, this can involve cutting the larvae of cottonwood borers out of trees or shrubs. Or, soil covers can be placed around your plants' roots. This strategy for insect control can prevent maggots from reaching these roots and destroying the plants. Second, live pest control uses the power of nature to eliminate insects. This involves introducing certain insects that feed on the insects that are destroying your plants. For example ladybugs and praying mantises take care of aphids. Third, you can control insects by using chemicals or packaged pest control products. Focus on non-toxic products before opting for the stronger chemicals. You can also opt for some other alternatives for pest control to help keep insects away from your gardens and lawns the whole year round. These include electronic pest control techniques, including the use of ultrasonic frequencies. Also, you may want to consider organic pest control products that use citric acid or garlic to kill insects. Sesame oil, thyme oil, and clove oil are integral to other types of organic alternatives for relief from pest infestations without damaging your garden. Contact us today if you would like to get professional help in learning how to control insects in spring as well as all year.

By |2018-05-30T11:55:55+00:00May 6th, 2018|Categories: Insect Control, Pest Control|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on Focusing On Insect Control in the Spring Pays Year-Round Benefits

Applying Fertilizer in the Spring Can Strengthen Roots and Promote Growth

Spring is the time to fertilize your lawn and plants because this is when growing season starts again. The fertilizer has the nutrition that all green things need to really start growing. Here's why Healthy lawns must have adequate water. This promotes cell enlargement and aids in evaporative cooling. Lawns and plants also require sunlight and carbon dioxide for energy production as well as oxygen for respiration. Lawn growth also involves getting nutrients from the soil that are absorbed by roots. Sometimes, the soil does not have these nutrients so that's where fertilizer comes in to help out. In fact, one research article noted that there must be at least 18 elements for proper plant growth. And, if any are missing, it could limit plant or lawn growth. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By applying fertilizer to the soil, the soil becomes more fertile. The result is that the plants and lawn that the soil feeds becomes healthier, resisting damage from insects and fungus. You'll be able to tell if your plants, trees, and lawns aren't getting the right nutrition. That's because their leaves will be yellow or light green. They may even have dead spots on them. There will be fewer leaves. And, the ones that are there will be smaller than normal. There will also be poor plant structure and root growth. Look for fertilizers that incorporate organic enzymes and amino acids. These help plants and lawns deal with any seasonal stresses from heat or frosts as well as transplanting. Since more insects and diseases also turn up at this time, these ingredients in the fertilizer will help strengthen the roots and offer protection. Look for fertilizers for certain types of plants, shrubs, and lawns. It helps to use a customized fertilizer for the area you want to feed. If you are not sure, contact us and we'll be glad to help with lawn fertilizing and yard fertilizing.

By |2018-05-03T01:02:14+00:00May 2nd, 2018|Categories: Feed Your Lawn|Tags: , |Comments Off on Applying Fertilizer in the Spring Can Strengthen Roots and Promote Growth
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