Weed Management in Lawns
COMBINING RESULTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
Balancing the goal of a beautiful, thick lawn with that of taking responsible care of our environment has become an essential part of professional care. When it comes to weed management, there are effective ways to greatly reduce herbicide use, while delivering very satisfactory results.
MANAGEMENT CONCEPT REPLACING TOTAL ERADICATION
Some change in weed control expectations is necessary to an environmentally sound management program. The most effective way to maintain results, while reducing weed control applications, is to inspect and treat when and where weeds are actually a problem in the lawn.
Because weeds can sprout almost all season long, there may be a few weeds present in a lawn at any given time. The goal is to manage weeds and prevent them from becoming a serious problem – not to guarantee there will never be a weed present in the lawn. The need to accept the presence of a few weeds in an otherwise very attractive lawn is basic to the weed management approach.
HERBICIDES: ONLY AS SUPPORT FOR GOOD FEEDING AND CULTURAL PRACTICES
When your lawn is properly fed, watered, mowed and aerated, weed control materials become less and less necessary. Spot treatments for weeds are much better for your lawn and the environment. We’re dedicated to working with you to keep your world green and healthy.
Dealing with Deer
Deer are beautiful creatures. A family of deer prancing across your yard is an event worthy of gathering the kids for an encounter with nature. While there may be a sense of wonder attached to the fact that such large animals live so close to humans – this situation does not bode well for your landscaping. A century of suburbanization has rid deer of most natural predators causing their populations to soar. Suburbanization has also provided deer with a convenient food source – pretty much anything you are trying to grow in your yard!
Limiting plant loss from deer is a challenging proposition. Once upon a time, bags of human hair hung from trees drove them off. This was in a bygone era when deer feared humans. These days, fragrant soaps hung in mesh bags can help ward off the deer. Commercial repellants also exist, but be sure to research which one is best for you. Some repellants can damage food plants, and most will need to be re-applied after heavy watering or heavy rain.
Some plants such as black-eyed Susans, daffodils, and lavender are unattractive to deer and can be planted throughout your yard. Unfortunately, the most effective way to secure your plants against deer damage is a physical boundary of some kind. Netting or chicken wire around (and on top of) your garden plants will often do the trick. Fences around your yard will also help (although deer are VERY good jumpers). These barriers may be unsightly, but often they are the only solution to a serious deer problem. The best way to gauge your situation is to try several solutions to see what will work. Not all deer are repelled by the same things, and some populations are more tame than others. Trial and error is your best bet in keeping your plants from becoming a deer buffet.
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