Turf can become stressed during the hottest days of the Summer. To reduce stress be sure to cut your grass so that you will be removing no more than 1/3 of the blade at any cutting. Mowing height should be no lower than 2.5-3.0 inches. The lower you cut, the more stress on the turf-grass plants Keep mower blades sharp! Torn and tattered grass tips make for an unsightly lawn and cause unnecessary damage to the grass plants. Try to get at least 1" of water per week on your lawn areas to replace water that has transpired and utilized by the grass for growth. Placing some empty, straight-sided cans around the watering areas will measure when an inch of water has been achieved. When grass is extremely dry and brittle, try to remain off of the lawn to reduce damage to the crown of the grass plants.
Watch for turf and ornamental tree and shrub pests. Central Ohio is now experiencing the emergence of Japanese Beetle adults. These grub adults are voracious eaters and will consume the foliage of some of your prized landscape plants. Turf insects such as sod webworm or chinch bug may be on the prowl as well. It is important visually check for theses pests and to be sure to properly identify and target treat for any insect pests. Better yet, have a licensed pesticide operator from Buck & Son's to help you properly identify and treat any problem pests.
Now is a good time to thin out the foliage of heavy canopied trees such as maples. The new growth has now sufficiently hardened-off and there would be minimal bleeding from pruning wounds. The extra sunlight that you let through will benefit the turf or plants beneath the tree and will help produce a stronger, healthier tree. More sunlight will be available to most portions of the tree and more openings for air will be able to flow through the canopy.
Don't forget to weed! Weeds in your beds, especially ground cover beds will benefit from having fewer plants around them to compete for nutrients and moisture. Small shrubs can easily be choked and/or cover by overly aggressive weeds and vines
Look at the overall appearance of your plants. Do they look healthy? Maybe some of your more nutrient dependant plants would benefit from a supplemental feeding of a complete fertilizer. Or perhaps your plants are off color and yellow. This may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or absence of certain trace elements. Let us help you feed and care for your investments
It is not too early to start thinking about early Fall lawn seeding. Bare areas in your lawn may need cultivated to loosen the soil prior to re-seeding. Some low areas may require some topsoil to even the grade of your lawn prior to applying seed. Please contact us early to get an early seeding time for your lawn.
Annual flowers should be off to a great start. A liquid fertilization will really kick them into gear for a continual floral display. Be sure not to overfeed with a heavy nitrogen fertilizer as you may get more foliage growth than you want.
Prune dead perennial flower stalks and remove dead or damaged material from in and around your plants. Some perennial plants will suffer from heat scorch on the foliage. Removing these brown and scorched leaves will greatly improve the appearance of your garden. Pinch geraniums and fertilize to keep them looking their best.
Maintaining the health of your plants will keep your home and business looking its best. Your plants will reward you with increased beauty, functionality and value. You can always call the professionals at Buck & Sons to help you maintain the value of your outdoor investments.
