Seasonal Information   
 

Turf Fertilization
Now is a good time to test your soil's pH levels and add lime if needed. Also, a slow-release fertilizer that has a lower nitrogen content is better for your summer lawn care.  Yards can be delicate in the harsh summer months. It is important to give your lawn and landscape a deep watering once a week. Several light waterings encourage shallow roots which makes it harder for your grass to be established and absorb the water that it needs. If your lawn and plants are less than three years old, two deep waterings a week should suffice.

Pine Beetle Infestation
Pine beetles are unfortunately very common and very destructive. They can infest living pines, kill them quickly, and move to infect surrounding pine trees. If you see any evidence of pine beetle activity you should take immediate and decisive action. Evidence includes sap or a brown sugar-like substance oozing from bark crevices, or saw dust around the base of the pine tree. After it is established that your tree has pine beetles, it should be cut and removed immediately - before the pine beetle infestation can move to adjacent trees. There is no known treatment for eliminating an infestation. We can assess whether or not the tree contains pine beetles and make a recommendation for remediation. There is no charge for the inspection.

Brown Patch
Brown Patch is a common fungus that attacks a variety of plants including turfgrasses. Fescue is prone to Brown Patch in our area as well as Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Centipede.  Brown patch commonly starts as a small spot that can quickly enlarge and usually takes on a circular appearance. The best prevention for brown patch is to (1) aerate often; (2) follow a strict fertilization schedule that applies the proper amount during the ideal times; (3) reduce shade to effected areas; (4) water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry quickly; and (5) mow the turf a little taller with a sharp mower blade. Fungicide applications are most effective when used as a preventative before the disease has become established. It may take 2-3 applications of Fungicide to aid in the re-growth of the turf in the diseased areas.

Tree Removal - Call Before They Fall......
Trees near your home are not only dangerous, they can be a problem for your home and landscaping. Strong winds storms during the year can bring a tree or large limb down with no warning. Limbs overhanging your roof line provide accumulation of leaves and debris in crevices and gutters, and can provide access for animals to your attic.

Reasons for Tree Removal
There are many reasons for tree removal. What many property owners do not know is that trees generally have a life expectancy, just like all other living things. Many trees that are found in our neighborhoods are only meant to live for about 15-20 years, and after this, the trees basically start to deteriorate. Some trees simply will not grow as many leaves, while others will simply blow over in a strong wind, if they are covered in snow or drenched in rain. An aging tree is one of the most common reasons that property owners call tree service companies.

Another really common reason that people will call for tree removal is disease. There are a lot of different diseases and insects that will literally eat away at your trees. Many times, property owners do not even notice the problem until it is too late to save the tree, in which case they call for tree removal services.

The other really common reason that people consider tree removal is because they are changing their landscape. In some areas, people request tree removal because they are trying to limit the amount of watering that they have to do or are having difficulty growing turf in the shaded areas; in other cases, property owners simply want to change the landscape outside their home or business.

Newsletters

Winter - January 2010

Fall 2009

ADVANTAGES OF MULCH INSTALLATION

PO Box 90093
Raleigh, NC  27675
919/954-2244
arborlawninc.com