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- contact@stoutlawncare.com
Outdoor Insect Prevention
With the warmer temps approaching it time to start breaking out all the outdoor furniture. Get those patios and deck hosed off and cleaned up for all those outdoor gatherings. What does that also mean, bugs and lots of them.
The first thing that can be done is to clean those gutters. Debris and leaves get stuck, causing areas where water builds up and mosquitoes and other insects can thrive. We always recommend cleaning them 1 to 2 times a year, usually spring and fall.
Take a look around your property and look for any standing water, maybe some old flower pots or left over winter toys.
Change out those lightbulbs….Replace your white bulbs with yellow bulbs, the yellowish light is undesirable to some insects.
Also here are a couple plants that help control the insects. So on your next trip to the home store stop and grab a couple of these plants, and plant them around all those hang out spots.
Lemongrass
Petunias
Chrysanthemums
Marigolds
Lavender
Lemon Thyme
Mint
Sage
Rosemary
SHOULD WE WATER IN THE SPRING?
Not in most cases. But, (there’s always a but) it really does depend on the weather. In any typical year during April and May, Mother Nature will provide adequate rainfall for your turf. In some years, she may even provide too much moisture. In those cases, we would recommend our Fungicide Program to correct any issues that may arise.
In the extremely rare case of a dry May, we would recommend weekly watering, but of course, we will send you a note proactively to remind you. Check back in late May for updates on our Summer time watering advice.
Proper Mowing
Why is mowing so important? It can be the most important determining factor in a successful lawn. Here are some tips we recommend:
1. Mow High. We recommend 3.5” to 4” (this typically are the top 2 settings on your mower) The longer the grass , the deeper the roots grow, giving them better access to water and nutrients.
2. When to start? Give you grass a change to come fully out of its winter dormancy phase. Let it get a little shaggy, maybe your neighbors will look at you a little funny. Give it an extra week and then mow on the highest setting. This will get your lawn ready for the mowing season.
3. Train your grass. Once you have the lawn at 3.5” to 4”, keep it there! When the hot/dry summer months start, switch to a bi-weekly mowing schedule. If in a drought situation and not watering, wait until the grass starts to grow again, typically after a few storms.
4. Sharp mower blades! Our recommendations is to buy an extra set and keep one set sharp at all times. Switch them out 2 times a year, spring and late summer. Sharp blades can reduce the likelihood of disease by up to 25%.
