Tips for Summer

Adjust your sprinkler heads routinely so they are not watering the pavement. Water on the pavement simply runs off or evaporates without any benefit to your landscape.

Japanese beetles are considered to be one of the most devastating pests of both turf and ornamentals in the United States. Their spread is governed by temperature and precipitation. Japanese beetles begin their life cycle as grubs in the turf and are very active root feeders from about Memorial until the end of June.

Unlike other grubs, Japanese beetles turn into adults in one year, usually in early to mid July. At that point, they begin feeding on flowers and leaves of most green plants. Plants that are attacked by Japanese beetle adults have a lace like appearance to the leaves and if the damage is severe, they can defoliate an entire plant.

Turf grass that is affected by Japanese beetle grubs can exhibit symptoms of early drought from extensive root feeding. If the turf receives adequate moisture during grub feeding, the turf can usually grow new roots quickly and not show any signs of grubs, however, they may be lurking below.

If you have had problems with Japanese beetles in the past, it is likely you will have them again in 2006. Each year, their populations continue to increase and it is very important to control them as quickly as you can to lessen the damage they do.

Edging your sidewalks, driveways, and/or curbs a minimum of 3 times per season will remove the buildup of dead grass, weeds, and debris that encroaches onto the paved surfaces of your property. Removal of this buildup will give your lawn that crisp, defined, detailed appearance that makes it stand out in your neighborhood.

Mowing your lawn at 2 ?-3″ and never removing more than 1/3 of the total grass height, increases rooting and helps shade your soil. This helps keep your lawn greener during dry periods and reduces weed germination.

These insects resemble June beetles but are about half the size and have a shiny green appearance to them. If they have been spotted and if their numbers are great in any particular area, they can do a lot of damage. These adults beetles feed on foliage of trees, shrubs, and other plants. This feeding causes a shotgun appearance to many leaves. The adults continue to feed for about 2 months, then lay eggs in the turf. These eggs hatch and become grubs which can destroy the root systems of your turf.

The recent wet period that we have been experiencing has caused a number of disease problems to occur on trees and shrubs in our area. Many of these diseases are only cosmetic, with minor damage, such as curled leaves and/or brown spots. Other diseases may cause serious problems if not treated. Our certified arborists can evaluate and diagnose your plantings for diseases, as well as insect problems. Call Barnes, Inc. to help in maintaining the healthy growth of the beautiful and expensive investment you have made in your home.

At Barnes, Inc., we recommend mowing your lawn until it stops growing, generally into the month of November. When mowing your lawn for the final time you should cut your lawn at least 1/3 less then your regular mowing height to reduce damage from snow mold, burrowing rodents (meadow mice, moles) and winterkill. Also, make sure to keep your lawn free of leaves, sticks, and debris, which can also cause damage to your lawn if left on the turf all winter. Following these simple tips will help you avoid costly repairs next spring.

Fertilizing and controlling weeds in your lawn are only a small part of ensuring its health. Mowing correctly is also very important. Here are a few tips that will help keep your turf thicker, greener and more likely to ward off potential insect, disease and weed problems:

Mow at 3 inches or higher- Tall grass tends to shade the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and the soil stays moist longer. It also allows the turf to root deeper and prepare it for dry periods that often occur in mid to late summer.

Mow frequently- Mow at least once per week, and NEVER remove more than 1/3 of the total height at any one mowing. Removing more than this, especially during hot, dry weather, can result in stressed turf, often discoloring it.

Mow in different directions: This will allow the turf blades to stand up straighter and gives your lawn a well-manicured look.

Barnes, Inc. provides high-quality shrub pruning as a service for both commercial and residential customers. This includes formal shape pruning (shearing), natural shape pruning (with hand pruners) and rejuvenation or renewal (thinning) pruning for those overgrown, problem shrubs in your yard. Our trained crews use horticultural techniques that promote healthy, vigorous growth that will enhance the beauty and value of your property. Please contact our office for a free on-site consultation.

Barnes, Inc. also offers tree trimming and taking down of trees. We can perform aerial work by climbing and rigging, using the latest in technology, tools, training and safety instruction. No tree is too large or too small to be pruned or removed safely by our Arborists and highly-trained climbing and ground staff.

Proper pruning of trees can promote their long-term, healthy growth, as well as enhancing the beauty and value of any property.

Efficient uses of our water resources become more important all the time. If you have an irrigation system, conserve water by running your irrigation system during the early morning hours when there is generally less wind, preventing over-spray. Watering in the morning allows grass blades to dry completely, which reduces lawn diseases that occur due to condensation and excess moisture.