It's Heating up!
Saturday, June 20th is the first day of summer, and we are already feeling the heat! Time to reset those irrigation systems, stock up on sunblock, and be thankful for fast growing shade trees.
Summer Tips:
Leave grass long!
If you mow your own turf, be sure to leave your mower on one of the highest settings. Longer blades of grass shade the soil and help reduce evaporation, so your turf can better manage the dry spells and recover quicker.
Water in the morning so soil can dry before nighttime. If plants are watered at night, they are more likely to have problems with fungus.
Dry spells incoming!
A soil/plant moisture meter is a great tool to help determine if the lawn is getting enough water. Most are fairly easy to use - just stick the pointy end in the soil. It will measure the humidity and provide a color or a number to indicate if the soil is in need of more water. Keep in mind that certain plants prefer more moisture, while others prefer to be more dry. Don't store your moisture meter in the soil and wipe off the probe in between uses. They can be found at hardware stores and online.
If you don't have a moisture meter, do not fret- just stick a finger about 3-4 inches down into the soil. Water only if soil is dry to touch. If soil is moist, do NOT water (that is where it needs to be). If soil is wet, do NOT water. Plants can often recover from being underwatered, but not overwatered - so err on the side of too dry. (This is true for houseplants as well!)
Check your Irrigation!
Kirby's recommends 1" of water a week for established turf. How often and how long your system runs is specific to your property. Summer Check Up visits are scheduled to begin in early July
Did you know?
The recommended type of grass in our area is cool season fescue. This variety does best in temperatures under 90 degrees, so don't be alarmed if your turf gets a little stressed during the summer months.
RainGauges:
Your lawn needs about 1" of water a week.
Let us know if you'd like a rain gauge!
We're here to help!! Feel free to contact us with any questions!
Fungus: JUNE 2020
Fungi and spores are normal to find in most
lawns. It is when there is an outbreak that the fungi and spores become a problem.
Symptoms:
white/yellow/brown patches/rings that grow in diameter thin patches of discolored/frayed/distorted grass blades gray/black/red/orange/purple spots on blades/stems gray/black/pink powdery/threadlike coatings on/ around grass blades darkened/wet-looking/slimy/greasy looking areas of grass
3 Main Types:
Brown Patch - does best in hot, humid weather
Fusarium Blight - prefers hot, drought conditions
Dollar Spot - Likes cool nights with lots of dew
Control Methods:
Water deeply and less often
Use organic lawn options when possible Don't scalp the grass when mowing
Aerate your lawn and prune shrubs and trees to encourage air circulation
Top Dress every other year to improve soil, increase drainage and combat disease3
Apply a preventative fungicide when conditions favor fungus spread/growth. Call Kirby's if you would like to be on our fungicide treatment program!
Let us know if you would like us to take care of the pruning for you!
Last Chance: Garden Planters!
These boxes are built using quality 2" thick Cedar boards with 1" trim boards and stained with transparent oil based stain. We line and fill each one with a compost and topsoil blend and include 12 vegetable plants with your purchase. 5% discount for 2
10% discount for 3+
Available in two sizes: 4'x8'x24' = $1,425 4'x8'x12' = $1,340