It’s the first of September…that means for cool season lawns such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, it’s time to fertilize. After a long summer of heat, drought and pests, it’s time.
Author: John Fech
John Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of 2 books and over 200 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry. He works extensively with the media to extend the message of landscape sustainability, making over 100 television and radio appearances each year.
Fall army worms rearing their ugly heads throughout the US and Nebraska
Many of you may recall the devastating outbreak of Fall army worms in Nebraska decades ago. Well, put your tray tables on the upright and locked position and fasten your seat belts!
Euonymous, Anyone?
In this case, you might want the shrub or vine, euonymous, but not the common euonymous scale insects that often infest them. In fact, in some landscapes, the scale infestations are so common that budding horticulturists and entomologists often think that the symptoms and signs are a natural occurrence, as in “they’re supposed to be there”.
Patio Planter Care in Mid-Summer
In mid-summer, especially when a hot, dry week is predicted, (like this upcoming week), patio planters and houseplants need a little TLC. Four actions are involved:
Billbugs – Our #2 Lawn Insect
The lawn looks “splotchy brown”…what could it causing it? As you think through all of the possibilities, you are probably also thinking about what you’ve done and haven’t done this year in terms of yard care – fertilizer applications, keeping the turf roots moist, weed control, 3 inch mowing height, sharpened the mower blade – but what about bugs?
Emerald Ash Borer – What’s the Status?
Many of our clients have been asking about this question in recent weeks. Thus far, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestations have been confirmed in 9 counties in Nebraska. They appear to be on the slow gradual trajectory that has been observed in states such as Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, and is expected to become more and more common in the next 3-4 years.
Drip, Drip, Drip – Efficient Watering for Veggie Gardens
Are you looking for a good way to water your veggie garden? Think drip. Drip irrigation has many advantages over overhead watering, including less evaporation loss, fewer foliar diseases and fewer weeds.
Watering New Trees and Shrubs
Many new trees and shrubs are planted in April, May and June. By far, the two most important considerations are implementing the proper techniques for planting and watering.
Mushrooms in the Lawn
What’s that in the middle of the lawn? They look like mushrooms. If you’ve had a tree cut down in the past few years, they probably are.
Hedges Are Bad, But if you Must…
Ask any classically trained horticulturist, and they’ll tell you – hedges are bad. Why? This approach to plant care runs afoul of all of the proven plant health techniques that are used in gardening.