Published on Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Two of the most important practices you should perform when caring for your plants are trimming and pruning. But how often should your plants be trimmed and pruned? In Iowa, there are a lot of plants that grow at different rates. That means each plant requires a different approach to ensure they are well maintained throughout the entire year. Trimming them is like cutting their hair, and so you should aim to trim them when they start to look messy and unkempt. Pruning, however, is performed for ...
Published on Sunday, June 19, 2022
A fire pit is a great addition to any home, especially in the Des Moines, IA area, where we experience chilly spring and fall seasons. Not only are they great additions for your personal use, but they also increase the value of your property. While fire pits alone will increase your property value, there are additional features that you can add to the design that will maximize your ROI. First, you can install a seating wall. A seating wall is a fantastic upgrade as it gives your...
Published on Tuesday, June 14, 2022
With spring here and winter now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start up your sprinkler system again to water your grass and plants. But don’t do it yourself! Hire a professional irrigation company to handle the startup process for you. Getting a company to do it is much easier and comes with a slew of benefits.
For starters, irrigation professionals know exactly what to look out for when starting your sprinkler system, so they’ll be able to identify and address any...
Published on Sunday, June 12, 2022
Fertilizing your lawn can help keep your grass looking vibrant and green, even during some of the higher stress periods of the year like summer. However, applying fertilizer without proper weed control is a waste of money. For example, in Iowa you risk helping weeds like crabgrass and dandelions grow and infest your lawn by providing them with the nutrients they need to grow, too. On the other hand, if you apply weed control without a fertilizer treatment, you'll eliminate weeds...
Published on Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Lawns in Iowa all have cool-season grass, which thrives in cooler weather. Therefore, our lawns need a little extra TLC during the summertime to help them survive the heat. A soil test is the first step to ensuring your grass gets everything it needs throughout the summer. After you know exactly what nutrients your lawn is lacking, you'll be able to use custom fertilization treatments to supply your lawn with nutrients to help it combat the heat. Additionally, you'll want to...
Published on Monday, June 06, 2022
In Iowa, weeds are a consistent factor in our lawn's health, competing against our turf for nutrients, growing space, and other resources. Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control are both highly effective treatments, but do you need both? The simple answer is yes! Pre-emergent treatments prevent a majority of weeds from sprouting up through the soil, making it essential in spring to get ahead of most weed growth. Post-emergent weed control comes into play for any weeds that slipped...
Published on Monday, May 30, 2022
In Iowa, Ascochyta leaf blight is an unfortunate threat that our lawns may have to face. Ascochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease that begins presenting around early June, turning areas of turf straw-colored as it spreads and kills grass. The best preparation for this disease is preventative treatments that will give your lawn a leg up against the fungus as well as professional lawn care to bolster your turf's defenses. If you begin to notice signs of Ascochyta leaf blight amongst ...
Published on Wednesday, May 25, 2022
With June just around the corner, property owners in Iowa are ready to enjoy the summer – but don't let your guard down, as this is also when bagworms will begin to hatch! The most obvious sign of bagworms is the bags from which they get their name, brown, conelike, and growing up to two inches long. If you inspect your plant and see bags appear along the branches of your trees or shrubs, call a professional immediately so they can apply a curative treatment and stop the...
Published on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
With your irrigation system in place, it can be easy to set it and forget it – but make sure you're looking for the tell-tale signs that your system needs repair! If your water bill is suddenly higher than normal – and not because you've increased watering to combat the Iowa summer heat – that is a likely indication there is a leak somewhere in the system. You may also notice that there are some areas of dead grass on your lawn while other areas are green and...
Published on Sunday, May 15, 2022
It's hard to believe tiny insects like aphids are capable of inflicting extensive damage to your lawn and landscape. In Iowa, these pests can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and landscape if they're not dealt with in a timely manner. You may notice that your plants are bitten through and discolored after aphids have latched onto them. After they establish themselves on your plants and lawn, it becomes difficult to get rid of them unless you reach out to a professional to...
