Why the burning bush is bad for our ecosystem?

The great outdoors seem beautiful and mesmerizingly so! However, they also conceal hidden dangers which threaten the ecosystem. One such peril spreading its roots silently in our ecosystem is the burning bush, known in scientific circles as “Euonymus Alatus”. It is an invasive plant species. Its vibrant red foliage may be eye-catching, but the ornamental shrub is far from benign in the impact it has on the ecology. Now, you may wonder why the burning bush is bad. This is precisely what we will try to explore over here by looking at factors such as its invasive nature and adverse ecological impact.

Invasive nature of the burning bush

The burning bush hails from Asia and was introduced as an ornamental shrub, but it has fast become a major threat to the native plant population of North America. It is adaptable and possesses aggressive growth habits thus making it a formidable competitor in different ecosystems. It always outcompetes the local species for valuable resources such as sunlight, nutrients, and water. Its invasive nature lets it establish its dense monocultures thus suppressing the growth of other plants and disturbing the delicate balance of the local ecosystems.

Biodiversity decline

Why do you think the burning bush is bad? Well, this is a major reason why the shrub is considered to be such a threat. This is one of the most alarming effects of having a burning bush in an area. Since this invasive species dominates the landscape it is a part of it completely overshadows the native plants and reduces the variety of plant species in an area. Native flora is crucial for supporting the local fauna and it struggles to survive due to the oppressive presence of the burning bush. This disruption has a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem affecting wildlife such as birds and insects.

This is crucial because these entities depend on diversity in vegetation for their food and habitat.

Altered soil composition

It is not as if the burning bush has a bad effect on the surface world only. The shrub grows rapidly and has a dense root system that changes the soil composition in an area thus harming its nutrient content and overall structure. The roots of the burning bush are fibrous and shallow which drains away essential nutrients from the soil and makes it hard for other plants to thrive. This change in soil composition also heightens the challenges faced by the local vegetation for survival and makes the entire ecosystem a lot less healthy.

Increased fire risk

It is not that the burning bush is a metaphorical threat – it is a fire hazard. The foliage of the plant is eminently flammable, and since it creates dense thickets, it can lead to wildfire in affected areas. So in regions vulnerable to dry spells, this shrub poses a fire threat as it can fuel wildfires. This, in turn, can immensely endanger both the human communities and the natural habitats over there.

Cultural shifts and alternative landscaping

If you want to address the menace of the burning bush you would need a cultural shift as far as your landscaping choices are concerned. Landscapers and homeowners often select this plant because of its immense aesthetic appeal, but they do not comprehend the results this would lead to in terms of ecology. Significantly, people are educated about how invasive this species is, and they should also use native non-invasive alternatives so that its proliferation can be curbed. Guidelines and policies also need to be implemented so that its cultivation and sale are restricted.

Community involvement and restoration efforts

Local communities need to be engaged more so that such invasive species can be managed the best and restoration projects are also crucial for fighting the spread of the burning bush. Community-based programs like organized removal of the burning bush and efforts at restoring native plants can help reclaim areas run over by this invasive species. Environmental organizations need to collaborate with concerned citizens and local governments to address the ecological threat effectively that the burning bush poses.

Conclusion

So, we hope that now you know why is the burning bush is bad. The burning bush once used to be a symbol of beauty in landscapes and gardens but has now become an ecological menace that can have far-reaching consequences on any ecosystem. It has an invasive nature and always impacts biodiversity adversely. It also alters soil composition and has an increased fire risk. If you are concerned with this plant growing in your backyard, you can seek professionals such as Galena Lawn Care to get it sorted.

Why Do We Need to Clean Up Leaves?

It is important to clean up your lawn as it helps to give a neat and well-kept look apart from maintaining the overall health of the garden or yard.

Understand the importance of clearing leaves from your lawn. Know why it is necessary

Maintains grass health: When leaves collect on a lawn, they obstruct the sunlight required for plant growth and deprive the region of vital oxygen. By removing the leaves, you are promoting the health and well-being of the grass all year.

Frees trapped moisture: Proper leaf disposal lets moisture escape from the grass, limiting the formation of harmful fungus and mildew. Fungi can also infect nearby plants and bushes.

Reduces bug infestations: Bugs flourish in cold, dark, damp environments, such as beneath heaps of wet leaves. Cleaning up leaves eliminates a popular habitat for these harmful parasites.

Reduces thatch accumulation: When you remove fallen leaves, you are also removing thatch. This layer of live and dead organic debris can build up around grass plant roots. Thatch can cause grass crowns to rise, making them more vulnerable to scalping.

Increases safety: Wet heaps of leaves on pathways and sidewalks can cause slipping and falling. By eliminating them, you make your property safer for pedestrians while also lowering your liability risk.

Look at the environmental impact of leaves on a lawn

The removal of leaves also destroys crucial animal habitats. Leaf litter is used by animals ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals, and invertebrates for food, shelter, and nesting material. Many caterpillars, moths and butterflies spend the winter among fallen leaves before emerging in the spring.

Turning leaves into solid garbage is useful for gardeners. Fallen leaves serve two purposes. As the leaves decompose, they produce a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and fertilizes the soil. Why pay for mulch or fertilizer when you can produce your own?

Examine how removing fallen leaves can promote healthier grass growth

Fallen leaves are not normally an issue for lawns and gardens, and mulching the ground with them helps to nourish the soil for a healthier yard.

Why? Because falling leaves enrich your soil with a variety of nutrients. Phosphorus and potassium are only two of the elements that are beneficial to your grass. These leaves also help to strengthen the soil structure and increase its water absorption. And we’ve all heard about how helpful earthworms are to our gardens. It just so happens that one of their favorite snacks is leaf litter. With reasons like these, why waste leaves or donate them to your community?

Learn the best techniques for leaf removal – rake, mow, or blow away leaves for a tidier garden

What is your approach to leaf removal? Is it better to do a little cleaning every weekend or one large leaf load at the end of the season?

Blow them away: Using a leaf blower is the quickest and easiest way to remove leaves. High-powered blowers are often too heavy and perhaps unsafe for a youngster to operate. So, weigh the benefits and drawbacks before buying yourself a chore. Of course, leaf-blowing is only suited for residences with a leaf-blowing space. The yard of a neighbor does not count!

Set up a tarp: Rake or blow all your leaves onto a huge tarp that has been set up on the grass. If you are just removing leaves, this strategy might not be the best. If you work with a partner or a team (this is also a kid-friendly duty), it is simple to grab a side of the tarp and transfer the waste to the woods or other designated “dumping area.”

Discover useful tips and tricks for disposing of leaves in an eco-friendly way

“Leaf Cycling” is an Eco-Friendly Method of Yard Maintenance. Many individuals find high-quality fertilizer in their yard and just rake it up and discard it in the garbage.

The disposal of raked leaves in a landfill has long-term consequences for a community. Even recycling green waste through community collection, while less difficult than tossing it away, is not the easiest or most cost-effective method to use this horticultural resource.

Find out how you can use the leaves collected to create natural garden compost or mulch

Did you know that fallen leaves may be used in the garden? These leaves may be turned into compost. Although the leaves are poor in important plant nutrients such as nitrogen, they do contain trace levels of all the elements plants require and are a great source of soil-improving organic matter.

Begin by cutting the leaves into smaller pieces and adding them to the pile. If you have a chipper or a shredder, you can utilize it. Otherwise, run your lawn mower over them and put them into your compost pile. If you have a lot of leaves, you may keep them in waste bags or containers after shredding them, then occasionally layer them onto your compost pile during the winter to add air.

Leaf Removal Services Galena, Ohio

The most common period during which the leaves are removed starts from August to December. If you are looking for a leaf removal service in Galena Ohio, you will discover that prices vary based on the size of the lawn and the depth of the leaves.

While the frequency with which you should mow your lawn varies by property, it is always advisable to maintain your grass regularly. Too much time between cuts might shock the plant, resulting in an unhealthy lawn or bald areas. Weekly or bi-weekly mowing services are advised at Galena to keep a lush, healthy lawn that your neighbors will envy!

Why Is It Important to Trim Your Trees in Ohio?

Trees are crucial to us and our environment as they provide oxygen, wood, and other value-added contributions. They need to be cared for, which ensures survival and growth with pruning. 

The Importance of Tree Pruning for Tree Health and Safety

Pruning a tree is frequently done for aesthetic reasons, but it is also done for the tree’s benefit. Damaged, diseased, or broken limbs can endanger passers-by and persons close by and the tree’s health. Removing these branches will also prevent future deterioration. Pruning can also lower the quantity of leaf disease in a tree by boosting air movement through the tree canopy. It provides advantages for lower branches and plants that live under the tree canopy.

What is tree pruning? Is it necessary?

Pruning is intended to enhance tree structure and direct healthy development. This process eliminates deceased or dying branches.

Pruning a tree is indispensable for an assortment of reasons. Pruning trees can affect the way the tree grows. A tree can be pruned to develop into a specific arrangement of limbs and branches. It is better for the structural integrity of the trees. Maintaining the structure of trees cuts the chance of damaged limbs and falling branches.

A correctly trimmed tree will not have debilitated branch systems or uneven weight distribution. It can lead to tragedy later in the tree’s life.

Benefits of Cleaning Up Your Trees and Shrubs

When you clean up the trees and shrubs from time to time, you bid goodbye to the damaged branches. It also means you protect your property from damages caused by branches that fall on it. When old tree branches are removed, you allow new and healthy growth of the trimmed trees. There are no dangers of hanging branches over power lines, and safety hazards are prevented. Trimming of trees gives a neat and polished look and lays the foundation for their better health.

Reasons to Regularly Trim Your Trees

  • Tree Pruning Encourages Growth

Tree trimming encourages new growth. When you prune weak or unsightly branches, your tree may devote more resources (such as water and nutrients) to other regions of the plant. These components promote regrowth to balance the top of your tree with the current root system.

  • Pruning Can Be Used to Treat Disease

Trees, like humans, may become ill, and illnesses can spread swiftly. Pruning is sometimes the best approach to treat a common tree disease, especially a fungal infection.

  • Pruning Can Help Trees Survive Storms

Strong, balanced trees suffer well in high winds, rain, and snow. Pruning dead, diseased, and far-reaching branches improves the structural integrity and balance of your tree’s crown. When you care for your tree effectively, fewer weak branches are likely to fracture, fall, and cause harm.

  • Allows Fruit Production

Chopping dead parts of a tree encourages the spurs to grow and allows fruits to grow.

  • Prevents Safety Hazards

Dead or damaged branches are at risk for their surroundings if they fall during storms or high winds. They are more dangerous when they fall over electrical lines or roofs of properties.

How to Properly Trim Your Trees

When pruning trees, give a proper cut, it ensures no damage. The cuts should be done on the branch side of the stem and at the base so that the stem does not get damaged and allows the tree to heal properly. Tools such as loppers, pole saws, and pruning shears should be used depending on the size and strength of the tree.

Safety Precautions When Doing Tree Maintenance

  • Stay away from electricity wires

Assume that all electricity lines are turned off. Work at least 10 feet away from overhead electrical lines (and more if the voltage to earth is more than 50 kilovolts). When needed, contact the power company to de-energize and ground the electrical lines.

  • Stay away from drop zones

To avoid working in areas where trimmings or tree removal may fall, mark an area on the ground at least twice the tree height. Create a verbal and visual communication mechanism that the trimmer may utilize to alert ground personnel to the presence of an overhead hazard.

  • When falling a tree, plan a path of retreat

Feeling a tree refers to the act of cutting the tree such that it falls in the desired direction.  Therefore, it avoids harm to the tree and nearby structures. Trained ground workers will be holding the ropes to stand at least 1.5 times the tree’s height away from the tree. Keep uninvolved workers at least twice the height of the tree away from it.

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

When pruning trees, ensure the use of PPE, including saddles, harnesses, climbing lines, hardhats, and climbing spurs.

  • Identify the hazards before the trimming exercise

Survey trimming and identifying the risks involved

Pruning vs. Topping Trees for Optimal Growth

This pruning technique involves reducing tree size. The procedure involves removing many or all large, live branches with little concern for tree health or structural integrity. Topping is a process that regulates height and spread, but it leaves behind woody stubs that induce rot, weak branch attachments, and increased failure risk.

Maximizing the Visual Impact of Tree Pruning

Pruning can boost plant vitality by removing weak, overloaded growth. This type of thinning frequently enhances the plant’s visual balance or symmetry.

The Best Time to Trim Trees for Maximum Results

Winter months, from November to March, are perfect since trees and other vegetation are dormant. At this time of the year, there are fewer leaves. During the dormant season, trimming is easier to see.

Tree Removal Galena, Ohio

If you need tree removal services, you must consider seeking assistance from tree removal specialists available to do jobs like Galena Lawn Care. Professional service providers are experts in Tree Removal, Tree Cutting, Tree Cutting, Tree Grinding, and Branch and limb removal.  They are adept at handling any project and can handle both large and small trees. Moreover, the services can availed at affordable costs.

Completely Avoidable Landscaping Problems

A landscaped area looks attractive and welcoming to one and all. Hence, a properly landscaped lawn is one of the essential aspects of accentuating your outdoor living area that you want to be pristine and beautiful. To enhance the beauty of this part of your home, you must find a professional and experienced landscape designer who can create the perfect landscape space for you. Landscape designers can bring their foresight and experience to the table and always assist you in avoiding common and uncommon landscaping problems. 

Landscaping problems can lead to frustration and loss of resources. As a homeowner, there are a few landscaping issues that you cannot avoid at all. However, there are also problems in landscaping that you can avoid with just a little effort. 

Here is a look at some of the common landscaping problems to avoid that you should be aware of.       

  • If you have standing water or waterlogging after a heavy downpour or rain, it can be challenging to maintain the health and visual appearance of your lawn area. Such water retention happens due to elevation changes and excess run-off, making it difficult for rainwater to drain away quickly. A professional landscaping expert can help you get acquainted with avoidable landscaping problems. Water retention issues are common. However, can be resolved by methods like water harvesting and channel drain installation. Alternatively, you can add drain tiles to get the water retention problem resolved effectively. 
  • To make a landscape area look visually stunning and stable, it is essential to deal with ongoing erosion. If you have a steep slope or flowerbeds in your garden, there is a high chance you lose soil during heavy rainfall. To ensure that this does not undermine your landscaping efforts, you must use a retaining wall to stop erosion from critically damaging your plantings in the lawn.  
  • One of the most common mistakes people make when looking to work on their landscaping plans is defective structural planning. Sometimes, there is hardly any structural planning, making it difficult for people to rectify landscaping problems. For instance, a faulty structure of your landscaped area can negatively impact the foundation of your house. Similarly, the paver patio of your home can also get damaged in the process. Such a lack of planning in your landscape area can cause a detrimental effect on your finances when you need to spend a lot of money trying to mend the issues with your landscape. Whether you are trying to deal with the overhanging branches or the fast-expanding tree roots, you need to get seamless repair solutions that can enable you to keep your landscape in good shape. 
  • Many people enthusiastic about their landscape area forget to manage sufficient space for their patio. It is significant to have sufficient space for the patio area so that you can have a standard patio table along with chairs in the area. You should have sufficient room for your guests to hang out in the patio area so they can move about comfortably. So if you are wondering about “how can we protect landscaping?”, one of the first things you need to do is have a creative solution to your patio space problem so that you can have adequate space for your patio and landscape area. 
  • Many people underestimate the importance of having a chemically well-balanced landscaping area and what it can do for them. If you have an unhealthy landscaping area with plants suffering from poor soil pH levels, unsuitable locations, or complicated weather or climate zones, your landscape will suffer from that. One of the most common mistakes in gardening is that people often fail to evaluate the pH levels of the soil before planting the crops and trees. They forget to abide by the guidelines of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Such factors are critical as they can directly impact the beauty and health of the landscaping area.
  • As you look for “What are the difficulties in landscaping?” online, you will find that planting the wrong trees or crops is something that can have a seriously negative impact on the success of your landscaping goals. If you plant the shrubs or the trees too close to each other, their future growth gets hampered. One of the problems that can happen due to improper planting is overgrowth. It can interfere with the smoothness of the walkways. There can be roots in the landscaping area that can lift the pavers. Hence it is vitally important that you consider the future growth of the plants when you work in this area.  
  • When you have problems with planting trees and shrubs properly, it can also hurt your health and well-being. If you find that certain shrubs or trees seem to be rather sickly and nothing you do improves their health, likely, the plant material was not planted properly, or the soil conditions are not supportive enough. In such cases, it would be a good idea to replace the plant material with some new ground so that it starts to thrive properly. You can also avoid spending on useless treatments that do not produce the desirable results. 
  • Mulching is a common activity you need to do when you are taking care of your landscape area. However, you need to know the right ways of mulching to achieve the best results. Poor mulching efforts can do more harm to your landscape than good. It is a significant factor listed under “What are the disadvantages of landscaping?” for poor landscaping.    

Learning about the best landscaping practices can help keep your landscape region prim and perfect. You can gain a lot from knowing about the landscaping mistakes to avoid. 

How to Improve Drainage in Lawns?

Soil drainage is essential for lawn health. Plants need well-drained soil for healthy growth. Plants require enough water to grow, but too much water can be detrimental. A lawn with improper drainage can suffer from various problems like fungal infections, weed infestations, grass dying, and other diseases. 

Soil has tiny pores that hold vital nutrients and oxygen molecules. The roots need those nutrients to keep plants and trees healthy. Without a proper drainage system when those small spaces get filled with water, plants can’t absorb the necessary nutrients. The roots become rot, and fungal diseases may develop, thus leading to growth challenges for plants.

You can conclude that a lawn has poor drainage if you notice waterlogged in the yard or the plants in the garden are droopy. It is possible now to check the permeability of the soil, and if the result shows poor drainage, it is possible to improve it. 

How to make lawn drainage?

First, to get rid of the excess water in your yard, you should understand where the water is coming from. The problem could be simple, like the discharge of a drainpipe collecting in a comparatively lower area of your yard. Then, the problem can be solved with ease. All you need is to extend the drainpipe to a different location. Thus, the waste water does not stand in the yard. 

If it is too complex to detect the real cause behind water logging, you can consider installing an underground drainage pipe. This drainage pipe will help to remove clogged water from the low spots in the yard. To make the drainage system work properly, dig a trench that will gradually slope downwards from the source to the outlet. 

There are various other ways to dispose of the extra water, from the garden, like installing a dry well or adding a French drainage system. 

How to improve the drainage of soil?

To improve the drainage capability of your lawn, you need to find the causes behind waterlog. Lawn drainage has become a crucial issue, particularly in a residential neighborhoods. The continuous digging of virgin soil and too much construction has led to damage to the surface. 

It takes experienced supervision to determine why your lawn is flooded and how you can resolve it.

Here are some obvious reasons for poor lawn drainage:

Quality of soil- Dense soil is excellent at retaining nutrients and moisture. However, if it’s too denser air and water circulation suffer turning the lawn sodden. On the other hand, chalky soil and sandy loams have better drainage. However, the latter can dry out too much in the summer months. So, you need to choose the lawn soil correctly depending on the area you are staying in.

Underground obstructions- Buried debris can lead to poor soil drainage. If you notice any particular area in the lawn is often discolored or dead, check for buried debris, wood, or rocks. 

Level of the ground- Undulating lawns are more likely to collect water in places. Lower spots in the yard are likely to collect more water than the rest of the areas. Leveling the ground evenly can drastically resolve drainage problems. 

High water table- When the level of water underground is high, it will fill all the pores between rocks and sediments. 

Less structure in soil- organic matter formed by decomposing animals, plants, and microorganisms can add structure to the soil, and improve soil drainage. Without proper structure, the soil becomes dry and has fewer pores for the water to flow through.

Compact soil layers- Extreme compact soil layers cause poor drainage in the yard. Heavy machines pushed the dirt, resulting in few pore spaces of air and water to move through. 

Whatever the reason, it’s possible to improve the soil in a few simple ways. You can take assistance from professionals or DIY soil amendment options to enhance the drainage of the soil. 

Aeration

Aerating a lawn means creating multiple holes on the surface of the lawn. The process improves drainage, and the roots receive air which keeps them dry. Usually, an aerator machine is used in lawns to perform the process. 

The machine has different attachments that help to remove moss, spiking, pricking, and stilting the lawn surface. It can help ease the problem of compaction. It makes the roots strong and solves the overall drainage problem. 

There is a variety of aerators available in the market. Some of them are hand-operated. 

Fork lifting

Fork lifting is another common method often used to improve lawn drainage. It is a simple action where a garden fork is forced into the soil for about 2 inches under the lawn surface and then its gently lifted. The process creates sufficient holes beneath the topsoil layer of the lawn. It is a natural way to reduce compaction.

Changing the topsoil

Spreading a layer of compost-based loams or sand can improve the quality of soil over time and solve the drainage problem. However, the process takes time, and if you are ready to wait it can improve yards drainage over time. 

Making the lawn even

This involves filling the low spots with loamy soil and making it level with the rest of the lawn. The areas filled with new soil can then be turfed and seeded to complete the process. 

The methods mentioned so far to improve lawn drainage are simple, and you can do it too. However, if the problem is intensive and the lawn is too big, it is best to take the help of professionals. They can re-work the whole lawn level, improve the topsoil and install a proper drainage system. 

How to improve the drainage of sloped lawns?

Some people think that sloped landscapes have a natural advantage. But, sometimes sloping areas tend to collect water in areas, especially at the bottom of the hills. To get rid of that problem you can use:

  • Channel drains
  • French drains
  • Retaining walls
  • Sump pumps

How to improve drainage in clay soil lawn?

It is possible to improve the drainage in a clay soil lawn in a few easy steps. First, you need to loosen up the clay particles. For that, you need to aerate your lawn, make holes, top dress the land with sand, and compost. For a permanent solution, you can consider building a proper drainage system for your lawn. 

With all this information, you will be able to solve drainage problems in the lawn and will be able to create a healthy and green lawn. 

How to deal with grubs on your lawn?

Do you find that your lawn has lately turned brown and patchy? If so, then you are probably dealing with grub infestation. Grubs are larvae of different types of beetle species, such as Japanese beetles, European chafers, and June beetles, to name a few. The grubs are known to have soft, pliable, white bodies with legs close to their heads. If they are disturbed, they immediately curl into a curved C shape. The grubs are typically dormant during the cool winter months but start to act as the weather begins to warm up. 

As the months pave the way to spring and summer seasons, the grubs consume the roots of the grass and other types of organic matter and foliage to grow up. However, in this process, the grubs cause immense plant damage. The grubs grow to become adult beetles that lay eggs to produce more than perpetuate the infestation. Thus, it is significant that you get rid of them at the earliest possible instance.  

Signs of grubs in your lawn

If you are doubtful about whether you have grubs on your lawn, look for the signs described below. 

Yellowing grass

When the grubs start consuming the roots of the turfgrass, the grasses become yellow and spongy. So, if you start pulling at the grasses, they roll like a carpet.   

The number of beetles or moths steadily increasing

If you find a lot of beetles or moths in and around the grasses, you can be sure that there are many grubs under the grasses.    

Signs of drought

You water your grasses regularly, but even you find that your grasses look weary and drought-stricken. Such a problem can occur when you have grub damage. The problem with grub damage is that it may appear like a drought, but you won’t be able to fix it with additional watering. 

The active presence of multiple other pests

Pests like raccoons and skunks enjoy eating the grubs, and they ruin your lawn while they search for them. Such a rampage can be rather difficult and expensive to fix and is as bad as the actual grub damage itself. 

Patchy and brown grass 

Your grasses will become brown and patchy before they start turning yellow. These signs are spotted randomly in different parts of the lawn.

White grubs 

If you spot grubs in the soil of your lawn at a depth of about two to four inches, you have a grub infestation, even if there are no visible signs of damage in the lawn.

How to prevent and deal with lawn grubs?           

Staying proactive about lawn maintenance is the best way to ensure that you do not have to deal with a grub problem in your lawn. You should keep your lawn healthy, as this can minimize the chances of having a problem with grubs. Beetles don’t prefer laying eggs in tall, thick grasses. Hence, you should keep your lawn perfectly well-fed and mowed high. Make sure that you never really overwater your grasses. Prevention is always better than a cure. This adage certainly holds when protecting your lawn against a grub problem. People wonder about “how you keep grubs away?” and the best answer for them is regularly caring for your lawn grasses.    

What is a natural grub killer for lawns?

There are some natural ways you can remove grubs from your lawn. Let’s have a closer look at them. If you are wondering “how do you fix a grub-infested lawn?”, follow the steps mentioned here.                                                                  

Getting natural predators to get rid of the grubs 

One of the easiest and simplest ways of removing grubs naturally from your lawn is to get the natural predators of the grubs to feed on them. Grubs have numerous natural predators like chickens, chickadees, robins, and blue jays that can eat your grubs all day long, and unlike moles and raccoons, they do not damage your yard. You should try and make your lawn an attractive space for these birds to come and feed on the grubs.                           

Apply Azadirachtin or neem oil 

Azadirachtin is a chemical ingredient that is present in neem oil. Whether you directly buy Azadirachtin or go for neem oil, you can use it to prevent the grubs from causing havoc on your lawn.  

Using milky spore

The bacterial disease milky spore can target the larvae of Japanese beetles. The milky spore is a natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic way to control your lawn’s grub population. Ideally, you should apply the milky spores to your lawn a couple of times, a year for around 2 to 3 years. It will prevent the appearance of grubs for the next 15 to 20 years. 

Limiting the amount of moisture 

The grubs must have a moisture-filled environment to thrive and survive. Hence you should stop watering your lawn and create a drought-like environment to remove the grubs quickly.  

What is the fastest way to get rid of grubs?

The fastest way to get rid of grubs from your lawn is by using chemical pesticides. The pesticides that have bifenthrin, carbaryl, or imidacloprid are highly effective in removing grubs from a lawn. You can use both granular pesticides as well as liquid grub killers.  

What is the best month to put down grub control?

The best month to put down grub control is during early spring and the late summer as your lawn starts showing signs of progressively increasing grub activity. If you work with grub prevention agents, you should from June-July, just before the grubs start hatching. 

How do you get rid of crabgrass in your lawn?

Lawns must be weed-free to maintain good looks. Caring for lawns is not everybody’s task, but you must be on the watch out to spot weed growth early so that you can seek professional help to get rid of it. Almost every homeowner living in the hot and tropical zones with lawns in their homes faces the problem of crabgrass that prevails through the hot season but disappears during fall. How you get rid of crabgrass in your lawn is a common question among homeowners. 

If you can bear with the unsightly weed growing rampantly across the lawn and wait for the fall, then the problem would subside on its own as the change in climate makes the weed die. However, it does not end the misery of homeowners because thousands of seeds sown during summer will resurface in spring.

Fast removal crabgrass

At a glance, crabgrass looks like some plant because the low-growing grass has stems that look like crab legs radiating from the center of the grass mound. To prevent crabgrass from reappearing during spring as the climate starts getting warmer, it is best to look for ways of fast removal of crabgrass. So, what is the fastest way to get rid of crabgrass? Acting fast seems quite sensible, or else you must endure another season with the weed that grows rapidly in the bare thin spots in your lawn. 

Killing weed is the best way to get rid of crabgrass, but you must be careful to protect your lawn.

Therefore, knowing what will kill crabgrass but not the lawn is crucial to ensure a weed-free lawn that looks beautiful. 

However, killing crabgrass does not rule out the chances of its re-appearance later unless you take steps to prevent it. Therefore, prevention of the re-growth of crabgrass is important as killing it fast. 

Killing crabgrass

Choose the right time to kill crabgrass, or it would be like a cat trying to catch its tail. You would be going in circles without any remedy in sight. Many ready-to-use herbicides are available that can kill crabgrass, and you can use these only if you have a few patches of crabgrass on the lawn. Making it a habit to remove the weedy clumps as soon as you spot it will prevent future growth. Does vinegar kill crabgrass is an oft-asked question. Spraying vinegar with 5% acidity will kill crabgrass with short-term soil damage. 

Pouring boiling water in areas infested with crabgrass up to a radius of 3 feet is effective in killing the weed. However, when the weed becomes widespread, trying to kill it can endanger your lawn. Instead, it’s better to wait for summer to end when the weed dies on its own.  

Looking for a permanent solution

Killing crabgrass might not be a one-time activity because the seeds sown around can pose more problems in the future. Many people keep asking – How do you kill crabgrass forever? The answer is simple because everyone knows that prevention is better than cure. Kill the weed once and then do it again during spring to ensure that the seeds strewn around never see the light of day. 

Use a pre-emergent herbicide

Assuming that you could get rid of every clump of crabgrass either by removing it by hand or killing it, you should get down to the task of preventing it from growing again when summer returns. During the springtime, when the crabgrass seeds are ready to germinate, spray some pre-emergent herbicide across the lawn. 

  However, you must apply the herbicide at the right time for the best results. Since the seeds germinate when the temperature crosses the 50 degrees Fahrenheit mark, you should act at the right time and repeat the operation for a few consecutive days. 

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring when the seeds are dormant is the most effective treatment to prevent germination. 

Pay attention to lawn repair

 Another way to prevent crabgrass growth is to ensure the weed does not get a favorable surface to grow. Crabgrass grows in the bare spots of the lawn where the soil is visible. Identify the bare spots and repair these as soon as possible to prevent crabgrass from growing. At those spots, plant grass seeds and water them regularly to ensure that it grows fast and leaves no room for crabgrass to grow. It is the best way to nip the problem in the bud, but laborious. 

Focus on regularly feeding your lawn

The better care you take of your lawn, the fewer would be chances of weed growth. Ensuring a thick, lush grassy surface is best for lawns that do not have any weed growth. Dense and healthy grass does not leave any space for weeds to grow. Feed your lawn well so that the grass receives enough nutrition and grows thick that looks lush green. 

Underfed lawns are vulnerable to weed growth. During the growing season, fertilize the lawn at an interval of 6-8 weeks. 

Maintain proper mowing height

To get rid of crabgrass, you must take good care of the lawn grass with proper maintenance. Feeding the grass well with make it grow fast and timely mowing should help to maintain its good looks. Moreover, mowing the grass and maintaining proper height are critical to prevent crabgrass growth. 

The grass blade should be three inches tall after mowing so that it creates enough shade for the soil beneath. Leaving grass clippings create a covering on the ground and prevents soil exposure while gradually turning into manure. It prevents the condition necessary for the germination of crabgrass seeds.

Killing crabgrass will not help unless you take proper preventive measures to stop the germination of seeds. With proper lawn care, it is possible to eradicate crabgrass from your lawn forever. Following healthy lawn maintenance practices is critical to prevent crabgrass growth. Although none of the methods can ensure crabgrass eradication, relentless surveillance and prompt action to kill or remove crabgrass can ensure a healthy lawn free from weeds. 

How to Winterize Lawn Irrigation System?

Ohio, popularly known as a water-rich state, makes irrigation systems fix the precise needs of any lawns and landscape. However, winterizing the lawn irrigation system demands specialized techniques and machinery. But, if you live in an area where the temperature dips below freezing point, you must ensure you prepare the irrigation system for winter conditions by draining out the water and insulating the sprinkler components.

Steps for winterizing lawn irrigation system:

Turn off the water:

Use the primary valve placed near the water meter to turn off the water in the system. You should turn off any valves (usually, there are 2 valves) that help in thwarting backflow.

Switch off the timer:

If your system operates on an automated timer, switch it to rain mode. Doing so ensures that you are making your settings ready for the spring. If the system does not have a rain mode, switch the timer off completely.

Drain out the water:

Draining the remaining water from the system is crucial. You can follow three main methods of water drainage, depending on the type of irrigation system you own.

Manual draining method:

If you have a manual drain irrigation system, follow these simple steps-

  • Turn off the water supply
  • Open all the valves and drain the water from the system
  • Drain water from the backflow device

Automatic draining method:

Follow these steps to activate the automatic draining of water-

  • Shut off the water supply
  • Relieve water pressure in the system by running one of the sprinkler heads
  • Clear the pipes of excess water

Blow-out draining method:

Force compressed air through the irrigation system to drain the pipes. It helps in discharging extra water through the sprinkler heads. However, the blow-out method works efficiently; if you have a proper irrigation system to handle the pressure.

How does it work?

  • Turn off the water supply and use a coupler to connect the air compressor to the irrigation system
  • Check the highest point of the sprinkler station and turn it off
  • Close the backflow valves
  • Slowly open the valves to the compressor
  • Gradually add more air pressure
  • Continue the process till you see water coming through

Safety Tip- Do not exceed 80 PSI for PVC piping or 50 PSI for polyethylene piping. Don’t stand near an active head when blowing out your irrigation system. Make sure you wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. It is always advisable to hire a professional to use the blow-out method.

Insulate the irrigation system:

It is significant to insulate any exposed components of an irrigation system during the winter. Either, you may use insulation foam or tape to cover the components or use foil pipe insulation. Cover the water supply shut-off valve, backflow preventers, and exposed pipes. On the backflow preventers, make sure not to block any air vents or drain outlets.

Prevent pipe damage:

The automatic irrigation system is buried twelve inches below the soil surface. Hence, any leftover water in the system over the winter will freeze. It causes damage to pipes, fittings, valves, and sprinklers. You may use compressed air on your irrigation system equipped with automatic and manual drain valves to ensure that the irrigation system gets winterized properly.

Leverage proper lawn irrigation care techniques:

The first freeze typically occurs anywhere between early October and early November. The irrigation system you choose will either have a manual dial or digital readout. While digital controllers can be programmed, the manual controllers must be turned completely to ‘off’ mode with reprogramming requirements in springtime. 

All these techniques are relevant to lawn irrigation of any size and shape.

Galena Lawn Care has been one of the prominent names when it comes to specialist landscaping services in Ohio. The specialist in lawn care provides essential guidance to commercial and residential clients on different subjects that including winterizing lawn irrigation systems too.

Bee friendly plants and flowers in Ohio

What are the most bee-friendly flowers? – A Helpful Guide

Spring is around the corner the best thing to look forward to is great pollinator plants for Ohio. When you are a garden and landscape-loving person, all you need is beautiful plants and flowers that can enhance the gander. Look for bee-friendly plants and flowers in Ohio that are the most natural way of pollination.

Start by sectioning your garden into an area that can attract bees. Now get the best plants for attracting pollinators in Ohio

Here is a list of the plants that you can grow in your garden:

  • Milkweed: One of the most famous bee-friendly plants is milkweed. Monarch caterpillars receive them from milkweed, which is harmful to many other animals. These are just perfect native pollinators as they require plenty of sunshine which is plenty of Ohio weather. 
  • Bee balm: As the name goes so, does the charm of this plant over the bees. It is one of the favorites amongst the bees and other pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.   
  • Purple coneflower: The most common wildlife and pollinator food from native Ohio. From butterflies that feed on its nectar to many other animals that feed on the dry seeds that drop. 
  • Wild geranium: This plant is also known as cranesbill, or hardy geranium, or true geranium. Do not confuse these with annual garden geranium, as these are the wild variety that attracts butterflies and many other pollinating insects to your garden. 
  • Goldenrod: Your pollination garden is incomplete without Goldenrod. These are commonly growing wild plants that are available in meadows and roadsides. These are large-size plants, but you can opt for different varieties of goldenrod for smaller gardens and spaces.  

What kind of flowers should you plant for bees? 

Galena Lawn Care suggests more native flowers. The native flowers are:

  • Forget me not
  • Passionflower
  • Sunflower
  • Veronica
  • Oregano
  • Lemon balm
  • Chives
  • Thyme
  • Asters
  • Snapdragon
  • Bee balm
  • Hosta
  • Poppies

Bees have amazing color vision, and hence they flock to colorful flowers. Bees love early and late-season blooms. Some of the early season flowers are redbuds, maples, primrose, hyacinth, crocus, willows, dandelion, and hellebore. On the other hand, the late-season flowers are aster, golden red, viburnum, and potential. FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE SERVICE DUBLIN OHIO

What can you do for pollination?

Try to target only native flowering plants as they can adapt to the weather conditions and soil. Most native plants and shrubs need less irrigation, fertilizers, and the chances of weeds are eliminated. For this reason, you should encourage more native pollinators. 

Plant the pollinators in an open area with maximum sun. Bee-friendly plants need sun rays that help their growth. Look for those plants and shrubs that are suitable for the season. It means spring, autumn, and summer pollination plants are all different. 

A natural and organic approach to increasing pollination is the best way to increase greenery. You contribute to ecological balance by taking these simple yet effective steps.

Goldenrod, sunflowers, and red chokeberry are some of the much-loved flowering plants for the bees. A combination of native species and wildflowers to plant in your garden will be a great idea.

Conclusion

A natural and organic approach to increasing pollination is the best way of increasing greenery. Ask professional help from Galena Lawn Care to contribute towards the ecological balance.

When is national naked gardening day 2022?

World Naked Gardening Day is on the 7th of May

Yes, you heard it right. There is a national naked gardening day. It is celebrated on the 1st Saturday of May every year. This year, World Naked Gardening Day is on the 7th of May. People worldwide are waiting to celebrate it with great fun and amusement. 

The National Naked Gardening Day has been observed for years now. If you are still wondering about the intention of celebrating such a day, then read on. As the name suggests, gardeners are encouraged to take their clothes off and tend to their plants. Just the way it was originally intended by our creator- God.

What and Why?

It might sound eccentric, but some nudists observe this day happily. We also do it here in the United Kingdom with people in other parts of the globe. The idea is to feel strongly connected to nature in your bath suit. The garden can be anywhere. For instance, the garden can be in the backyard of your home, inside your home, on the roof, or at the park, if you are comfortable getting naked. 

You can observe the day with a group of close friends or family. It enhances the bond between people and also with nature. Moreover, the participants are encouraged to share their stories and also photos. People get creative while posting photos by covering private parts with foliage, garden props, and other funny tools.

Is Naked Gardening a Real Thing?

Yes, it is as real as it gets. Participants are encouraged to be naked, but if you have a problem being stark naked, you can always try creative and fashionable covers for your private parts. It helps people get comfortable in their skin and tend to the plants they love. It is liberating and also free of cost.

Gardening as an activity is rejuvenating, and naked gardening can be even more liberating. Also, it builds easy relationships between people and also with themselves. The World Naked Gardening Day is traced back to 2005 when Jacob Gabriel and Mark Storey celebrated it for the first time. Gabriel was a permaculturist, while Mark was a consulting editor for Nude & Natural Magazine. They founded this day as part of the Body Freedom Collaborative.

The first-ever WNGD dates back to the 10th of September 2005. Since then, the date got shifted to May. The Naturist Society and the American Association for Nude Recreation endorse World Naked Gardening Day. So, it is real with a documented history to back it.

Why is the National Gardening Day Celebrated?

The day is marked as part of the Body Freedom Collaborative started in 2005. People since then have celebrated the day as part of a tradition in which they tend to the garden plants naked or sometimes just covering their private parts. The day is promoted to become one with nature and establish a strong bond. Such activities led to building better relationships between humans and an individual with his/her own body.

How Do You Make a Garden Naked?

It is done similarly as you will do it usually. The difference lies in the fact that you will have to take your clothes off. In this tradition, the participants practice weeding, planting flowers, and trimming the hedges in the buff. Initially, only nudists practiced it. But, now it is being practiced by a wide range of people. It is a non-political and light-hearted event to promote the greater good. It provides the perk of whole body tanning along with the absorption of Vitamin D.