Posts Tagged ‘Plants’

Glossary of Lawn Care Terms – A

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

A

Aeration – Introducing air into the soil by making holes in it or pulling cores of soil out of it.

Aerification – The mechanical removal of soil cores.

Algae – Any of a group of chiefly aquatic lower plants without root, stem, or leaves, classified by color.

Aphids – Any of various small insects, such as the greenfly, that suck the juice of plants.
.
Appressed – Lying close and flat against, as a bud against a twig.

Auricle – Ear-shaped appendage

Awnless – Without the beard or bristle-like appendage of the outer glume of numerous grasses.

Axillary – Springing from, or positioned in the angle formed by the upper side of a branch with the stem or trunk to which it is attached.

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Basic Lawn Maintenance Methods

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Everyone with a home longs to have a beautiful, lush, professional looking lawn. The upside to this is a well-maintained lawn will add value to the home itself, and it will boost your self-esteem to have a lawn admired by others. The problem is that a well-maintained yard requires regular work, and not everyone appreciates this fact. You must take certain steps regularly to accomplish this goal.

1. Weekly lawn mowing is probably the most important step to take. Be sure to keep the blades on your mowing equipment sharp. This will allow the mower to cut, and not to tear or shred the blades of grass. Check with the professionals in your area to find out the optimal height for your type to turf grass. Maintain the lawn at the same overall height, this will help to reduce the amount of stress on the grass; also, it will look better if the entire lawn has been cut at the same height.

2. Regular watering is a requirement for any lawn. Plants of any type require regular watering, and your lawn is the same way. One of the worst things that could happen to your lawn would be for it to go without water until it turns brown. This could and probably will kill a good portion of your lawn turf, the portion of the lawn that does not die off, will be in very poor health. You should avoid this situation if possible, since it is very difficult for a lawn to recover from this. Remember, proper watering will help to promote the health and color of your lawn.

3. Weed, Weed, Weed. This is another factor than can harm your lawn. You should make an effort to keep weeds from taking over any area of your lawn. Once they take hold, you will wish you had spent more time weeding. The weeds take moisture and nutrients meant for your lawn. The weeds can also begin to choke out the grass, leaving you with a mixture of your favorite turf grass, and your least favorite weeds. While on your knees weeding, also look out for pests that can also damage your lawn. You can use pesticides to handle the bugs, insects, and other pests that can infest your lawn, because these critters can cause the same effects on your lawn as weeds.

There are various systems, methods, plans, steps and other things to ensure a lush lawn. However, just by following the simple, basic steps above, you will make a good start on your journey to having a beautiful lawn.

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Basic Lawn Maintenance Methods

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Everyone with a home longs to have a beautiful, lush, professional looking lawn. The upside to this is a well-maintained lawn will add value to the home itself, and it will boost your self-esteem to have a lawn admired by others. The problem is that a well-maintained yard requires regular work, and not everyone appreciates this fact. You must take certain steps regularly to accomplish this goal.

1. Weekly lawn mowing is probably the most important step to take. Be sure to keep the blades on your mowing equipment sharp. This will allow the mower to cut, and not to tear or shred the blades of grass. Check with the professionals in your area to find out the optimal height for your type to turf grass. Maintain the lawn at the same overall height, this will help to reduce the amount of stress on the grass; also, it will look better if the entire lawn has been cut at the same height.

2. Regular watering is a requirement for any lawn. Plants of any type require regular watering, and your lawn is the same way. One of the worst things that could happen to your lawn would be for it to go without water until it turns brown. This could and probably will kill a good portion of your lawn turf, the portion of the lawn that does not die off, will be in very poor health. You should avoid this situation if possible, since it is very difficult for a lawn to recover from this. Remember, proper watering will help to promote the health and color of your lawn.

3. Weed, Weed, Weed. This is another factor than can harm your lawn. You should make an effort to keep weeds from taking over any area of your lawn. Once they take hold, you will wish you had spent more time weeding. The weeds take moisture and nutrients meant for your lawn. The weeds can also begin to choke out the grass, leaving you with a mixture of your favorite turf grass, and your least favorite weeds. While on your knees weeding, also look out for pests that can also damage your lawn. You can use pesticides to handle the bugs, insects, and other pests that can infest your lawn, because these critters can cause the same effects on your lawn as weeds.

There are various systems, methods, plans, steps and other things to ensure a lush lawn. However, just by following the simple, basic steps above, you will make a good start on your journey to having a beautiful lawn.

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Flower Articles…

Saturday, April 7th, 2007

I’ve just posted three new articles about Crepe Myrtles, Hydrangeas, and Petunias.

I’m working to get a directory of plants set up before long that will let you search by plant, zone, etc. I’ll post as soon as it’s done. This will allow you to comment on plants, see pictures, see what zones they are best for and more….

Thanks!
Patrick

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More Licensing and Regulations…

Friday, August 25th, 2006

Here in Alabama the crackdown is beginning. The state is now making you have a license if you want to plant plants or even lay sod.
I’m not talking about a simple business license. I’m talking about a $200+ license you have to go take a test and apply to the state to get.
They are also enforcing the herbicide license by having guys stop you and inspect your truck and trailer for chemicals. You can expect instant fines if you are not legit….

In addition to this the DOT is about to start coming down hard on people who’s trucks/trailers don’t meet the specs (especially weight violations)
After Jan 1st I’ve been told they won’t even listen to an excuse. You get stopped for a violation and you are going to pay out big money.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining.
I think it’s a good thing to help weed out (pardon the pun) people who are not charging enough to make a profit and are undercutting everyone.
Hopefully it will make our profession a little more professional. At least here in Alabama…

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