Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. - Russel Baker
Lawn and Landscape
To keep your lawn well fed through the stress of summer, apply a slow release fertilizer in late June - early July, a ratio of 3-1-2 is recommended. Example formulations to look for would be 9-5-9, 19-4-10, 18-4-6 or 15-5-10. Be sure of adequate water post-application. If you see a yellowing of your lawn, or chlorosis, now through September, apply iron as directed on the label in either liquid or granular form.
If you have an irrigation system, monitor for good coverage and adjust clock as necessary through dry and rainy spells. If you use manual sprinklers, use sprinkler units that offer broad and consistent coverage, move as necessary. Consistent amount of water and coverage are key to a lush lawn and healthy plants and shrubs. Stress in the landscape planting can invite pests and disease.
If your Spring color has begun to fade consider a planting of lantana, penta and/or salvias. These are hardy through the summer and will attract butterflies and hummingbirds as they migrate through our area in August and September.
Control The Pests
Fire Ants: Ants tend to be more active and be on the move with the rains of the Summer months. Be proactive and use a broadcast bait such as Bifenthrin (or Talstar), Permethrin, Amdro or Logic. Treat mounds with a liquid insecticide as Permethrin or Orthene. This can be very effective if neighbors coordinate these applications.
Chinch Bugs: Keep an eye out July through September for irregular shaped spots in the lawn, especially along curb lines, walks and drives. Factors that promote chinch bug activity are sunny areas during hot dry summer; excessive thatch; too little or too much irrigation and excessive fertilization. Spot treat the area(s) with a Permethrin based liquid insecticide. To keep the pest at bay, apply a granular Permethrin insecticide with a broadcast applicator throughout the rest of the lawn.
Mosquitos: There is no doubt that the mosquito with be the insect pest that will effect each of us and our family members most directly. There are excellent products that can be applied directly from the container fastened to your water hose to spray throughout your yard. Keep in mind that these will also kill the beneficial insects and food for the beneficials. Consider the use of this type of product if you have an outdoor gathering in the plans. Consider aerosol sprays for smaller areas, the citronella based candles and lanterns and the variety of personal use lotions and sprays available for day to day protection as needed. Be proactive, be sure that there are no containers of standing water and treat ponds and water features with Bt Mosquito Dunks to prohibit breeding. Installed mosquito systems are quite effective but can be costly to install and maintain.
In any case of applying fertilizers or chemical insecticide, always follow the directions on the label and consider children and pet play areas. Use personal protection as directed.
Be Prepared
Hopefully, we will have more precipitation this summer than the Summer of 2009. Remember those summer storms with high winds and often times some hail. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from structures and inspect for damaged and dead limbs that can become objects of flight in a storm. If a hurricane draws near, don’t forget to secure any lawn ornaments, furniture, equipment and lighting fixtures away. Summer is the time when many travel. Coordinate with a trusted neighbor or friend to keep a check on the irrigation system in case of power loss or surges. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, plan ahead with someone that can look after your home and landscape in case of tropical storm or hurricane.
While our woes of the Summer months may sound like “doom and gloom” we can practice a few small steps to be sure we have a beautiful landscape and plenty of fun times to safely share with our family and friends.
HAVE A HAPPY SUMMER!
The Staff of Legacy Landscape
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