tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78375930891715794982024-03-13T10:53:46.146-07:00The Grass is GreenerUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-85037145227751370802023-10-05T14:20:00.003-07:002023-10-05T14:20:25.044-07:00August comes to October<p> Usually, by the time the calendar flips to October the nights are cool and the days carry a hint of Fall. The trees are bursting with colour, the buzzing of lawn mowers is less frequent, and the splashing in a neighbours' pool is a distant memory of Summer---but not this year.</p><p>At a time when most lawns have recovered from July/August stress (drought/dormancy/ chinch bug, etc.), the damage is <i>still</i> visible, and the reclamation <i>far</i> from evident.</p><p>As I write this, we have gone 21 days without rain, have daily temperatures pushing 30 C including new record highs for this time of the year. If you haven't been watering your lawn religiously (2x a week for an hour each.) chances are, you have nothing but concrete for soil and any attempts to get water to your parched grass is useless.</p><p>The few mechanical core aerations we have done, have pulled up only cores of dust, and we are still waiting for the fall fertilizer to kick-in, in most cases.</p><p>You don't have to have inground sprinklers to combat the dryness, just a few minutes to turn on a manual sprinkler and then turn it off an hour later. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security when the rains come. The robust 100 plus millimetres of June and July can easily turn into less than 70 mil over the last TWO months like it has. </p><p>Now you're left with a tale of two lawns---one watered, and one not.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAySMSccwPsQsJbq8dKNNvKeAGe0QkbFU0ndjJDd8bkM55i-FcR9yCr9BAT7rMtsBFxvLHqBTlvKFVILihdUq_CyPO088OGlnpsNEZ-4BxSv3DQanV0m_XhDTNtfHG6vJDCKiSmkobqvUcCNPzdxM51NATJK2Mp1YkyH-A7JD-m1Q02H304BPl9hgV24/s640/two%20lawns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAySMSccwPsQsJbq8dKNNvKeAGe0QkbFU0ndjJDd8bkM55i-FcR9yCr9BAT7rMtsBFxvLHqBTlvKFVILihdUq_CyPO088OGlnpsNEZ-4BxSv3DQanV0m_XhDTNtfHG6vJDCKiSmkobqvUcCNPzdxM51NATJK2Mp1YkyH-A7JD-m1Q02H304BPl9hgV24/w400-h300/two%20lawns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-65782098312838177142023-09-09T13:47:00.056-07:002023-09-17T15:29:42.711-07:00Aeration: Choosing between mechanical and liquid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aLepZz9igOlbiSc4HsV_HPKxb8ya5v9JZdRme7Py_mSloenLLa2QmX_UI_MvCfWLiIyyflBba_VHAHkyKG4_h_JRxbMOEG3zP8n3NfipeFZMuy8bHKFi1M5s8lcLIMWfyd9QgPybCh9sWeZx2fw1SUzjNfgH8HP4Ac3ysmXb1ce-QqKVnbZwUI6KsmM/s341/th%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="341" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aLepZz9igOlbiSc4HsV_HPKxb8ya5v9JZdRme7Py_mSloenLLa2QmX_UI_MvCfWLiIyyflBba_VHAHkyKG4_h_JRxbMOEG3zP8n3NfipeFZMuy8bHKFi1M5s8lcLIMWfyd9QgPybCh9sWeZx2fw1SUzjNfgH8HP4Ac3ysmXb1ce-QqKVnbZwUI6KsmM/s320/th%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Aeration is one of the most beneficial applications you can do for your lawn, however, with new technologies there is a choice between liquid aeration and traditional core aeration.<p></p><p>Which one should you choose?</p><p>Let's look at the pros and cons of each.</p><p>Both mechanical and liquid break down thatch layers in your lawn, thatch that hampers lawn health and where chinch bugs usually hide. Mechanical does this by punching holes and removing cores of soil to allow nutrients, air and moisture to reach the root zone. Liquid aeration uses a organic mix of Humic and Fulvic acids to create micro channels in the soil and accomplishes the same end. Esthetically, liquid does not leave behind unsightly cores of dirt reminiscent of a flock of geese.</p><p>Both applications can be done with seeding, fertilizing, or weed control (if you choose not to seed.)</p><p>Now here is where Liquid Aeration leaves Mechanical Cores in the dust in my opinion.</p><p>Liquid takes less time and is less labour intensive.</p><p>With liquid aeration, there is no need to mark shallow lines, or sprinkler heads.</p><p>There is no worry when it comes to hitting Bell or Rogers cables.</p><p>Liquid aeration can cover 100% of your lawn's area, unlike core aeration at approx. 85%. </p><p>Liquid will not rip up your lawn and can be done shortly after new sod unlike core's one-year wait for the grass to establish.<br /><br /></p><p>Liquid leaves no mess behind i.e. muddy wheel tracks.</p><p>Sure, once you own a machine, it pays for itself, but unless you are a lawncare provider why would you buy an aerator?</p><p>Although liquid aeration means a constant replenishment of the product, therefore increasing you bottom line, I can't deny the time saved.</p><p>In other words, you had me at "less labour intensive."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0ltyKtAxoPrtF6FGkwXtPI1ClD-2C7BR4ljHh0fKRU3mzKYFJBK6_OeAHeNX3j8Fd3La6L0W-D-uAykxDYREU8HzgEGDelWO8hnTGrd5awLZ4Rbvc9w3Uv-vz1w5aWA0HmZr4YWctUm-7n_pW7G0QP_nMaU9DhPfen5LGi7_Z-brEuS2oyhQNnB-ZyY/s270/th%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="270" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0ltyKtAxoPrtF6FGkwXtPI1ClD-2C7BR4ljHh0fKRU3mzKYFJBK6_OeAHeNX3j8Fd3La6L0W-D-uAykxDYREU8HzgEGDelWO8hnTGrd5awLZ4Rbvc9w3Uv-vz1w5aWA0HmZr4YWctUm-7n_pW7G0QP_nMaU9DhPfen5LGi7_Z-brEuS2oyhQNnB-ZyY/s1600/th%20(4).jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-79993089957493919962023-08-18T08:44:00.005-07:002023-08-18T08:44:50.856-07:00A few words<p> Madness! Insane! Sheer stupidity! Fucked! And on it goes. </p><p>These are not my words, but the words of some of my customers, who endure season after season, issues on their lawns that I am powerless to prevent. Issues like chinch bug damage, crabgrass germination, and a variety of weeds that Fiesta is not able to control.</p><p>With all the rain this year the lawns have not gone dormant, so the problems have been easier to see, and the frustration is high.</p><p>Homeowners are mad, and I get it. Yet, the fact remains, with limited tools at our disposal to deal with these infestations, it all comes back to lawn heath and proper cultural practices.</p><p>Sometimes the wounds are self inflicted---cutting the grass too low, not watering enough, lack of shade, adding extra fertilizer on top of what we have already applied---and sometimes it's the luck of the draw. Durham Region has been hard hit by chinch this year, yet in other areas like Markham, Scarborough and Bowmanville, I've seen only minimal damage. </p><p>So what was lush and green heading into July, is now---in some cases---littered with brown patches and weeds. The best course of action is now reclamation with fertilizer, seed and aeration. </p><p>With patience, affected lawns will return to form, and the "lush healthy look will return for the fall.</p><p>The problem? </p><p>Most people looking at a damaged lawn right now, have no patience left. </p><p>Who can blame them?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPrHA-X1rZqfnXfTNKHrULI1UCsGGD3ukFgrhVHA3iJQ-TdHzHHMxf7cy7ZjJDgm6jhF9bEVYun3c7hoK0vC-Uld8CroVoEOwNL6I2beCnfzfA39akkWXRTmvpWSBDdtLfxpY2Sw5k-TJSehctvMNNNYudQ0gkBLX6s3ztmpFM5Pwcw9cAAT7m01v7Zk/s1000/Chinch-bug-damage-1-e1533324069291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1000" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPrHA-X1rZqfnXfTNKHrULI1UCsGGD3ukFgrhVHA3iJQ-TdHzHHMxf7cy7ZjJDgm6jhF9bEVYun3c7hoK0vC-Uld8CroVoEOwNL6I2beCnfzfA39akkWXRTmvpWSBDdtLfxpY2Sw5k-TJSehctvMNNNYudQ0gkBLX6s3ztmpFM5Pwcw9cAAT7m01v7Zk/s320/Chinch-bug-damage-1-e1533324069291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON, Canada43.8975446 -78.94293290000001715.587310763821158 -114.09918290000002 72.207778436178842 -43.786682900000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-73137040916851273812023-06-25T11:15:00.002-07:002023-06-25T11:15:00.132-07:00The chinch bug calling card is here.<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2RQtl3GiKaKs3Txj_O1Pr8qaIDY8RwMTIPgaddQb5IqFaN8Q1fb8gKhfzOcz2GY3WmgX0-MxTl-pQeDr1Rjw9NFCaAMlark30Ua7Anw1SnGEd4DhbsXg-d0XAiWrfcyNn4c66s6VPqkDJJcjPV_ELhWreOs3FdBTmYv2RGJuM_m246KzfHh0krJseh8/s320/th%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2RQtl3GiKaKs3Txj_O1Pr8qaIDY8RwMTIPgaddQb5IqFaN8Q1fb8gKhfzOcz2GY3WmgX0-MxTl-pQeDr1Rjw9NFCaAMlark30Ua7Anw1SnGEd4DhbsXg-d0XAiWrfcyNn4c66s6VPqkDJJcjPV_ELhWreOs3FdBTmYv2RGJuM_m246KzfHh0krJseh8/s1600/th%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><br />Birds Foot Trefoil has been noticeable for the past few weeks. It hangs off curbs and invades boulevards. It is also the business card for the emergence of the Chinch Bug from your garden areas and on to your lawn.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This destructive insect can quickly destroy your grass with its voracious appetite, so be aware.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Most of the damage in the early days of July is done by the nymphs (these happy little fellows) and can be found around gardens, sunny areas and sources of greater heat (on edges near pavement etc.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV7tbkZbk2bb94R1-e5aIpe4lKGPmV83P1aDf4JebQX_u305XcyAWwLg5TPHm7FDR6J5FtP9q_zDRVC6s3qiAUEa0LY4SiZtxHiEBDI8dWPn6ktEw9F3PNEiilZzo020eRRZjE4iFFjthMIjMs5tWUOIW-oB0qzOKuYFX3QKA1ZiMdo9pZLxHDAiny00/s1024/chinchbug10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV7tbkZbk2bb94R1-e5aIpe4lKGPmV83P1aDf4JebQX_u305XcyAWwLg5TPHm7FDR6J5FtP9q_zDRVC6s3qiAUEa0LY4SiZtxHiEBDI8dWPn6ktEw9F3PNEiilZzo020eRRZjE4iFFjthMIjMs5tWUOIW-oB0qzOKuYFX3QKA1ZiMdo9pZLxHDAiny00/s320/chinchbug10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This grass mosquito will suck the life out of a blade of grass. leaving it with a dry, unhealthy appearance. If you get them in the thousands...well, you can imagine the devastation to your curb appeal.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, since the good people of the Federal Government took away all means to kill the little bastards, we have to resort to other methods of control.</p><p style="text-align: left;">First determine if Chinch Bugs are the cause by checking around damaged areas. Agitate the grass vigorously with your fingers, peel back the blades. You should be able to see them scurrying for cover into the thatch layer of your lawn.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Another method is to insert an hollow coffee can into the ground, fill it with water, and wait for them to float to the surface.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>What can be done?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, you have been keeping your grass at 3 inches and above (or ankle high). This will slow the feeding. Think of it as an all you can eat buffet with too much food.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, this insect loves over-fertilized lawns, so we caution people to keep the nitrogen enriched products to a minimum.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Chinch Bugs hate water. A deeply watered lawn is no friend to them. Soapy water is kryptonite as it dehydrates them. A daily dose of soapy water (dish soap works best) to the affected area and perimeter will help your cause greatly.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I have seen some who try to Shop-Vac them out of a lawn, but a better method is to wet the affected area in the evening, then lay a plastic tarp down. In the morning they should be clinging to the tarp, and you can simply remove them from the grass.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Even if you let nature run its course and do nothing, there is still hope. Chinch Bugs are top feeders. Your root system is still intact and will recover in the fall with some TLC...<i>unless</i> you are also blessed with a grub infestation.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Either way, Chinch Bugs are here, right on schedule, and it would be wise to schedule a plan of attack for <i>them</i>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-50995240542972283992023-06-17T15:20:00.013-07:002023-06-17T15:20:00.159-07:00The leopard lawns are back<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaxIYUkiMB8lzO1_Uywx7GXVs7I9vAtB7iacifKYc_8ZAahM0uPFf-YPc0bZk-wYsgKB8by0jbmFa2MBvfwwtfPyuQpQUGLctR_AbXEdBK7V69cmyQrsxRQfLDnLklHq1V8gObLlYk9iz5r9Nc--SzrgqqhLx1j2mIRnPmjxGDaggLJ8ToJyVSJRn/s352/IMG_0490%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="352" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaxIYUkiMB8lzO1_Uywx7GXVs7I9vAtB7iacifKYc_8ZAahM0uPFf-YPc0bZk-wYsgKB8by0jbmFa2MBvfwwtfPyuQpQUGLctR_AbXEdBK7V69cmyQrsxRQfLDnLklHq1V8gObLlYk9iz5r9Nc--SzrgqqhLx1j2mIRnPmjxGDaggLJ8ToJyVSJRn/s320/IMG_0490%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a common sight as spring melts into summer---the leopard lawns are here and there. Some of the damage caused by Round-up and unsuspecting homeowners, who never took the time to read the label, wanting to kill weeds at any cost, and others, for a different reason.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More often and than not, I now see lawns like this caused by another culprit---Scott's Turf Builder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not the fault of the Turf Builder or the good people at Scott's. Again the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the homeowners who don't realize the consequences of applying seed, soil, or other products enriched with nitrogen to an already fertilized lawn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overloading grass with nitrogen, especially at this time of the year, will lead to the lawn burning at the point of application. In most cases, straw-like markings throughout the lawn, or worse, EVERYWHERE, if enough was applied. Who wants that?</div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is this mindset which caused the banning of products like Killex and Par III long ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using more doesn't solve problems. It creates them. And <i>please</i> read the bag's instructions prior to applying the product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember <i>that</i> the next time you want to put more on....hmm....moron?</div></blockquote><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-44308261327323101542023-06-04T15:26:00.008-07:002023-06-17T07:49:14.914-07:00Part time partners need not apply.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x-7fTr1K1JecrrTUUISJ4FCFcaJQwFgvfgtyYGuUUD0ZODhKbGUT7EQmKF0CyJ9fcpROj9mTU3ceGJiAfWvATXTq-p7cVckgr_WJJAO4kjn8O3b3_ytQGSFZa5iJ6A0oIl3Vr2TqWEc2ioagEwIl5eQtctCZrpy-oly5wInVDvbsB0KfROZct0r-/s640/IMG_0491.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x-7fTr1K1JecrrTUUISJ4FCFcaJQwFgvfgtyYGuUUD0ZODhKbGUT7EQmKF0CyJ9fcpROj9mTU3ceGJiAfWvATXTq-p7cVckgr_WJJAO4kjn8O3b3_ytQGSFZa5iJ6A0oIl3Vr2TqWEc2ioagEwIl5eQtctCZrpy-oly5wInVDvbsB0KfROZct0r-/s320/IMG_0491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Last week I pulled up to a longtime customer's property to do her first weed control of the season. The lawn looked terrible. It was covered in weeds, top-dressed and seeded, and was cut to 1 inch in height.<p></p><p>The customer was not happy and came out to tell me so.</p><p>"Look at all the weeds," she said.</p><p>"The lawn is cut too low," I told her. "And we have had this conversation before, 'when you cut that low, you will have more issues with weeds and insects'. You need to raise the mower."</p><p>"I didn't cut it, my neighbour did," she informed me.</p><p>"You are paying for a service. You need to tell your neighbour not to cut your grass or you will continue to have the same results, and there is nothing we can do."</p><p>"What about the weeds today?" she asked.</p><p>"I'll do my best," I said. "But I can only spot spray ones that are not surrounded by seed, otherwise the grass won't germinate." </p><p>We sent her, as we did everyone of our customers, a spring newsletter in April advising 'waiting to the fall for seeding because spring seeding interferes with proper weed control,' but I guess she didn't read it. </p><p>I can understand her disappointment. I would be angry if my lawn looked like hers. I would also follow the advice of the company I paid to do my lawn. I would water it deeply once a week at least. I would raise my mower to the highest setting. I would do my seeding in the fall as recommended, and if it still looked bad, I would question why I had a lawn service in the first place.</p><p>BTW. The picture above is not of the customer's lawn in question. But it is on the same route, and like many others, was done on the same day, with the same products.</p><p>Look, I don't want to put our sign on a lawn that looks awful. It doesn't do my company any favours. So, we do our best to make sure the lawn responds to our treatment, like the one pictured above. It's just that, some people are better partners in their lawn care than others unfortunately.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-84789134954229199912023-05-28T15:43:00.002-07:002023-06-04T16:08:26.606-07:00...and the survey says!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk8_c0AWIfNsw86KZcWYVMs66TEJ08yu-5CTwlbumgGsovZsyiBwgDp5ZZQ6nwvTWte9E3e4rA69NDjBUoIWGIQAdB6RoYV7Igwcm4EfBiraftinWMJBuiXFxMth20aQujZ_FSi8uygETWOq6Ehty3kNhNjTRK3gK2ZUIAS6GrdVR-BWRtnFUl69R/s1020/maple-trees-1-6414232-1685100096668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1020" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk8_c0AWIfNsw86KZcWYVMs66TEJ08yu-5CTwlbumgGsovZsyiBwgDp5ZZQ6nwvTWte9E3e4rA69NDjBUoIWGIQAdB6RoYV7Igwcm4EfBiraftinWMJBuiXFxMth20aQujZ_FSi8uygETWOq6Ehty3kNhNjTRK3gK2ZUIAS6GrdVR-BWRtnFUl69R/s320/maple-trees-1-6414232-1685100096668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's climate ties.<p></p><p>While I agree with many of the positions stated in<a href=" https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=966242223397117&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctvnews.ca%2Fhealth%2Fmore-canadians-are-experiencing-allergies-due-to-climate-change-experts-say-1.6414187"> this article</a>, I am disappointed by the omission of how this problem started and how easily we could solve it by amending the pesticide bylaw. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-27854419346413940362023-05-08T15:06:00.002-07:002023-05-14T15:53:25.419-07:00Same as it ever was<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeQAtREcYK6YmR9Dd3ss8vDcfnraduRsDirf3DqlZnbw8fnb7o0Nz8-UY_9EmLRpkJ0mt3EgPGBb_fHz5a5jsyepESnsI6Rbga9fmGE-obH6BMuYYi2CQTKQpjGpJ_RiXpNB698i5DM8QPHch7ZtlINSGAPKCP8WqPLuclqc_G2gsOspdPN3CR1Mr/s600/Fiesta-weed-control.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeQAtREcYK6YmR9Dd3ss8vDcfnraduRsDirf3DqlZnbw8fnb7o0Nz8-UY_9EmLRpkJ0mt3EgPGBb_fHz5a5jsyepESnsI6Rbga9fmGE-obH6BMuYYi2CQTKQpjGpJ_RiXpNB698i5DM8QPHch7ZtlINSGAPKCP8WqPLuclqc_G2gsOspdPN3CR1Mr/w400-h266/Fiesta-weed-control.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>To borrow a phrase from the band Talking Heads, "This ain't no party. This ain't no disco. This ain't no fooling around."</p><p>Which is exactly how I and many other lawn care operators feel when the weeds emerge, turning green to yellow and eventually a sea of white spores.</p><p>Every year since the bylaw was unfairly dumped on Lawn Care and homeowners we have dealt with this scenario. But some things never changed.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was?</b> The number of people who hold their noses when they walk by as I'm spraying a lawn (although Fiesta is odourless), and those who believe by stepping on the wet grass means they better call their next of kin.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was?</b> The customer who complains when the first dandelion pops on their lawn and wonders what "they're paying us for," even when we have yet to do one application of weed control.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was? </b>The<b> </b>vast amount of cheating. Since it is a Provincial bylaw and a Federal border, all a homeowner has to do is purchase Killex state-side and bring it back. From the ubiquitous curling of weeds noticed on many a lawn, American business is brisk. </p><p><b>Same as it ever was? </b>The feckless political climate. Every year there are whispers of an amendment to the bylaw. After all there are effective alternatives (like Civitas) used right now in other Canadian provinces. However with the backlash to Green Belt development, the Ford government did a scrotal tuck and ran for the shadows.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was?</b> The number of exemptions under the bylaw including, golf courses, farmers, sod growers, government owned lands, and cemeteries, accounting for over 90% of pesticide usage.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was? </b>Fiesta (pictured above), the so-called "TURF WEED KILLER" is anything but that. It injures top growth only and does not kill the root. Neudorf, the makers of Fiesta, need to be called out on this shameless false advertising. Fiesta is a control, not a killer. People need to know.</p><p><b>Same as it ever was? </b>Me bitching about all of the above.</p><p>But it doesn't have to be this way, and everyone in the lawn industry knows it.</p><p><b>Fiesta?</b> "This ain't no party. This ain't no disco. This ain't no fooling around."</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-18310768723992561442023-05-07T13:49:00.005-07:002023-05-07T13:49:00.138-07:00It's time to get your grass in gear!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRXPNmLKjXZ-fAGuBVuSTe6BXMuvDZyEDvNIRmeD4OUcpq20nHBYxOEjBoRPgmh_FMA9No8Mt0jQ1W4PD9pPQLjsUMQZkDWfGCg53yH3UGbbeQFSMQlPr88OAI5KGIHomo4_aXfngPOrDe9Ew25p5-kuKaYe08gV2-em9hSD8SCgcsddd2u7MP82t/s474/th%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRXPNmLKjXZ-fAGuBVuSTe6BXMuvDZyEDvNIRmeD4OUcpq20nHBYxOEjBoRPgmh_FMA9No8Mt0jQ1W4PD9pPQLjsUMQZkDWfGCg53yH3UGbbeQFSMQlPr88OAI5KGIHomo4_aXfngPOrDe9Ew25p5-kuKaYe08gV2-em9hSD8SCgcsddd2u7MP82t/s320/th%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> So you've picked up loose clutter, tree branches, leaves, etc. You've raked lightly to get rid of any thatch. You've decided to push both seeding and core aeration off to the fall in order to cut down on weeds, and you've given your lawn an initial kick with some slow-release spring fertilizer.<p></p><p>What now?</p><p>After all the rain, your grass should be getting long and in need of its first hair cut.</p><p>The most important consideration is the height of your mower. It should be at 3 1/2 inches, (the distance from the blade to the soil.) Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade as it will stress the lawn, and weaken it to the elements.</p><p>I always make sure, once finished, the grass is ankle-high. This is an excellent benchmark to know whether to raise or lower the mower deck. </p><p>Leave the clippings on the lawn if there is not excessive mounds. This is known as grass-cycling, and returns nitrogen back into your lawn. Frequent mowing may be necessary in the early months but the results will be worth the labour.</p><p>It is the small things that will keep you happy with the grass more resistant to weed infestation, and a healthier, thicker, more robust lawn.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON, Canada43.8975446 -78.94293290000001723.129575113363149 -114.09918290000002 64.665514086636861 -43.786682900000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-43429020618844978492023-04-30T11:20:00.121-07:002023-04-30T14:39:05.570-07:00Your lawn = raccoon grub hub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF5eaGpqQehSCH9AS4pJ0bZxSbjmX8ZQWe6rIpnpDTnbJi0clBCioZonasbHRsA-ajFyVD9BG0NtJDLhf_Cos8FfXUizc_dmSCDtQhjRzhLHaFsnjjdVMqRCCDLbCC_69N32XhDwJnVvZgoflX5DolSkNrqZ8RhcQBn6UgpnTaspcIWlTsRi9knR0/s597/damage-raccoon-lawn-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="597" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF5eaGpqQehSCH9AS4pJ0bZxSbjmX8ZQWe6rIpnpDTnbJi0clBCioZonasbHRsA-ajFyVD9BG0NtJDLhf_Cos8FfXUizc_dmSCDtQhjRzhLHaFsnjjdVMqRCCDLbCC_69N32XhDwJnVvZgoflX5DolSkNrqZ8RhcQBn6UgpnTaspcIWlTsRi9knR0/s320/damage-raccoon-lawn-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year we've seen more damage from digging raccoons and skunks than previous years. As always, they are looking for the protein in your lawn which is the White Grub.<div><br /></div><div>Sure every lawn has grubs. Under normal circumstances that means approximately four grubs per square foot. When that number doubles, you have the damage you see above, and treatment may be recommended.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason for the ubiquitous digging this spring is a milder winter. The ground never had the chance to freeze, and in doing so, would have helped cull the grub population.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem now is timing. Grub treatments such as Grub Out, or Grub Terminator, the effectiveness is better realized when you apply the products in late June or early July. With nematodes you have the same issue; too early and the grubs are too big to control effectively. Also with nematodes you must consider other elements like weather. If it's too sunny, you've just sprayed your lawn with dead nematodes.</div><div><br /></div><div>It can be quite frustrating as night after night critters rough-up your lawn like it owes them money.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the spring , we feel, the best course is to apply Coyote Urine Pellets (raccoons), or Fox Urine Pellets (skunks.) These products will trick the diggers into believing a larger predictor is near, and (hopefully) avoid your grass. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, you must understand that these products come with conditions, so make sure you follow the instructions. Otherwise, you'll just have to wait for the appropriate window of application while you replace the divots and pray for the restaurant to run out of food.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Oshawa, ON, Canada43.8970929 -78.8657911999999914.450660465552893 -114.02204119999999 73.3435253344471 -43.70954119999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-4492603276963678222023-04-23T14:24:00.001-07:002023-04-23T14:24:41.743-07:00Looks like the season of the thatch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy4qFZko2LqYHGBJeqONdxAJZjauv6da8FoBvgJzNuUiBU7il0lHlaWIkSqD_EATR9qW1vibK1hpopW_ht10mmohS5j02V6B0B0jl23VAU5hEvbpPfaADshAMZSV2GUOJWvj0V_w1QXr0mKttpVM3_n2Zq02QWodAbKZNH9PdsyNRDBsS8XqS41NJ/s474/THATCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy4qFZko2LqYHGBJeqONdxAJZjauv6da8FoBvgJzNuUiBU7il0lHlaWIkSqD_EATR9qW1vibK1hpopW_ht10mmohS5j02V6B0B0jl23VAU5hEvbpPfaADshAMZSV2GUOJWvj0V_w1QXr0mKttpVM3_n2Zq02QWodAbKZNH9PdsyNRDBsS8XqS41NJ/s320/THATCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year we are getting an unusually large number of calls from people wanting to dethatch their lawns.<p></p><p>Yes, there seems to be a higher ratio of lawns with excessive thatch, but a light raking is all that is needed to remove most of the dead grass and promote new growth.</p><p>Going to the extreme and using a Dethatcher is not recommended in our opinion.</p><p>Dethatching at this time of the year can be very harsh on your lawn and soil. It dredges up weed seeds that will create massive problems in May, and given the lack of effective weed control in Ontario, you'll be chasing weeds all season, cursing while you do.</p><p>The easier way to attack this problem is with, as mentioned, light raking. If it hurts to do this then you're applying too much force. If you seeded in the fall, you must be vigilant not to rip up new growth with over zealous physicality.</p><p>Another avenue is aeration to breakdown thatch. However, traditional mechanical core aeration will give you the same weed headaches, and <i>presto</i>, back to square one. We would suggest liquid aeration if you are hell bent on aerating in the spring. (We will discuss the benefits of this application in another post.)</p><p>Also, I'm glad people are getting the memo to leave their grass 3 to 3 1/2 inches high when cutting. Yet, this practice does not include the fall. When the leaves start to fall, so should your mower height. The last cut of the season should be roughly 1 1/2 inches in height. </p><p>This way come next spring you'll have less thatch to rake, your grass and your muscles will thank you, and dethatching will be a nasty word from last year.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-66123195475524658652023-02-03T14:45:00.000-08:002023-02-03T14:45:15.669-08:00Early Spring?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsBpVEePNqSlKwm8epMckPFRij5tp4VKDkw7_-PRXDLdY28TgxyQptgwrEayojhhgJJPd0A_n-4FSIoSOY88RW-Dr1Fm09Ol-cdJ52L_0aZpdmje-evEyGx3XVuGx2VL6QaxZoRlYNa9mRR-cR_eQkgW4iCCNHZ4ji9aIl59FJHzAegRjPPWh55MJ/s1200/welcome-to-wiarton.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsBpVEePNqSlKwm8epMckPFRij5tp4VKDkw7_-PRXDLdY28TgxyQptgwrEayojhhgJJPd0A_n-4FSIoSOY88RW-Dr1Fm09Ol-cdJ52L_0aZpdmje-evEyGx3XVuGx2VL6QaxZoRlYNa9mRR-cR_eQkgW4iCCNHZ4ji9aIl59FJHzAegRjPPWh55MJ/w200-h200/welcome-to-wiarton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Wiarton Willie seems to think so, breaking from the ranks of his fellow rodents. He called for an early spring in Ontario.<p></p><p>However, I would rather rely on something else, like the Farmer's Almanac to provide a clearer picture of when we can expect decent weather.</p><p>According to Ol' Faithful, we start to run into mild temperatures the second week of March. But expect the battle between winter and all things green to see-saw into April as it does most every other year to be on the safe side. </p><p>To put all your trust in a fury marmot is not an effective strategy. I would suggest to keep an eye on the weather trends as previously stated, and send the groundhog novelty act back into hibernation.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-72399152468006014992022-03-17T12:04:00.005-07:002022-03-18T12:22:29.618-07:00It's all about that green<p> Am I trying to say Happy St. Patrick's Day? Maybe hello to Spring? Perhaps making money or lamenting about inflation and the money it's going to cost us all? Hey, then again, could it be I'm just optimistic about the lawns and their change from winter brown to forest green?</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVBx4UHYyTd_oHAd_pJDamMmG_2f4XGuvvR8A_4_ezKIP_ZG803fvRe5wrLchg2wOzWWD11GYIW4WQ5fxEf4cvLBE9XunE7JU5uKHBjpT5sxqY6scJvEl-Ym9P9szbZ82ONkbcp_wC9dUxn3q7ijPhxWmnCJZMfGZd7hIljcfAk5kp7FbFhBsS15B/s500/leaf-nature-green-spring-158780.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="500" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVBx4UHYyTd_oHAd_pJDamMmG_2f4XGuvvR8A_4_ezKIP_ZG803fvRe5wrLchg2wOzWWD11GYIW4WQ5fxEf4cvLBE9XunE7JU5uKHBjpT5sxqY6scJvEl-Ym9P9szbZ82ONkbcp_wC9dUxn3q7ijPhxWmnCJZMfGZd7hIljcfAk5kp7FbFhBsS15B/w400-h193/leaf-nature-green-spring-158780.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Actually it's all of the above. This will be a year, pleasant in some respects and challenging in others. The rising prices is of concern, and operating a business is definitely more difficult than it was 12 months ago when we enjoyed Covid gas prices, pre-wild fire grass seed, and pre-war fertilizer. Yet, whether you're a home owner or a lawn care provider, one must learn to adapt. That's why Spring is a time to look forward with hope instead of despair, of watching growth, and taking a collective breath. Stop for a moment to appreciate what you have and admire the clover because things can always be worse.</p><p>So, Happy St. Patrick's Day.</p><p>Tomorrow's a different story.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-28609386770074449942022-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:002022-02-06T08:16:53.041-08:00Betting on D.I.Y..... well, maybe not?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCW3buzOA6gACtMnrB4siyknhiLFDySLE0VQGwK2ItVKwkSbeErdW52picx-Tp9SFE2lXdfxfdzHz4zwb2xEYQ5MzfSb65urkLFigUgACyKtxfHuZ7NUx1T7lsOW2hp4gh0QphblYfgqxOGN01ncB5Q-WHK8Nr_oJ1d65hXKOqfcVG1fBwbzqRhPJ8=s275" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCW3buzOA6gACtMnrB4siyknhiLFDySLE0VQGwK2ItVKwkSbeErdW52picx-Tp9SFE2lXdfxfdzHz4zwb2xEYQ5MzfSb65urkLFigUgACyKtxfHuZ7NUx1T7lsOW2hp4gh0QphblYfgqxOGN01ncB5Q-WHK8Nr_oJ1d65hXKOqfcVG1fBwbzqRhPJ8" width="275" /></a></div><br /> I hear from many people who say they're going to do their own lawn care in 2022. However, these same people may not be aware that <i>doing it yourself </i>may<i> </i>actually be more expensive when all is said and done.<p></p><p>Prices for fertilizer, seed and Fiesta have seen dramatic price increases over the past 6 months, In some cases they've doubled.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The reasons for the increases are numerous and
complicated, but they are global (Supply is way down, global supply chain
disruptions, higher overseas freight, higher rail and long haul truck freight,
China is not shipping out of country, Russia, higher natural gas costs, higher
fuel costs, higher crop prices, shuttered work forces, and Possible collusion
and greed among the Major suppliers to name a few). </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The reasons for the increase in Seed are
different than the fertilizer and to a large degree can be attributed a
very VERY poor growing season in Oregon and B.C in 2021 that virtually wiped out the crop and doubling the price.
Most of the Seed suppliers have very limited supply and are not taking on new
customers. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For the Liquid
Iron, the cost has gone up </span>30-40%, mainly due to supply
issues. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And of course all these price hikes are being passed on to the consumer. Whereas a Lawn Care Provider may raise your cost a few bucks to cover increases, buying the product for personal use could cost you over $100 and up depending on the size of your property.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Add to that your labour and time, and doing it yourself doesn't seem like such a cost-saving adventure anymore.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Most lawn companies have pre-pay savings, usually before the start of the season, but if you wait until after those deadlines, I would have to say, all bets are off.</span></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-64030594020872588052021-10-14T08:34:00.000-07:002021-10-14T08:34:01.998-07:00The difference in a year<p> As the 2021 lawn season comes to an end, I find myself reflecting not only on the season's completion but the 2020 year as well.</p><p>Although the two are strikingly different---2020 had record breaking heat and drought. 2021 had excessive rain and frequent fluctuations between cool and heat---the fact remains, the two years were not so far apart by the end.</p><p>Crabgrass and chinch bugs were right on schedule, and although the levels of infestation were less in '21, they remained problematic all the same. The new product, Bio Titan for chinch, had little to no effect as a pre or post-emergent, and crabgrass?...It's the same old song and dance with that weed in the post pesticide era---wait for the fall and this annual dies-off then reseed the affected area (rinse, repeat every year.)</p><p>2021 also saw an increase in turf disease, most notably rust, due to the flip-flop between cool and humid temperatures, and all the rain made controlling weeds more difficult. </p><p>I can't remember a year where so much work had to be moved to another day due to rain or heat. But this is lawncare. It is a profession that must adapt to the changing climate as much as the degree of difficulty in issues and the seemingly less effective products to address both.</p><p>The law of diminishing returns indeed!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-28165485236723295232021-07-01T08:33:00.014-07:002021-07-03T07:46:26.486-07:00The party's over<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlRk0gHEvY/YOBt6UudpII/AAAAAAAAH1g/_KdBuacmytoB_4ferxEwzAg7HD1GpG49wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Top-Party-Schools-main-image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1200" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlRk0gHEvY/YOBt6UudpII/AAAAAAAAH1g/_KdBuacmytoB_4ferxEwzAg7HD1GpG49wCLcBGAsYHQ/w370-h186/Top-Party-Schools-main-image.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, the party was over a year ago, but with COVID, it came and went without much fanfare. As we approach the 1st anniversary of the date, I would like to clue in those who don't know, to exactly what I'm talking about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up until the middle of last July, home owners who wanted Killex could order it online from Western Canada, and a nice, neat package would arrive at their door via Crown Corporation, Canada Post, no questions asked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you ever wondered how your neighbour kept their lawn weed-free, chances are he or she has a bottle or two of the concentrate stashed in the garage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Granted this method wasn't cheap, but a loophole in the Ontario Pesticide Bylaw existed that made this possible same as those who brought back illegals from the States. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You see, since many of the bigger industries---golf, sod, farming, government owned property, forestry and now cemeteries---were exempt under the bylaw, provisions had to be written into the act, were it wasn't illegal to have a product like Killex of Par III in your possession. You just couldn't use it or sell it without risking penalty unless you were exempt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So when it became clear that the Ministry of the Environment couldn't police everyone, relying on whistle-blowers and public complaints, the abuse began, and over time increased until the Ontario Government finally went to the source and said "no more."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">E-mails were sent to customers informing them, "As of July 2020, Killex was no longer available to customers in Ontario."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Problem solved, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sure, until the Federal Border opens again, and 2 4 D flows across the 49th parallel like Duty Free booze and cigarettes. After all, the Feds don't care about Provincial Band-Aids, they're after bigger fish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for the mail-order route, I suppose if you have a friend or family member living out west, they <i>could</i> send it to you? And I'll bet money, Canada Post won't turn away the business.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* insert slow clap*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well done Ministry . . . well done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-32263235654016965922021-04-25T11:41:00.001-07:002021-04-25T11:43:59.062-07:00To pee or not to pee?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o__fbyQs7Xs/YIWy_65yuBI/AAAAAAAAHys/vh8pfh7oKysGmiwg_VwkDBYqpgomJc9vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/weedman.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="517" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o__fbyQs7Xs/YIWy_65yuBI/AAAAAAAAHys/vh8pfh7oKysGmiwg_VwkDBYqpgomJc9vQCLcBGAsYHQ/w388-h517/weedman.JPG" width="388" /></a></div>I don't believe I'm actually doing a post about this subject, except I am.<p></p><p>Since the beginning of the pandemic, it is increasingly hard to find a restroom when nature calls. Most places have strict toilet policies now, that is, if you are allowed to use them at all. And it has become increasingly difficult to relieve ones self in the midst of an eight-hour route.</p><p>So it comes as no surprise when the reason a customer cancels a lawn care company hinges more and more on hygienic practices than service.</p><p>Frequently, I hear from new customers, the reason they quit their previous provider was from finding a technician using the home owner's property as their own private urinal.</p><p>Sure, this is nothing new, and in my twenty years in this business, it is not the first time I've heard stories such as these.</p><p>However, the frequency has alarmingly increased. It also makes me question the intelligence of a worker who decides in this era of ubiquitous visual home security, at a time when most people are home in lockdown, to empty a bladder next to a backyard bush.</p><p>Rest assured, that when I tell you your lawn needs a good deep watering once a week, it won't involve me urinating on it.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-52935907031473014582021-04-24T08:41:00.000-07:002021-10-14T08:42:09.016-07:002020: It's the gift that keeps on giving<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-et3gPmdyYIE/YHMNqYqeu0I/AAAAAAAAHyY/9eC5dtmkwHczTp3GLB74vB8Nu4TPGl-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/ECgrub%252Bdamage%252Balbion%252Bcollege%252BWEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-et3gPmdyYIE/YHMNqYqeu0I/AAAAAAAAHyY/9eC5dtmkwHczTp3GLB74vB8Nu4TPGl-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ECgrub%252Bdamage%252Balbion%252Bcollege%252BWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is not surprising, with the swarms of Japanese Beetle we saw last summer that we'd see an increase of grub activity in the fall, and now into the spring of 2021.<p></p><p>Normally, our spring aeration schedule is minimal as we have moved most to the fall for the betterment of the lawn. But not this year.</p><p>This year I'm seeing more devastation in need of recovery with aeration and seed. I'm seeing more raccoons and skunks digging. I'm seeing lawns in serious need of reclamation.</p><p>So, what to do about these turf-wreckers?</p><p>One way to deter further damage is to purchase Coyote Urine Pellets (raccoons) or Fox Urine Pellets (skunks) and trick your unwanted vermin into believing a larger predator is near. Follow the label of the product for best results.</p><p>Once digging has ceased and reparation is underway, you might need to consider a grub application. There are two methods currently available: nematodes---best applied as a liquid application from mid August to mid October---or Grub Gone---applied as a granular end of May through July.</p><p>Which ever method you choose, be sure to consult the label before applying the product to your lawn.</p><p>With Japanese Beetle, you can make nicotine tea by crumpling a pack of cigarettes into a pail of water to steep for a couple of hours. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply to all plants affected by Japanese Beetle, late June through July, or when the insect is active. The nicotine is a natural insect repellent.</p><p>Pheromone Traps also work well to help cull the population of the destructive insect.</p><p>With everything these critters and insects have given you, isn't it time you gave some back?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-90799015848063558952021-04-04T07:06:00.002-07:002021-04-11T07:51:54.275-07:00Welcome to the annual egg hunt<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUaqCAlTL8w/YHMC2J5GH9I/AAAAAAAAHyQ/zszrq-AeM5YzXParqQh2km6F4ycCoYtrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s284/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUaqCAlTL8w/YHMC2J5GH9I/AAAAAAAAHyQ/zszrq-AeM5YzXParqQh2km6F4ycCoYtrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h258/download.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>I have always believed there are enough lawns out there for everyone, but that was before Covid and the hottest/driest summer in 70 years.<p></p><p>Now, it seems all companies are scrambling for the almighty dollar to feed their bottom lines, and willing to get down and dirty to make it happen.</p><p>Sure, we've lost our fair-share of customers (mostly new from 2020) who decided it was our fault for the weather, and what it did to the lawns last year. Yet, we've also gained a shit-ton as homeowners play Swing-your-partner in hope of a better alternative.</p><p>Still, the dark and devious behavior of some of our competitors has been just short of abhorrent. </p><p>We've had our service calls removed from a potential customer's mailbox and replaced by one from the offending company. We've had companies cold-call our customers pretending to be us and getting them to sign up for service with their lawn care instead. And we've had lawns poached by cancelled companies who went ahead and did the spring fertilizer on the property anyway.</p><p>This last trick has been going on for years, and you should be made aware of it. It is called <i><b>negative billing.</b></i></p><p>In fine print on the invoice, the bigger lawn care providers have a statement declaring, in one form or another "This is a continuous service." Unless you cancel by a designated date---usually sometime in October---you are automatically renewed for another season.</p><p>Sometimes they will show and do an application even when you <i>have</i> cancelled. This <i><b>taking the money of the street </b></i>is very effective as they know most people would rather pay the invoice instead of being threatened with legal action.</p><p>This is also something we have to be keenly aware of when we arrive at a new property in case it has already been fertilized.</p><p>I don't need to call these companies out by name for the way they conduct business because I suspect you are smart enough to figure out who they are.</p><p>I realize, as a business owner, you need to make money in order to keep your company afloat, but you also need to maintain a reasonable level of integrity---a lesson sadly lost on some of the big guys in the industry.</p><p>In my opinion it is the only way you are going to keep finding enough eggs and the chocolate within.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-61655303404851278082021-03-21T12:08:00.003-07:002021-03-21T12:08:43.387-07:00Smelling "the new."<p> Spring, a time of new growth, of possibilities and a chance to begin again. It came on Saturday without bells and whistles. It arrived without much fanfare, or coverage other than a passing blurb "Spring is now here."</p><p>One year later after all the uncertainty and confusion surrounding Covid, we have a chance to set things right once again. We have the opportunity to pursue some normalcy and reclaim routine in Lawn Care.</p><p>Yet, there are the ugly whispers of 2020 that linger like a fart in the elevator, and brought us the perfect storm of a pandemic surrounded by the hottest and driest summer in seventy years. And with it infestations of chinch bugs, crabgrass and Japanese beetle we haven't seen in some time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1qklM0dzxw/YFeYuDs6UFI/AAAAAAAAHx8/YrPzVZxBTcAU87dv0EX7KnOzOXWp89KeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s276/imagesCAHVBTVJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1qklM0dzxw/YFeYuDs6UFI/AAAAAAAAHx8/YrPzVZxBTcAU87dv0EX7KnOzOXWp89KeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h265/imagesCAHVBTVJ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There are scars of it everywhere from large swaths of bare soil to acres of newly-sodded lawns seemingly ubiquitous.<p></p><p>The good news is, The Farmer's Almanac is calling for a more tame Mother Nature in the 2021 season. Combine that with proper mowing, watering and maintenance, and your grass should be much healthier and happier this year.</p><p>The one wild card in the deck, however, is the grub population. With the extent of the Japanese beetle reported over last summer, grubs could be problematic moving forward.</p><p>Watching for heavy digging activity from skunks and raccoons is key to early detection, and timely treatment before root systems are affected and Sod Growers have another banner year.</p><p>But for now, let's just embrace the feeling spring brings us and hope for the best.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whitby, ON L1N 3B2, Canada43.8890956 -78.942436315.578861763821152 -114.0986863 72.199329436178843 -43.7861863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-7257053713355102172020-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:002020-10-28T10:07:19.079-07:00Hindsight is 20/20<p> Forget Covid, forget the shutdowns and the physical distancing---yes, we all had to deal, and we still are dealing with it---but the true enemy this year for the Lawn Care Industry was the grass killer known as the month of July.</p><p>July was the hottest, driest month in our lifetime and it took no prisoners when it came to your grass. Within a few days lawns began to suffer. </p><p>By the time August was in sight, the grass was reduced to a dormant carpet of straw, littered with weeds and crabgrass, infested with chinch bugs and grub larvae---a perfect storm of chaos in a market with little or no answers to challenge the tsunami of scourges.</p><p>Yet, there were lawns escaping the onslaught. They were the ones with adequate shade who followed proper watering and cutting practices, and survived to live another day. </p><p>These truths are what we repeat, to the point of nauseum, with all: Leave your lawn at 3 1/2 inches going into the summer months, and deeply water your lawn once or twice weekly to maintain a strong and healthy root system.</p><p>Yes---we will lose customers because of July, but we are already seeing an influx of homeowners leaving other companies and flocking to us in record numbers because of the same month.</p><p>The bottom line is, this is a partnership, a team game, and without this arrangement, it doesn't matter what a lawn care provider does to your lawn, it will suffer in the elements we experienced this past July. The recovery will take longer, and the road back to health will be long traveled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyxsOWigupU/X5mix-WkvWI/AAAAAAAAHwU/0159cL7rZ5QwLQWyZ10YFYLvoencvUkdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyxsOWigupU/X5mix-WkvWI/AAAAAAAAHwU/0159cL7rZ5QwLQWyZ10YFYLvoencvUkdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>With the homeowner by our side doing their part and timely applications on ours we can limit future damage and not have to rely on Mother Nature as the third leg of our stool. Because as we've too painfully seen, <i>she</i> has no empathy.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-74565962540880203342020-08-16T06:48:00.002-07:002020-08-16T06:52:14.380-07:00Mother Nature rains on the parade...<p> ...but it's a little too late.</p><p>After the hottest July in our lifetime and more days over 30 Celcius than in 70 years, it's going to take time for the lawns to recover. Add in crabgrass, and chinch bugs, both thriving in the heat, and a homeowner who has just given up watering, it all provides a recipe for dormancy and disaster.</p><p>On a normal year we have, (ballpark) about 16 days moving north of the 30 degree temperature mark. This year we've had 30 plus and counting. Add the no-rain factor, and well....just look at the lawns in your neighbourhood.</p><p>That's why it is more important than ever to maintain proper watering and cutting practices from the early spring forward. To attempt corrections now is futile and patience is the only course of action until cooler temperatures prevail.</p><p>Most lawn companies I know, have moved their aerations to the fall. With climate change and hotter summers on tap, lawns have never been more in need of reparations come fall. Really it's all a lawn care provider can do when there is no help from the homeowner or the weather.</p><p>When a star player gets no support from his teammates, you may still score a few goals but you aren't going to win too many games.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-57135190990301256002020-07-12T08:05:00.001-07:002020-07-12T08:08:50.593-07:00The Daily ShowWith more days in a row over 30 Celsius than we've had in 70 years, it amazes me the number of homeowners I see on a daily basis with their sprinklers on in the middle of the day.<br />
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Please don't do this. </div>
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First; a substantial portion of your watering efforts are lost to evaporation. Secondly; you run a greater risk of burning your lawn in these excessive temperatures. And, third; depending on your timing you can promote turf disease.</div>
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The recommended time for watering is early morning when the lawn can dry more evenly and the temperatures are more bearable.</div>
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Also, if a lawn is emerald green during this stretch of weather, I would bet it is being watered too much.</div>
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While it may be more aesthetically pleasing, it is not necessarily beneficial for the overall health of the grass. Watering daily creates a lazy lawn where the root zone is not forced to delve deeper for water sources making it more susceptible to weed and insect infestation.</div>
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A similar green can be achieved by watering deeply once, or at excessive times like these, twice a week while leaving the mower height at 3 1/2 inches, which is approximately above your ankle. </div>
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If you still need to have the absolute green, then consider over-seeding with clover. Clover is more drought tolerant, feeds nitrogen into your lawn, does not need to be mowed frequently, and due to its horizontal root system, is avoided by damaging insects, most notably Chinch bugs who love the heat.</div>
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If you adopt all these practices, you may still have some heat stress in high-sun areas and places close to heat sources like pavement and patio stones, but in the long run, your lawn will be much healthier in its recovery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-59739603215419184332020-07-05T11:04:00.000-07:002020-07-05T11:04:31.254-07:00Always look on the blight side.For as long as I can remember I have been telling everyone to raise their mower height going into the summer to 3 1/2 inches and water their lawns deeply once or twice a week in extreme conditions.<br />
Really 1 1/2 inches of water is essential to maintaining some health in the root zone. No matter if you have a sprinkler system or some other delivery method, a good benchmark of how long 1 1/2 inches is in time is simple. Place an empty tuna or cat food tin on the area being watered and however long it takes to fill the tin is how long you need to water that zone for.<br />
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But as the scorching 30 c days pile up and the natural precipitation disappears to nothing more than a brief passing shower, the lawns suffer no matter what you do.<br />
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And if you haven't been watering and cutting properly, it's too late to start mending fences now, that ship has sailed.<br />
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With the earlier fluctuations in temperatures in May/June another problem reared its ugly head- most notably- Ascochyta Blight. Although proper cutting and watering may not have prevented this turf disease, it would have gone a long way to lessening the effects. With the ever changing and unpredictable weather these two practices have never been so important than they are now.<br />
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So what to do?<br />
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Patience is key. Grass is a very resilient organism and will recover with time and TLC.<br />
In severe cases, bagging your clippings when you can eventually cut again is recommended. Kelp-based products have also been known to help in recovery.<br />
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Hopefully when it does rebound we don't forget and repeat the same mistakes next year.<br />
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Mow and water your lawn properly and we can stop having this discussion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837593089171579498.post-10136539201944061342020-03-25T07:05:00.000-07:002020-03-25T07:05:31.459-07:00Spring?It has been spring for about a week, yet it is the furthest thing from anyone's mind as Covid-19 continues to rampage. With it, many businesses have been affected and in our case, lawn care is not exactly at the top of customer's wish lists, so we have suffered as well.<br />
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As for service, we still plan to start on schedule (early April), falling into the category of property maintenance and exempt from mandatory shut down.<br />
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As a precaution all our trucks are manned by one or two technicians max, have minimal contact with any customers, perform all applications outside at safe social distances, are supplied with gloves, disinfectant, and masks to help prevent spread.<br />
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We also demand frequent and vigorous washing of hands and will monitor daily for changes in health to any of our employees as we continue to treat this pandemic with the <br />
utmost seriousness.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN0krOzMiK8/XntkjhVoHRI/AAAAAAAAHtI/L_fn8qtXOo4JxmDxKYqffl8qJO9ZodYewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN0krOzMiK8/XntkjhVoHRI/AAAAAAAAHtI/L_fn8qtXOo4JxmDxKYqffl8qJO9ZodYewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/th.jpg" /></a><br />
We felt it our duty to clarify our small part in all this.<br />
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Stay safe, stay healthy.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0