Landscape bed weeds are unwanted plants that grow within landscaped areas, such as flower beds, garden borders, or other cultivated areas. These pesky weeds can compete with desired plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the landscape. Common landscape bed weeds include broadleaf weeds like dandelions and plantain, grassy weeds like crabgrass, and various other invasive species.
Controlling your landscape bed weeds throughout the green season is vital! Not only can they affect the health of your desired plants, aesthetically impact your garden, and reduce your property’s value - they also harbor pests and disease. Furthermore, keeping weeds out of your landscape beds keeps them out of your lawn! Controlling these weeds often involves methods such as hand-pulling, mulching, herbicide application, or a combination of techniques. At West Metro Lawn & Snow, we offer a 4-Round Landscape Bed Weed Control Package. Round 1 is a Pre-Emergent Application (meaning that it kills weeds before they germinate). Rounds 2 through 4 are Post-Emergent Applications which kill on contact any weeds that may have already germinated before Round 1. Request an estimate online today! Japanese beetles are a highly invasive species of beetle native to Japan, as their name suggests. They were first discovered in the United States in 1916, having likely been introduced accidentally through imported plant material. Since then, they have become a significant pest in many parts of Minnesota.
Japanese beetles are known for their distinctive metallic green bodies with coppery-brown wing covers. These beetles feed on a wide variety of plants, both as adults and as larvae. As larvae, they are known as white grubs and live in the soil, feeding on grassroots, which can cause damage to lawns and agricultural crops. As adults, they feed on the foliage, flowers, and fruits of over 300 different plant species. Their feeding behavior can cause significant damage to plants, including skeletonizing leaves, defoliation, and ultimately weakening or killing the plant if infestations are severe enough. Controlling Japanese beetles can be challenging, as they have few natural predators in Minnesota and are highly mobile, capable of flying several miles in search of food and suitable egg-laying sites. Various methods are used to control Japanese beetles, including chemical pesticides, biological controls (such as predatory insects or pathogens), and cultural practices like handpicking beetles off plants. At West Metro Lawn & Snow, we offer two solid options to fight against this invasive species in your yard. Our Grub Control application kills Japanese beetles in their larvae state and our Mosquito Control Program kills adult Japanese beetles. Request an estimate online today! As we approach Core Aeration and Overseeding season, we want to take this opportunity to educate our clients and potential clients on seed - and why good seed costs more! West Metro Lawn & Snow always urges others to read the label on their seed bag - because not all grass seed is created equal!
Below, let's compare a Contractors Mix from Menards versus the seed that West Metro Lawn & Snow uses. Menards Seed: Contractors Mix
West Metro Lawn & Snow's Seed
In the world of gardening, mulch often takes center stage as a secret weapon, quietly working its magic beneath the surface. While its role may seem modest, the benefits of mulch extend far beyond mere aesthetics. Let's delve into the depths of this humble garden essential and uncover its myriad advantages.
Often overlooked and usually never explained but Cycle and Soak is the best way to achieve a deep watering while preventing your money from going down the drain. This method is very common down in Southern states like Arizona where water is sparse and every drop counts. The process is to water until saturation and then let it soak in before adding more water. Think about it, hard rains usually just run off while long all day rains will green up your lawn overnight. We are looking to replicate the latter of the two.
Some higher end controllers will have cycle and soak as an option on the dial. If that is the case set the "Cycle" to 15 min and the "Soak" to 10 min. If your run time is set to 30 min it will run that zone twice. 40 min will run the zone 3 times. (15, 15, 10) You will find that it will take less water this way as more of it will actually stay in your soil. This process is the same no matter the brand of controller and is a "Poor Man's" way of achieving Cycle and Soak. Keep your "Run times the same but add an additional start time. You can then use the seasonal adjust to achieve the desired overall run time.
Some of the most common weeds found in Minnesota lawns include:
With Spring right around the corner, it’s time to schedule your Spring Cleanup! This service is incredibly important to your lawn for a number of reasons, including:
Mowing your lawn all season long can often feel like an overwhelming demand. It requires time, equipment ownership and upkeep, and knowledge of proper grass height and watering requirements. Correct lawn mowing promotes deeper root growth, minimizes the presence of weeds, and enhances your grass's natural resilience against diseases and pests.
Whether you plan to tackle the task yourself or hire a lawn mowing service, there are several guidelines that should be followed to maintain a healthy, lush lawn here in Minnesota.
Trees within your yard offer more than just aesthetic appeal and refreshing shade on hot afternoons; they also serve as habitats and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife. Healthy and flourishing trees enhance the beauty and functionality of any yard.
It's crucial to maintain their health and be vigilant for signs of potential issues. Determining the health of a tree involves assessing various factors. Here are some indicators of a healthy tree:
Regularly inspecting your trees for these signs can help you identify potential problems early and take appropriate action to maintain their health and vitality. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consider consulting with a certified arborist for professional advice and assistance. Are you interested in planting trees and shrubs that are pollinator-friendly? According to the University of Minnesota, there are numerous options available to please the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These include:
At West Metro, we pride ourselves on taking safety measures to protect the pollinators and their environment. This includes, but is not limited to, remaining attentive to blossoming flowers and reducing the occurrence of spray drift. For more information on how to create a pollinator-friendly landscape, visit the following University of Minnesota website: https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators |
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Chris HalvorsonArchives
May 2024
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