mortiz888+ by | Sep 3, 2020 | Landscape Ideas & Tips
Some lawn weeds are so common, and so adaptable, that they become an expected part of the Landscape. Others are indicators of specific issues or practices that have to exist for the respective weed to thrive. Also, some weeds have beneficial properties and are sometimes grown purposefully, which can lead to unintentional invasions. Common White Clover is a weed that fits the bill for all three of these characteristics, and we will discuss why here. Identification White Clover can be easily recognized by its distinct set of 3 heart-shaped leaves, “3 Leaf Clovers”, that inspire the long-time search for its 4-leafed variation that is said to bring luck. Its spiked white cluster flowers are very common as well, and can be seen all Spring & most of Summer. White Clover can also be distinguished by the white markings in the middle of its leaves. Indications White Clover has often been an indicator of certain lawn conditions for lawn care professionals, and used to confirm or exclude a certain diagnosis. The most common of these conditions is the indication that a lawn is being mowed too low. The presence of White Clover in a lawn is a good clue that you are mowing your grass too low, as it thrives where the grass is cut too short to outcompete it. Mowing your lawn between 3.5 – 4 inches weekly can help to promote healthy turf and discourage White Clover. White Clover can also indicate the presence of low Nitrogen content in the soil. Clover can fixate, or create, its own Nitrogen for growth. So it will thrive where...
mortiz888+ by | Aug 10, 2020 | Our Work
During the Summer months, the most common culprits of Lawn problems are lack of water, low mowing heights, and compaction from Summer foot traffic. Often going unnoticed and under-appreciated is the impact fungal diseases can have on your turf during the hotter months. These are often referred to in the Lawn Care business as “Patch DIseases”. Here we discuss the common features and causes of each of these problems, and how to treat them. Read More: https://greenteamct.com/lawn-watering-basics Summer Patch Appears as yellow-colored circular patched about 2-20 inches in diameter. Summer patch can also appear as crescent patterns or rings. Up close black fungal threads can be seen at the roots. Summer patch is caused by hot days, above 85 degrees F, and wet conditions. Symptoms appear in late Summer, and persist on poorly drained compacted soils. Low mowing height and high soil pH levels also favor the development of this disease. Aerating to reduce soil compaction, planting shade trees and plants & adjusting soil pH below 6.5 can help alleviate the symptoms of Summer Patch. Related Read:https://greenteamct.com/2019/01/08/fungal-diseases-that-can-damage-your-lawn-during-after-winter/ Brown Patch Another disease that is closely related to close mowing heights and hot temperatures. It appears as circular patches up to several feet across, that fade to light brown in color. Gray smoke rings may be observed in the early morning, along with tan lesions on leaf blades. High Nitrogen Levels increase its severity, as well as prolonged rainy weather. Aerating compacted soil to aid in drainage, improving circulation, and decreasing Nitrogen use can aid in correcting this problem from your lawn. Related Read:https://greenteamct.com/2018/07/29/tips-advice-eco-friendly-landscaping/ Dollar...
mortiz888+ by | Jul 27, 2020 | Landscape Ideas & Tips
Many of our clients state that their lawns always die back during Summer, and attribute this to some natural, uncontrollable phenomenon. While the mild temperatures and high moisture of Spring & Fall can make having a beautiful lawn easy; Summer is the one time of year you must follow the common recommendations to keep your grass green and strong. We have some graphical representations below of the most important steps you can take to revive and protect your lawn from summer drought. Lawn Care in Connecticut Green Team provides Lawn Care to the CT shoreline and beyond. Our experts can assess and recommend options to revive your lawn in Summer or maintain it all year. Call us for a free assessment at (860) 222-7171 or click the button below. SCHEDULE...
mortiz888+ by | Jun 8, 2020 | Landscape Ideas & Tips
Grassy weeds in your lawn are the most difficult pests to identify and control. For the average homeowner, telling them apart is near impossible, and getting rid of weeds like crabgrass is usually an even harder task. Here we will talk about some common lawn killing weeds in the northeast and what you can do to control them. CRABGRASS The most problematic of all lawn weeds, crabgrass can be more easily identified than other grassy weeds. Crabgrass is an annual weed, which spreads from last year’s seeds. It can be identified by its purplish-red stems near the soil, and its finger-like projections that give it its name. To control this weed you must use an aggressive pre-emergent plan that should include half-applications in Fall and then again in Spring. Read more on Crabgrass Here:https://greenteamct.com/2019/04/22/reminder-your-time-to-prevent-crabgrass-ends-soon/ Goosegrass Goosegrass is another summer annual that will emerge around the same time as Crabgrass. The difference in appearance will be that it only grows in tufts, bunches with a single tap root, and has bleached stems that are often flattened to the ground. Seedheads will resemble a zipper-like pattern and gives it an easy way to make an identification. Goosegrass needs to be treated like crabgrass, with an aggressive pre-emergent strategy and proper watering. Very dry and compacted soil is preferable to this weed, so keeping your soil in a healthy condition can help deter Goosegrass growth. Read about another common lawn weed here: https://greenteamct.com/spring-lawn-pest-control-spotlight-the-early-bloomer-common-chickweed Yellow Nutsedge It is almost amazing how common this weed is in lawns, yet how overlooked it can be. Nutsedge can blend well with preferable grasses...
mortiz888+ by | May 11, 2020 | Landscape Ideas & Tips
Mulch is a very useful product when used in your shrub, annual, or flower beds. It retains moisture for plant roots, blocks weed growth, and is just plain better looking than dirt. Properly preparing your beds for Mulch Installation ensures the best outcome for weed management and the cleanest looking final product. 1. Pruning As part of a complete bed cleanup and mulch project, you should always get your shrubs and trees nice and tidy for the growing season. Pruning as the initial part of the process is important because the clippings will become a mess that will hamper your efforts at later steps. All plants have different pruning requirements and recommendations. For example, Hydrangeas should be cut down to no more than 2-3 leaf buds, and second-year deadwood should be completely removed. Make sure to research the pruning style for your particular plants before causing damage. 2. Weeding As last season’s mulch has undoubtedly broken down over winter, weeds have inevitably taken over your garden oasis. This step is the most crucial in the Mulching process. Removing established broadleaf weeds as far as the root as possible will give your new mulch its best chance to do its thing. Hand Weeding: Most surface-dwelling annual grasses and ground cover weeds can be pretty easily removed by hand. Weeding Tool: Metal tools such as a weeding spade can help to create more force to remove deeply rooted perennial weeds such as dandelions and crabgrass. Weed Whacking: In large open areas very saturated with taller weeds, using a gas-powered trimmer can make quicker work of removing unwanted...
