Some landscape owners try to save money, by having their lawns cropped to a minimum. They want to allow more time between mowings to reduce overall mowing costs.
Unfortunately many landscapers will comply without telling their customers about the consequences of such a practice: More weeds, more pests, less resistance to disease and an unattractive appearance which eventually means more money spent on fertilizers, insecticides and general lawn care.
The fact is, an overly cropped yard may look nice at first, but during the summer months when temperatures escalate the lawns will have intense heat at surface level, creating the ideal environment for root diseases and insect formation.
Not only that, but a maximum part of the top of the leaf, which is responsible for most photosynthesis and the production of root-enriching carbohydrates, will be cut off prematurely during too frequent mowings. This leaves grass severely malnourished. When this happens, roots become stunted, leaving extra opportunity for ever-hardy weeds to take over your landscape.
So this summer, simply ask for additional mowing height (two to three inches) and keep your mowings to a healthy schedule. You will still have a nice, neat-looking lawn, and any "extra" expense for additional mowings will be returned perhaps several times over, in future lowered in maintenance costs.
Pools, ponds and lakes can be sources of great beauty, relaxation and recreation for your tenants.
However, weeds and algae can also enter the picture, causing unpleasant odor and clogged pipes as well as the killing fish, desirable aquatic plants and other underwater life. Even land-dwelling wildlife, such as deer, will stop coming to water that is stagnating.
Contrary to popular belief, degenerating water is not the exception but the norm. In fact, the whole process of decomposition and the formation of weeds and algae is a natural one for all water lacking the proper maintenance or equipment to keep it fresh.
When it comes to keeping your water attractive, you'll find many different methods and equipment available for doing the job. Which one you choose will depend on the particulars of your unique situation. Some things to consider are:
 | The size and volume of the water area. |
| How the water is used (is it used for boating, fishing or simply as scenery)? |
| Is the water to support plant and fish life? |
These considerations are important, and you should consult with a knowledgeable professional before taking action.
Your options for treating water are many and may include using or sever of the following:
| Have weeds and algae manually removed. If you have a fairly small body of water, you can treat it naturally by simply having weeds and algae removed as part of your landscaping maintenance. |
| Introduce wildlife. Try introducing vegetation-consuming creatures such as ducks and certain kinds of fish and insects. |
| Dilute the water supply. Simply add a fresh supply of water to dissipate the decomposition in the existing water. |
| Dye the water. Add a non-toxic dye to the water that will block sunlight from entering the water and prevent algae and weed formation. Dyes come in a variety of appealing colors and can remain effective for up to a year. |
| Use a herbicide. Apply a herbicide into the water. Note that herbicides should be used with restraint. We suggest trying other methods before using herbicides. |
| Aerate. Choose from a myriad of aerators that will keep water moving and, therefore, clean. Aerators can be under the water, at surface level or above the water. Fountains are a form of aeration. |
| Drain, clean and refill. In severe cases, a draining of the area is necessary. Drain the old water out and clean the bottom surface of all decomposing waste. Refill with new, clear water. |
Remember that water requires maintenance and by observing and attacking weeds and algae as they begin to form, you can stop them before they cause serious and costly treatment. Besides that, there is nothing that ensures your property value or delights your residents more than having a source of pure, sparkling water in your landscape.
Have you noticed torn leaves and uprooted plants in your landscape? if so, you could be the victim of rabbits. They love to eat many kinds of flowering plants, especially those found in shady areas. We recommend three ways to protect your foliage:
| Install a wire barrier, such as chicken wire, over vulnerable plants. |
| Use one of the non-toxic commercial rabbit repellents on your plants. There are several to choose from, and they do not hurt rabbits in any way but only act as deterrents. |
| Plant a rabbit garden. Place a garden in a remote, least-traveled area of your landscape and fill it with plants that rabbits will devour (we can recommend certain species). Rabbit will naturally be attracted to this garden first and will eat until full, leaving them much less likely to disturb your plants located in key, visible areas. |
With proper planning, rabbits can live in harmony with your landscape, lending their charm and character to your property without detracting from it.
"One of the reasons fragrant plants are loved and cultivated by
gardeners everywhere is that they so insistently bring back the joys of childhood."
-- Tania Bayard
This information is provided as a public
service by Alan Horticultural Enterprises, a full-service landscape management company.
Although we've been in business 20 years and service over 80 multifamily properties, we
maintain personal, one-on-one relationships with all of our clients to ensure customer
satisfaction. We are an environmentally conscious company, using EPA-approved products to
maintain healthy lawns that are beneficial for humans, pets and wildlife. If we can help
you with your lawn needs or questions, please call us at 630-739-0205.
ALAN HORTICULTURAL ENTERPRISES, INC.