lawncare – The Greenskeeper Lawn Service

WINTER MOTH

marya — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 18:40:26 +0000

Last year many areas were spared from Winter Moth Caterpillars. According to UMass Extension, the numbers could be significantly higher than last year. It is unclear how the extreme cold temperatures will affect the numbers that hatch. While winter moth are historically cold tolerant, temperatures this year were extreme and may help to keep the numbers down. Regardless, your Greenskeeper is ready for them. If you see the start of activity in your area, give us a call. These pests are unpredictable and in recent years we have seen activity in very specific pockets. One neighborhood could be inundated while a few streets over there was no activity.

SPRING FEVER

marya — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 18:18:58 +0000

Who has spring fever?

Last week’s storm was Mother Nature’s wake up call to us all. Here at the Greenskeeper, we had enough. The day before the storm was spent raking, cleaning up branches and burning. Sure we knew that the lawn would be covered again but that little bit of warm weather had given us spring fever.

If you are itching to get out, here are a few things you can do to get ready for spring.

1. Lightly rake your lawn to remove twigs and debris and fluff up the turf to promote growth. Don’t rake too vigorously or you run the risk of pulling out viable dormant grass.

2. Remove any brown perennial foliage from garden plants that you were not able to remove last fall.

3. Trim back ornamental grasses.

4. Edge borders.

5. Look for emerging bulbs!

6. Cut some forsythia and bring it in and force it. Springtime in a vase!

Whatever gets you through the final days of March, go for it. Your Greenskeeper will see you soon!

Lawncare..in January????

marya — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 21:55:08 +0000

Many of our customers are surprised to get a knock on their door, after Christmas. Why the heck would you still be fertilizing lawns? This fall was particularly challenging. After a very hot dry summer, lawns were in need of water. The fall continued with the pattern of lack of rain and lawns were in drought stress. Our winterizer treatment, which is started in late November through the end of the year, was pushed back due to snow cover. This year, more so than in years past, the winterizer treatment is important. This dormant feeding is designed to give lawns a boost of nutrients when they come out of dormancy. In April,when we start the season, lawns are already greening up and ready for their spring feeding and crabgrass preventative.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

marya — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:11:08 +0000

Brighten up your day!

Mother’s Day is coming and one of the most popular gifts is flowers. I love cut flowers and potted plants. One of my favorite is the Gerbera Daisy. I was daunted by the thought of growing this South African Native but have found them to be surprisingly low maintenance and prolific. Gerberas come in a kaleidoscope of colors from muted pastel pinks to saturated coral and red tones. Gerberas like bright light (mine are thriving in a sunny window with fluorescent lights above) They do not like temps above 70 degrees and during blooming need to be kept evenly moist. Between blooms, plants should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering. The flowers are very long lasting both on the plant and off. A single Gerber bloom in a bud vase is a fun festive pick me up for any spot that needs a little brightening up.

Gerbera plants are also a great value. At about $4 for a 4” pot, you can make mom a basket of beauty that she can enjoy for weeks indoors and then plant outside for summer enjoyment.

Another great value is lawn service from The Greenskeeper Lawn, Tree & Shrub Service. What mom wouldn’t love the gift of a lush, green lawn? Call us to surprise your Mom with the gift of lawn care.

Are You Ready for Spring Lawn Care?

marya — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:46:58 +0000

Are You Ready For Spring Lawn Care?

Your Greenskeeper is! If the emails and phone calls we are getting are any indication so are our customers. Here are a handful of tips that will help you and your lawn get off to a great start.

Rake: Spring raking should not be a work out. If you rake too hard, you run the risk of pulling up dormant grass by the roots. The goal here is to remove debris and lightly fluff your grass so that air can adequately circulate.

Clean Up: Pick up sticks, pinecones, stones and anything else that can dull your mower blade or become a projectile when mowing.

Get your motor running: An annual spring tune up is the best way to improve mower longevity and performance. It’s as simple as changing the oil, replacing the spark plug and cleaning or replacing the air filter. If you didn’t do it in the fall, remove the old gas from the gas tank. Check your mower blades and if necessary have them sharpened. Dull blades tear and shred grass making it susceptible to disease. Finally, clean the deck of your mower. Not a do it yourselfer? Be sure to get your mower in for its annual tune up early so your mower is ready when you are.

Call the Greenskeeper Lawn, Tree & Shrub: Spring is the time for fertilizing and crabgrass preventative. Applied through mid May, this first round of treatment has all the right nutrients your lawn needs to get a jump start on the growing season. If you are already a customer, just sit tight, we will be there! Not yet a Greenskeeper customer? Sign up for a free lawn analysis and estimate on our home page. There is no obligation and you might decide that you too deserve a Greenskeeper!