Proper Irrigation Practices

This is the time of year for New England lawns to burn, so if you're lucky enough to have an irrigation system, you should keep your lawn watered. Here are a few tips to make sure you are watering your lawns properly:

You want to make sure that you water your lawn long enough to have an effect, but not so long that it gets soggy. Applying water faster than the soil can absorb it can lead to run off and wasted water. Keep in mind that light, frequent watering encourages shallow roots. On the flip side, excessive watering keeps the root system saturated with water and is harmful to the lawn. Roots need a balance of water and air to function and grow properly. We recommend watering 2-3x a week for at least an hour, rather than everyday for only 20 minutes or everyday for several hours.

What about time of day? The best time for lawn irrigation is in the early morning hours. Watering in late afternoon or late morning may be detrimental if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew. Avoid watering during the day to prevent immediate evaporation and even scalding the lawn on very hot days.

If your lawn has burned and you don't have a sprinkler system, don't worry. Fall is the best time to aerate and seed your lawn. Check back for our next blog about just that topic!

Weeds Are Always Bad, or Are They?

Everyone hates weeds. We hear and read that the presence of weeds is harmful to the landscape. But, are there any weeds that have benefits to the landscape? Here’s what we’ve learned.

New Team Member!

We are pleased to welcome Justin Littlehale to the TGK team as our new Commercial Account Manager. Justin found his way into the green industry after working at an office job, where sitting inside looking out wasn't good enough! He quit his desk job and started his own landscape company which he ran for the last 10 years.

Justin brings a new skill set to The GroundsKeeper - he is ICPI certified. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paving industry. We are excited about the skills, training and ideas Justin will bring to our hardscape & enhancements services. He also has his Massachusetts Pesticide license.

According to Justin, his favorite parts of his job are the ability to work outside with nature, and the instant gratification he gets when he leaves a property at the end of the day.

Justin lives in Brockton with his wife Christina and they are expecting their first child in August.

MCLP, MCA & MLP - What does it mean?

The very first TGK blog was about certifications, but what do all of those letters (MLP, MCA, MCLP) really mean? Read on to find out why hiring certified technicians is important to your landscape:

Wow!

These pictures were taken about 3 weeks apart - these planters look amazing!

Beautiful Containers

Here are some beautiful and unique containers Lauren has been working on at a new property. 

Flower Installations

Our crews have been hard at work installing the flowers that we had delivered back in May. Check out their progress!

Pruning: What and When is it Done?

Hard to believe June is almost over, which means it's time to start thinking about mid-summer pruning. So what is mid-summer pruning and why do you need to do it? And furthermore, what are the different kinds of pruning that need to take place throughout the year? I asked Lauren for clarification.

We're on Facebook!

Are you on Facebook? So are we! Stop by and "like" our page, and while you're there check out all the latest photos!

All Facebook Fans get $25 off TGK services!

http://www.facebook.com/GroundsKeeperInc

June Landscaping To-Dos

We are often asked about what to do in the yard during each summer month. Now that June is upon us, here are the things you should be focused on getting done!

• Do an irrigation run-through and adjust the controller as needed
• Keep an eye out for mildew, black spot, and insect damage on shrubs and trees. Treat any signs of disease early.
• Round 2 of turf application
• If you mow your own lawn, remember to raise your mowing height to 3.5" when the hot weather arrives to prevent burning as long as possible
• Keep deadheading flowers for regrowth. Once a bloom dies, the plant will devote energy to seed production unless you remove the spent flower.
• Plant hanging baskets, window boxes and containers to add color
• Finish planting new trees and shrubs
• It's too late to plant grass seed - wait until the fall
• Cut back browned foliage of bulbs
• If you start pruning any of your shrubs or trees, you'll have to prune at least 1 more time this summer. Wait until next month, if you can.
• Water as necessary
• Weed and fertilize annuals, perennials & rose beds
• Keep up with the weeds!

We hope you are enjoying your summer! If you need any help with your yard or have any questions, let us know!