Growing grass in the shade is problem for which there are no easy answers. Grass is a full-sun plant and when planted in shaded areas (defined as a site that receives less than 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily) it performs poorly. The filtering effect of trees significantly reduces the amount and quality of light grasses receive.  This has an adverse effect on photosynthesis, the process that produces energy needed for the grasses to grow. What we see from this effect are grasses that are thin, weak, and have a lower tolerance to disease, drought and wear stress. Continue reading →

Nothing signals springtime quite like the smell of fresh cut grass wafting through the neighborhood. With warmer weather on the way, your annual lawn duties begin. Of those tasks, mowing at the right height can have a big impact on the overall health of your turf and future weed problems. Continue reading →

Cold weather has hit but are you done with your mower. Learn what you need to do to have it ready for next season. taking care of a few things now will save you time, money, and frustration in the spring. Continue reading →

Looking at my lawn and landscape this week, the grass and most shrubs are green and healthy but, I realize that soon, warmer weather will be here bringing with it insect and disease.  Good cultural practices will help minimize damage but when our plants are struggling, often our first thought is to feed it.  It makes sense; when I am feeling ill, brownies always helps me. Continue reading →