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What’s in Your Yard?

5 Common Lawn Weeds in Ohio

Weeds fall under two different categories, grass-like and broadleaf and can be perennial or annual. It is important to know what type of weed you are dealing with to make the best decision on how to eradicate it.

1. Dandelion

Dandelions are probably the most well known and common lawn weeds. They are broadleaf perennials meaning they can live for two or more growing seasons. Dandelions can be identified by their yellow flowers, deep roots, and hollow stems or stalks. These weeds are typically spread by wind, but can be aided by human activity such as mowing or children blowing the seeds for fun.

2. Clover

This weed can come in many different types, but the most commonly found is white clover. Clover is dark green and has 3 oval-shaped leaves each with a darker green stripe. White, spikey flowers also grow from this plant and are a favorite of bees.

3. Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie has heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and is one of the first plants to flower in the spring. This plant is also known as ground ivy and has trios of bluish-purple flowers.

4. Veronica

Also known as Speedwell, this weed is a perennial with white, blue or purple four-petal flowers. This plant is typically found in moist, shaded areas along the ground. Because of its large fibrous root systems, this weed is difficult to eradicate.

5. Crabgrass

This warm-weather annual has flat, wide leaves that grow low to the ground. Crabgrass grows best in the heat of the summer and sprouts spiked flower heads.

Top Summer Landscaping Tips

5 Things to Remember

Summer is finally here! The weather is warming up, plants are in full bloom, and insects are coming out of hiding. Here are a few Summer landscaping tips to keep in mind.

1. Fertilize

Make sure your lawn and garden are properly fed and fertilized. Keep in mind that different plant species have different nutrient needs. Make sure that the nitrogen levels in your soil do not get too high, especially during higher temperatures.

2. Pest Control

Your lawn can be home to a wide variety of pests. Make sure that your lawn and garden are properly treated to avoid plant damage.

3. Mowing

Keep a consistent mowing schedule. The grass in your yard needs to maintain a certain level to fight off drought and other hazards. If you are unsure what level to trim your grass at, staying at a higher level is safest.

4. Watering

Stick to a watering schedule that is beneficial to your plants. Watering during the hottest times of the day will do more harm than good as the water will evaporate before reaching the plant’s roots. Early morning or evening when the weather is coolest are the best times to water.

5. Weeding

Keep your lawn free of pesky weeds that may damage other plant life. Decide whether you can dedicate the time to pulling your weeds or if you should invest in professional help or the assistance of chemical treatments.

Keeping your lawn and landscaping looking its best can be a big commitment. Luckily, Spencer’s Tree & Landscape Solutions is here to help you with all your outdoor needs. From tree services to pest control and everything in between, Spencer’s has you covered! Give us a call at 419-561-0768 to learn more.

Spring is here.. but so are insects.

Your landscape is finally all cleaned up from the harsh winter, back to exactly how you want it. You notice brown spots popping up in your green, spring grass and that is never a good sign. Chances are you’ve got a few pests taking up residency. Spring is the prime time for you to notice a change in your lawn and landscape’s health. Patches that aren’t growing back quite the same, spots that were looking good start turning brown, maybe even visible bite marks or holes showing up.. safe to say you want to get it taken care of.

Commonly in Ohio spring pests like Cinch bugs, Bill bugs, White grubs, and Sodweb worms begin to show up after winter hibernation. Cinch and Bill bugs can be easier, and quicker, to spot being they are considered to be surface feeders. This meaning the chance to see the bug itself, or the damage it could be causing, is high. White Grubs and Sodweb worms are sub surface feeders, causing issues with the root of a plant. The signs of these sub-surface feeders may not show up as fast which means you don’t know about the issue.. until it’s a big issue.

Proper tree and landscape maintenance includes controlling for these insect and preventing the damage they can cause.  Now you’re asking yourself, how do I prevent insects? Simple tasks like the ones below can go a long way:

• Cut your grass – shorter grass provides less home for the pests, and mowing disrupts their environment
• Reduce shade by trimming trees and bushes – excessive shade prevents the sun from drying out soil after rain, a majority of pests enjoy taking up residency in most ground
• Pay attention to areas that collect water – stagnant water is breeding ground for mosquitoes, and other larvae laying insects

You should always talk to a professional before make a decision about your pest treatment and control. Talk to an expert at Spencer’s Tree and Landscape Solutions about how you can prevent pests, or treat any current pest issues you may have.

Spring Lawn Maintenance

Spring is finally on its way! Once the snow is melted, we are often left with a soggy yard, full of brown and bare patches and empty flower beds. Get your yard ready for the sunny days ahead with this checklist!

• Remove Debris – Winter storms can knock down branches, bury piles of leaves or displace rocks into your yard. Pick these up and dispose of properly.
• Prepare your equipment – Sharpen and replace lawn mower blades, removing dried grass and other debris. Perform maintenance and make sure you have all you need. You can do this yourself or have it professionally done.
• Mow high – Start your mowing for the season on a high setting. This allows grass to grow thick and develop a strong root system, helping crowd out weeds.
• Edging and mulching – Create defined beds and set yourself up for gardening success!
• Grass planting – Treat the bare and brown patches of your lawn later in the spring.
• Fertilize – Enhance the lush green quality of your lawn with the proper fertilization for your area. You may want to have your yard tested to see what kind of fertilizer will work best.
• Weed prevention and removal – Remove weeds and treat your lawn for the more prevalent weeds.
• Prune shrubs – Cutting back your shrubs can help them start healthy new growth. This is also a good time to remove dead or damaged sections.
• Start planting – Depending on what you are growing, plant your flowers and bulbs in the spring when the ground is soft and easy to maneuver.

Keep your lawn looking lovely all year round. Let Spencer’s help you make a plan to care for your lawn this spring! We can help!

One Tree at a Time

Most people know that trees are an important part of the earth’s eco-system. Healthy trees, dead trees and fallen trees are all common sights in our own backyards. But what if you could maintain the health of your trees and help them live longer? You could be helping the planet by caring for your trees.

Benefits of Healthy Trees

Trees have become such a natural part of everyday life that we often take them for granted. Trees are extremely valuable to the environment and to whole communities. Trees can:

• Turn carbon dioxide into oxygen
• Act as sound and privacy barriers
• Reduce wind and water erosion by slowing wind and stabilizing the soil
• Provide shade from the sun
• Be used as food and shelter for wildlife
• Make neighborhoods pleasant and inviting, increasing the value of homes.

When trees become sick and eventually die, all these areas suffer.

Spotting a Sick Tree

Watch for some of these common signs of problems with your trees. If you see any of these, call your local tree company to do an assessment.

• Bark imperfections. Tree bark should be textured but not full of deep cracks or holes. Soft, crumbling wood is also a bad sign.
• Trees decay from the inside out. If you see fungus or mushrooms growing on the outside means decay on the inside.
• Dead branches. Those brittle branches that look as if they may break should be removed safely.
• Change in leaves. If the leaves of your tree appear to be discolored or you see a reduction in the number of leaves produced on the tree, it may be a sign of disease.

Now What?

If you have a sick tree, there are options that may help to extend its life.

Tree Pruning

Pruning can be an easy fix for many trees. The removal of dead branches, removing rotting sections of a tree, and proper cutting back, can encourage new growth and allow the tree a chance to heal. Topping is not a recommended method as this extreme cutting leaves the tree weaker and more susceptible to insects and disease. Unless the tree is already dead, pruning is a great way to promote healthy growth and give your tree a new lease on life.

Disease and Insect control

Catching the early signs of disease or infestation in your trees may save its life. Infected areas of the tree may be removed, and some insects can be sprayed. Acting early or using preventative measures will help extend the life of your trees. Unfortunately, in some cases an infected tree cannot be saved. In the Midwest, the Emerald Ash Borer has killed tens of millions of trees that were once thriving and healthy. An infected tree can be saved if it is caught early in the stages of infection. Removing dead trees can help decrease habitats for this and other dangerous insects, helping to protect your living trees. Talk to your arborist about recommended precautions and treatments.

Tree Removal

If a tree has died, it is important to have it removed safely. A sick tree may be saved, pruned, trimmed, supported or treated but after a certain point, the safest thing to do is to remove the tree. Remember that you can always plant a new one in its place.

Know the signs and help save a sick tree! Talk to the experts in your area for a professional examination of your tree and an evaluation of its condition.