R U Ready for Winter?

 

Here are a few suggestions to prepare for winter:

Mower Winterizing: Clean entire machine, sharpen blade, change oil, scrape deck, clean air filter, drain gas or add gas stabilizer (i.e. Sta-Bil)

Around the Garden: Cut perennials back, mulch roses, rake leaves and pick up debris, til the garden, winterize any water features (ponds, pools, fountains) and irrigation system. Disconnect and store hoses.

For the House: Clean the furnace filter, replenish firewood, install storm windows, be sure you have a snow shovel and a blended ice melt product for sidewalk and driveway.

The Car: Keep fuel tank at least half full, check the battery, put ice scraper, blankets, small shovel, extra clothes and blankets in vehicle in case you get stranded.

Snow Blower: Clean the air filter, add fresh gas, check and lube cables.

 Happy Holidays!

&

Let it Snow!

Oh, Deer!

Do you have deer that come to feast in your garden? Below is a list of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and herbs that are unpalatable to deer and other wildlife.

 Trees

• Maples
• Birch
• Redbud
• Dogwood
• Spruce
• Pine
• Magnolia
• Sweetgum

Shrubs

• Privet
• Boxwood
• Potentilla
• Weigela
• Mugo Pine
• Viburnum
• Spirea
• Burning Bush
• Virginia Sweetspire
• Fothergilla

 Perennials

• Astillbe
• Bleeding Heart
• Christmas Rose
• Chrysanthemum
• Coreopsis
• Ferns
• Peony
• Rudbekia
• Salvia
• Sedum

Herbs

• Sage
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Thyme
• Lavender

 Annuals

• Dusty Miller
• Licorice
• Marigolds

Bulbs

• Daffodils
• Hyacinths

These are only a sampling of the plants available. 

Would you like a deer-resistant garden?

Call Buckeye Landscape for all your landscape needs.

614-866-0088

We Encourage you to Vote!

Plant Bulbs Now...For A Spectacular Spring Show!

Bulbs planted now can provide a beautiful garden in the spring. You can plant bulbs directly in the ground or in containers, if space in your garden is limited.

To plant in the ground:

1. Prepare soil and add organic matter--to aid drainage--and granular slow-release fertilizer. Bulbs require proper drainage to thrive.
2. Lay the bulbs on the top of the prepared area to complete your design and provide proper spacing.
3. Using a narrow trowel, plant each individual bulb at the proper depth (3x height).
4. Cover with 1" layer of mulch.

To plant in containers:

1. Containers must have drainage holes and be placed outdoors so they receive normal rainfall throughout the winter.
2. Fill container with soilless potting medium mixed with granular, slow-release fertilizer.
3. Plant the bulbs at the correct depth (same as above, 3x height) and top-off with additional potting mixture and a light layer of mulch.
4. If mixing different bulbs, plant larger ones first (they will be deeper than smaller bulbs) add a layer of potting mixture, planter smaller bulbs at correct depth and fill container with potting mixture. Finish with a light layer of mulch.

You will need to water beds or containers that contain bulbs only if it is a dry fall. The bulbs need proper moisture to develop roots.

Squirrels are very fond of bulbs, except daffodils! To prevent the squirrels from feasting on your recently planted bulbs, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Pay special attention to any papery coverings that have fallen off the bulbs. If left, any debris will attract the squirrels to the bulb beds. After planting and clean up is complete, determine dimensions of bulb bed. Cut chicken wire 2" longer on each side than the dimensions of the bulb bed. Bend 2" on each side, forming a "box-top" to cover the bed. Push the bent edges into the ground to secure the chicken wire. After the ground is frozen the chicken wire can be removed.

Buckeye Landscape provides complete landscape services including design, planting, maintenance, mowing, clean-up, irrigation service, and snow removal.

614-866-0088

Green Grass for 2013

October is a great time for our lawns. They are green and healthy, responding well to the increasingly cool weather. Especially here in Ohio, where we have experienced drought conditions for much of the growing season; thereby struggling to keep our lawns looking good!

If you do your own yard work, now is a great time to start a journal recording lawncare information such as dates when you:

• fertilize--be sure to include materials used
•  aerate
•  top-dress current lawn areas
• install new lawn (complete or partial areas)

Also record:

•  label information from any turfgrass seed mixture used 
• service information for your mower such as date of purchase, last service, blade sharpening 

Keeping a record of all these activities will be useful in determining what additional work needs to be done and when.

We are approaching the deadline for new seeding, but if you have seeded this fall be sure to remove falling leaves from any newly seeded areas. Leaves left on the seedlings can smother the tender plants. Raking can be tricky, so try blowing the leaves off. Do this frequently so the leaves do not become wet and matted. Wet leaves can promote disease.

You should not have to water newly seeded areas unless it does not rain regularly. However, remember the new grass has very shallow roots and can dry out quickly. Especially if it is windy.

Fall fertilization is an important application, so don't skip it.

You want to remove falling leaves from established lawns, too. Although it is not as critical to do it as often. Mulching the leaves with your mower is a great alternative to raking. Less work and provides organic matter for the winter.

Everything you do in your landscape this fall adds to the beauty next year!

If you'd like Buckeye Landscape

 to provide Lawn Care for 2013, 

call for a FREE Estimate!

614-866-0088

Around the Garden in June

There is much to do in the garden in June. 

Below is a list of activities to keep you busy!

• Keep watering plants--June can bring very hot weather in Ohio (as we have already experienced!) and you need to be attentive to the water/moisture needs in your garden. Water thoroughly as needed. And don't forget the grass!
• Apply new mulch or refresh mulch applied earlier in the spring. Mulch reduces water loss and inhibits weed growth.
• Fill gaps in your beds where plants have not survived the winter. Use annuals to create instant color. Plan to replace plants in the fall.
• Mow your lawn regularly. (See Landscape News blog on mowing tips.)
• Fertilize your lawn. Follow a season long regimen of lawn fertilization and weed/pest control to keep everything looking beautiful.
• Weed the plant beds. Stay on top of this chore by pulling weeds when they are small. This ensures that you get the root and will cut down on the work required throughout the growing season.
• Be sure to attend to any aquatic plants in water features. Thin plants as needed. If water gets a little murky, don't worry, it will clear up after you complete your work in the water.
• Prune lilacs. Overgrown lilacs can be cut back to a height of 18-24 inches. There is still time for pruned lilacs to produce new growth this year.
• Train climbing roses and other flowering vines. Tie the stems onto the trellis, fence, or other vertical structure to keep these plants under control. They can get away from you pretty quick!
• Plan for the next season of color now by choosing and planting flowers, shrubs, bulbs, etc. that will bloom later in the year.

Having a beautiful garden is all about planning ahead. We've seen the result of fall bulb planting in wonderful spring  flowers and are beginning to enjoy the summer bloomers. Pruning our lilacs last summer produced an abundance of blooms this spring. Caring for our roses year round is necessary for rose garden success. So, keep those garden tools close at hand. There is work to be done in the garden year round!

Remember, Buckeye can give you professional results regardless of the scope of your gardens. Call us for design, planting, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, maintenance, irrigation installation or repair. 

We (literally) do it all.

BUCKEYE LANDSCAPE 614-866-0088

Making the Most of Bulbs!

fritillaria

snowflake

 We use lots of bulbs in Ohio for color and interesting foliage in our landscapes. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are very popular. Why not try something new next year such as fritillaria, colchicum, or snowflake?

colchicum

June is a the perfect time to evaluate your gardens and determine what bulbs need replaced, transplanted, split, staked or pruned. You are probably getting bulb catalogs in the mail already. There are many advantages to ordering your bulbs now:

          1. you'll have a greater selection of hard to find bulbs that 

              are in limited supply

          2. you won't have a hard time remembering what you need to order, 

              the information will be fresh in your mind

          3. many suppliers have small sized bulbs available in bulk--

              at a discount--you can use in wooded or natural areas 

              to create waves of color

          4. most suppliers will ship the bulbs in the fall at planting time

If you are going to transplant any bulbs from pots into the ground, now is a good time to do so. If leaving them in pots, remember they will need frequent watering. Probably every day or two. Also thin your daffodils and replant them while the foliage is still attached. Summer blooming bulbs need to be monitored for adequate water during their growth period. Pay special attention to bulbs under trees and shrubs as light rains may not penetrate the leaf canopy. Hardy spring blooming bulbs are going dormant and most prefer dry conditions and do not need supplemental watering.

Cutting dahlias and gladiolus--for indoor arrangements--will stimulate new blooms. Gladiolus stems may need staked to prevent the blossoms from falling over in heavy rains.

Be creative! Try new plants! There are many varieties of bulbs that can add beauty, texture, and color to your landscape. Try grouping different bulbs in tight patterns for a dramatic splash of color. We would be happy to assist you with design, planting, and maintenance.

Call Buckeye Today! 614-866-0088

Water, Water, Everywhere!

  

We talked about the importance consistency plays in a great looking landscape. This is true regardless of the size of the property. Today we will address proper watering practices.

 Applying the proper amount of water to your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flowers promotes deep root systems and healthier plants. Let's start with your grass. On an established lawn, you want to water until you have moistened the soil to the bottom of the root system. To determine the depth of the root system, use a soil probe or spade. Now, the amount of water needed to moistened the soil to the correct depth, say 6 inches, will vary by soil type. If the soil is mainly clay, typical in central Ohio, it can take 1 to 2 inches of water. If your soil is sandy, you may need as little as 1/2 inch. Watering too deeply, especially on sandy soil, wastes water as it percolates past the root zone. 

You need to have a good soaking once a week. So water deeply over a period of 1-2 days instead of small amounts everyday . Remember, to account for rainfall! Watch the grass as it gets really hot and dry in the middle of summer and adjust your watering as necessary.

The most efficient time of day to water is late evening or early morning. Generally, it is less windy, cooler, and more humid during these times. Therefore, you have more efficient use of water due to less evaporation and water pressure is usually better than during peak use times during the day.

You can water using hoses or an automated underground irrigation system. An automated system will save you time and water by efficiently watering the lawn. No more forgetting to turn off or move the sprinklers. No more watering in the rain. Automated systems use a rain gauge to adjust the amount of watering to account for rainfall.

Call us today for a free estimate on an 

Irrigation System

614-866-0088

Mowing Matters

In past blogs we have discussed changing the oil in your mower and sharpening the blades. Today, let's see if we can get you mowing like a pro!

First, remember that mowing the lawn can be strenuous physical activity and you want to be sure you are up to the task.

Always wear sturdy footwear and safety glasses. Keep pets, children, and bystanders at a safe distance during the mowing operation. Walk the area and remove rocks, sticks, toys, trash or debris. Make note, or physically mark, any hazards such as water caps, gas markers, etc.

So, begin by determining the correct mowing height. I recommend 3 inches. Leaving the grass a little bit taller helps to shade the roots of the grass plants. This promotes a thicker, healthier lawn and leaves less area for weeds to become established.

Safety tip: when mowing a hill, never mow up and down the hill (like sledding!) but rather along the hill (side to side). Riding mowers should not be used on any hill with a slope of 15 degrees or greater (per manufacturer's recommendations). If in doubt, it's probably too steep!

Start by mowing two passes around the perimeter of the lawn. Now, mow in a striped pattern. When you reach the end of a pass turn directly around and mow the next pass with the mower wheels inside the area you just cut. Continue back and forth in this fashion until all areas are cut. Always turn around on the previously cut area to avoid missed areas in the lawn and excessive clean-up of hard surfaces.

If the grass was tall and there are excessive clippings on the lawn either rake them up or re-cut the lawn. I know this can be time consuming--raking or double cutting--but is worth it in the long run. Grass clippings are good for the lawn in moderate amounts but can damage your lawn in greater amounts.

When you mow next week, change the direction of the striped pattern by 45 degrees. Mowing in different directions also promotes a thicker, lusher lawn.

If you would rather not mow your own lawn--for any reason--we'd be happy to do it for you. Buckeye Landscape (614-866-0088) can provide professional services for all your landscape needs.

Have landscape questions? Any particular landscape project you'd like to read about? Leave us a message in the comment section.

The Best Kept...Landscape!

A lawn that is well kept throughout the growing season helps increase the value of any home as well as make it more eye-catching to all that pass by.

 
 
The key to an immaculate lawn is consistency, in all aspects, including fertilizing, pest control (weeds and insects) watering, mowing, aerating, and any seeding that is needed.

Many homeowners find the time investment to maintain consistent conditions can be overwhelming. Hiring a professional landscape company can be a good solution.

What you should expect from a professional caring for your lawn:

1. Fertilizers should be used several times throughout the year starting in early spring and ending in late fall.

2. Use pre-emergent herbicides for early weed control and herbicides and insecticides only as needed throughout the year.

3. Mow at the right frequency (based on the height of the grass) with a mulching mower that leaves the clippings on the lawn.

4. Recommendations for aeration, over-seeding and other maintenance services that can work in conjunction with your lawn care program.

5. Provide expert advice on how to maximize the landscape potential of your property on any budget.

Our next blog will have detailed instructions on mowing like a pro!

Need help with your lawn or other landscape projects,

call for a free estimate today!

614-866-0088

Spray Your Trees and Shrubs for Year-Round Beauty!

Horticultural oils (also called dormant oils) were first used as a way to control pests on fruit trees. Growers were looking for a non-insecticide product to use on edible crops. Horticultural oil is a labeled pesticide--different from insecticide--and should always be used according to the instructions. 

  

 Remember, you will be eliminating the "good" bugs as well as the "bad" bugs. So only use when necessary!

So, how do these oils work? Basically, the oil suffocates insects by blocking the spiracles (think respiratory system) through which insects breath. 

It can also disrupt the metabolism of insect eggs, eliminating them before they hatch. The window for application is usually late March through late April just before leaves and flowers show signs of breaking open. 

Dormant oil (heavier concentration of horticultural oil) kills over-wintering insects such as aphids, mites, and scale. However, we can still apply lighter concentrations of horticultural oils after the trees and shrubs have bloomed and leafed out to control pests throughout the growing season.

So, it's not too late to spray your trees and shrubs! 

Need help? Call us today to schedule horticultural spraying. 614-866-0088

www.buckeyelandscape.com

Best Place to Work...The Patio!

Last week I was invited to a large commercial site. As I was parking, I noticed a beautiful pond. The pond was well maintained, was a pleasant color, and had a few trees and other plant material around the edges.

I am thinking, WOW! That looks awesome and really catches the eye. But, who really gets to enjoy this? Seems like it's limited to everyone as they drive in and anyone who has windows on that side of the building.

Admittedly, many ponds on commercial sites are built for functionality (water run off and containment) rather than aesthetics, but, hey, why not have both?

So, because I'm always considering and evaluating how any property can be enhanced, I think "How else would I use this pond?" Well, it just so happens that right inside the building is a small cafeteria area. I had a "ding, ding, ding" moment where I envisioned extending the cafeteria into a patio area. Not just an extension of the cafeteria, but another place to conduct business. In this day of laptops and iPhones, why be stuck in your office?

The options for use of this area are endless: host employee lunch and group meetings, meet with vendors, or close a deal with a client. Everybody loves to be outdoors when the weather is nice and the environment is beautiful. You can use this as a morale builder for employees; better morale leads to better employees; better employees leads to a better environment! And the benefits continue to grow. 

We all gotta work, might as well make it as enjoyable as possible!

Interested in a landscape project at your site? 

Call today for a free estimate! 614-866-0088

Choosing the Right Grass

Ohio is located in zone 6a on the Plant Hardiness Map provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This map enables gardeners to determine what plants (trees, shrubs, grasses, annuals, perennials) will grow in their specific area. Plants are labeled with the specific zones in which they will thrive.

"Cool Season" grasses grow best in Central Ohio. Cool season grasses actively grow in spring and fall when the soil temperature is between 32 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and include ryegrass, tall fescue, orchardgrass, timothy, and bluegrass.

Today we will talk about Kentucky Bluegrass, one of the most common grasses used in Central Ohio.

Kentucky Bluegrass usually requires about 1" of average rainfall every week during the growing season. Th growing season in Central Ohio is typically April thru October, although this year has been an exception! While the grass will survive without receiving the ideal amount of water, it will begin to go dormant. Dormancy is a natural protective mechanism used by the plant. During dormancy, the grass will start to turn brown. This is usually not a problem, unless the lack of rain exceeds three weeks in length. Then we recommend irrigating to provide at least a minimum amount of water to protect the grass.

Kentucky Bluegrass tends to "green-up" a little later in the spring than other grasses and is frequently mixed with perennial ryegrass to create a lawn that will be attractive throughout the entire growing season.

More to come on perennial rye grass in an upcoming blog.

Need help with seeding, fertilizing,or mowing your lawn? Have other landscape projects that you'd like to complete this year? 

Call us today for your free estimate.

614-866-0088