Guess What? It's Weed Control Season!

You might thing winter has just started here in the Truckee Meadows, right? Well, we're pretty sure your weeds have been thinking otherwise and the weed seeds are preparing germinate. The weather continues to remain unusually warm - and this means all of us in the Truckee Meadows need to step up our weed control programs considerably.

Beautiful landscapes begin by eliminating weeds before germination

Lawn and yard maintenance requires attentive weed control. The most effective way to control weeds is to apply pre-emergent herbicide early in the year to prevent unwanted growth from appearing. Call our helpful weed-pros to schedule your treatments this week - before the seeds on your property germinate.

Call Julie at (775) 827-LAWN (5296) and enjoy a $79 offer on TOTAL WEED CONTROL for up to 5,000 Square Feet of property. That's lawn, garden, planter beds, open fields, etc.  You can't find a better more affordable way to control these awful local weeds than our $79 TOTAL WEED CONTROL program. 

• Weeds hurt the healthy and vibrant plants in the landscape stealing water, nutrients and light.
• Many people are allergic to weeds and can suffer skin reactions or breathing difficulties.
• They’re unattractive additions to any property and can cost thousands of dollars to eliminate if left untreated.
• The aesthetic factor: weeds hurt the look of a landscape.

Timing Weed Control

Pre-emergent herbicides only work if they are applied to your lawn before the weed’s growth period. 

Weeds are persistent and crafty, and managing them really is a matter of outwitting, outplaying them, and outlasting them. They come back every season, twice a year. According to garden experts across the U.S., pre-emergent fertilizers should be applied so that they activate before seasonal weeds make an appearance.

And that time is right now. You'll be taking one strong step to eliminating the horror of a weed-filled yard when the seasons warm up. 

How dry weather damages your landscape

According to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Reno/Sparks/Carson area is experiencing the dryest spells in the history of weather reporting. We've only reached this level of dry warm winter temps five other times since measurements started in the area.
Busineses and homeowners should evaluate their ability to water their trees, shrubs and turf areas, and don’t be fooled when it snows (please let it be soon!). Dry winter conditions result in serious damage to newly planted landscapes as well as mature and established trees.
Damage to vegetation includes, but is not limited to:

• Increased susceptibility to insect attack
• Undersized leaves in the spring
• Desiccation and dieback to fibrous(nutrient absorbing) root tissue
• Needle browning and pre-mature needle drop in evergreen trees

These are all very serious issues when you're expecting your landscape to come back vibrant and healthy in the spring. The frequency of supplemental watering should be based on the ongoing conditions, so monitoring soil moisture should be done often throughout the winter. Winter watering is a task that is often ignored during the holidays as everyone’s life becomes hectic.

Fortunately, Signature Landscapes can take this burden off your shoulders. Give us a call today so we can help you all winter long. Just give us a buzz at(775) 827-5296 and we'll get you started.

Weathering winter drought – watering required

In much of Northern Nevada, we’re experiencing a serious dry spell. Warm winters without snow appeal to people, but cause winter drought. Specifically, the lack of soil moisture and atmospheric humidity can damage plant root systems unless they receive supplemental water. Truckee Meadows residents are in for a shock if watering doesn't take place in the next few days.

Affected plants may appear normal and resume growth in the spring, only to weaken or die in late spring or early summer because the amount of new growth produced is greater than the weakened root system can support. Lawn grasses also are prone to winter damage. Newly established lawns, whether they are started with seed or sod, are especially susceptible to damage in dry weather. Pay particular attention to turf on south exposures.

If you have any questions or comments about how to ensure the survival of your landscape plants, shrubs and trees, give us a call at 827-5296 and ask for Tim, our residential landscape specialist.

Trees and shrubs at risk from dry winters include recent transplants, evergreens and shallow rooted species such as lindens, birches, and Norway and silver maples. Evergreen shrubs, particularly those growing near a house, may suffer root system damage during dry spells.

Water during winter only when air temp is above freezing.In the future, you should plan onwatering plants when the leaves start to fall in the autumn. This will send them into winter with adequate soil moisture. For recent transplants, a soil needle or deep-root-feeder can be used on low water pressure for one minute at each site to water the root ball and surrounding soil.

Water during winter only when air temperature is above freezing. Apply water early in the day, so it will have time to soak in before nighttime freezing. If water stands around the base of a tree, it can freeze and damage the bark.

In most years, one or two winter waterings will be enough to keep plants from suffering winter damage.

Special thanks goes out to the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Landscape for information on this article.