Spring 2007

Dear Friends:     

As cold as January felt, winter seems like a distant memory. Temperatures warmed up early this year, fortunately not too warm. With the recent rains, it looks to be a glorious spring. Early bloomers like Red Buds, Vibernums, Lady Banksias, Pears, and Azaleas have put on quite a show this year. With wild flowers popping up everywhere, expect a gorgeous blanket of color over the next few weeks.

The proverbial saying that there is nothing certain except death and taxes should be amended to include early spring weeds. The recent rains have been a wonderful blessing, although as weeds take hold it may seem more like a blessing in disguise. Don’t be discouraged. This is typical for this time of year. Weeds start appearing before lawn grasses. W hile temperatures remain relatively cool, weeds continue to sprout up faster than most southern turf grasses. As temperatures warm up, the grass will grow more rapidly (optimal > 85°). Grass usually chokes out the weeds when it starts filling in. Frequent mowing and spring fertilization both help this process by stimulating growth.

Broadleaf weeds getting you down? Currently we are treating* with post-emergent weeds control, which is absorbed by the leaves and then penetrates to the root system. Although treatments cause the leaves to curl up and be less noticeable, it could take several weeks for broadleaf weeds to disappear. Be patient. Some weed root systems can spread as far as 5 ft., broadleaf weeds and may (and in all probability will) appear again. We will continue to treat as necessary. Regarding the performance of pre-emergent weed controls, we are a bit discouraged. Our experience is that organic treatments have limited duration and are prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, we have not been overwhelmed by the results of chemical pre-emergent treatments either. We will continue to monitor the weed situation and, as always, be on the lookout for newer, better control methods.

Weeds are only one of the unwelcome headaches in early spring. The last few weeks heralded the arrival of the dreaded tree caterpillars (also known as Loopers), those tiny pests you see dangling on fine filaments from your trees. Normally these caterpillars eat a lot of leaves and make quite a mess, but are generally harmless. They will evolve out of the caterpillar stage in a few weeks. Another problem is pollen pollution. The profusion of tree blooms combined with oak leaves is producing lots of unsightly debris. The trees will finish blooming in a few weeks. If we are not already cleaning your roof, gutters, and downspouts this might be a good time to add this item to your services.

CAN YOUR LANDSCAPE TAKE THE HEAT? Summers in Austin can be brutal. Although above average rainfall is expected during April, the long range forecast is for a warmer and drier than normal weather. (Warmer than normal? Does that seem possible?) The following are tips that can help prepare your landscape for the grueling punishment of summer.

•  Develop good watering habits. Water early in the morning at a rate that can readily be absorbed. Deep water to encourage deep root growth. Summer heat can burn surface roots. Also the ground dries out much faster at the surface. Besides, deeper roots make plants easier to keep watered. Don’t forget to water beds and to deep-water trees .

•  If the rains dry up suddenly, the abrupt change can cause your landscape to become stressed, which in turn makes the plants weaker and more susceptible to problems. Adjusting your sprinkler to ‘wean’ the plants will help your landscape through this transition.

•  Try to maintain constant soil moisture levels – once the ground has dried out and warmed up, it becomes more difficult to remoisturize. Keeping the soil from drying out will help to keep your foundation from shifting and also helps to keep your house cooler.

•  Watering needs will vary during the growing season due to a variety of conditions (soil moisture, temperature, and evaporation rates) we suggest you visit the city of Austin’s ET (Evapo-Transporation) page on their water conservation web site for summer watering guidance. www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/et-more.htm

Frequently we are asked if trees and shrubs really need to be pruned and/or fertilized. Our answer is a resounding yes! The aftermath of this year’s ice storm has confirmed our position. Routine pruning to remove dead, weak, or competing branches and to help direct desired growth can save you heartaches and money in the long run. We know that trees and shrubs in the wild are healthy, but they do not have to bear the impact of soil compaction from construction and foot traffic, the effects of urban pollution, the more intense temperatures created from reflected heat off of pavement and buildings, less than ideal drainage situations, and various other challenges. Also, in the wild trees and shrubs are constantly being fertilized by decomposing leaves and other organic matter that litter the forest floor. Keep in mind that you (or your neighbor) will be less than delighted when a strong wind causes a weak or dead branch to crush a fence or car, or worse yet come crashing through a roof. Correct treatment of trees and shrubs will result in deeper color, denser growth, and increased blooms. Other benefits are healthier plants that can more easily ward off disease and insects and increased root production that will help your trees and shrubs withstand the assault of summer heat and drought.

A few gardening tips

•  Try using variegated plants or plants with colored foliage to provide outdoor color during the heat of summer. We have had excellent luck with Purple Heart, coleus, crotons, cordylines, and variegated ginger to name a few. Bromeliads, succulents, and sedums also provide a great deal of variety in both texture and colors, and many, particularly the succulents, are able to withstand the summer sun.

•  April is the usual time to plant Caladiums after soil temperatures reach 75º.

•  Bring houseplants outside for the summer (no direct sun); repot those that are root bound. Feed everything well.

•  Prune spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, forsythia, hawthorn, and vines such as wisteria, after they have finished blooming.

MOST IMPORTANT – Remember that irrigation systems are not designed to water new plantings. Be sure to supplement any new plantings with hand watering until the plants are established.

Please call the office with any service or scheduling requests. If you have a special event planned please be sure to notify us so we can flag your account. In the event of inclement weather or other scheduling conflicts we will try to accommodate your event – if we know about it. As always, our thanks for the opportunity to be of service.

Most Sincerely,

Chris and Sherri Pomeroy

* Applies only to clients who have requested weed control service.