860-350-APES
CT Pesticide License #B-1479
Home Impr. Contractor License #0620494
Excerpted from UCONN’s Integrated Pest Management Program:
“Until recently, horticultural spray oils were primarily used as ‘dormant oils’ applied before bud break in the spring. A new generation of ‘superior horticultural oils or summer oils’ can be safely used on many woody ornamental and bedding plants during the growing season…
Grub injury causes turf to turn brown in large irregular patches. In fact, these areas can be pulled up and rolled back like a carpet, exposing the offenders. (Talk about a visual).
What causes damage?
Grubs are the larvae of scarab beetles. Several species are found in Connecticut, the most common, however are the Japanese beetle, the Asiatic garden beetle, the Oriental beetle and the European chafer.
What do they look like?
Well, there’s nothing pretty about them, as their name suggests. They have a whitish body, brown head and most often lie in a curled position in the soil.
What is the grub’s lifecycle?
• Adults emerge from the ground in late spring to early summer, mate and lay eggs in lawns. Grubs hatch from these eggs.
• In mild weather, they live one to three inches below the surface of the lawn and feed on grass roots.
• In the winter they move deeper as the soil surface freezes.
• In the early spring they move up, as the soil warms, to feed and complete their development.
Our intervention:
If grub populations reach an intolerable threshold then we can apply a granular insecticide on the lawn during late September through early October. Rainfall increases its effectiveness, by watering-in the insecticide.
Please note: Extensive damage areas often need to be repaired.
Take soil samples from several areas of your yard and have them analyzed for pH levels as well as nutrient levels. (I send my samples to the UCONN soil analysis lab in Storrs.) The resulting levels of each will determine if you need lime and how much to apply. Not having a soil analysis is akin to flying blind…
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Spring is a great time to begin most lawn and landscaping projects around your home.
When spring actually arrives in Saskatchewan, it’s important for homeowners to clean up any debris left over from winter storms, as well as check the health of the plants on their property. Pruning during spring months can help promote growth and aid in keeping plants in good health.
The Professional Network (PLANET), a U.S.-based lawn, landscape, and interior plantscape association, offers these pruning tips to improve plant health:
• Prepare garden tools. Before beginning any garden project, it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary equipment to complete the task. It is also important to make sure all of the tools that will be used in your project, be in good working condition. Make sure that pruning shears and saws are sharp and free of rust. The use of inadequate pruning shears could lead to plant damage.
• Make clean pruning cuts. When pruning, it is important to remember to make clean cuts on the plant’s branches and to avoid removing large amounts of healthy stem tissue. Improper cutting could lead to bark tearing and stem damage that could leave the plant susceptible to disease.
• Remove dead/diseased branches. Removing branches that are diseased or infected by pests will improve the health of the plant and help promote growth. If these branches are not removed, it is possible for the infection to spread to other parts of the plant.
• Prune branches for safety. Some low hanging or damaged branches can cause injuries and/or property damage. Prevent potentially hazardous situations by removing branches that obstruct walkways or rest on personal property.
• Hire a professional for large projects. Hiring a professional when branches are hard to reach or when larger trees are in need of pruning is the best way to ensure personal safety when a lawn project becomes overwhelming. Green industry professionals are skilled in handling all sizes of lawn and landscaping services. Professionals are knowledgeable about all varieties of plants and have access to tools that are better equipped to handle large maintenance projects.
In addition to these tips, PLANET member Shayne Newman, a landscape industry certified manager and technician, and president of YardApes, Inc. in New Milford, Connecticut, recommends doing a bit of homework before beginning a pruning project for the first time. “Pruning plants at the wrong time of year could potentially sacrifice blooms,” Newman explains. “Every plant, shrub, or bush has different pruning requirements. If you are unsure about when and how to prune, consult a professional.”
For more information, visit LandcareNetwork.org/findaprofessional .
A Planet member and Landcare Network Public Relations Committee Chairperson, Mr. Newman is a recognized leader in community service contributions throughout the year. The YardApes founder became a “Day of Service” charter participant with the central mission of “demonstrating goodwill and environmental stewardship in revitalizing the places where people live, work, and play…
“My employees are excited to help out the community,” Mr. Newman said, “and I am proud that they are willing to donate their time and energy during the gear up of our busy spring season…
This Earth Day, April 22, YardApes founder Shayne Newman – along with his firm’s team of volunteers – will revitalize the green spaces of one local nonprofit organization and one local homeowner. I think that’s a pretty sweet offer…
CT LANDSCAPE FIRM SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FOR LOCAL “DAY OF SERVICE” CONTEST
New Milford, CT. February 24, 2011—This Earth Day, April 22, 2011, YardApes founder Shayne Newman, along with his firm’s team of volunteers, will revitalize the green-spaces of one area non-profit organization and one area homeowner.
The Day of Service Contest is a need-based initiative. Contest winners, determined and vetted by Mr. Newman and his staff, must demonstrate a need for a green-space renewal and revitalization.
Last year’s projects included a landscape renewal for Brookfield’s town library at 182 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT. and installation of a new lawn and new walkway at the Creative Playground on Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT.
“The past years’ projects have focused on civic venues. I wanted to do something different this Earth Day. I thought it might be nice, given the economic climate and given our record snowfall, to open this up to homeowners and nonprofits,” said Mr. Newman in a statement. “I think we all could use a pick me up.”
Both projects will be part of a nationwide “Day of Service” initiated by national Professional Landcare Network lawn and landscape association PLANET, with the goal of giving its 4,200 member companies an opportunity to plan, organize, and carry out projects to benefit their local communities.
A PLANET member and Landcare Network Public Relations Committee Chairperson, Mr. Newman is a recognized leader in community service contributions throughout the year. The YardApes founder became a “Day of Service” charter participant with the central mission of “demonstrating goodwill and environmental stewardship in revitalizing the places where people live, work, and play.”
YardApes staff members are no strangers to community volunteerism. The affectionately nicknamed “apes” are regular participants in company giveback projects. “It is very important for us at YardApes to continually strive in creating a ‘whole’ workplace, where the workers feel good about their jobs, reach their professional and educational goals, and have opportunity to standout as top-notch examples of what land care professionals represent today,” explained Mr. Newman.
“My employees are excited to help out the community, and I am proud that they are willing to donate their time and energy during the gear up of our busy spring season. They take pride in their work not only a professional level, but personally as well.”
Contest submissions should be received by March 22nd, 2011. The landscaping firm needs time to assess the nature of the projects, order materials and mobilize volunteers. Briefly describe the state of your green-space and send photos to: Kristen@YardApes.org or by mail: YardApes, Inc. PO Box 982, New Milford, CT 06776.
