Northern Virginia is abuzz with 17-year cicadas this month. They’re cool to look at with their bright orange wings and red eyes. The familiar buzzing sound that male cicadas make is annoying to some and a joyful song to others. But will they hurt my trees and plants? How Do Cicadas Impact Plants and Trees? There are 15 active cicada broods in the US, according to the US Forest Service. The DC region is a hotspot for Brood X (Brood 10), one of the largest cohorts in the country. Brood X is … [Read more...]
Top Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lawn Care Service
As we roll into balmy, busy May, yard maintenance is on everyone’s minds. Everything starts growing like crazy at this time of year. The challenge is keeping outdoor spaces large and small looking trim and tidy yet lush and green. It’s when mowing, lawn care, and other maintenance services kick into high gear. In Northern Virginia, we have lots of choices for lawn care, and recommendations fly by on social media. As you make plans for your lawn care needs, make sure you're getting quality, … [Read more...]
How Can I Control Ticks and Fleas In My Yard?
As we move through the gorgeous mild days of spring, most of us are spending more time outside. That’s a good thing, but we also need to be careful. At this time of year in the Mid-Atlantic, tick-borne illnesses are on people’s minds. Northern Virginia has become a Lyme Disease hotspot, and it's something we need to take seriously. Fleas can also carry disease and create infestations in your home if a pet brings them in from outdoors. The best way to cover all your bases when it comes to flea … [Read more...]
Spring Is Mulching Time
Spring is a time to celebrate as we can feel the days getting longer and warmer. After a dreary winter, we’ve seen crocuses starting to poke their heads out, but this can mean your weeds are also plotting a comeback. One of the best things you can do to stop weeds in their tracks is applying mulch and a pre-emergent before germination. NOW is the time to do it! Why Is Mulching with a Pre-emergent So Important? Combined with a pre-emergent herbicide, spring mulching is a great way to prohibit … [Read more...]
Should I Consider A Hardscape Project in Winter?
Fall is here, and lawnmowers are falling silent all over Northern Virginia. Late fall and winter are usually quiet times for lawn and garden care. It’s also one of the best times to plan and execute hardscaping projects. Your family is using your yard less frequently, so the work won’t be disruptive. Landscapers may not be as busy, so it can often be done more quickly. And you’ll be sitting pretty by the time spring rolls around. What Is Hardscaping? Hardscaping covers the non-plant related … [Read more...]
What Does Winterizing Your Lawn Mean?
Ahhhh the autumn air. Leaves are falling, and mowers are making their final runs. Everything is quieting down. But below the surface, your lawn is taking advantage of the warm days and cool nights to regenerate and get ready for winter. You can help by winterizing your lawn and garden. But what exactly does winterizing mean, and what are the benefits? In a nutshell, winterizing your lawn means using the fall cooling period to prep your property, equipment, and plants for winter. What Can I Do … [Read more...]
Fall Landscaping Tips
Fall in Virginia is delightful and delicious. Late September and early October are spectacular in our region, with bright warm days and cool nights. The weather is just perfect for spending time outside and working in the yard. The need to keep up with the mowing that occupies us all summer falls away. So some of us stop thinking about our landscapes in the fall. In fact, there’s plenty you can do in fall to beautify your late-season landscape and get ready for spring. What Should I Do In My … [Read more...]
My Lawn is Fried! What Can I Do?
It’s been hot and dry in Northern Virginia this summer, and we’re seeing lots of brown lawns. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your grass healthy and green during periods of drought. And if your turf is looking a little burnt, don’t worry. We can usually restore it to good health with a bit of TLC. Here are some tips for keeping lawns fresh--not fried-- as we move into late summer. Mowing Tips for Dry Summer Months Mowing carefully and … [Read more...]
Is It Ok To Hang Swings and Hammocks from Trees?
One of our Western Loudoun neighbors had a tire swing on a thick branch on a walnut tree for ten years. But the kids grew, and the family started to notice dead limbs on the branch that held the swing. So mom and dad took down the swing. There were a few tears, but it was the right thing to do. Summer is a perfect time for relaxing in a hammock or having some fun with an old-fashioned tree swing. You can enjoy these summer favorites safely. Here’s how to make sure they’re stable and won’t hurt … [Read more...]
Five Things to Ask When Hiring Someone to Mow Your Lawn
When you hire someone to mow your lawn, you’re looking for a partner you can count on. It makes sense to forge a relationship for the full mowing season and beyond. This usually means better service and better prices than going with a piecemeal lawn care provider. Here are five questions to ask to make sure you’ll get high-quality, reliable service. How Often Do You Mow? Your contractor should commit to mowing once each week unless you request otherwise. In some cases, you may want to skip a … [Read more...]
