Here’s what you need to know about the timing of your pre-emergent application to make sure your getting the best results for your lawn. Although it is tempting to apply your first fertilizer application shortly after the snow melts in April, this is often too early and the pre-emergent will not last long enough to be effective late into May and June when it is needed most. If you applied a winterization fertilizer treatment the previous fall, that fertilizer has been stored in the roots and crown of your grass and will be used to jump start healthy growth in the spring, which another good reason why you can postpone your first spring treatment.

However, if you just can’t wait and you do apply your pre-emergent with fertilizer treatment in April, plan on using the same fertilizer blend again in June to prolong the pre-emergent herbicides effectiveness. This is a common practice amongst turf professionals, especially when we receive heavy rains in the spring or when a lawn is heavily irrigated.

You can apply the pre-emergent with fertilizer mix again in place of the recommended June/July treatment that will not contain the pre-emergent. Dimension is thought to last about 10-12 weeks effectively in the soil. However, if we get a lot of rain in April and May which we often times do, I would only count on about 6-8 weeks of effectiveness from your pre-emergent. With that being said, make sure to wait until soil temperatures are in the high 40’s to low 50’s to apply your pre-emergent application.

A good indicator that can help tell you when the time is right, is to wait until the lilacs bloom. Crabgrass will germinate when soil temperatures reach 55 Degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 48 hours consecutively, so make sure you have your pre-emergent freshly applied before your soil reaches 55 degrees. Dimension unlike many other pre-emergent herbicides has some post emergent qualities as well. It will kill small seedlings up to about 4 weeks old and up to the 2-3 tiller stage.

So even if you think you’re a little too late to apply. Making this application can still be very effective within the first couple weeks from the time you first start to see crabgrass emerging.

Learn what our lawn care and landscaping services can do for you by request a quote or calling (612) 669-9607 today!

The application of cheaper, greener landscape design can be as simple as planting a tree near enough to your building to reduce cooling costs, or designing an area dedicated to composting. It can also be applied by using only local flora and fauna, to reduce the amount of fertilization and watering your landscape design will require. For commercial properties, including a rooftop garden can reduce energy costs for your building, as well as create a quiet, beautiful area for your tenants to regain focus.

Following the fundamental principles of sustainable landscape design and architecture will lead to lower operating costs, better aesthetic feel for your employees, minimal damage to the surrounding habitat, reducing your strain on local utilities and improvements to the quality of the air and water, as well as the acoustic and thermal environment. The important thing is that you are not just implementing landscape design that will save you money in the short term. You are also implementing a landscape design that will ensure that subsequent generations have the resources they need to meet their own needs.

To learn about how our Minneapolis Landscape Designers can help you implement sustainable landscapes into your property, contact KG Landscape Management at 612-669-9607 or request a quote.

Erosion can be caused by natural occurrences such as wind or rain but can effectively be prevented, making your landscape maintenance a lot easier. In fact, there are many types of erosion control methods that are ecologically safe for landscapes. Particularly, planting the right assortment of shrubs and trees will not only beautify a landscape garden, but will help keep the layers of ground soil, intact.

Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) is a great choice for landscaping and erosion prevention. As a type of shrub, the Smooth Sumac not only prevents soil erosion, but can be used to create borders in a yard. It can act as a natural barrier for rain, especially those that have medium-to-deep root systems. The Smooth Sumac is a fast-growing, thicket-forming shrub that has long, ornamental leaves. Resembling small trees, they help prevent soil erosion along streams, slopes, and ponds. The Smooth Sumac grows between 9.5-15.5 feet, rarely larger. The leaves turn a beautiful scarlet color in the fall.  They can also provide shade, serve as a windbreak, and propagate in areas where no other plants seem to be growing.

While protecting landscapes, the Smooth Sumac provides a wonderful focal point for a garden during the fall. The dark leaves of the Sumac turn into bright hues of red and orange, just like Vermont Maples. Smooth Sumac therefore, should be an indispensable element to any landscape.

The map below is provided through Wikipedia – showing where the Smooth Sumac grows naturally throughout the United States:

Horticultural research indicates that a property that is well landscaped has a considerable price advantage over those that do not have any landscaping. In some cases, the difference was as much as 12%, which translates into an additional $36,000 in value on a property valued at $300,000.

Landscaping is more than simply sticking a few shrubs and flowers in the ground. The primary attraction for people interested in purchasing a home is landscaping with a sophisticated design. Plant size and maturity run a close second. Finally, the diversity of plants within the design is also something to consider.

The Importance of Planning Ahead with Landscape Design

The number one mistake that many homeowners make is not creating a comprehensible plan for their landscape design. A homeowner may decide that they want to plant a tree on the property, and then later on a few years down the road they want to add a couple of flower beds, then perhaps a shrub or two and them maybe even another tree.

However, a landscape design that is assembled in this piecemeal manner will appear disorganized, turning off prospective buyers. Therefore, it is crucial to come up with a good plan before you take the first step in landscaping.

A long-term landscaping plan is ideal if you are planning to remain in your home for a while. If you intend to sell the property within the next year, you will want to take a number of steps immediately in order to dress up the landscape and increase the selling price.

If you do not have the money, or if you are just not willing to spend it to hire a professional landscaping company to architect and construct the project, all is not lost. You can at least draw up a master plan for the landscaping project on your property and commit to small chunks each season. Even if you are nothing more than a mere amateur, it is possible for you to create a professional landscape on your property for as little as $500 to $3,000 depending on the on landscaping company, plants and materials you choose for your project.

Once your beautiful landscape is in place, all you have to do is keep it maintained. A landscape that is full with lush, mature plants lets prospective buyers know that the property has been taken care of well over the years. Proper landscape maintenance shows how well you care for your home on the outside, and signals to people that the home is also well maintained on the inside. This may attract more potential buyers should you ever decide to sell your home.