August's Lawn and Landscape Tips...

Landscaping

• Plants need to finish their normal summer growth cycle, so no heavy applications of fertilizer or excessive pruning at this time.
• Because they lose moisture through their leaves, trees will start dropping leaves as a defense mechanism. If your trees are losing leaves (especially later this summer) and it is not fungus related, it may be due to drought/heat stress. Birches, pin oaks, maples, and sycamores are the varieties most affected. To help your trees cope during these hot, dry times, water around the drip lines. DO NOT place a hose next to the trunk. We always highly recommend watering your trees, even if you have a sprinkler system.
• Start planning for your semi-annual tree fertilizing. If you'd like a free estimate, give us a call.
• Give thought to your fall landscape by selecting accent plants that provide autumn colors. Trees that have red fall color are flowering dogwood, red maple, sugar maple, Norway maple, red oak and scarlet oak. Shrubs with red fall foliage include sumac, viburnum, winged euonymus and barberry.

Maintenance

• Remove spent blooms from roses and perennials to ensure flowers all summer long.
• Remove weeds, grass, and nutsedge from mulch beds - they can steal water and nutrients from plantings.
• Spray weed control on driveway, sidewalk, and patio cracks to prevent weed growth.

Mowing

• Raise mower deck to maximum height so taller grass can shade roots and be more draught tolerant.
• To avoid a brown, burnt look, keep blades very sharp to prevent ripping grass blades.
• Waiting too long between mowings causes excessive clippings to lie on turf which can lead to turf matting or thatch.

Turf Applications

• Watering is important! During these hot months, pay attention to timing and amount to help fight disease. Water in the morning up to 1", and give your plants time to dry gradually before night. Watering in the heat of the day is counterproductive, and late or overnight watering can lead to fungus forming on wet or damp areas. Remember your hanging plants require daily water since sun and wind dry them out more quickly than others.

• Now is a good time to walk through the yard and start planning for your Fall Renovations (seeding, core aerations): seed time is the last week in August and core aerations are done in September and November.

• Apply Summer Tree and Shrub Insecticide to handle mites, aphids, and bagworms.

• Apply Turf Insecticide to handle webworm, chinch bugs, ticks, spiders, and ants.

Contributed by the lawn and landscape professionals
at Miller's Landscape & Lawn Care