Enviro-Care

Plants that Keep the Mosquito’s Away

matt — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:04:55 +0000

Life isn’t fair. Whereas some people never seem to get bitten by mosquitoes and often don’t even seem to notice the critters– others spend their evenings frantically swatting them, usually to no avail. Rest assured, it’s not your imagination:Several studies have shown that to mosquitoes, all people really aren’t created equal. Besides factors such as heat and carbon dioxide, mosquitoes use odors to find their victims, and humans appear to exude different amounts of the volatile compounds the insects love. By studying mosquito behavior, entomologists are trying to tease out these favorite smells. Millions of years of evolution have resulted in sophisticated odor-based navigation systems that differ greatly from one mosquito species to the next, depending on where it lives and which host it prefers. Even so, chemical and behavioral studies–often using human volunteers as bait–have helped identify some of the smells that tempt several mosquito species. And recently, molecular researchers have begun identifying the receptors that pick up these odors and translate them into neural signals. We have found some basic household plants that can be planted to keep the mosquitoes away!

Horsemint

Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it’s essential oils are high in thymol.

Ageratum
This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want to keep on your skin in quantity.

Catnip
One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea. With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect. So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have
pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

The Hot Weather is here!

matt — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:29:01 +0000

Well, the hot weather is here! Our crews are leaving earlier in the mornings now because of the hear. We are so blessed to have such wonderful hard working employees. With this heat let us know if you have any sprinkler system repairs or concerns. Each division in our company (Lawn Maintenance, Sprinkler Systems, Landscaping) all have their own specialized crews. This allows them to be fully knowledgeable about their division and better serve you, our customers.

The even is finally here August 22nd my daughter will be married. We are so excited for her! I cannot believe my wife and I are at this stage of life. Both children married and on their own! We are so very proud of them and so very blessed that both my son and daughter are able to continue to work side by side with my wife and I. We are very proud of them. If you would keep my daughter and future son-in-law in your thoughts and prayers on their special day!

Finally, once again our mechanic Dwayne, retired this June and we miss and thank him for his 15 years of hard and dedicated work at Enviro-Care.

Watering Strategies

matt — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:13:10 +0000

Whether or not the preceding months have been kind with abundant rainfall, the gardener should now be alert for summer drought conditions which could occur at any time now. A typical pattern of the last several years has been for rainfall to be shut off in early July, leaving normally well-hydrated plants lacking sufficient water.

Proper watering is essential to keep plants healthy. The main rule of thumb is to water deeply and as infrequently as possible, as opposed to frequent, light sprinklings. This will encourage a deeper root system that can take advantage of a larger volume or “bank account” of water stored in the soil. Frequent and light sprinklings tend to keep the majority of plant roots near the surface of the soil. Plants with this type of root system are more susceptible to extreme heat and water shortages and are easily stressed during the summer.

One of the best strategies for getting shrubs and young trees through summertime dry spells is to apply a thick layer of mulch over the root systems of plants. All organic mulches break down over time, so if it has been awhile since you’ve mulched, carefully check all plants in your yard. A three to four inch layer will prevent most evaporation from the soil and significantly lower the soil temperature in the root zone, reducing stress on the root system. Enviro-Care can come out and give a quick estimate for mulching your lawn, call us at 903-534-2800 for more information.

Lawns at this time of year are rapidly growing and need frequent mowing. The best lawns will be those that are mowed regularly. As rainfall becomes less regular, irrigation will need to be more frequent. Lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. Use rain gauge to
actually measure how much rain you’re receiving. This can be supplied in one or more applications per week, depending on the soil type and how hot and dry the weather has been. Sandy soils need more requent watering, as do newly planted lawns. Watch out for lawn pests. Chinch bugs multiply rapidly in warm weather, and their feeding causes St. Augustine grass to look like drought stress. No treatment is needed until symptoms first appear. Look for wilting grass which does not respond to water. The grass will continue to dry, giving it a burned look. Look for tiny, 1/6 to 1/5 inch bugs scurrying quickly up and down grass blades and or scurrying to hide down in the thatch. When watering lawns during hot weather, do it early in the morning.

Otherwise, much of the water will evaporate from the grass before the plants get to use it. To further avoid excess evaporation, use a sprinkler that produces large drops of water instead of a fine mist. Azalea lace bugs are a major pest of azaleas, and increase rapidly in the
summer time. Affected azalea leaves look like they are stippled until they are almost white. A quick look on the underside of leaves will reveal black, varnish-like spots which is a sure sign of azalea lace bugs. If you have any questions or concerns about your summer lawn please feel free to give us a call at 903-534-2800!

Why Fertilize

matt — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:59:10 +0000

Your soil supplies some of the nutrients that turf/grass needs. Most soils are not able to provide all of them during the entire growing season. A healthy and actively-growing lawn uses a great deal of energy. Fertilizer helps your lawn stay healthy by:

1)Promoting new leaf and root growth.
2)Aiding in the recovery from foot traffic and pest damage.
3)Reducing and controlling weeds.
4)Replacing nutrients lost to leaching, volatilization and grass clipping removal.

Weed and Feed is a common term which refers to fertilizer that contains weed killer for broadleaf weeds such as dandelions.

Pre-emergents, such as those commonly used to prevent crabgrass, are weed killers which must be applied before the weeds germinate. They are ineffective if the weeds are already actively growing. Pre-emergent weed killers are often mixed with fertilizer and are designed to be spread in early spring. Crabgrass normally germinates when the ground temperature reaches 60° F – the ground temperature at which dogwood trees start to bud andforsythias begin blooming.

Post-emergent The weed killer in these types of fertilizers are contact killers, and are effective only if the weeds are already actively growing. They will not kill weeds which have not yet germinated.

For more information on how to care for your lawn contact Rod, our in house fertilizations specialist!

Spring is already upon us!

matt — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:22:37 +0000

Spring is already upon us! It seems like every year the winter season goes by faster. It must be an age thing. I do look forward to spring in Tyler because of our city’s abundance of beautiful azaleas and other plants. The Azalea Trail this year is March- April 5^th, with the home tour on March 28^th. This year it is the Azalea Trail’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration. One of our landscapes will be featured (319 W 2^nd St.) on the home tour. Only 6 are being featured and this is one of them! So if time allows be sure to participate in this year’s tour. It’s going to be another busy year. Our daughter Priscilla is to be married in August. Parents that have married kids know what all that entails.

Thank You once again for your business and enjoy spring!

What to look for this winter.

matt — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:49:02 +0000

The new gardening year really gets in full swing in February with many activities and options for growing and learning. Keep in mind that the average last freeze for the Northeast Texas area is not until mid-March. Even so, many plants normally begin to show signs of growth in February. Early to mid-February marks the time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide for lawns that had a summer weed problem last year. These products kill germinating seed. The mild weather may already be triggering weed germination. A second application may be needed in late May or early June. This is aso the perfect time to put that new bird-feeder up. Birds of all kinds appreciate a constant source of seed, suet and water during the winter. You’ll enjoy all the activity in your yard while providing a valuable service for our feathered friends. Just remember that once you start feeding, you should keep it up through the winter. Finally, enjoy the beauty of spring bloom. If you haven’t been to Mrs. Helen Lee’s Garden, 5.6 miles south of Gladewater off Hwy. 271 to see the thousands of daffodils, be sure to take advantage of visiting this beautiful ranch, with free admission, to see the daffodils when the bloom peaks in February. And take your camera! For further information on any of these topics please feel free to call Enviro-Care anytime at 903-534-2800.

What to look for this fall.

matt — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:45:17 +0000

The cool, crisp days of fall are finally here, bringing pleasant outdoor gardening weather. The change from daylight savings reminds us that the first frosts and freezes of the year are not far away, and that more changes are in store. There are plenty of gardening opportunities in November, but don’t let the days slip by before those important chores are done. Now that summer is over, and so are summer flowers, it’s time to replace them with winter-hardy flowers for color. Pansies are the number one choice for blooming bedding plants that Enviro-Care installs. They’re hardy, will bloom over a long season, and come in a wide array of colors. Keep yours eyes open for the new color change! Don’t get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them and even later into March for crape myrtles. Winter is also a good time to browse plant catalogs, visit nurseries and study your landscape to make improvements or additions. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, call Enviro-Care to assist you. An attractive landscape around the house not only beautifies but also adds to the value of the property and can increase anywhere between 5 to 15 percent of the sales price.

The Dirt…. What to look for in your yard.

matt — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:50:19 +0000

The hot days of summer are here and gardening is far from the minds of most folks. An ice-cold lemonade and deep shade to beat the heat is what most gardening calendars call for. However, fall is right around the corner and here are a few tips to get you through the scorching days of August and into the “second spring” of the south – fall. Lawns at this time of year are rapidly growing and need frequent mowing. The best lawns will be those that are mowed regularly. Since your lawn is mowed once a week your clippings are returned back to the lawn. There is an excellent Texas Agricultural Extension Service internet publication called Efficient Use of Water in the Garden and Landscape which describes proper water techniques for all types of garden and landscaping, including an extensive explanation of drip irrigation. For more information on managing your plants during a drought, visit PlantAnswers. Also be on the look out this coming season for chinch bugs. If your grass looks dry but when you feel the soil it is moist, this could be a sign you have chinch bugs. Enviro-Care can apply insecticide to fight chinch bugs. July and August are also prime time to start spraying for fleas and ticks. Call 903-534-2800 to have a lawn care specialist come and take care of your spraying needs!