This is a time of year when weeds want to pop up everywhere. Rest assured that we are doing what it takes to control them, but winning the battle does take time and patience. Here’s what you can expect.
Long-time customers:
If we’ve been caring for your lawn for a while now, your soil and grass are in good shape and will do their part to prevent weeds from gaining the advantage. Your healthy soil, strong turf, and the pre-emergent we apply work together to win the battle against weeds. We also spot treat as needed at every visit.
New customers:
The extent of your weed situation depends on the current condition of your lawn. If you already have strong, thick turf, your lawn will naturally limit weeds from taking over. Our pre-emergent and spot treatments will take care of the especially persistent weeds that inevitably will pop up. In yards where the soil isn’t as healthy as it should be, we may need to be more aggressive. Poor soil quality, sparse turf, and bare spots are the perfect conditions for weeds to be able to take over. We can do an initial treatment with a chemical herbicide that we reserve for especially weedy lawns. If you prefer to stick to the organic route, it could take 3 to 4 visits – and patience – to begin to get a handle on weeds.
A weed-control tip for all our customers:
Mow often. Regular, frequent mowing not only helps keep grass green, it helps reduce the spread of weeds. Each time you mow, you’re preventing some number of weeds from reaching the seed-producing stage and reducing the number of unwanted newcomers to your lawn.
Fertilizing: We’re fertilizing trees and shrubs now and inspecting for signs of winter damage. If we find any, we’ll let you know what steps need to be taken by you or by us.
Poultry litter application will be starting soon:
From late April through the end of May, we’ll be applying poultry litter. This one-time application supplies a wealth of nutrients for healthy soil and turf. It also has an odor that lasts for about 24 hours. If you have an outdoor event planned in this time-frame, give us a call. We’ll schedule your application around your event.
Start mowing to keep weeds down and grass green. And be sure your lawn is getting enough water – it needs about an inch per week.
Trees & shrubs:
Now is the time to prune, before rapid growth starts. By removing dead or damaged limbs and branches, you’re preventing your trees and shrubs from wasting their valuable resources on unhealthy limbs. This is such a beautiful time of year in Atlanta. We hope you’ll get out and enjoy it!
Spring always brings with it a fresh new look and feel. In that spirit, Simply Organic has a whole new look and feel too. We’ve launched a brand-new website, where you’ll find fresh, new information about everything we offer, blogs on topics you care about, and more. In the coming months, we’ll be including videos, our online newsletter, and specials. The specials are seasonal, so be sure to check them out every three months or so. You’ll even see that our trucks are sporting a new look. And of course there’s our new mascot, the ladybug. Why did we choose a ladybug? Because it’s nature’s pest control. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that are harmful to plants. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. Today people buy ladybugs and release them into their gardens for healthy plants without using chemical pesticides. So, while our look is new, our philosophy isn’t. We remain dedicated to being your partner in growing healthy lawns, trees, and shrubs naturally and safely.
There’s a good reason we’ve chosen the ladybug as our Simply Organic Turf Care mascot. This cheerful-looking beetle is actually a friend to the trees, shrubs, and other plants in your yard. They feed on aphids and other insects that can harm your plants, making them a very beneficial insect for landscapes and gardens. This is probably why many cultures consider the ladybug a sign of good luck.
How did the ladybug get its name?
The story goes that sometime during the Middle Ages, crops were being destroyed throughout Europe by harmful bugs. Catholic farmers began praying to the Virgin Mary for help, and eventually ladybugs appeared on the scene, eating the pests and saving the crops. Believing that the Virgin Mary had answered their prayers, they referred to the winged creatures as the “the beetles of Our Lady.” Hence the common name, ladybug!
What is the ladybug’s scientific name?
While most people use the common name ladybug, lady beetle, or even ladybird beetle, in scientific circles they referred to as coccinellidae, meaning “little red sphere,” or coleoptera, which means “sheath-winged.”
Does the ladybug have any enemies?
While they do have predators, they also have ways of protecting themselves. Ladybugs produce a chemical that smells and tastes so bad that many animals won’t eat them. Also, just like with poisonous berries, the bright colors of the ladybug discourage many birds from trying to feast on them.
Are all ladybugs girls?
No. There are male and female ladybugs. It’s almost impossible for the average person to tell them apart, but there are some clues. First, females are usually larger than males. Second, if you see one ladybug riding atop another ladybug, they are mating. The male will be on top, holding onto the female’s elytra, or hard wings.
Are there different kinds of ladybugs?
There are thousands of different kinds all over the world. There are about 500 different kinds in the United States and nearly 5000 world wide. They come in all different colors too. Red, yellow, orange, gray, black, brown and even pink.
Do the spots tell you how old they are?
No. Different ladybugs have different numbers of spots. Some have no spots; others have as many as twenty-four. They don’t get more spots or lose spots as they get older. Their spots do, however, sometimes fade with age.
How come you don’t see ladybugs in the winter?
Ladybugs hibernate in cold weather. Depending on where you live you might spot them huddled up in large groups, lying dormant until the weather warms up. Adapted from: www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm
This is a time of year when weeds want to pop up everywhere. Rest assured that we are doing what it takes to control them, but winning the battle does take time and patience. Here’s what you can expect.
