Our Newsletters

• Azalea Trim Mistake

  Learn from our mistake...don't trim your azaleas unless it it time to! https://youtu.be/u2PILo0ghk0  
• Dallisgrass Killer

  They have finally done it!!!  There is now a product on the market to kill Dallisgrass! https://youtu.be/qsBMrHJjNQE
• How To Prevent Sprinkler System Water Hammer

  When you turn your sprinkler system it is important to be careful with how you go about it.  Most all systems have, or at least should have, a ball valve located somewhere between the water meter and the vacuum breaker of the system.  This is the U shaped thing that comes out of the ground and is typically made of copper or plastic. The water line should be empty and full of just air.  When you turn your system back on, if you open the valve too fast you can create what is called a “Water Hammer”. This is when the force of the air or the wall of water hits the pipes or any other connection so hard that it causes damage to the equipment.  The proper way to handle this would be to slowly turn the water on and allow the air to escape. Even after you open the system up don’t be surprised if it blows a lot of air from the lines for several minutes. On another note, I’d be careful just sticking my hand into any of these boxes without first looking and making sure there are not any critters living in there.  We have found everything from spiders to snakes and even scorpions. Hope this helps! https://youtu.be/IoHK3_wuino
• Termite Hole Size

  https://youtu.be/OkftsVFzJk0   A popular option for termites treatments has become using bait stations. They are installed all the way around your house every 10-20 feet apart. They have a bait in them that attracts termites to feed on them. As they feed they will carry the product back to the colony for others to feed on as well. This will cause the destruction of the total colony. When installing these stations, it is important how deep and wide the holes are. The stations need to fit into the ground very firmly so that the termites can travel through the soil and into the bait stations with ease. If you use something like a post hole digger you will create voids on the edges of the stations which make it difficult for the termites to reach the bait stations. They should be difficult to pull out of the ground and require you to have to pry them out. The bait stations are a great option, just make sure they are getting installed correctly so it doesn't defeat the purpose. Let us know if you have any questions!
• Home Drip Line

  https://youtu.be/j2nomIqYLSI   Whenever you are performing any kind of service against your house one thing to be mindful of is the drip line. The drip line is the area directly under where the roof overhangs the house. Sometimes you can even see a worn out eroded area where the water rolls off the roof and hits the ground. In this case we are performing a termite treatment and need to make sure they are far enough away to not get a constant drip of water on them. Otherwise water would eventually wash away all of the product and prevent the treatment from being effective. The same thing could be said about your landscape plants as well. Having them under the drip line could cause erosion and wash away your beds. Hope this helps!
• 3-23-20 Operations Update

  https://youtu.be/vX9ADQK6zVM ***Update On Operations*** Quick update:  Here are a couple of highlights.  If you have any specific questions please let us know.  We are trying to keep everyone up to date on the most pertinent information.  -To date we are operating as an essential operation.  The current order reads as such:  “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.” -Our office staff is working remotely and our trucks are down to 1 or 2 man crews.  Each day everything is being sanitized and start times are staggered to limit the number of people in the same place at the same time.  We will also be checking everyone's temperatures before work. -We understand that some people have concerns about us being at their property.  We have taken all precautions possible to make our visit safe. All work is outside, there are no in person visits and social distancing is being practiced. -Our staff and their ability to provide for their family is a top priority right now.  As long as we are able we are going to allow them to work. We feel a strong conviction to help our staff through this time.  NO ONE has been laid off due to this and we hope to keep it that way.  We are prepared to run the business at a loss for as long as possible and as long as funds will allow in an effort to keep paychecks coming.  If anyone is upset by this decision please let us know and we will respect this until this entire issue is behind us.
• Indian Hawthorn Leaf Spot

  https://youtu.be/Gy98z2lK-6Y The fungus Leaf Spot is still not any better in our area, particularly on Indian Hawthorns. I'm sure you have noticed by now the orange, yellow, red leaves on the plants. If you look closer you will notice dark colored spots on the leaves. These spots are where it gets its name from, Leaf Spot. The fungus tends to exist in areas where there is a lot of water and not much air flow. As they stay wet the fungus starts to develop and spread. We see it a lot in the areas where the plants are packed in super tight and where there is excessive irrigation. An easy solution is to thin out the area and give the plants some growing and breathing room. Immediately though the plants will need to be treated with a fungicide. In cases where all of the leaves have fallen off, the plant may still be alive but the overall damage is just too much. You would be much better to just replace the plant and start all over. If you do use a fungicide, don’t be alarmed if 2 applications are required for complete treatment. Here is a link to one we have had good success with. The entire plant both inside and out needs to be completely covered when it is sprayed. If there are an excessive amount of leaves on the ground it is also a good idea to pick them up and remove them from the area since they can carry active fungal spores. Hope this helps!

  https://www.amazon.com/Propiconazole-Generic…/…/ref=sr_1_30…  
• Termite Bait Stations vs Liquid Treatments

  https://youtu.be/9CqOQ_Z-D-Y With termite season upon us it is important to understand your most common options for getting a treatment. Typically you will have 2 different options, bait stations or liquid treatment. There are arguably pros and cons to both however we chose to go the bait station route unless there are active termite visible. Termites are what is considered a subterranean insect meaning they live and travel underground. With the bait stations you are installing an attractant bait underground every 10-20 feet. The termites will feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony where the queen and other termites live. When the food is shared it will kill the other termites and cause the entire colony to collapse. The other big advantage to the bait stations is the ability to inspect them for activity to see if there are termites in the area feeding. In the event there is a break down in the bait it is easy to see and replace. The bait also acts as an attractant to the termites. With liquid applications, you are trying to intercept the termites when they get close to the house. Until the termites come into contact with the product there will be no effect on them. The concept is that if you kill enough of the worker termites it will starve the colony out basically. The disadvantage is that if the barrier breaks down due to water or digging in the landscape you have no way of know if there is still an effective amount of product down to kill the termites. If the event there are currently active termites, we always recommend to spray the immediate area and bugs with a termiticide and then install a bait system for the others you can’t see and will be in the area. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any questions!
• Termite FAQ

    When are termites most common?  Once a colony is established, termites are a year-round problem. However, there is an increase in colony expansion activity during warm weather.  What Do Termites Look Like?  When we talk about termites, we usually speak mostly of the subterranean termite. It is responsible for 90% of all termite damage.  If you were to find a termite infested stump on your property and split it open, you would immediately notice two distinct termites:  the worker and the swarmer. The worker will appear pale and worm-like from a distance, but up close you will see the six legs and two antennae that distinguish it as an insect. The swarmer will appear black in color and have white wings that layer on top of each other and appear as one. Do Termites Have Wings?  In a termite colony, only the swarmer termites, also known as reproductives, have wings. Swarmer termites quickly shed their wings after mating and go on to become the queens and kings of newly established termite colonies. When Do Termites Swarm?  Termite swarms can happen any time of the year, but often occur in spring when temperatures warm up. What Attracts Termites?  Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, especially moistened wood. If you have mulch, bushes, shrubs or dead stumps near your home, you will invite termites in close to your exterior walls. Termite swarmers are attracted to light, so it is important to keep lights off at night or switch white light bulbs to yellow, insect-resistant bulbs. My Neighbor Has A Termite Problem, Should I Be Worried?  If you don't have termite protection around your home, you should be worried. When the termite colony in your neighbor's yard or house becomes mature, it will produce hundreds of termite swarmers. When this happens, your home is at great risk of a termite infestation.  Termites forage year-round and they spread most commonly underground. If your home is currently termite-free, it could become infested by termites that are active nearby. A preventative termite control program will help avoid termite infestation. What are common signs of termites?  Mud tubes provide shelter for termites and have a muddy, flattened appearance approximately the width of a drinking straw. Look for mud tubes along cracks, beneath flooring, around baseboards, on pipes, piers, chimneys, behind siding, plumbing and other fixtures. Mud tubes may also extend over concrete foundations and other exposed surfaces. How can I identify a termite?   Termite workers are pale, soft-bodied insects about one-quarter of an inch or less in length. They appear to have a head and body because their thorax is broadly joined to their abdomen. Their antennae are straight.  Termites are mistakenly called white ants, but are not ant-like in appearance. Ants are usually heavily pigmented and have three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen. Ants also have a very narrow or pinched “waist,” and their antennae are "elbowed." Winged termites, also known as swarmers, have pigmented bodies with broad waists and two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape. Subterranean termite swarmers have bodies about one-quarter of an inch in length. The swarmers quickly shed their wings after a brief flight. Winged ants, on the other hand, have pinched waists and two pairs of wings that differ in size and shape (front are much larger). Can termites make their way through concrete?  Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack only 1/32nd of an inch wide. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces of concrete about – like when poured separately – and around plumbing penetrations through the concrete or where the concrete has cracked. What will termites do after they swarm?  Subterranean termite swarmers attempt to pair with a swarmer of the opposite sex within their colony. They must locate a suitable habitat to establish a new colony of their own. They need moist soil, preferably in direct contact with wood, in order to survive. The termites that swarm inside a structure and cannot get out will quickly die from lack of available moisture. The termite colony that produced the swarmers will continue to be active after the swarm has taken place. How do termites get inside my property?  Termites don’t need much room to squeeze inside your home or business. In fact, they can enter a structure through a space as small as 1/32nd of an inch. Subterranean termites usually enter a building from the soil along its foundation or through cracks in the slab, expansion joints, weep holes, voids in brick or block and around plumbing. Decks, porches and other wood structures in direct contact with the ground are also easy access ramps for termites. I have an old tree stump infested with termites, should I have it treated?  You don’t need to treat the stump, but you may want to give your home termite protection.  Preventative action makes good sense in any termite-prone area and you should also consider implementing a termite control program before you notice an infestation. Remove all wood debris from around your home, especially after new construction and remodeling. This includes wood form boards along foundations, tree stumps and roots, as well as firewood stacked near the house. My house does not have termites - should I still get a termite treatment?  Yes. Without an effective prevention program, like a barrier bait station plan, your home is open to termite damage, which could remain unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem. How much damage do termites cause?  Termites feed 24/7/365, they never sleep, meaning damage to wood in and around a structure can happen very quickly. In fact, the NPMA estimates that termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year. The good news is that termites can be controlled and killed. 
• How To Spot Tea Scale

  https://youtu.be/N-YYpCRsQHk   Scale and your plants...how to spot it and how to treat it. With Spring upon us now is a super important time to get out and check on your plants. This time of the year is when a lot of insects that feed on your landscape shrubs start to hatch and become active. Here is an example of Tea Scale growing on Hollies. When the bug is young and moving around they tend to be a grey, tan, brown color. As they mature, they start to form a white colored amour over themselves and that is typically where they will stay. As a general rule, the younger they are the easier they are to kill. The more developed the armored is, the harder they become to kill. There are 2 basic approaches you can take to handle this. To treat immediately you use a horticultural oil and spray the plant from top to bottom. The oil coats the scale and suffocates them. This is a more effective route to take because as they develop their amour it can become hard for other insecticides to penetrate and kill them. The other approach would be to do a root injection in the soil with a systemic insecticide. The plant will over time uptake the insecticide and as the scale feeds on the plant they will ingest it and die this way. It’s a much slower way to handle the issue and is more of an ongoing preventive application. When you are treating the plants, it is important to make sure you are treating from top to bottom but also get on the inside of the plant to make sure everything is getting fully covered. It’s also suggested to use a sprayer with pressure to take care of this. The high pressure causes the leaves to move around and allows for more product to cover all over. Here are a few links to some of the products we have had the best luck with. Hope this helps! Remember to take care of your investment and don’t overlook the care of your plants!

  Horticulture Oil https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Horticultural-…/…/ref=sr_1_9… Liquid Systemic Insecticide https://www.amazon.com/Gordons-Liquid-Systemi…/…/ref=sr_1_2…
• Free Termite Inspection

  You need to make sure your home is protected.  Let us help you with a FREE termite inspection of your home.  We will inspect for any active termite activity and make suggestions and recommendations if anything is seen.  Most people are surprised to find out that termite damage is not covered under your homeowners insurance.  The cost of repairs can cost up to 10 times the cost of getting a treatment.  Knowing that why wouldn't not want to be proactive and keep your home protected! Click Here To Claim Your Free Inspection https://my.serviceautopilot.com/viewform.html?rk=51c7313b-1e0e-48fc-bbb5-e342c0da2e9d&Type=new&Source=web
• Leaf Removal vs Mulching

  Your grass may not be growing but you still need to keep your lawn clean!  If you have trees anywhere near your yard then there no doubt by now that you have seen a ton of leaves.  Depending on the types of trees will depend on the size of leaves, amount and the time they fall. In the start of Fall, using your mower to mulch them up will sometimes be enough.  As you get further into the year however, you will usually have to pick up and remove the leaves at least 1-4 times. When you mow over them with a mower it turns them into mulch like it does cutting grass.  The issues start when there are too many leaves. You will end up contributing to the thatch layer that sits above the root system in the lawn. Some thatch is an ok thing, too much is harmful to the grass. The issues however are going to be delayed and you won't see the negatives for some time like when the grass is struggling to grow thick next summer.  Another issue is when too many leaves start to form a sort of mat on top of the grass. Over time this mat will stay wet and keep the grass wet. This will then lead to rotting of the grass and other possible fungus issues. Just remember to not let the leaves build up too much on your lawn and unless your mower can make them disappear, there are to many and they need to be picked up and removed.  Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/12FUANftxis
• GFI Plugs vs Christmas Lights

  Here’s a pretty relevant tip going into the weekend. If you have Christmas lights installed and they turn off and won't come back on, chances are you have a tripped GFI plug. Have you ever noticed the random plugs around your house with the button on them? They are usually in your garage and bathroom. These are called GFI plugs and are a safety against water and electricity. It’s not uncommon during heavy rains for these to get tripped and need to be reset. Hope this helps! https://youtu.be/8ta1aSgncOQ
• Knockout Roses and Winter Time

  A common mistake we see this time of the year is Knockout Roses getting trimmed. Sometimes, inexperienced homeowners and lawn care guys will cut the Knockouts and Drift Roses back during their fall cleanups. The proper time for their next trim is not going to be until February or early March depending on the temperatures outside. Trimming them know could lead to new growth which would make the plant vulnerable to injury and disease during the cold winter. They don't look their best right now because they just finished a bloom cycle and are full of dead blooms. Be patient though and you will have more on the way! Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/9UoqCWorVo4
• Mistletoe and Kisses

  https://youtu.be/YEVOiV1M1Uw   Have you ever wondered why or how Mistletoe became a Christmas tradition? Most everyone knows about stealing a kiss under the mistletoe but why? It all started in ancient Greece. The plant was thought to have links to fertility since it is able to grow during the winter, it must be strong and able to live. People would make tea out of it but the issue there is it can be fatal. The tradition of kissing that we know today is thought to have started in England. Whenever someone is caught under some hanging, you can steal a kill on the cheek. It’s even said that if a woman denies the kiss she wont get proposed to for the entire year. After taking you kiss your suppose to remove one of the berries. After all the berries are gone the kissing stops. So there you have it! There are some other versions out there on how it got started but this is the one most people agree with!

  What even is Mistletoe??? It’s actually a parasite that grows on tree mostly. It gets there from bird poo. When the parasite starts to grow it wraps around the tree limbs and sucks all the nutrients and water out of the limb. Hope this helps!
• Christmas Light Clips

  Now that it’s time to hang your Christmas lights let's talk about a few options for making sure they give you that crisp professional look.  Other than the obvious of using commercial grade bulbs, the next important piece of material used in the clip that holds the light. There are 4 basic types that are used for installs.  The best in our opinion is the shingle tab. This allows the plastic tabs to slide under the shingle and hold the lights in line. Another option if you have gutters is the gutter clip or all in one clip.  These simply grab the gutter and hold the light in place. Surface mount clips can be used to line walls, fences and other places where you want lights on a flat surface. Another one that most people do know exist is the magnetic lights.  These have an actual magnet in the base of the socket and can attach to anything metal. All of these clips have their own specific use and serve a different purpose. Hope this helps! https://youtu.be/Fui4QzFrgBY
• Cold Snaps vs Your Plants

  It’s going to get into the 30’s the next few days and several people are worried about their plants.  One plant everyone stresses about are palms. Generally speaking, you only need to worry about these when there is ice and snow covering them.  In the event we get into the low 20’s so long periods of time you can expect some damage as well. All that said with the upcoming weather you will be ok.  You can however expect to see some damage to your summer time annual flowers. This isn’t a huge issue though because it is time for them to die off anyway.  Depending on if we get a frost as well you may also expect to see some damage to your tropical plants as well. Again, this time of year we expect them to die back and require maintenance.  There is also no need to worry about your sprinkler system right now either. Frankly, it isn’t going to be cold enough long enough for there to be any freezing issues. Hope this helps!    https://youtu.be/Q7YVDkdp5ZA
• Don’t Touch ShiShis

  These are ShiShi buds.  In a matter of weeks or even days all of these buds will turn into flowers.  It is super important to remember this while doing your fall cleanups. When you trim the plant now, before it blooms, you will be cutting and removing the buds which create the flower.  Wait until the January time frame when the plants have completely gone through their bloom cycle. This is when you want to trim and feed them. The plant is not meant to be a manicured one so in a lot of cases they will just need a light trim to get any limbs that have outgrown others.  Hope this helps!
• Deer vs Hair

  Deer vs Hair: If you are having issue with deer eating your plants, consider a trip down to the barber shop. Not to get your hair cut but to get a bag of hair. Deer hate the smell of humans. By getting a bag of hair and sprinkling it around your land scape, the deer will avoid the strong smell of humans in the area. The smell will wear off over time so be prepared to re apply. https://youtu.be/7AO7g8428fE
• What Does It Mean To Winterize?

  This time every year we get asked about “winterizing my lawn.” I guess what this actually means is kind of subjective. If you were living up north and had cool season grasses then there are a lot of steps that need to happen. Here in the south with warm season grasses not so much! Right now all you really need to worry about is Pre Emergents. This will help prevent weeds this winter and into the Spring. DO NOT apply any more fertilizer to your lawn this year. The grass is weeks away from going dormant and applying fertilizer will actually make the lawn open to disease and other issues. Later in the winter you can apply some supplements for the roots systems but for now just worry about the weed control with Pre Emergents! Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/y8QHtcTJ7q0
• Pre Emergent Time

  https://youtu.be/gKjwzaFYLeY We are in FULL pre emergent mode around here! These trucks are about to hit the road with full routes of perhaps the most important application of the year, for sure next Spring! When you think of Fall pre emergents you think of winter weeds like clovers and such that will take over a lawn when it’s cold outside. While this is correct, it’s important to note that the most important weeds it will prevent are the ones you will see this upcoming March and April. Most of the weeds you see during these months are actually still winter weeds. The lie dormant all winter just waiting on the temperatures to warm up and like a light switch the blow up! You basically have 2 options to deal with this issue. 1-Be proactive and apply a pre emergent NOW 2-Be reactive and “attempt” to kill the weeds as they start to grow. Make the right call and get ahead of the game...apply your pre emergents this fall and don’t fight weeds next spring!
• Stop Watering Everyday!

  STOP WATERING YOUR YARD!!!! Everyday we are seeing homes that are running their systems daily. We understand it’s hot and “droughty” outside. You have to remember though that running your system everyday is actually counterproductive to the health of your lawn. What is important is HOW LONG you water. When you run the system fewer times a week but for longer sessions you get a much deeper soak into the soil. This forces the roots to grow deeper looking for water. Letting the lawn dry out in between these sessions is also important as it helps prevent possible fungus damage. Hope this helps! Side note, we are unsure if "droughty" is a real word but it is one we use almost daily. Feel free to use it in your personal vocabulary moving forward!   https://youtu.be/4aRmExJHsIo
• How You Water Matters

  It’s hot as HE🏒🏒 out there this week! If you're not watering your lawn you will see the damage soon enough! We’ve said it 100 times by now though that “HOW” you water matters as much as actually watering. The time of day is one of those “HOW” issues. Watering at night is usually the best option for a few reasons. The wind is usually much calmer during the night for one and this means less drift. The water pressure is also higher since people are sleeping and not taking showers, washing clothes and the such. It also gives the water plenty of time to soak into the ground. When you water during the day you lose a lot to evaporation in the sun. We usually recommend running your system anywhere from 12:00-4:00 this time of year. Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/6NSZDh197mA
• Shrub Head Filter

  If you have a clogged sprinkler head here is another possible issue you’re facing. All of your shrub heads have a filter installed in them. You get to the filter by removing the head and then pulling it out with your fingers. If you do this while the system is turned on be careful that it doesn’t get shot into the air and lost for good! Once the filter is removed you can clean it out in water to get all of the trash out of it. Then simply stick it back into the shrub nipple and screw the head back down. This simple task will fix a lot of your basic issues with shrub heads. If there is still a problem and you need help, send us a picture or video! Have a great day! https://youtu.be/h0m5gtREyog
• Bifen XTS

  Bugs in the lawn and home are never any fun.  If you have ever wanted to try a professional grade product, take a look at Bifen XTS.  It's easy to apply as long as you have equipment to spray a liquid.  A hand sprayer or backpack sprayer will work but it is hard to calibrate them sometimes.  We suggest the XTS version over the IT version due to it's make up.  The XTS is in an oil base and mixes in water much easier.  The IT is a lot thicker and will sink to the bottom of your spray bottle if your not carful.  When you read the label, there is a wide range of insects that are covered by Bifen making it a staple in most pro's trucks! https://youtu.be/mLut4ZSqMtQ
• Sharpen Your Mower Blades

  This subject will never get old!  It's something that is such a simple task yet is over looked.  Most people should sharpen their blades at least 3-4 times a year.  When your blades are sharp the mower does a better job of mulching, it cuts the grass instead of tearing it and is just overall healthier for the lawn.  Watch the video and see what we mean!   https://youtu.be/xdW4OuTSOfM
• Changing Mow Directions

  How you mow matters...actually matters a lot!  When you mow your lawn the same direction every week you will start to develop ruts or tracks in your lawn.  This happens when the weight of the mower travels the same path every week.  Before long you will start to notice actual grooves in the yard.  This can easily be prevented by changing the direction you mow each week.  Mow at different angles, go from front to back, side to side or any other pattern you can come up with.  In the long run you wont regret it!  If you are starting to see some effects of tracking, consider using a aerator on the lawn to break down the top layer and help give it a head start. https://youtu.be/_bPutR4KSgg
• Bag Worms on Hawthorns

  So we have been doing this for a while now and are seeing something for the first time. Bag Worms are a bug that are fairly common to be seen growing on Juniper Trees and other cypress type plants. More recently we have been seeing a species of bag worms growing on Indian Hawthorns. As you can see in the video, they physically eat the leaves away to the point that almost all of the foliage dies and falls off. The plants is still alive but it has no more leaves. It happens very fast and cant be ignored. This is also a good example of why we say getting on a preventive plan in a good idea. https://youtu.be/JnmTrB45Lcc
• Mosquito Eggs

  Did you know a mosquito could pay up to 300 eggs in an area the size of a water bottle cap?  It's true!  The amount of area needed would blow your mind.  This is one of the main reasons we always say it is important to remove any standing or stagnant water from your yard.  It is also why using a quality insecticide is so important.  The bugs will carry the product to the water where they are laying eggs and infect the entire batch of new mosquitos getting ready to hatch.  Watch the video and see more about what we mean.   https://youtu.be/dWr2vUNKoHo
• Agapanthus is about to Bloom!

  Have you looked at your agapanthus lately? It's almost time for them to bloom! This is truly a sign that summer is here. They make a great addition to any landscape and provide a very unique look and color as well. Also referred to as "Lilly of the Nile", they come in 3 different colors, purple, blue and white. They are very hardy and can come back from even some of the colder temperatures like this last winter. There isn't much maintenance involved with them either. Let us know if you have any questions about this great plant and how to incorporate them into your existing flower beds!
• Weed Eaters vs Fences

  https://youtu.be/RmyEIOtVBCo   Some battles are as old as lawn maintenance it's self...Weed Eaters vs Fences! I wish I could say there was an easy way to deal with this but there is not. Regardless of how careful you are, when it comes to trimming against fences there is going to be some line damage to the wood. There are a few "unsightly" alternatives but Im not in love with any of them.  We have seen people use brick pavers to line the fence.  This could get costly and also can look pretty random.  Some people even will use the metal edging for outlining your landscape beds against the fence.  Again, not very sightly.  The one that seems to make the most sense would be attaching a extra piece of wood to the base of the fence.  There is still going to be some damage to even this piece however the thicker wood will last much longer than the thiner fence boards.  Ultimately, unless you have small animals that will escape, have the fence stop just short of the ground is the best answer to fixing this problem in our opinion.  Hope all this helps!
• Hydrangeas and Soil pH

  https://youtu.be/WRXihfUSAuk Not many plants get more traditional or southern than Hydrangeas.  They provide your landscape with very large and beautiful blooms for several months during the summer.  What you might not know however is why some plants bloom a different color than others.  It all has to do with the soil pH the plant is growing in.  When a plant is growing in an acidic soil where the pH is around 5.5 or lower  you will get blue blooms.  When you get a more basic pH of 6.5 or higher you will get pink blooms.  It is also not uncommon to see blooms with shades of Purple when you get pH's in the middle.  You can actually change the color of your plants bloom by altering this pH.  Im sure you have heard about putting old rusty nails or other metal at the base of the plants.  As it rust the water will bleed into the soil and alter the pH and change the color of the blooms.  Also, remember to make sure these plants get plenty of shade.  They don't like the afternoon sun very much and will wilt and get droopy.  Hope this helps!!!
• Valve Box Covers

  If you have a sprinkler system then you see some of these in your yard. Better yet, I bet you have chopped a few up with the lawn mower or had the dog eat one or two! The are valve covers and are a part of your sprinkler system. The green lid is a top for the total valve box that protects the valve underground. They are very important and you need to make sure they are clear and easy to find. The valve box keeps dirt and other debris from covering the valve up. This matters most when you go to perform maintenance on your sprinkler system. If they are covered up and start to have issues it could get pretty costly trying to use a locator to find them all. We buy ours at Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply on Lynbrook Ave. Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/x9Kw4tQNadQ
• Using Good Fuel

  Most people only ever use the cheapest gas possible for their lawn equipment.  Something to consider this year is the life of your mower.  Did you know something as simple as using the high octane or ethanol free fuel will help your mower to not only run better but last longer. Look at it as a cheap insurance policy to make sure your equipment lasts longer or need fewer repairs.  Fewer repairs and longer life means money saved!  Also, when it comes to your 2 cycle fuel, use a product like TruFuel50 that has cleaners, stabilizers and ethanol free fuel. You wont regret your decision!   https://youtu.be/7aaToWG85P8
• Hawthorn Leaf Spot

  https://youtu.be/Ii36cU5oJl8 Have you ever noticed Indian Hawthorns in your landscape getting very thin and losing all of their leaves?  You may even notice the leafs turning red and orange before they fall off.  Before long the entire plant looks dead and bald.  Chances are your shrubs are suffering from a disease called Leaf Spot.  It's a fungus that attacks shrubs like hawthorns very hard.  Typically you will first notice dots or spots forming on the leafs then the plant starts to drop all of the leafs.  Once it forms in one plant it will also start to spread to the others nearby as well.  We typically see it in areas where there is excessive moisture or not much air flow.  It also is common in areas where the plants are planted very thick and form a hedge.  The good news is unless you have let the issue go on to long the plants can be treated using a fungicide.  The entire plant and surrounding plants will need to be sprayed at least once and sometimes twice depending on how advanced the issue is.  We also recommend removing all of the affected leaves that have been dropped.  Reducing the amount of water the plants get and allowing them to dry out is also a very good practice.  Here is a link to a effective product we recommend to use if you decide to tackle this project! https://www.amazon.com/Propiconazole-Generic-Banner-Quart-nuf-010/dp/B004GTONG8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1GT9LV4LRV54Z&keywords=propiconazole+14.3+fungicide&qid=1555950859&s=gateway&sprefix=fungicide+pro%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-3
• Dethatching

  https://youtu.be/W3lpZvM5KSM Most people have heard of thatch in your lawn but do you really know what it is?  Basically it is a bunch of dead grass in your yard.  Some thatch is actually a good thing.  When it gets out of control and builds up a super thick layer is when you will start to see issues.  There are several ways you can get an unhealthy layer of thatch.  The most common is allowing the grass to get to0 tall in between the times you cut it.  Most lawns have a mulching mower used to help break down the grass into smaller sections.  This issues start when there is more grass to break down than time will allow.  It's pretty easy to tell if you have a thatch issue in your lawn.  Is it hard to see the dirt below the grass?  When you walk across the yard does it feel very soft or like a cushion?  If you pull a rake through the yard do a lot of dead grass come to the surface?  These are all simple signs that you may have an issue to address.  When the layer is allowed to get too thick you will start to notice the lawn getting thin.  This thick layer prevents water from getting to the soil where the roots are.  It also makes it hard to fertilizers and other nutrients to get to the ground.  The solution can sometimes be as basic as aerating the lawn.  This can help break down small amounts of thatch.  Other times you need a more aggressive approach like using a power rake or de thatcher.  The de thatcher has several metal "fingers" that run through the grass and pull all of that thatch to the surface.  It usually surprises people when they see the amount of dead grass that gets removed.  We must warn you, don't try this unless you have a way to haul off an excessive amount of trash and debris.  As you can see in the video there is a lot of old grass that will need to be raked up and thrown away.  If you try to take this on by yourself there are a few places to rent them like Tubbs Hardware in Bossier or Home Depot on Bert Kouns.  Bailey Bark and Material is a good place to consider dumping the trash when the job is done.  Hope this helps!
• Water Bubble

  https://youtu.be/p3jjmi-8oSU Have you ever seen a lawn pimple! HaHa...actually it's just a massive build up of water under ground. It's very common this time of year when your sprinkler system has been turned off during the winter. Sometimes there will be breaks and since they are underground you can't see them. In a situation like this one, the root system of the grass is thick enough and the soil compacted to the point the water stays under ground. It then forms a water bed like situation in the lawn and the water builds up there. The issue ends up being you have punch a hole in the ground to let all the water out then dig around to find the break. It's very important to find these types of breaks because it is usually a major one that is letting lots of water out. Considering how much the city charges for water you want to get it fixed! Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions!
• Do I Need To Aerate?

  https://youtu.be/utGso_h111A To aerate or not to aerate? Wait what do you mean aerate? Our area is no stranger to clay soil.  That along with all of the rain and high heat can cause for very compacted soil.  To combat this soil compaction problem there is a process called aeration.  This is the process of physically removing cores of dirt which helps loosen the ground.  When the ground is not as compacted it allows for better absorption of water, proper air flow and better ability for nutrients to get to the grass roots. The real question is how do you know if you need it?  We suggest getting it done at least once a year.  If you have never had it then lets just assume you need it!  A simple test is to take a normal screw driver and try to stick it into the ground.  If you can not get it into the ground relatively easy then you need to consider getting this done.  You should not have to lean into it and put a ton of muscle and body weight into getting the screwdriver into the ground.  The benefits are huge.  If you have any questions about how or where to do this feel free to ask any questions!
• Cleaning Your Irrigation Pipes

  Each Spring we get calls about peoples sprinkler systems smelling!  Let me explain...during the winter when you winterize your sprinkler system you are actually only draining water from the vacuum breaker.  In a lot of homes there is still water left in the pipes.  It's been just sitting there stagnate for 4-6 months now and will develop a foul smell.  When you turn your sprinkler system on for the first time it will start to flush all of this water out of the lines and also spread the bad smell.  The good news is it will go away pretty quick.  The bad news is if there was a lot of allege or dirt build up you may need to flush your lines out.  Trash as fine as sand can cause your vales and heads to not function the right way and prevent the sprinkler system from spraying the lawn in the right way.  The easy way to clean these line out would be to remove a nozzle on each zone and let the water flow freely until it becomes clean and clear.   https://youtu.be/KnAYDufMMP4
• Boxwood Dieback

  As if there was not enough to worry about...the one plant we all thought was virtually impossible to kill has a new disease that is attacking them. The LSU Ag center is actually the lead agency in discovering the fungus and running test. It's got the most original name you have ever heard of, Boxwood Dieback disease. And as you would guess it, it causes the plant to die back. The first tall tell sign is you will notice random die back in the plant. Some limbs look well and alive while others are dead. The cause of this is a fungus. The cure at this point is going to be a fungicide however it is so new we are still running trials on how much and what kind works the best. Send us pictures if you have any questions! Here is a quick link to learn more information. https://www.ncipmc.org/action/alerts/boxwood.pdf https://youtu.be/azpYhj9etOY
• Don’t Trim Your Loropetalums…yet

  If you start cleaning up your flower beds early this year be careful about trimming certain plants to early. One of those are Loropetalums. This is the purple shrubs you have seen all over town. They have a wispy natural look to them and are very hardy. One benefit is they bloom several small pinkish purple flowers in the Spring. However if you trim them to early you will actually be removing most of these blooms and will not get the full effect. Typically by May they are done blooming and can be cut to shape and size you were hoping for. Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/jJtiCIofKwU
• Don’t Trim Your Azaleas…Yet

  In our area it's pretty normal to start cleaning up your flower beds in February or March. While there is nothing wrong with getting a head start there are a few important things to remember before you start trimming. Typically speaking in our area Azaleas don't bloom until April and into May. If you were to trim your azaleas to early in February or March you would actually be removing a lot of the bloom buds that are going produce the flowers. Since the blooms are the main reason planting the azaleas it's a loose loose! The proper time to trim these shrubs in immediately after they drop all of their flowers. Usually May or June. This is also a great time to feed them with a nice slow release granular fertilizer. Also don't forget to regularly inspect your azaleas for bugs or other pest. Typically it's to late and the damage is done before most people realize there is even an issue! Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/dKe8-tBzbJI
• Japanese Magnolia

  Japanese Magnolias are an amazing plant to get anyone ready for Spring. This tree is in the magnolia family but differs for a few reasons. One it that it looses all of it's leaves during the winter time unlike your more traditional magnolia trees. You may think of this as a negative until later winter or early spring when the tree starts to bloom! They produce the most beautiful pinkish, purple and white flowers and they usually cover the entire tree! Some people call the tree a Tulip tree or a Tulip Magnolia because the blooms look a lot like tulip flowers. Regardless of what you refer to them as, they are one of the most traditional, truly southern plats. And because of the timing of their bloom cycle right before spring they are the perfect kick start to the new year!   https://youtu.be/J2FzdHWd7LI
• Aphids on Azaleas

  Sometimes confused as scale, aphids are a bug that can create a unsightly mess in your Azaleas. They are a bug that feed on the sap of the plant by sticking a needle like beak into the plant. As they feed they drop their waste on the plant that's called Honeydew. This is a clear sticky substance. After a short period of time a black mold grows on the honeydew. It's this black mold that usually first alerts people to a issue. While it's not deadly at first, it can over time be bad for the plant therefore it needs to be addressed ASAP. The entire plant should be sprayed with an insecticide to kill the beds and then treated routinely as a preventive measure. Hope this helps!   https://youtu.be/vGr_RImbaiQ
• 90% Sign Up To Late

  Like clockwork every year 90% of our new clients sign up in April & May.  Why?  Because it is warm and the weeds are growing like crazy!  If you have any interest in using a lawn treatment program then now is the time to get started.  When the average ground temperatures start getting to 55 and higher you WILL have issues.  That is unless you applied a pre emergent.  Pre emergents act like a blanket covering the entire lawn.  This blanket prevents the weeds from being able to germinate and start to grow.  Once the germination process starts you can not stop them from growing.  Instead you will have to use herbicides all year to kill the weeds.  It's really easy to prevent this from being the case.  Most lawns only cost $45-$65 to treat.  At least give it a try!
• Weed & Feed Sucks…

  If you are using weed & feed then your wasting your time.  Don't be the disappointment of a lawn on your street this year.  The average house only cost $40-$60 dollars per visit.  Invest in something that matters this year! https://youtu.be/0ycGG786qNU
• Trim Your Liriope

  https://youtu.be/mqAmgbiqIrE
• Doing Our Part With Pre Emergents

  https://youtu.be/wJLM_B348F4
• Pre Emergents Save you $$$

  https://youtu.be/40MZT6Gytz4
• 1000’s of weed seeds

  The reason Pre Emergents are so important right now is that your lawn is in a race.  Not against time but against the ground temperatures.  There is not a specific time that the summer weeds will start growing.  Instead the germination and growing process is based off the weather and more importantly the ground temperatures.  Once the soil reaches an average of 55 degrees the seeds will start their life cycle.  If you get your pre emergents applied before this happens you will stop this process and prevent the weeds from growing this summer. https://youtu.be/4kl_pUZkx_Q
• Trimming Pink Muhly Grass

  https://youtu.be/QUOS72OlhOg
• Race Against Tempatures

  The reason Pre Emergents are so important right now is that your lawn is in a race.  Not against time but against the ground temperatures.  There is not a specific time that the summer weeds will start growing.  Instead the germination and growing process is based off the weather and more importantly the ground temperatures.  Once the soil reaches an average of 55 degrees the seeds will start their life cycle.  If you get your pre emergents applied before this happens you will stop this process and prevent the weeds from growing this summer.   https://youtu.be/mU6uX9mTj9s
• River Birch Facts

  https://youtu.be/mk7KgcwsnzI
• Understanding Pre Emergents

  https://youtu.be/z__HcAl03U8
• Preemergent time!

  https://youtu.be/y1xdZNnVmv0
• Kill Your Dallisgrass

  https://youtu.be/1jV8JAfsafY Dallisgrass is a huge pain the the grASS!  Right now during the winter when the normal lawn is dormant you can attack it using Roundup.  Just don't get to crazy with the over spray.
• Repairing Crepe Murder

  https://youtu.be/COJKAsYRago  

  Do you have crepe myrtles that have been Murdered over the years? You don't have to drive very far around town to see what we are talking about. It's everywhere! Crepe Myrtles are suffering from years of being trimmed in the wrong way.

   

  Good news...if you have patience, dedication and are committed to doing the right things there is some hope!
• Black Sooty Mold

  https://youtu.be/u9PtR7xk83c Are your Crepe Myrtles turning black?  What about the plants under them?  There are a few options you have.
• Crepe Myrtle Trimming

  https://youtu.be/eYYKSqoTHes   Murdering your Crepe Myrtles is just wrong on so many different levels.  It happens every time of the year...don't be that person this year!
• Pre Emergent Time

  Does your lawn look anything like this? It's our favorite time of the year...It's Pre Emergent Time!!! Of all the things you can do for your lawn Pre Emergents are the most important one of all!  Every Spring and Fall when the weeds are getting ready to wreak havoc remember they can and  must be stopped.  Weed and Feed is a horrible idea to plan on and generally speak is a big fail in the long term.  Why kill the weeds when you can prevent them! Do something positive this year and take care of your lawn!
• Proper Maintenance Order

  https://youtu.be/Im3aC8ngjFM   When you are performing your maintenance in the landscape it sometimes may take several days. Even if it doe not, make sure you are doing everything in the right order. What we mean by this is you don't want to clean out the beds before you have trimmed the shrubs. If you did you would be left have to clean them out twice. Think through the order in which you attack the clean up. Start at the top and work your way down. If you are adding new mulch or pine straw this is always the last step. Before you blow or rake out all of your trash make sure you are done crating any new debris. Hope this helps!
• Azaleas and Sasanquas

  https://youtu.be/VE-TUaySVx8   In the Fall time when you start to clean up your landscape, make sure you stay away from the Azaleas and Sasanquas. Both of these plants have already set their buds and are prepared to bloom. By trimming them now, you will cut off all the blooms and affect the number of flowers they produce. Both of these plants need to be trimmed after they have bloomed along with being fed.
• Deer vs Hair

  https://youtu.be/7AO7g8428fE   Deer vs Hair: If you are having issue with deer eating your plants, consider a trip down to the barber shop. Not to get your hair cut but to get a bag of hair. Deer hate the smell of humans. By getting a bag of hair and sprinkling it around your landscape, the deer will avoid the strong smell of humans in the area. The smell will wear off over time so be prepared to re apply after some time.
• Photo-Cell Timer Problems

  https://youtu.be/yTebVHgQ_to   Photo Cell timers are one of the easiest and most reliable timers to use with your Christmas Lights.  They have a photo eye on them and when it gets dark they turn the power on.  Most have a dial so that you can choose to run the lights for a predetermined amount of time.  An issue that can arise is when there is other light sources in the area.  Sometimes security lights, the Christmas lights them self eves or any other light source will make the timer think it is daylight again and turn the lights off.  The fix to this is to move the timer or use a digital one.
• Questions you should ask about Christmas Lights

  https://youtu.be/Vbikm2TySUM   If this is the year you decide to get Christmas Lights there are a few important questions you need to make sure you ask. 1:  Am I getting to purchase the lights or am I just leasing them? The purchase model is one of the more popular choices we see people take advantage of.  With this model there is an upfront investment the first year to actually purchase the lights but in the years that follow you are only paying to have them installed and removed.  They are your lights and you can do with them as you please.  If you decide to change your installer then you have the material to let someone else use.  With the lease model you do not own anything.  You are just renting the lights during Christmas and pay the same fee every year. 2:  What kind of material are you using? With commercial grade material you have the ability to custom cut the Christmas lights to fit your home.  If you need 33 feet of lights then that is exactly what you cut.  You also want to ask about what size bulbs are being used.  C9 bulbs are the larger and more popular bulbs.  Don't get sold the cheaper and smaller C7's because they wont look as good in the end! 3:  LED vs Incandescent? LED's are taking over the market very fast.  Not only do they last longer but they also save you money with the electrical bill.  Incandescents are also made of glass and break very easily.  They usually are only good for 2 maybe 3 seasons and then have to be replaced.
• Trim Your Sago’s!

  https://youtu.be/amWrQX18wOU If you don't have SAGO PALMS I'm sure you know where some are and I'm sure they look like these. Typically speaking, they can handle out winter time temperatures with out any issues. This last winter was anything but typically though! When they are subjected to extreme temperatures and/or snow and ice, the fronds (palms) will turn brown or yellow. This doesn't mean the plant is dead but the palm will need to be trimmed. Once they turn color, they will never turn green again. They need to be trimmed all the way to the base like the one in the video. This summer when it starts to get hot again they will fill back out and be as beautiful as ever. When you do trim them, make sure to wear gloves because they can be very sharp! If you have any questions feel free to ask!
• Apply Pre Emergents NOW

  https://youtu.be/ffgr3NkPkcc Why Now Is The Time Pre Emergents are super important to lawn care and now is the time to apply them.  It happens every year to us.  We preach the importance of Pre Emergents in Shreveport / Bossier City lawn care.  Some listen and act soon.  Others wait until April and May to start their lawn care.  Why?  Because by this time their lawn is full of weeds from all the rain and warm temperatures.  The reaction is usually to put out some weed & feed or call a lawn care company.  The problem is by this point the weeds have already germinated and are ready to grow.  Lawn care and fertilization is something you have to be pro active about.  Even after you first get started you have patience.  Steps you take will be for the benefit of your lawn months from now.  Applying pre emergents back in the fall is what would have stopped weeds from being a issue today.  Applying pre emergents now is what will stop the weeds from being an issue this summer. Not only is timing super important but also make sure you are using the correct products.  When it comes to pre emergents in the grass for the Shreveport / Bossier area, liquid is what works the best.  When you go this route you are able to get the barrier down to the soil right away and dont have to worry about the granular getting washed away.  The say this is try with you are using insecticides and herbicides.  Liquid is just a far more accurate and effective route to take.  The other thing most people are surprised by is that its often just as cheap to have the service provided for you.  By the time you pay homeowners prices for products and then purchase and maintain the equipment needed to apply, we can do it for the same price. If you need help with picking out a provider, feel free to email us are info@matthewslandscpae.com.  We can help make suggestions about products.  If you need help buy a product, Do My Own Pest Control is a great source to have items shipped right to your door step!
• Be ProActive…Not ReActive with Pre Emergents

  When it comes to lawn care and weeds you have to be ProActive...not ReActive.  Timing is everything with pre emergents.  If you wait until the weeds get to germinate then it is to late.  You get to spend the next 6 months killing weeds instead of enjoying your lawn.  The seeds are already in the grass and there is nothing you or I can do about that.  What you can do is prevent them from ever growing.  When you do this there are not any weeds to drop more seeds and continue the circle!  Don't kill your weeds...Prevent them.  Apply your pre emergents before it is to late. For more information, click here!
• Winter care for Sago Palms

  This winter has been brutal in the south. We've had consistent below freezing temperatures that are not normal for our area. Many plants we have in the south are planted because we typically have warmer weather.  Being that we have many warm temperature plants we've have had several plants that have taken a beating this winter. One is the Sago Palm and you may have noticed that the fronds are brown. Everything that is brown on your Sago Palm fronds has been damaged by the cold. What do you do now? Go to the base of the plant and trim off what is brown. Although the fronds are brown, the plant is not dead!! If you have any questions, let us know. Have a great day! For more information on Sago Palms, click here.  You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.
• Winter is here

  Winter is here.  December 21st this year marks the first day of winter solstice.  What is Winter Solstice you ask?  Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year here in Earth’s northern hemisphere. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol sistere, which means “sun standing still.” On the December solstice, the sun’s daily southward movement in the sky appears to pause. The time and date of the solstice changes every year, but this year’s solstice will occurs at 11:28 a.m. (ET) on December 21st, 2017. The solstice marks the exact moment when the sun’s most direct rays reach their southernmost point of the equator.  The exact times of sunrise and sunset depend on two things: your latitude and geographic location within your time zone. As much as every hears "first day of winter" and frets because of the weather ahead of us, just know we are inching out way to spring!  For more information on the Winter Solstice, click here!
• Buying and Caring for your Christmas Tree

  Every year when I was little we would always go to the local tree farm and pick out the perfect family tree.  Being I had siblings, we always fought over the biggest or fluffiest or the one that just had that smell... the smell of pine and the woods...  the smell of Christmas.  We would get to rotate every year who would get to choose.  Some years we even felt sorry for the "imperfect" trees and would get them. Sure they leaned over a little and weren't perfect... but those are the trees I remember the most. If you are venturing out this holiday season to purchase your own Christmas tree, here are a few things to remember.  When selecting a tree, slightly pull on some stems.  If the needles fall off, move on to the next tree.  You want to find a tree that has no needles falling off.  Once you get the tree home you want to cut about 1/2 inch off the bottom.  This will allow the water to absorb into the tree.  Speaking of water... you need to water your tree everyday!!!  Christmas trees can absorb up to a gallon of water a day!  They are thirsty, so don't forget to water them.  You want to pick a spot in your house away from any heat sources.  We all remember the movie the Christmas Vacation and you don't want your Christmas tree to go POOF like theirs.  After Christmas is over with what do you do with your tree????  Here in Louisiana, we like to take our trees to our favorite fishing hole!  The fish will use the christmas tree as cover and come spring, you'll know exactly where to find them! If you have any questions about Christmas Tree care, let us know.  Have a great Holiday Season!!
• Caring for your plants during Winter

  Finally it is starting to feel like Christmas outside and lately we have had some temperatures that have dipped below freezing. What happens when it freezes to your plants....  well.... the water inside a plant freezes causing damage to the cells of the plant. What does that mean for your tropicals??? That means a lot! They need to be covered as best they can.  All home improvement store in town sell material blankets. They are perfect for protecting your plants from frost. They are lightweight and easy to put on and take off.  If you have potted plants you need to bring them inside if possible.  Even if you just store them under you covered porch or garage. Getting them out of the elements will help tremendously. Let just say you forgot.  The weather dipped below freezing and frost has already got to your plants...   you can bring them back but it's best to wait until the spring.  Keep your plants slightly wet and use some fertilizer after the frost has is gone. If you have any questions about plants during the winter, let us know.  Have a great day! For more information, visit this website for some great tips on winter care for your plants!  
• Installing Shingle Tabs to your Roofline

  When it comes to hanging Christmas lights on your roofline, people usually use staples.  Staples are notorious for leaving damage to your roofline.  We wanted to share a little tip with you.  When you are hanging your Christmas lights, try using a shingle tab. A shingle tab is a plastic piece that you can screw light bulbs into that will slide under the shingles of your house. Using a shingle tab not only helps with keeping your lights lined up but it is also less impactful to your roofline. You can buy these online or in town. They aren't that expensive but they do provide you with a cleaner look for your home. If you have any questions, let us know. Have a great day! Matthews Landscape has been in the Christmas Lights Installation business since 2008. Our focus has always been on making the installation and maintenance of your lights a stress free part of your holiday celebration. To make sure you receive the best experience available we have made sure every installer goes through a series of training and safety classes to help them become the best they can be.  We provide all the custom fit materials to our clients for the install. During the Christmas season we service the lights in the event bulbs burn out or other issues arise. After the holidays, we then come back and remove the lights, box them up and then store them in our warehouse free of charge! For more information, visit our youtube channel.
• Add some Christmas light flare to your landscape

  The Christmas season is about family and joy and Christmas lights!!  It's always been a favorite childhood memory of mine to hop in the car and drive around looking at all the different Christmas light display.  Now that I am a adult it's fun to spruce up my yard with that same joy I had when I was a kid.  Fast forward to today, Christmas light displays have changed... drastically.  At any given time you can drive down your street and find lights not only on the roofline but lights around the columns, lights on the fence, lights around the front door and every window, lamp post etc....  you might even see a 6ft Mickey Mouse blow up decoration as well.  It's safe to say this isn't your grandmas light idea anymore. This year we wanted to bring you a few more ideas to add some flare to your yard.  Everyone knows lights on the house give it that extra glow but have you considered adding lights to your tree trunks?  Yes, tree trunks!  It's so simple and will add so much "wow" to your landscape.   First you want to get some string lights and you want to wrap the tree trunk (or limbs).  You want to make sure the spacing is about 2 - 4 inches apart.  Every so often, add a few staples just to make sure you keep those stings in place.  At night, this will give your yard an even better glow. If you have any questions about Christmas light install, please give us a call.  Matthews Landscape has been in the Christmas Lights Installation business since 2008. Our focus has always been on making the installation and maintenance of your lights a stress free part of your holiday celebration. To make sure you receive the best experience available we have made sure every installer goes through a series of training and safety classes to help them become the best they can be.  We provide all the custom fit materials to our clients for the install. During the Christmas season we service the lights in the event bulbs burn out or other issues arise. After the holidays, we then come back and remove the lights, box them up and then store them in our warehouse free of charge! For more information on Christmas lights, click here to visit our youtube page.
• Commercial grade Christmas lights are the better choice

  When it comes to Christmas lights, everyone wants the brightest and easiest set up.  This is why we recommend using a commercial grade christmas light.  Commercial grade lights you can cut to size.  Meaning...  you aren't subjected to using the exact amount of lights with all that over hang.  You can literally cut the cord to the length you need for your roofline.  Nothing is more frustrating than getting to the end and having 3 or 4 extra feet of lights you don't need.  They are very simple to use, you can cut the wire, and use the plugs to make a new end. You can't do that with the lights you buy from Home Depot or Lowes. The other advantage to commercial grade Christmas lights is the shingle tabs.  They slide under your shingles and it holds the light in place.  We also recommend you buy LED.  This will save you so much in power.  The other neat thing is it comes with a wire that you can make your own extension cord.  If this is something you are interested in, you can buy commercial grade lights in bulk online or if you wanted to visit a local store, Splash Pools and Spas has them.  We do recommend getting an extra few feet when you purchasing your lights.  You'd rather spend a little extra so you don't come up short.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  Have a great day! For more information on Christmas lights, click here to visit our youtube page.    
• How to care for your Poinsettias this Christmas season

  Poinsettias are a staple at the Christmas season and you can find them everywhere during the holiday season. From malls to front porches they bring the color to Christmas. They come in many different colors: red, white, and pink.  When choosing your poinsettia you want to look at the stem.  The stem needs to be thick and strong.  Stay away from stems that have breaks or wilting as it will cause the plant to wilt faster.  Most poinsettias will last about 4-6 weeks with proper care.  Once the flowers start to fall off the poinsettia life is near it's end.  Poinsettias need sunlight to survive.  Placing them in a window makes them happy.  They are also temperature sensitive. They like it to be about 65 to 75 degrees.  They don't need a lot of watering.  You will know it's time to water when the soil on top gets dry to the touch.  So don't over water them.  Once the poinsettia has bloomed, you do not need fertilizer.  Just water.  Side note:  Poinsettia is NOT poisonous.  They have gotten a bad rap in the past however they safe for human and pets.  Just don't try to eat it... mainly because that's just gross.  If you need more information on Poinsettias, click here.  
• Replacing your Irrigation Nozzles with MPR Nozzles

  When you are updating your irrigation nozzles, consider an MPR nozzle. The MPR nozzle waters your yard more effectively. Rather than spraying the water with a mist like spray.... it's more of a controlled spray with 5 different smaller streams. It gives the water time to soak in which prevents run off. It also doesn't give you that misting effect that if you were to have a big wind, it just blows it all over the place. It will continue to give you a good watering regardless the wind speed. To replace the existing nozzles it's as easy as twisting them off and twisting the MPR nozzle on.  It also saves you money. That's everyones favorite part. You do not have to use as much water because you aren't losing as much. It's not hard to replace either. You can change it yourself! They aren't pricey... about $4 or $5 bucks each. If you have any questions, let us know. You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed. 
• Oh, Deer

  Oh DEER!  We've seen this before but not at this level. Deer love Pansies! A couple things you can try that can help in keeping them out of your flowers beds are Deer Off or Vinegar. Deer Off is a product you can buy at any local home improvement store. It emits a human type odor which is suppose to keep the deer away. Another option is just using some household items. We are using a kitchen sponge covered by pine straw. Once you get it covered, pour some vinegar on it. So if you are having issues with your pansies missing.... try one of these options. Hope this helps and if you have any questions, let us know.  You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed. 
• Why we Use Commercial Grade Christmas Lights

  Thanksgiving is past and this is the time everyone will be putting up their Christmas lights. We wanted to talk to you about the advantage of commercial grade Christmas light material. It comes in bulk but the best part is that you are actually able to cut your Christmas lights to fit the area you need. Nothing is more frustrating than putting up your lights and having so much extra material. There are several places online you can purchase this from or you can swing by Splash Pools and Spa and they can get you set up. If you have any questions, let us know. Matthews Landscape has been in the Christmas Lights Installation business since 2008. Our focus has always been on making the installation and maintenance of your lights a stress free part of your holiday celebration. To make sure you receive the best experience available we have made sure every installer goes through a series of training and safety classes to help them become the best they can be.  We provide all the custom fit materials to our clients for the install. During the Christmas season we service the lights in the event bulbs burn out or other issues arise. After the holidays, we then come back and remove the lights, box them up and then store them in our warehouse free of charge!
• Planting your fall color

  When you are planting your fall color you want to make sure you are making good decisions when choosing your soil.  As you get ready to plant your fall color keep in mind that your flower beds need to be higher than all other areas. The reason for that is you want it to be able to drain really well. This prevents root rot. Also you want to use a really rich and fine potting soil or some sort of landscape mix.  When you squeeze the soil you want to make sure it does not clump up.  This will ensure it will not retain a lot of water.  If you have any questions, let us know. Have a good day!
• Laying mulch during fall clean-up

  Laying mulch during fall clean-up is something everyone loves to do.  Something about a fresh bed of mulch really makes your flowers pop during each season. We wanted to warn you about something you need to watch out for when you are laying your mulch line.  You can tell in the video that there is a brick line and then the slab line. You want to make sure you don't stack the mulch up over the slab if the house. You can see the weep hole in the brick. That's where the wall weeps away moisture. If you cover that weep line, water can actually seep into your house through those covered weep holes  When laying your mulch, make sure you leave plenty of the slab line showing. Just something to keep in mind when laying your mulch.  If you have any questions, let us know.  Have a great day!
• Planting Seasonal Color

  Fall is here and you are probably getting ready to add your seasonal color.  What you need to be aware of is the weather.  It's still pretty warm and with is being so warm the flowers haven't hit their full growth. As you see in the video, we went to a local grower in town and their flowers still aren't bloomed.  There are flowers grow locally.  What you need to be aware of is when you walk into a Lowes or Home Depot and you see fully bloomed flowers.  That means those flowers have been grown elsewhere and have adapted to that weather.  These plants have had the opportunity to root and grow faster.  What concerns me is when you take those flowers and plant them in our current weather conditions, you will have some loss. We want to encourage you to keep an eye on the weather.  Wait until you see where the weather consistently drops, when it gets ideal for the best chance of survival. If you have any questions about where to buy, what to buy... just let us know.  We'd love to help you out.  Have a great day!
• Start Your Pre-Emergents Now!

  If you are wanting a good looking lawn in the spring, now is the time to start the prep work and get your pre-emergents down. If you were seeing weeds this summer, those were not summer time weeds, those were winter weeds just waiting for the ideal temperatures to germinate.  In order to stop those winter weeds you have to lay down a pre-emergent in the fall.  When you start a pre-emergent in the fall you are preparing the ground ahead of time.  Lawn care is just like working out. If you want to lose weight, it doesn't happen over night.  It happens over time.  Same with lawn care, what you do now, is for the benefit of later down the road. We have a lot of people ask about weed and feed.  Our opinion...  weed and feed sucks.  It just does.  It's not going to give you the control you are looking for or the results you are looking for.  The hard truth about lawn care is you need to get on a regular routine schedule. Be proactive. Put down your pre-emergents. If you are wanting the lawn that everyone wants, it starts right now. If you don't do pre-emergents or cant do them, feel free to ask us.  We can help you. Just as long as it gets done.  If you have any questions, give us a call.  We'd love to help you out.  You can also find us on Facebook!  Ya'll have a great day and let us know if you have any questions.
• Pre-Emergents vs Herbicides

  Pre-Emergents vs Herbicides Weeds have to germinate to grow. The important thing to remember is Pre-Emergent prevents the weeds growing. The Herbicides attack the weed after the weed has already grown. The issue with herbicides is that they will attack an existing weed but if you have other weeds that haven’t germinated yet, herbicides won’t kill those weeds, pre-emergents will. If you want a good looking lawn it's better to apply the pre-emergents and start well before the weeds even germinate and prevent the vast majority of weeds from ever germinating. Your lawn is more than just grass. Maybe it’s your children’s playground, maybe it your pride and joy. It’s definitely the first thing people see when they look at your house. You deserve to have the most beautiful looking grass on the street. We all like compliments, let us help you get one from the neighbors!!! Our lawn care program is designed and overseen by some of the most able bodies we could find. With degrees in turf management and agronomy, let’s just say they know a lot about grass! Our program consist of 6 steps throughout the year. This allows us to be on your lawn every 6-8 weeks giving your lawn just what is needed at just the right time! Give us a call to set up your first appointment.  Have a great day!
• Army Worms

  Caterpillars are cute … until they aren't!!! Ever heard of Army Worms? You need to be very concerned about Army Worms. They can literally ruin a yard if not treated as soon as possible. They will eat the grass blades and can actually eat all the way to the root of the blade. How to spot these?? You will most likely find these on the grass surface, patios, etc and where there is 1… there is 100! Do we have you freaked out yet?? You should be. However, there is treatment options. If you have questions or comments, give us a call!  You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.
• Do you have mushrooms?

  Are you seeing a lot of mushrooms in your yard? If you are seeing this, it's ok! Yes they are an eye sore but they aren't doing any damage. Our video today examples why you may be getting them and if you need to treat them. If you have any questions, give us a call.   You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.
• Crape Myrtle Scale Treatment

  Pretty excited about this!!! We've talked about Crape Myrtle Scale before but we wanted to give an update on the treatments we have done. The last couple years these crape myrtles have been eat up with scale but since our treatments there is very little scale remaining. Even the Azaleas are clean of the mold! We were able to treat them by using a three step process. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. We'd love to help! Y'all have a great day!! Below is the first treatment video: http://matthewslandscape.com/treating-crape-myrtle/ ‎
• Why Atrazine isn’t worth the savings!

  Atrazine is a very common product that you find in weed and seed. It is easy to apply and been around forever.  You will find it in granular and liquid form.  The problem with atrazine is that it leaches pretty bad.  When you get a lot of rain like we have had lately, it pretty much will be washed out and rendered infective.  If you start seeing less than favorable results and maybe you or your provider put it out earlier this spring, it is probably because it has not been washed out and is no longer working.  This is why using a good quality product is going to be your better option.  Just something to keep in mind. If you have any questions please let us know!
• Knock Out Roses

  One of the more popular plants you will see in the south is the Knock Out Rose. Knock Out Rose will have two trim cycles: Jan/Feb and August. All of the new blooms develop off new growth and if you do not trim them they will start to get out of control. In August we will cut them back about half size. When you do the cut back it will introduce new growth and causes it to be much fuller. You can use any type of shears.. maybe gloves because they do have thorns. If you have any questions give us a call.  Have a great day! You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed. 
• Trimming Your Shrubs

  When to trim your shrubs is just as important as how. Certain plants require being trimmed more or less than others and trimming will affect how well they bloom. In the next few weeks it will be time to cut the knock out roses by half. If you were to do that with your sasanqua's you would remove all the bloom buds and be disappointed this winter. Just remember that there's a time and way to trim most of the plants in your landscape. If you ever have a doubt or question, please feel free to ask! You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.  Call today for your FREE estimate, 318-286-0967!
• How to Treat Chinch Bugs

  Have you ever heard of chinch bugs? Chinch bugs have a needle like beak that they poke it into the blades of grass and take all it’s nutrients. What it leaves behind is similar to what people would think would be dry spots in their yard. Most people assume their yard needs more watering, however, it may need insecticide. Be on the look out for dry spots in your yard and don't just assume it's dry spots. For more information on Chinch bugs visit Do Your Own Pest Control or if you have any questions or is you are seeing spots similar to this and have concerns, give us a call.   You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.
• Recycling Landscape Material

  What do you do with the debris left behind when landscaping yourself? One option is calling the local trash service. We recommend calling because they will and will not take certain debris. Another option if you have a trailer is take your debris to Bailey Bark. Bailey Bark Materials is off St. Vincent Avenue in Shreveport. Bailey Bark is a recycling center that takes your debris and turns it into mulch. Taking it to a place like Bailey Bark ensures that it gets repurposed and that it doesn’t just end up in a landfill. If you have any other questions or comments, give us a call. At Matthews Landscape, LLC we strive to be your most reliable service company in the Shreveport / Bossier City and surrounding areas. With years of experience in lawn care, landscape maintenance, liquid lawn fertilization and irrigation service, we specialize in keeping your property looking its best.
• Watering your yard during summer

  We wanted to stress the importance of watering your lawn right now! Remember.... you are going to do more harm if you water your yard everyday for 15 minutes. It’s better to water your yard less frequently for longer periods of time! The objective is to completely soak the ground and then allow time to dry out. Mowing, feeding and watering are so important to your yard, especially with our high temperatures right now. If you have any questions or comments, let us know. Have a great day! You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.  Call today for your FREE estimate, 318-286-0967!
• Drainage Issue

  If you are having issues with standing water around your house sometimes you have no other choice but to install a drainage system. Depending on your yard, you might have to install a larger pipe. Most yard will do well with a 4 inch pipe, however, some with larger yards or pools may need to go to an 8 inch pipe to make sure that you get enough drainage for the yard size. If you are not sure what size you will need, NDS is a great resource for sizing gallons per minute. As always, contact us with any questions. We'd love to answer your questions. Have a great day!! https://www.ndspro.com/
• Mosquito Treatment

  It's a solid fact that mosquitoes are the worst part about summer. Especially when you live in the south. They show up at the worst of times too! Like when you are having a cook out, while the kids are playing in the yard, when grandma shows up to help with the flowerbeds! They are the pest that won't easily go away.

  We use a process known as fogging or barrier spray to help control mosquitos in your yard. We do this with a water based insecticide that doesn’t have a smell, leave stains or residue behind. After approximately 30 minutes after your application, you won’t be able to tell that we were there other than the fact that you are not getting eaten up by mosquitos anymore! If you have any questions about this service please leave your comments below. Have a great day!!
• Mowing Your Yard during Summer

  As temperatures are rising, you are having to mow your yard more frequently. It’s very tempting to skip mowing the yard on weeks that are hotter but that is a very bad practice!! When you mow your yard infrequently, it promotes a thick unhealthy layer of thatch. The mulching mowers will not be able to mulch up that much grass. Also, the water and fertilizer will have a harder time getting to the roots. If you have any questions or comments, let us know.  Have a great day! Our business philosophy revolves around the concepts of highest quality standards and offering guarantees to our clients. This is why we are confident that even if you can benefit from our “fix for free” policy, you won’t need to use it, as we will do our job perfectly from the first trial. Since we work with trained professionals and you won’t see a dull mowing blade nowhere around your lawn and landscape, we think that all you need to do to see if we’re as good as we say we are is to give us a call and ask for a free estimate. We always answer the phone and we provide you with a secure online account and many payment options, including credit card. We know you are a busy person, so flexible schedules are not a problem.
• What does a Flood Watch mean for your Landscape?

  What does a Flood Watch mean for your Landscape?  As we prepare for Tropical Storm Cindy we wanted to talk about the effects large amounts of rainfall has and what it can do to your lawn and landscape.  Most grasses will tolerate being overwhelmed with large amounts of water for longer periods of time without serious damage. The biggest problem with too much rainfall is from the movement of soil and debris over the grass.

  What about shrubs and trees?  Although we are not expecting high winds to knock over trees, the rain alone can do damage to trees if the ground gets overly saturated.   Most shrubs and trees will have a healthy root system already in place that will protect them from too much rainfall.  However, if heavy amounts of water should sit for multiple days, freshly planted shrubs and trees could be damaged.

  Cleaning up after the rainfall is actually the worst part. After you remove debris such a fallen limbs and soil build up, you will want to avoid walking on your lawn until it dries out.  If your lawn is severely damaged by the amount of rainfall you should consider core aerating your yard to help in drying it out faster. Saturated soil followed by drying out can sometime lead to soil compaction which is fixed by aeration.  Be sure to also turn off your sprinkler system and allow your landscape and grass to throughly dry out before running it again.

  Unfortunately, our lawns cannot hide from the force of mother nature but having a plan in place for lawn care during heavy downpours will help to ensure that after the storm passes your lawn, trees and shrubs will survive.

     
• Dollar Leaf Weed

  Dollar Leaf Weed is a very common weed you will find in the south.  It is commonly described as "mini lily pads" which is exactly what they look like.  You will find them in any type of grass. They like really wet areas in your yard so if you have area in your yard where water does not train really well, you might see this weed start growing. It is considered a broadleaf weed so you can prevent it and you can kill it with any type of atrazine product. Dollar Leaf Weed has an almost identical twin called Dichondra Weed.  The difference between them is that the Dollar leaf weed has a stem that hits the leaf in the center.  The Dichondra weed has a stem that grows on the side of the leaf that causes the leaf to make a half moon. Dollar Leaf Weed is a very low growing weed so cutting your grass higher will allow the grass to choke out the Dollar Leaf Weed.  Here is a product we suggest using in helping with Dollar Leaf Weed. Let us know if you have any questions!  Have a great day! http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/bayer-advanced-southern-season-long-weed-control-for-lawns-p-2036.html
• How to treat Dandelions

  Dandelions are a broadleaf perennial that grows all over the United States. Most people think that just pulling the flower out of the soil will kill the weed, however, Dandelions have a root system that can grow 2-3 inches into the soil that will need to also be removed.  Spring is the best time frame to starting the process of killing the weed.  There are serval ways you can stop this weed from growing in your yard.   Mow high!  Having a thick and healthy lawn will help prevent dandelions from spreading. Dandelions will thrive in thin lawns so keeping a thick lawn will in a sense suffocate the weed out. Being consistent with the use of pre emergents in the spring and fall are a way to prevent them from growing. Using a pre emergent will help in suppressing the weeds.... making it more difficult for dandelions to grow in the future. The main thing to remember when trying to rid your yard of dandelions is that you must treat all the way to the root!  Also, we know everyone loves to take the dandelion once the flower has turned to seeds and blow them into the wind.  Just make sure that wind direction doesn't blow those seeds back into your own yard!  If you have any comments, leave them below.  Have a great day!    
• Crape Myrtle Scale: What is it?

  Now that spring is in full force and your crape myrtles are about to bloom, you need to be aware of what else might be going on with your crape myrtles.  Scale has become a big issue around Shreveport / Bossier when it comes to scale.  Most people notice the black sooty mold first and that's when they realize there is an issue.  You usually see the black mold on the tree  and on all of the plants under the tree.  The reason for this is the scale.  The live in the tree feeding on the outside bark.  They secrete a by product called honeydew, the clear sticky stuff you will see.  The black mold grows on this honeydew.  So the answer to get rid of the mold is to get rid of the scale.  Fixing one issue will fix 3.   In the Spring the scale are young and tender.  This is also when they are the most active.  While there is no real way to get rid of them all, you can control them right now.  If you wait until later in the summer the treatments are not nearly as effective due the are armored shell they develop which makes it hard to get insecticide to the bug.  Like we said, there is no way to get rid of the scale but there are treatments.  It has to be a 3 step approach.  First you want to use a bee friendly insecticide that way you don't disturb the pollinators or bees.  The first two should be sprayed onto the tree and all the crakes.  This is best if done using a spray gun that can reach the tops as well.  Space the first 2 applications out by roughly 2 weeks.  The third application can be a deep root injection if you have the equipment for this or you can drench the roots using a bucket.    If you have any questions, let us know.  This is a very important step in helping to control this problem.  Have a great day!
• Powdery Mildew in St Augustine Grass

  Have you seen powdery mildew in your St Augustine Grass?  This is actually a pretty common issue during warm, wet or humid weather. All of which we are no strangers to. Generally speaking it's hard to prevent but it's also pretty harmless to the grass as well. You typically can brush your hand or foot across it and it will fall right off the grass blade. So long as the grass doesn't appear to be in distress like the ones shown, there no need to react or do anything. It will usually go away the next time you cut the grass of when the weather dries up. In the event it does seem to be spreading or causing a decline to the grass, you will need to apply a fungicide to the affect area. If you've got any questions please let us know! Have a great Monday!
• Do you have a Sprinkler System?

  There is so much to be said about this picture! If you have a sprinkler system at your house then you should also have a vacuum breaker. That's the copper U shaped thing in the side of the house. You know, the thing that freezes in the winter! This is an attempt to repair one, a poor attempt at best. Usually we are all about telling you how to fix this stuff on your own. However, when it comes to vacuum breakers they have to be installed, inspected and tested by a licensed professional. PLEASE don't accept this as an ok job! If you have any questions, please let us know!
• Spruce up your patio with color

  Wanna spruce up your patio with color but have no yard space to plant flowers??? Pots with mixed plants always make a great addition to your patio. Try mixing different colors and plants to add some variety. Depending on the size of your patio, try adding multiple pots with color. It will really give that pop of color your patio needs. If you have any questions, let us know! Have a great day!
• All About Hydrangea

  Who Loves Hydrangeas?  Such a traditional plant here in the south. They are gorgeous. Something important to remember about your hydrangeas is that they don't favor the evening sun. Typically from lunch on - they need to be in the shade. A good time of the year to trim them is in the Oct-Nov timeframe. They are a funny flower... and will change color with any soil change. As always, if you have any questions, let us know. Y'll have a great day!! You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge.  Still not happy?  Then you owe nothing.  It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple.  You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them.  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed.  Call today for your FREE estimate, 318-286-0967!
• Aeration

  Hey everyone! I know we have talked a lot about aeration lately and we wanted to show you an example of what we mean by aeration and the benefits of aeration. It's a machine with a whole bunch of spikes and we run it back and forth over the grass. It literally pokes little holes in the ground pulling the core plugs out. The core aerator will pull a solid core of the ground out and aerify the root systems, allows more water and fertilizer and will help build a better root system. Your grass looks great when the root system is healthy. If you have any questions about aeration please let us know!! Yall have a great day!  
• Drought Friendly Flowers

  How many of you never plant flowers because you are guilty of killing them because you forgot to water??? You are in luck!!!! Portulaca Flowers are very drought tolerant. In fact, if you water too much, it can kill them! They are a flower that stays low to the ground and will spread pretty well. It has a lot of different bloom heads so they will provide you with plenty of color. So if you are scared to plant some color because of the watering process, this is the plant for you! If you have any questions, let us know! Have a great day!!  
• Have you seen Fungus?

  Be on the look out for Fungus!!! The weather recently has been the perfect conditions for fungus. The moist and wet weather is always a common cause for fungus but you may not realize the temperature plays a big part as well. When there are significant differences between the highs and lows like last night, 48 to 81, it creates optimal conditions. Back yards or areas where there isn't a lot of wind are also more prone. It's not very practical to try and prevent fungus since the chemicals are only good for 14-15 days, plus they are expensive. The best practice is to keep a look out for the early development of fungus and when you first see it, treat it then to stop and prevent further spreading. If you have any questions or concerns, send us a picture and we will help you ID what you have and make suggestions on what to treat with!
• Is your sprinkler system saving you money?

  Is your sprinkler system saving you money??? Now that it's getting hot outside we are going to start talking more about your sprinkler system. You may not realize it, but there are several ways available to use you system effectively and save money in the process. Most propel simply give up during the summer after to many expensive water bills. That doesn't have to be the case any more. Below is just one example of how a smart controller will not water the yard based upon predicted weather conditions. We will go over this and several other ways so stay tuned! You Deserve Exceptional Lawn Care Service with The Most Powerful Lawn Care Guarantee in Louisiana! If you aren’t satisfied with our lawn care or landscape services we will come repeat the work free of charge. Still not happy? Then you owe nothing. It can’t get any easier than that. Our business plan is simple. You want a beautiful yard without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done. That’s where we come in. We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises. We are saying that we love lawn and landscapes and know how to care of them. Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed. Call today for your FREE estimate, 318-286-0967!
• Variety is the spice of life

  They say "Variety is the spice of life!" When you go to plant your seasonal flowers this year, try something new! There are so many different types and colors of flowers that will work in our area that life doesn't have to be boring! Remember to use different colors and sizes of flowers to add a layered look to your landscape. Put taller plants behind smaller ones and it will give you a layered look that adds extra depth and attention. Also, don't forget when planting new flowers to give them enough room to grow and fill in the extra space. If you have any questions about types and placement, feel free to ask!
• DIY Advice

  We are all about DIY projects....just not when they are done wrong.  I'll give them a A for effort but one bolt later and they still had a leaking system.  A PVC cap would have cost about $1 dollar and the repair takes a few minutes once it is found. There are several different tricks of the trade that will make your job and life so much easier.  Morale of the story here...do it right the first time.  A little piece of info to keep in mind as well in terms of dollars saved by doing it right.  If a leak is not fixed and allowed to leak all day from a single cracked pipe like this one, you could cost yourself over $100/month is additional water on your bill. Give us a call or send us a message if you have any questions about fixing anything in the yard.  

• Plant Colors have Arrived!

  We are finally starting to get some good looking color in! Despite the cooler temperatures recently, the roots have finally developed. A suggestion if you get out and plant some flowers soon is make sure you select a good plant to begin with. Make sure you pick a more developed plant that has a good root system growing. We always recommend buying the 4 inch pot plants over the smaller 6 packs for this reason. Also do your homework and make sure you select a plants that is suited to the bed it's going in. Some flowers do better with sun while others need shade. We will talk more about bed prep later but that is also very important. If you have any questions about location or types of plants,  contact us today! 
• Treating Crape Myrtles

  It's time to start treating crape myrtles for scale!!! Per the LSU Ag testing sites the scale are officially starting to move. The treatment process we are using this year, tested by LSU, is to make two spray treatments followed by one roots soak. This is an example of the tool used to soak the roots. It's and injectors that is pushed into the ground just deep enough to get to the feeder roots. The high pressure pump forces the insecticide into the ground and soaks the soil. The roots aboard the product and it is carried through the tree and its leaves. As the scale feeds on the tree it comes in contact with the insecticide and the rest is history. This is a great way to "control" the scale. There is still no way to guarantee getting rid of them all together. This will though handle the vast majority of them. Let us know if you have any questions about the treatments!  
• St Augustine Grass

  Have you ever noticed long strings of grass in your St Augustine sod before?  They are called runners and as the grass comes out of dormancy you will start to see them more. St Augustine grass is known for its ability to fill in bare spots and repair damaged spots the fastest.  As these "runners" grow throughout the yard they help give that thick carpet look it is know for. Also, as our night time temperatures get warmer and the grass starts to grow more aggressively, it's a perfect time to aerate the ground so the yard can repair itself faster. Personally, it's my favorite type of grass!   We provide a wide range of services, including but not limited to lawn mowing, mulch installations, irrigation services, weed control and fertilization, edging, trimming and many more. We respect your property, so we always clean after ourselves and use only full functional, clean and maintained tools and equipment. We won’t treat your lawn like just any other one, but we will assess its needs and features and we will provide you with a care and maintenance plan supervised and approved by our head agronomist so your lawn can benefit from the best care and reach its maximum of potential. Turning your lawn and landscape into the envy reason for the whole neighborhood is a goal we aim to reach! Call us today! 
• Mulching Your Yard

  Mulching your yard actually has more to do with the equipment you mow with instead of an actual technique you use. Most mowers do one of three things to the grass. They blow or discharge it out of the side, catch it in a bag or mulch it. To mulch make sure all of the openings in the deck of the mower are closed off. Also make sure you have a proper mulching blade installed as well. They are curved like the one shown in the video. Now, as you mow the grass, it is chopped into several smaller pieces and dropped back into the ground. This organic material decomposes and provides nutrients to the soil. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. At Matthews Landscape, LLC we strive to be your most reliable service company in the Shreveport / Bossier City area. With years of experience in lawn care, landscape maintenance, lawn fertilization and irrigation service, we specialize in keeping your property looking its best.  Our business plan is simple.  You want green grass without any hassle and you do not want to worry about how, when and why things need to get done.  That’s where we come in.  We aren’t just making a bunch of empty promises.  We are saying that we love grass and know how to care for it!  Exceptionally reliable, worry free, quality lawn care…guaranteed. We Guarantee You Will Be 100% Satisfied With Our Lawn Care Services or We Will Repeat The Work Free Of Charge . If You Are Still Not Satisfied, You Owe Us Nothing !
• Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

  Crape myrtles are considered an essential Southern plant for good reasons. Selected from Lagerstroemia indica or its hybrid with L. fauriei, these summer-flowering trees offer spectacular flowers, colorful autumn foliage, and handsome sculptural trunks that few other plants can match. A new pest on crape myrtles, the crape myrtle bark scale was first detected in Texas in 2004 and quickly spread to 130 counties in 11 states by 2016. An article on its distribution, damage, life stage and population trends was published in the spring 2016 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.  For more information click here

  At Matthews Landscape, LLC we strive to be your most reliable service company in the Shreveport / Bossier City area. With years of experience in lawn care, landscape maintenance, lawn fertilization and irrigation service, we specialize in keeping your property looking its best. We offer a broad range of techniques and work hard with our in-house technicians and horticulturists to bring you a well-rounded approach to your home or business.  
• Sharpening your mower blades

  If you are looking for a greener, fuller and healthier yard, you might think about to sharpening your mower blades. With dull blades, your lawn mower will tear the blades of grass leaving it weak and promoting grass diseases. Sharpening your blades will leave clean cuts to the blades allowing a healthy grow safe from fungal and diseases. Here at Matthews Landscape, we use an angle grinder with regular grinding blades. Make sure you are taking off an even amount off both sides of the blades. Putting an even edge on your blades will give you that clean cut for your lawn.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy0bRAadT9k&t=6s
• Episode 001: #FeedYourGrass

  In this episode, Curtis and Garrett talk about fungus, bugs and what you can do about them all! https://youtu.be/lmpXqhZ96Ek
• Scale On Crape Myrtles

  Are your crape myrtles and shrubs covered in a black looking mold?  If so, here are a few answers to break down whats going on.  As most people know by now scale is a a very serious problem in our area.  Scales are a bug that feed on the leaves and limbs of your plants.  They are usually the white looking part you will see.  What most people dont realize is that the black sooty mold on all the plants under the trees are a result of the scale as well.  As they feed on the trees the put off a by product called honeydew.  This is usually the sticky and shinny stuff you will see on other plants, walls, patios or anything else under or around the trees.  They black stuff is called sooty mold and it grows as a result of the honey dew.  While the mold and honey dew themselves wont kill the plants they block the plants from being able to absorb light which will affect its growth.  They best way to fix all of these issues is to get the scale under control.  Removing they from the equation will fix everything else.  Once the scale are under control all the pants can be sprayed off with water and a little time to get things back to normal.  The technical name for the scale is Armored Scale.  As they mature they form a hard shell on the outside that can be difficult to get chemicals to.  The best time to treat for them is in the early spring with the new generation of bugs are young and have not developed the armor yet.  So noteworthy facts are that generally speaking scale is very hard to kill and control but can not be ignored.  Also they way they spread, if you treat yours and the neighbors do not there is not guarantee it will no spread.  There are several different chemicals that have better than average control results.  If you need help deciding what to use call our office and we would be glad to make suggestions.
• Why Sharp Mower Blades Matter

  When your mowing your lawn its important to make sure you keep a sharp set of blades on the mower.  Obviously the amount of grass you are cutting will determine how sharp you blades are but there are several other factors to consider.  If you are hitting rocks, sticks in the yard or other debris this will all affect how shape the blades stay.  Cutting tall thick grass or wet grass will also affect how dull they get.  When your blades are sharp they will actually cut the grass.  Dull blades tend to pull and tear the grass.  A easy way to see this it by looking at the ends of the grass.  If they have a frayed look then it may be time to sharpen them.  If like most people you are mulching your grass it is even more important to have a sharp set of blades to make sure the grass is getting chopped into fine pieces that can easily break down into a natural mulch for your grass.  If it is not it can lead to a thatch build up sooner than normal.  It is a good idea to change them at least once on month if possible.  This can be a easy task by simply using a angle grinder in your garage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akkbM39oEq4
• How To: Calibrate Your Sprayer

  Anyone who has ever fought with weeds in their yard will tell you that liquid chemicals give a far better control than granular.  In order for this to be effective though you need to know how much product your putting out. To do this you equipment will need to be calibrated correctly.  This task is extremely easy and extremely important.  Since most people will be using a hand sprayer that is what we will focus on.  To start, mark off a 10x10 area on the concrete to give you 100 sqft.   Next fill your sprayer with plan water.  Now you will need to time your self spraying the 100 sqft area.  Once this is complete spray into a container for the same amount of time.  This will tell you how much water it takes to spray 100sqft.  Armed with this knowledge you next will look at the chemical you are using.  There will be some basic math involved and the numbers will be different for each person.  Now you know how much chemical to mix in your tank and can apply the right amount to the grass for weed control.  While granular products work ok, liquid is by far the best to control weeds in your grass.  If you need more help feel free to call or email our office!
• Call Us Today!

  
• Matthews Landscape…And the Winner Is…

  And the Winner Is... We want to Thank all of the people who took the time to leave us a review. Without your help we wouldn't be able to reach new people and show them what we are capable of offering.  We appreciate any and all honest reviews we can get at any time. The winner of the new iphone is:  Valerie Brown!!! Due to all of the support you have shown we have decided to draw 2 additional names to recieve a $100 Visa gift card! Congratulations...Leah Cowan and Faye Cost!!! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter by Clicking Here or follow us on Facebook by Clicking Here to learn about news and upcoming events like this. Again, we thank each and every one of you for all of your support!                     Garrett Matthews (318) 286-0967 info@matthewslandscape.com

• Final Day to Win an iPhone6

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  Final Day to Win an iPhone6 Today's the last day to enter!  Our review raffle has finally come to an end and we will be holding the drawing today at 12:00 pm today.  We greatly appreciate your help and honest reviews.  Thank you very much for your help and good luck!                       If you don't want to hear about this raffle anymore, click here. Garrett Matthews (318) 286-0967 info@matthewslandscape.com If you no longer wish to receive our emails, click the link below: Unsubscribe Matthews Landscape, LLC 381 Mt. Zion Rd Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 United States (318) 230-2585

• January Newsletter

  January Newsletter We hope your your holidays were great!  As the new year rolls around we are trying to find more ways to provide you with the best lawn care and landscaping service possible.  One of those ways is through quality communication. Newsletter We are going to start a consistent monthly new letter to keep you informed about whats happening in that month as far as services.  When we have special deals or raffles taking place this is how you will be informed.  It will also have pointers and tips if you choose to perform certain task on your own.  We understand that not everyone wants to get these and respect that.  If this is the case and you would like to opt out and not receive anymore newsletters from us simply CLICK HERE.  Thank you again for all of your support and we look forward to another great year with you!   January - Prepare for the Freeze Recently our temperatures have been dipping well below freezing and as most of you know this can cause a problem with you irrigation system if it isn't winterized properly.  Most of the problems you will see occur at the vacuum breaker.  This is the upside down U shaped pipe, usually made of copper, that comes out of the ground typically on the side of the house.  When the water isn't drained out of the pipes it can freeze and bust the pipes.  This can result in repairs that range from a range of $50.00-$500.00 depending on the extent of the damage.  Just because the temperatures drop below freezing doesn't mean the pipes will rupture however the cost of repairs isn't worth the time to properly winterize the system.  To learn more about the proper way to winterize your sprinkler system watch the video below.  Or if you would like to have us take care of this for you feel free to call our office of go to our web site and submit a request.  Thank you again and have a great day! Win a FREE iPhone 6 or 6 plus!!!  Click Here for more details on how to enter our review raffle and win a new unlocked iPhone!!!   We would love to hear what you have to say.  Please leave us a review!!!                 Garrett Matthews (318) 286-0967 info@matthewslandscape.com Matthews Landscape, LLC 381 Mt. Zion Rd Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 (318) 230-2585

  

  
• Matthews Landscape New Website Launched

  We are always looking for ways to improve our service, and to that end, we proudly announce our new website launched. Over the years, we have grown as a company, and now we offer many services that you may not be aware of. (more…)