Reclaim Your Lawn

gardening tips , techniques , lawn

Hot, dry summers can wreak havoc on lawns - leaving them dry, thin and spotty. But here’s the good news: right now is the best time to rejuvenate stressed and struggling lawns. Here’s your chance!

Introduce Great Quality Grass Seed

According to the University of Illinois, the ideal seed time is Aug 21 - Sept 21; although it can be safely stretched to the end of September.

With three specially formulated Hoerr Nursery seed selections to choose from, we’ll help you choose the one that’s right for you:  a five-star, sure-to-make-your-neighbor-jealous lawn; a tough, all-purpose lawn for active outdoor families or for those hard-to-grow shady areas.

Start the New Grass Off Right

1. Loosen or till your soil before seeding - make sure the seed comes in contact with the soil.
2. Apply a starter fertilizer like Ferti-lome® New Lawn Starter
3. Water! Keep the soil surface moist is key; water at least once per day until the seed begins to germinate.

Aeration is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Lawn

Aerating in the fall will loosen soil, aid in root development, and control thatch. If you’re interested in aeration, give us a call at 309-689-2544 for a free consultation.

What Does Mating Season Have To Do with My Trees?

gardening tips , trees

‘Tis the season for colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, football … and deer. Hunter’s hearts may be pumping, but homeowners with young trees beware! Mating season for deer may bring some serious damage to smaller trees.

Itchy Antlers?

Not quite! ‘The Rut’ is the time of year when bucks (male deer) compete to win over the does (female deer). One way of marking their territory and intimidating other bucks is to rub their antlers against unsuspecting trees. “Rubs” can significantly damage and weaken trees – even to the point it cannot recover.

Need to Know

• Typically from early September through November
• Most susceptible are young trees approximately 1-3 inches in diameter with a smooth bark – maples, magnolias, birches – although no tree is ‘off limits’
• Deer tend to return to trees they have already damaged – to do even more damage
• If damage wraps half way around the tree, usually it will not recover.

What Can I Do?

If deer frequently drop by your home or neighborhood, Bryon Rinkenberger, nursery manager at Hoerr Nursery recommends installing a tree guard.

“If the tree guard is installed before any rub damage, we have a 100% success rate at the tree farm – however, if the tree has been rubbed before, it won’t stop them from rubbing again.”

Unlike plastic pipe and film wraps, the rigid, open mesh style are super easy to install and allow water and light to reach the tree and provide plenty of air circulation.

Source: University of Idaho Extension [PDF]