Tips & Advice – Page 2 – Shorb Landscaping

Top Five Summer Lawn Care Tips for the Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia Region

Tips to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful throughout the summer

Summer is a time when we typically try to take a vacation, unwind a bit from the hectic day to day, and enjoy the work that has gone into our lawns and gardens. The Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region (also known as “the DMV”), known for its humid subtropical Summer climate, presents its own set of challenges for lawn care. To help you keep your lawn healthy and beautiful throughout the summer, we have compiled the top five lawn care tips specifically tailored to the DMV region.

1. Proper Watering

Watering your lawn correctly is crucial during the summer months. In the DMV region, it’s best to water deeply and frequently to encourage deep root growth. Water your lawn early in the morning to allow ample time for the grass to dry before evening, preventing the growth of fungal diseases. Aim for about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. Consider using a rain gauge or a moisture sensor to monitor the water levels and avoid over or under watering.

2. Mowing Techniques

When it comes to mowing, it’s essential to follow the right techniques. Set your mower blades to a height of around 3 to 4 inches, as taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed growth and reducing evaporation. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade’s height at a time, as this can stress the grass and inhibit its ability to withstand summer heat and drought. Additionally, keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts that promote healthier growth.

3. Weed Control

Weeds can be very aggressive in the DMV region and can quickly take over your lawn if left unattended. To control weeds effectively, consider applying pre-emergent herbicides early in the season to prevent their germination. For stubborn weeds, spot treat them with post-emergent herbicides, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of weed growth and address them promptly to prevent them from spreading.

Homeowners should be aware that certain chemical treatments and herbicides may not be allowed in some areas, due to environmental policy. Your Shorb consultant will know the proper techniques and solutions allowed in your specific location.

4. Fertilization

Proper fertilization is crucial for the overall health and vitality of your lawn. In the DMV region, it’s recommended to apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during late spring or early summer. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support growth and withstand the stresses of summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and make the grass more susceptible to disease.

Certain chemicals and fertilizers may be banned in some areas, due to water run-off and environmental policy. Your Shorb consultant will know the proper fertilization solutions allowed in your specific location.

5. Managing Pests and Diseases

The warm and humid climate of the DMV region can create favorable conditions for pests and diseases to thrive. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of insect damage, such as brown patches or chewed grass blades. Use appropriate insecticides or natural remedies to control pests like grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms. Additionally, keep an eye out for common lawn diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot, and apply fungicides as needed, following the instructions on the product label.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn in the DMV region during the summer requires a proactive approach and adherence to these essential care tips. By following proper watering practices, mowing techniques, weed control measures, fertilization routines, and pest and disease management strategies, you can ensure that your lawn remains beautiful and resilient throughout the summer months. Remember, a well-cared-for lawn not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also provides a refreshing space for outdoor activities during the warm summer season.

Contact your Shorb representative to help you develop a comprehensive action plan for maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn this summer and all year long!

The Key to Creating a Layered Landscape for your Property

Have you ever been in a backyard that is full of lush, beautiful plants and shrubs? While it may have taken the homeowners a very long time to build this backyard paradise, it is also possible to achieve this look right away. The key is to fill your space both vertically and horizontally creating a layered landscape. This layering effect creates an immediate sense of a mature, lush landscape.

To create a layered landscape, choose plants that will grow together in a stacked group. When you look at your planting area as both a vertical and horizontal space, you can easily start to fill in the spaces. Follow these same principles throughout your yard, whether it’s for your garden, a border, or a foundation area.

When building a stacked look, consider how much light your bottom layer will have. If your top layer provides shade, choose plants such as hosta, vinca, and ferns for the ground level. If your bottom layer receives plenty of sun, choose a ground cover that likes sun.

The middle layer can be filled with perennial plants that grow up to two feet high or small shrubs. Japanese Barberry or Rockspray Cotoneaster are good choices for this layer. Another option for the middle layer is ornamental trees such as redbuds and dogwoods.

Finally, add height to the look with a layer of tall trees. Trees that work well with this look and provide adequate shade include red maple, sycamore, and oaks.

This layering effect will add an instant impact to your yard, providing a look of a mature landscape in a fraction of the time. At Shorb Landscaping, our professional landscapers and designers will work with you to achieve the look you desire. You can call us at 301-897-3503 to get more information about your landscaping needs or take a look at our project gallery to get some ideas of what we can do for you.

4 Reasons to Start Your Hardscaping Project in the Winter

It may be chilly outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t start the process of upgrading your outdoor living spaces. Winter is an ideal time to plan and install hardscape projects. Hardscaping projects such as stone patios, fire pits, sidewalks, driveways, walls, and stairs can be designed to create amazing outdoor spaces for family fun and entertaining, and these projects can all be worked on throughout the winter. Completing projects like these during the winter gives you the benefit of maximizing the amount of time you can spend enjoying your beautiful yard when the weather gets warmer. Ideally, hardscape projects are wrapped up towards the end of the winter, just in time for spring planting.

There are several advantages of tackling these types of projects during the winter months.

1. Cost Savings & Availability

Winter is typically a slower time of year for landscapers. Less demand means supplies and labor are more available and less expensive. That can translate to greater savings on your end—or the ability to afford higher-quality materials or undertake a larger scale project.

2. Less Damage to Your Yard

With the ground typically being more firm during the winter, hardscaping is less impactful to your property. Your lawn and soil are likely to sustain less damage from equipment, foot traffic, and excavations associated with a hardscaping project.

3. Less Disruption

Typical yard activity is less in the winter and greater in the spring and summer, so it makes sense to do the projects when the yard is not being used as much.

4. Often Ideal Weather

Winters in the DC area have gotten more mild, with several sunny stretches prime for doing outdoor work—without the oppressive summer heat and humidity. Crisper temperatures can also directly benefit certain hardscaping applications—making for a slower, more even drying and curing process for mortar and cement.

Contact Shorb Landscaping

Shorb’s design and installation team can transform your outdoor space with a hardscape that maximizes your property’s aesthetic appeal, practical utility, and overall value while adding a whole new expression of your style and personality to your home.

Contact Shorb today to schedule a consultation!

Fireplaces and Fire Pits: Extend the Season Outdoors

Moisture or Water in your Basement?

Having problems with moisture or water in your basement? Here are some useful tips:

1. Check the gutters:

Overflowing gutters are the most common source of wet basements.

2. Extend the downspouts further away from the foundation.

We prefer to use 4” PVC pipe. It is smooth walled so it rarely clogs. PVC pipe can be painted. We suggest a clean-out port on all downspout extensions.

3. Avoid corrugated black pipe – it easily clogs because the interior wall is not smooth like PVC.

There are many reports of mosquitoes laying their eggs in the pools of water trapped in the ridges. If you are using a Mosquito Control company, consider eliminating the pooling water first, and start with corrugated drain pipes.

4. Do not use window well covers

It is almost impossible for enough rain to enter a window well to cause damage. Window well covers actually hold in moisture inside the window well area, which is never a good thing. Flat and thin window well covers can also lead to a false sense of security. A thin layer of dust or leaves easily conceals these punji-like hazards especially when they are tucked behind bushes and plants. We have had a number of employees who have accidentally stepped on them and fallen through.

5. Check the grading (slope) of the soil around your foundation

It is important to remember that “soil” is the operative word here. We see many cases where the mulch or gravel around the building was sloped away from the foundation, only to discover that the soil beneath was sloped towards the foundation. Since mulch and gravel are much more porous than soil, water simply passes through them and will follow the slope of the soil beneath.

Most water intrusions are caused by improper surface grading as evidenced by cloudy, or sediment laden water. If the water is crystal clear, then the house may be sitting on a spring. An important point: always use a vapor barrier before adding soil to a brick or stone foundation. Mortar is porous, and the moisture in the soil can “wick” through mortar especially if the inside of the house is dry (think de-humidifiers.) While these machines remove humid air from the room, they are also creating a dryer room, which in turn “pulls” moisture from the surrounding soil. Grading the soil away from the foundation and extending downspouts a few feet away are the simplest ways to deal with water intrusions.

In summary, if you keep on top of these simple tips, you should be able to keep your basement dry for years to come. If , however, you are still having issues, you have two options:

Worst Option: There are “dry basement” companies who are selling a “de-watering” system. The theory here is to allow water to enter the foundation into a gravel and pipe-filled trench cut into the basement floor, and then eject the water with a sump pump. This is an expensive, and usually unnecessary process that relies on electricity, and hopefully a back-up battery that can outlast a power outage. A better solution is to keep the water out of the house in the first place rather than relying on pumps and batteries.
Best Option: Attack the problem from the outside by waterproofing. This is the most foolproof option and requires excavating the foundation, installing waterproofing compound, and a sump pump for good measure. While this too can be an expensive proposition, it is an investment which can save a lot of money and stress in the long run.

Contact Shorb Landscaping today for a consultation and to find out more about our waterproofing services.

Is Irrigation Necessary?

Do I need an irrigation system for my existing landscape?

Trees and shrubs have different watering needs than lawns and flowers:

– Established Trees, Shrubs and Perennial Flowers: Probably NOT Necessary

– Newly installed Trees, Shrubs & Perennial flowers: YES, Irrigation is Important

Most trees and shrubs that have been established for over 2 years will probably be just fine without an irrigation system. Trenching for the irrigation lines may damage the roots and should be avoided. Over the decades, we see lots of problems with overwatering the landscapes. This is “operator error” and blame should not lie with the irrigation system, but with the programing of the controller. Every site is different, but in general, if you have an established landscape, we suggest that the trees and shrubs be irrigated 1 or 2 times a week.

Some plants, like hydrangeas, will “flag” when they are too hot, usually if they are exposed to afternoon sun. Adding water may help the plants look better, but we also run the risk of over-watering them. One option is to move them to a location that avoids afternoon sun.

Newly installed trees and shrubs need consistent supplemental watering for 2 years, and there is nothing more reliable than an automated irrigation system, which is why almost all of our newly installed landscapes incorporate some type of irrigation system. We typically program these systems to run “every other day” for 2 years, then we dial them back.

– Lawns : YES Irrigation is Important (regardless if they are established or new)

Established lawns (usually tall fescue) will go into a dormancy during the heat of the summer. This is normal, and the grass will green up when the weather cools down. An irrigation system, however, will keep the lawn green all summer. It will also help the lawn to crowd out weeds, be less susceptible to insect infestation, and more resilient should an outbreak occur. Over-seeding a non-irrigated lawn can be frustratingly ineffective. If you want the lawn to be thick and full, with fewer weeds and fewer pesticides used on it, an automatic irrigation system is the single most effective tool.

New lawns require a lot of water that is frequently applied. We program our irrigation on new lawns to run every day for 2 weeks, then every other day for another 2 weeks. Once established, lawns should be fine with watering every third day.

What’s the best system?

We have found little difference between the major manufacturers of the heads and valves (Hunter & Rain Bird). They are both great brands that also make very good controllers, both of which can link to your wi-fi system and be controlled and re-programed with an app. All systems have a rain-sensor function which prevents it from running if the sensor detects rain, or is still wet from a recent rain. If wi-fi connectivity is an issue, try Weathermatic as it communicates directly with the internet and does NOT piggyback on your wi-fi.

While this system costs a bit more to install, and has a subscription for the cell service, we have found it to be well worth the investment.

Contact Shorb today, to find out more about the best irrigation system for your property!

Workers using electric lawn care equipment

Transitioning to Electric Lawn Care Equipment

Gentle on the Environment. Easy on the Ears!

Has the sound of a noisy leaf blower, chain saw, or lawn mower woken you up in the morning? Have you gotten caught in the gas fumes behind gas powered lawn and other maintenance equipment? Gasoline-powered lawn maintenance and outdoor power equipment such as mowers, leaf blowers, edgers, trimmers, and chain saws are clearly pesty, unhealthy, and cause negative environmental and climate impacts. Fortunately, there are viable new battery-powered options that are improving quickly.

Thanks to advances in battery technology in recent years, Shorb is now making the transition to electric lawn and maintenance products! This new equipment provides a quieter, healthier, and cleaner alternative to gas-powered equipment. There are also now electric rototillers, power washers, and snow blowers. This equipment is cost competitive, the technology is comparable or better than gas powered equipment in terms of performance, and electric equipment offers added features like the ability to program and connect to the machines, and to charge them with renewable energy. Some electric maintenance equipment is even autonomous.

Interestingly, there’s a fairly wide coalition of people, organizations, and officials interested in electric lawn care and related maintenance products. Why? Because electric equipment is quieter, cleaner, safer and easier to use and maintain. Electric equipment also saves money at the town, institutional, and even individual homeowner level. These products return the additional cost of investment, and then provide a return, compared to gas equipment by eliminating the need to purchase fuel and to pay for the increased maintenance and parts associated with small combustion engines.

We’re investing in the future

All this new equipment is a major investment for us, but it’s well worth it in many ways. Top benefits of electric lawn and other maintenance products include:

Environmental/Climate Benefits

No greenhouse gas emissions on site, and lower energy consumption due to greater efficiency
No chemical spillage to pollute water or soil
No chemical cleaners, solvents and degreasers required for combustion engine maintenance
Reduced solid waste due to filters, spark plugs and other combustion engine parts that require repair and replacement

Immediate Community, Environmental and Health Benefits

Less noise
Lower air pollution
No chemical spillage

Cost Savings

Lower energy use/costs
Less maintenance

Safer and easier for the operator to use

Easier to use and maintain
Lighter weight
Less vibration
Lower noise levels
More efficient
Avoid fumes
Avoid working with gasoline and other toxic solvents

Clearly, lower emissions and greater energy efficiency provide environmental and climate benefits. What may not be as clear in the above list are the more direct pollution and health impacts to communities where these products are used, and especially to the people who operate the equipment.

A switch to electric equipment is clearly a step in a more sustainable direction, and it makes financial sense over time as well. However, it’s worth noting that the topic of more sustainable lawn care and maintenance is a much wider discussion, one in which we also hope to engage and help educate more widely. Options to reduce noise, energy, and chemical use aside from “going electric” also include converting to “people power” by using manual tools such as rakes, brooms, ground sweepers, hand pruners, hedge shears and reel mowers. Best maintenance practices also include mulching, composting, and organize fertilizing weed and pest control.

It’s clear that there are many reasons to stop using gas powered equipment, as choosing electric lawn and garden equipment is a better choice for the crew, the neighborhood, and the planet. It seems that what might currently seem like a more cutting edge, alternate choice will one day be mainstream.

Tired of noisy and pollutive lawn care services around your home? Contact Shorb today, and request an “All Electric” maintenance crew!

Plants to Help Deter Deer from your Spring Garden

Whether you are a gardener or not, spring is a season to love and appreciate. Temperatures warm up, days grow longer, and many of the local flowers and trees are in full bloom. However, we aren’t the only ones who appreciate the spring flora. Hungry deer can venture into our yards to feast on newly planted flowers. So, how do we keep them out?

There are several ways you can deter them. One way is to incorporate deer-resistant plants into your landscape design. There are plenty of options that work well in your garden and that will not attract deer.

Keep in mind, however, that these plants are not entirely deer-proof. If a deer is hungry enough, it will eat whatever is available. But, these plants can help reduce the chances of deer destroying your flower beds.

Deer-Resistant Plants and Flowers

Flowers that grow well in the DC area and detract deer include Black-eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Foam Flower, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Purple Coneflower.

Some of the best shrubs to plant that deer will generally stay away from are American elder, Arrowwood, Button Bush, Fetter Bush, Inkberry, and Mountain Laurel.

Local trees that the deer will avoid include American Holley, Bald Cypress, Black Gum, Flowering Dogwood, Honey Locust, Sassafras, and Sycamore.

And grasses that deer do not like are Bluestems, Indian grass, Sea Oats, and Switchgrass.

Other Ways to Deter Deer

There are also natural repellents that you can use to detract deer. Some of these include scented soaps, human hair, baby powder, and even hot sauce. Spray or sprinkle these around the yard and on plants to help keep the deer away.

Or, you can use motion-activated sprinklers. When the deer trigger the sprinklers, it will startle them and they will run off. If you use this option, just remember to turn them off during the colder, winter months.

At Shorb Landscaping, our team of landscapers and designers can help you design a deer-resistant landscape for your yard. Give us a call at 301-897-3503.

When Should I Water My Plants?

How do I know when it’s time to water my new plants?

A better question is “How do I know when the soil that my plants are growing in needs to be replenished with water”?

There are 2 important terms to understand in order to answer this question:

Evaporation: Water loss* from the soil and surface
Transpiration: Water loss* that passes through the plant tissues.

*we are referring to water loss that occurs from the conversion from liquid to vapor.

Together, they create a phenomena known as “Evapotranspiration” or “ET” for short. The optimum time to water the plants ( add water to the soil) is BEFORE the “ET” is high. The second best time to water is when the ET is high.

3 top factors that affect the Transpiration Rate:

Temperature: Higher temperatures from sunlight causes the plants cells ( stomata) to open more, which allows water vapor to be released from the plant at a faster rate. The inverse is also true: colder temps cause stomata to close, restricting water loss.
Humidity: If the air is dry, water loss through the plant is faster. If the air is humid, water loss is restricted.
Wind / air movement: Wind displaces the water vapor from around the plant as the dryer air moves in.

If the moisture in the soil is saturated, “Field Capacity”, then no additional watering is needed, regardless of how hot and dry it is. When the soil moisture level drops below the “wilting point”, the plants will react by closing their stomata. This helps them to conserve moisture and reduce transpiration.

The trick of knowing when to water your plants is to check the existing moisture level of the soil. Clay soils tend to hold more water than sandy soils. Somewhere between Field Capacity and Wilting Point is the time to water.

The trick to know how much water to apply again depends on the water holding capacity of the soil. In other words, when the soil cannot absorb anymore water (Field Capacity), then it’s time to stop watering.

If the weather forecast calls for a low ET, then the plants can tolerate a lower soil moisture level. Conversely, a forecast of a high ET, it would be wise to bring the soil to Field Capacity, and check it again frequently.

To summarize, it’s all about the soil. Plants use the most water when it is:

Hot & Sunny
Dry / Low Humidity
Windy / Good Air Circulation

If one criteria is changed, then the plants will use less water. Make sure that the soils are saturated before and during these weather patterns.

If you have any questions about watering, or any other landscaping need, feel free to contact Shorb Landscaping any time!

Harvesting Your Fall Vegetables

Fall is a wonderful time to reap the benefits of spring and summer planting. Whether your vegetables are in container gardens, planting beds, or you incorporated edibles into flower beds, now is the time that many of these vegetables are ready to harvest. Hopefully you have kept track of what you planted and when each is ready to be harvested. If not, some simple examination of your plants is a good indicator of when they are ready for harvesting.

Early Fall Harvesting

October and early November are the prime time in the Washington D.C. area to harvest many root vegetables including beets, carrots, onions, radishes and sweet potatoes. To check and see if they are ready, loosen the soil and gently pull one of them up. Keep in mind that root vegetables are more tender when they are smaller. As they grow large, they can become tougher and pungent. Pick green beans just before they are full size to ensure that the seeds inside the pods are still tender. To get the most out of your lettuce, cut the leaves while they are still tender and young and the same plant “come back” again typically three or four times.

Late Fall Harvesting

Fortunately, there are some vegetables that grow tastier after a few blasts of cooler weather. Heavy frosts can actually sweeten some crops such as Brussel sprouts. Pick Brussel sprouts when they are approximately one inch in diameter. The lower sprouts will be the first to mature followed by the upper ones a few days later. Pick broccoli when the buds of the head appear firm and tight. This is also the time to harvest greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.

Local gardeners and landscapers can also provide tips and advice for fall and winter gardening. At Shorb Landscaping, our professional team is here to help with all your gardening questions. You can call us at 301-897-3503.