by Green Thumb Expert | Aug 6, 2013 | Landscaping
Shrub hedge installations are a low-cost way to block the visibility of your property or define a property line. There are many types of plants that make a good shrub hedge like boxwood and techny arborvitae. Since boxwoods are smaller plants, they do well defining...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 17, 2013 | Shrubs and Trees
Girdling roots can cause significant problems for your trees. Most homeowners do not know what girdling roots are, but they have problem seen them. Healthy trees have a smooth and even trunk flair transition from the tree to the ground. The base of a healthy tree...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 17, 2013 | Turf Grass
Grass recovery this season is slowly beginning in eastern Iowa. The prolonged winter coupled with the lingering cooler temperatures has definitely slowed grass recovery. Many homeowners are anxious to get their lawn back into shape after the brutal drought that we...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 16, 2013 | Grading and Drainage
The topic of drain tiles comes up frequently this time of year. Most drainage problems become noticeable in the spring when frequent rain is persistent. This spring has been quite unusual to say the least. We have had significant rain fall during the month of April...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 9, 2013 | Landscaping
Mulch wash out is pretty common this time of year. Frequent and strong spring rains can do a number on your mulch beds. Most mulch wash out is caused by installing the mulch products in less than ideal areas. Common problem areas include hills, low areas and areas...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 2, 2013 | Turf Grass, Weed Control
Spring fertilizer products usually include a pre-emergent crabgrass control additive. If you are doing any spring seeding, make sure to avoid using products containing a pre-emergent. Pre-emergent products will stop the seed from germinating properly. Pre-emergent...
by Green Thumb Expert | Apr 1, 2013 | Turf Grass
If you have a wet lawn, make sure that you do not tear up your grass with your mower. Now that we have made it to April, temperatures will continue to warm up. Most lawns will remain wet for the next couple of weeks even if we do not see any precipitation. Frost is...
by Green Thumb Expert | Mar 29, 2013 | Landscaping, Turf Grass
Spring time is here and hopefully we can say good-by to winter. For landscape enthusiasts, spring marks the beginning of a busy season ahead. Getting your lawn and landscape back in shape is of the up-most importance in the spring time. Some of the beneficial things...
by Green Thumb Expert | Mar 29, 2013 | Annuals and Perennials, Landscaping
It is time to start thinking about spring planting. Depending on what type of flowers you are planting, most flowers should be installed in the spring. If you are planting early blooming bulb flowers, you should have planted those last fall. It is always a good...
by Green Thumb Expert | Mar 27, 2013 | Annuals and Perennials, Landscaping
Prepping mulch beds for spring is a great way to spruce up your property. If you have not top-dressed your mulch beds in over a year, you should consider topdressing them this year. Prepping mulch beds prior to the installation of new mulch will help you get the...
