Emerald Ash Borer Found In Kentucky!

A small green beetle known as the Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in Kentucky. This beetle is responsible for the destruction of many ash trees north of Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has been monitoring our State and has recently ordered a quarantine of 20 counties in Kentucky (including Jefferson). This is an alarming situation at the very least; however, our local ash trees can be safely treated to avoid loss of the tree. Review you Ash tree and look for signs of:

• Sparse leaves and/or branches dying in the upper part of the tree
• New sprouts on the roots, lower trunk or lower branches
  
• Short (3-5 inches), vertical splits in the bark
• Increased activity of woodpeckers on the tree
• Winding, S-shaped tunnels just under the bark
• White or cream-colored larvae under the bark
• D-shaped holes in the trunk of the tree

If you see any of the above signs, you should promptly notify a properly licensed and trained tree care specialist. A specific chemical treatment exists that can prevent the loss of the tree assuming it has been diagnosed in time. Call Lawnco for expert evaluation of your Ash tree.

Turf – Renovation Process Starts Now!
Summer is the time to be thinking about the health of your lawn. Turf renovations are best done in late summer with the seeding process in early fall. This process involves eradicating sections or the entire yard two times before the reseeding process begins. This work is done over a 4 – 5 week period and should be started in the July/August time frame for fall seeding.

Is your yard in need of renovation? Maybe, maybe not! A professionally trained and licensed turf specialist can evaluate your lawn to determine the right course of action. In some instances, specially blended lawn applications can make a significant difference without the need for a complete renovation.

Landscape Lighting – Summer Time Tune Up!
The weather is warmer and summer evening entertaining is at hand. Impress your guests with your nighttime outdoor space. Walk around your lawn and review your lighting system. In ground lights should be wiped clean of any debris. Bulbs may need to be replaced and timers should be reset to follow the longer days. What about the plants that have grown during the last season, are they blocking the lights? Either trimming plants or repositioning lights can improve your enjoyment for the coming season.

Irrigation System – Summer Time Tune Up!
As the heat and humidity rise in the Ohio valley, your landscape and lawn feel the stress. The rain chances are greatly reduced and supplemental watering becomes very necessary. In the spring your irrigation system is set to provide necessary supplemental coverage with spring rains in mind. As the season progresses and our weather patterns begin to turn dryer, the irrigation watering times should be increased to prevent overly dry soil conditions. This is usually done by manually adjusting the operating panel for the system. Times can be set in this panel for each zone (turf, landscape or flower). Over the phone support can usually be handled by your Lawnco irrigation specialist.

Ornamental Plant and Tree Care! A cure for the Emerald Ash Borer!
You’ve made the investment in landscaping and want to protect that investment. How do you do that? The appropriate plant and tree care applications can make all the difference.

During summer the applications commonly made are:

• Insecticide Foliar Spray applied to evergreen trees and shrubs to defer and control insects.
• Fertilizer and Insecticide applied to azaleas and rhododendrons to continue to promote plant health and control lacewing aphids.
  
• Insecticide Injection applied to small trees and shrubs to control insects within leaves and branches.
• Insecticide Injection used to control Emerald Ash Borer. This application should be done immediately following the professional diagnosis of the presence of the beetle or larvae. Time is of the essence in saving the Ash tree. If caught early enough, the Ash tree can be successfully treated and maintained with proper care.

Trust your plant and tree care to a properly licensed applicator for the best treatment of your investment. That individual will be able to guide you in proper care and treatment of your landscaping which will extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space. You’ll be glad you did!