By Rusty,

Are you tired of dealing with standing water and poor drainage in your yard? Poor drainage can cause erosion, foundation issues, lawn fungal disease, mosquito breeding grounds, and much more. 

Don't worry though! We've got you covered with five effective drainage solutions to help you love your lawn again!

From simple fixes like downspout extensions to more comprehensive approaches like French drains and sump pumps, there's a solution for everyone. We'll also explore the benefits of catch basins and channel drains, ensuring that water is efficiently collected to direct away from your home.

Say goodbye to puddles and hello to a well-drained yard.

Let's dive into these five solutions and transform your outdoor space.

Downspout Extensions

When it comes to addressing washout issues caused by heavy rainfall, downspout extensions are a practical and straightforward solution. By simply extending the length of your downspouts, you can effectively redirect water away from your yard and foundation.

These extensions are attached to your existing downspouts to carry the water in pipes to areas it’s beneficial. As the rainwater flows down the downspouts, the extensions guide it further away from your property, preventing soil erosion and potential damage to your home’s foundation.

With downspout extensions, you can effortlessly control the path of water runoff, ensuring that your yard remains well-drained and free from washout issues.

French Drains

You might be surprised to learn that a French drain isn't the same thing as a catch basin, even though many people think they are. So, what exactly is a French drain?

A French drain is like a secret underground pathway for water. It's made up of a trench filled with rocks or gravel and has a special pipe with holes in it. When it rains, the water seeps into the ground and enters the holes in the pipe.

The pipe acts like a hidden water slide, guiding the water away from areas that get flooded and directing it underground. This way, the French drain helps keep your yard from turning into a soggy mess by giving the water an underground escape route.

Catch Basin

Catch basins are small, underground chambers that collect water. They are often used in conjunction with French drains. Catch basins are a less expensive option than French drains, but they are not as effective for larger areas of collected water

This is like a small, shallow container that sits on the ground, waiting to collect rainwater from paved areas like driveways or roads. It has a built-in filter that catches leaves, trash, and other debris, preventing them from clogging up the underground drainage system.

The water then travels through underground pipes to a safer location, far away from your yard.

Catch basins can be installed in a variety of locations, including driveways, patios, and sidewalks. They are especially helpful in areas where there is a lot of runoff water, such as near downspouts or in low-lying areas.

Click here to watch our informative video on Catch Basins

Sump Pump

This type of pump is typically installed underground in a pit or Flow well specifically created to collect water to pump it out. It is most often used when the only option to move the water is to push it uphill, against the natural movement of water.

When heavy rainfall and poor drainage causes water to pool in your yard, the landscape sump pump springs into action. Activated by a float switch, it turns on automatically and pumps out the excess water, preventing potential damage to your home, plants, or hardscape.

Sump pumps efficiently remove water from your landscape and help maintain proper drainage while keeping your outdoor space dry, functional, and free from drainage issues.

Channel Drains

This is a fantastic solution for effectively managing water runoff in driveways or paver areas, such as pool patios that collect a lot of rainwater.

These drains are specifically designed to capture and redirect water, ensuring that it flows into the drain and away from the hardscape. Installed in the lowest points of the driveway or paver area, channel drains act as a hidden pathway for water, preventing it from pooling or causing damage.

As rainwater or runoff finds its way onto the hardscape, the channel drain collects the water and directs it towards a proper drainage system. With channel drains in place, you won have the frustration of standing water and your driveway or paved areas will be protected from potential damage.

Whether it's extending your downspouts, creating underground pathways for water, or utilizing catch basins and sump pumps, there's a solution tailored to your needs. Say goodbye to soggy yards and hello to a transformed outdoor space where water is efficiently managed and your property is protected.

By implementing at least one of these solutions, you can redirect water away from your property, prevent soil erosion and damage, and ensure that your outdoor space remains functional and free from drainage issues.

Our expert team is ready to provide the assistance you need to transform your yard into a well-drained oasis. Don't let standing water ruin your outdoor space any longer - take action today and let us help you find the perfect drainage solution.

For effective drainage solutions  tailored to your yard, look no further! Contact us now at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page, we would love to help

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By Rusty,

For many homeowners, spreading mulch is part of the ritual of tidying up their landscape beds and increasing their curb appeal. Some will use landscape fabric under the mulch, in the hope that it will help prevent weeds from growing in their Gainesville Landscape beds.

“There are various types of landscape fabric, and some work better than others, but unless they're under rock they all will be useless after several years ” said Rusty, founder of The Master's Lawn Care. One common type is a nonwoven textile made of plastic fibers, often black, that may be perforated with small holes.

The use of landscape fabric is based on the idea that it will either physically intercept weed plants, or that it will keep seeds in the soil from sprouting by blocking sunlight.

A properly applied layer of mulch is enough to keep weed seeds in the dark,” Rusty said. “You don’t need a layer of fabric to shade them out.”

Why is landscape fabric not recommended under mulch in Gainesville, FL

Related: New Ways to Think of Mulch in Your Gainesville Landscape

The bigger concern is that fabric itself may lead to problems down the road. For example, it is designed to allow the passage of both water and air, which are critical for the roots of trees and other plants; often there are small perforations for this purpose. But in practice, the openings may clog up with soil and organic matter from the decay of the mulch. Air can’t get through and neither can rain.

Landscape fabric is not needed beneath mulch to block weeds, if you have the correct amount of mulch. Also, as the mulch breaks down, the nutrients and compost cannot do their job of helping the plants' roots and weeds end up seeding into the compst on top of the fabric.

Some homeowners use landscape fabric in the belief that it will keep mulch from decaying so it doesn’t need to be replenished. However, most mulch products are made from wood byproducts, and dead wood will always eventually decay in the presence of moisture. That decay is actually one of the great benefits of mulch. As the wood breaks down into humus, it releases nutrients to enrich the soil and feeds beneficial microorganisms that are necessary companions to the roots of healthy plants.

Landscape fabric can interfere with this process. “The mulch will still break down into organic matter, but that organic matter will be blocked from improving your soil,” Rusty added.

mulching near me in Gainesville, FL

Related: The 2 Most Common Gainesville Landscaping Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Depending on the fabric you install, the fabric itself typically won’t rot, but as the mulch on top of it decays, it often becomes unsightly. “You can end up with a bunch of tattered fabric around the base of your tree,” she said.

You can get the full benefits of mulch by simply spreading an even layer right over the soil around trees, shrubs and perennials. On perennial beds, 1 to 2 inches is plenty. For trees and shrubs, the layer should be 3 inches deep and extend at least 3 feet out from the trunk, or wider if possible. Situations do vary by the environemnt, so these are not blanket statements - but more general rules of thumb.

A place that landscape fabric is highly recommended is under non-decomposing products - such as river rock or rubber mulch. Those materials do not break down, therefore do not create a future problem. They actually help keep the landscape gravel from sinking into the soil and needing replenishment as often. 

"These gravel and man-made mulch products are where professionals generally agree that fabric adds a lot of value, without the headaches down the road," offered Rusty. 

As you look to add mulch into your lawn and replenish your landscape beds this fall or spring, make sure to decipher where landscape fabric is a good investment, and where it may cost you down the road.

If you need help with your Gainesville landscape upgrades or other lawn service, please do not hesitate to reach out by filling out the form at the top of the page, or calling our office at (352) 378-5296.

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By Rusty,

We know that dealing with critters in your yard can be a real pain, but there are things you can do to keep the damage and trouble to a minimum. We want to share some tips on how you can identify and manage pesky wildlife such as armadillos, moles, deer, hogs/wild boar, and mosquitoes.

Identifying and Removing Armadillos from your lawn

armadillo damage

Signs that Armadillos are in your landscape:

  • Keep an eye out for holes or burrows in the ground that are around 3-5 inches wide and a few inches deep. You might also notice piles of dirt around the burrows, especially near the openings, and the grass torn up in a couple hundred square foot space.

  • Damage to your lawn or garden beds. They like to dig around for insects and grubs, so you might see patches of soil that look rooted up or areas of your lawn that have been dug up. And if you spot small, dark, cylindrical droppings around the burrows, it's a pretty good bet that armadillos are to blame.

If you don't want those pesky armadillos messing up your yard, there are a couple of things you can do:

  • Your best bet is to find there burrow, which is easiest to find by looking around the base of your home. They will typically dig a football sized hole under your foundation, HVAC unit, or shrubbery and there will be a pile of dirt next to the hole where they created their home. Once located, trapping is the most successful way to rid your lawn of these pesky critters. Many pest control companies offer humane wildlife trapping services.

  • If you cannot find their home, trapping may still be an option, but you might be less successful. Locating their entry point (if your yard is fenced in) may be your second best option. If you find where they’ve dug under your fence, use chicken wire or any type of fencing to keep them from coming back.

  • If trapping or excluding them doesn’t work, your last chance for success is eliminating their food source - grubs and insects. We offer a lawn pest and grub control program which can protect your lawn from grubs and help it recover from the armadillos. 

  • A handy DIY trick that we cannot confirm works is to try using castor oil or rags soaked in ammonia to make them steer clear of certain spots in your lawn. Exclusion and trapping are the most effective and proven solutions.

Identifying and Removing Gopher Moles from your Lawn

mole tunnels

There are a few signs that suggest you might have moles in your yard:

  • Look out for raised ridges or mole hills on your lawn, which are created as moles tunnel just below the surface of the soil.

  • You might also see shallow tunnels or ruts in your lawn, caused by moles as they search for insects to eat. These can make it difficult to mow your grass.

  • Gopher Moles are most noticeable in areas where the grass is thin or they frequently travel, such as against your driveway or sidewalk as their tunnels run along them.

Although they aren’t typically the only cause of the lawn’s struggle - they absolutely do contribute to it by creating air pockets at the roots allowing turf roots to dry out.

  • Talpirid mole baits and other similar brands work well if you’re patient, although they do take some time and consistency to be effective. Make sure to put them in the mole's most frequented tunnels (typically near concrete where they tunnel paralel to it) and be sure to use gloves (this keeps your scent off the baits).

  • Similarly to Armadillos, our grub and lawn pest control program will help reduce the grubs and help the lawn improve from other struggles helping the mole tunnels become more visible.

  • Here's a YouTube video made by our friend, Allyn Hane, the LCN about different types of mole traps to use.

  • You can also try this approach (just kidding!) 

Identifying Deer Plant Damage and Keeping them from your Landscape

If you suspect that deer are munching on your landscape, there are a few signs to look out for:

  • The most obvious signs are damage to your plants, including bite marks on leaves, broken branches, and completely stripped foliage. New plants pulled out of the ground are also a common sign, as they test them to see if they’re tasty.

  • Another indication is the presence of tracks or droppings in your yard. Deer tracks are typically heart-shaped and leave imprints, while their droppings are small and round. 

If you find that deer are treating your landscape plants like a buffet, you've got a couple of options, but know that none of them are simple - especially if you live in the San Felasco area. Those are some of the boldest and most persistent deer we have ever dealt with.

  • First, plan your landscape design with deer-resistant plantings such as Drift Roses, Snapdragons, Flax Lilies, Camellias, and Hollies that deer are seldom interested in. Sometimes designing with nature in mind is easier and more prudent than fighting your surroundings.

  • Exclusion works well if you want to grow things they will see as tasty - such as a garden or certain flowers. Put up some high fences to keep them out. 

  • Another idea is a motion-detected sprinkler head. We have used these regularly in landscape installations where deer are common and may want to taste the new plants - even though they are deer-resistant.

Identifying Hog or Boar Damage and Protecting your Landscape from them.

Hog damage

Signs that hogs might be causing damage to your landscape: 

  • You might notice areas of soil that have been rooted up, creating large patches of bare ground. Hogs use their strong snouts to dig for food, and this can create large damage to lawns - significantly worse than either moles or armadillos.

  • Hogs may leave behind tracks or droppings in your yard. Hog tracks are typically round or oval-shaped and have distinctive imprints from their cloven hooves. Their droppings are also large and cylindrical in shape.

  • Another sign to look out for is damage to plants or crops, as hogs are known to eat a variety of vegetation, which is unlike armadillos or moles. They may leave behind bite marks on leaves or chew through stems and roots similar to deer - but deer do not tear up the lawn.

Hogs and Boar can be a real disaster for your yard, so it's crucial to act fast once you spot them. You've got a few options here, but really only two are successful:

  • Put up a fence to exclude them from your backyard. This is common in Nocatee where there are so many natural preserves and hogs are invading backyard lawns neighboring the preserve to search for food. Although it isn’t ideal, the hogs will just move on to the neighbor’s lawn.

  •  If a fence isn’t practical for you, the next best thing to do is trap them. Please note than HOAs may have different rules and regulations in regards to this, so contact your local HOA board to request how to address the issue to avoid unexpected violations.

Reducing and Controlling Mosquitoes in your yard:

If you have mosquitoes swarming your yard, it is almost impossible to enjoy your outdoors. Take these steps to get rid of them.  

  1. Get rid of any stagnant water around your place.Here’s a few of the most common sources of standing water around your home that mosquitoes love 

  2. Ensure good drainage in your yard. Eliminate spots in your yard that are prone to puddling or stagnant water collecting.

  3. Start a Mosquito Pest Treatment Program or install a mosquito misting system

For more information on mosquitoes, please feel free to use this resource that goes more in-depth on mosquitoes as a whole. 

When dealing with wildlife damaging your landscape or ruining your time outdoors, it's important to follow local and state laws and regulations. There are many effective methods available for preventing damage from deer or controlling the presence of armadillos or moles that are both safe and humane. Take the time to identify the wildlife in your yard and use the right methods for control to ensure a healthy and balanced ecosystem in your landscape.

If we can be of help to correct or protect your landscape from wildlife damage please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

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By Rusty,

As the seasons change, so should your Gainesville lawn maintenance action plan. We have compiled a few tips that will keep your lawn in great shape during the winter months. Feel free to share this with your neighbors as well! That way, the whole neighborhood can have beautiful landscapes this winter.

1. Procrastinate on your Winter Pruning 

Most every winter will cause some dieback on certain plants in North Florida. How low the temperatures get and what plants you have in your Gainesville yard determines how much winter pruning there is to do, but we all have some. Crape Myrtles, Muhly Grasses, Hydrangea, Flax Lilies, Ginger, and Hibiscus are just a few of the plants that may need to have the dead leaves and branches pruned back before spring. Those brown forst-damaged leaves and branches do serve a purpose though, as they protect the plant from future frosts causing more damage - even though they can be unsightly.

What's best for the plant long-term may not always be what's best for appeal in the short-term - but we recommend waiting to do your winter pruning until after the last frost (late February). Pruning the winter dieback off tells the plant that winter is over and it's time to rejuvenate new growth for spring. There aren't many times that procrastinating pays off - but this is certainly one of them!

2. Keep your Deck Raised throughout Winter

It's common for lawns to get mowed shorter during winter as the growth slows down. This typically is well-intended, trying to keep a clean-cut appearance, however, the lower mowing also weakens the grass and root system - causing more frost damage and slower recovery in spring. The rule of thumb to remember is the taller the lawn is cut, the deeper the roots grow for St. Augustine lawns.

3. Reduce Irrigation Settings, but Keep it on

Gainesville lawns never go completely dormant because of our warm spells throughout winter, but they do not need as much water as winter or even fall. We recommend cutting back to 1x per week with about 50% of the watering time as used in summer. This keeps the lawn healthy, but also keeps winter broadleaf weeds and fungus growth to a minimum through the winter.

4. Overseed with Winter Rye

If you want to see your lawn look the best it can over the holidays, overseed your lawn with winter rye. It is bright green all winter long and will give you the lushest lawn on the street - for as long as it stays cold. We offer this service and it's only about $200 for an average sized lawn, so give us a call if you would like an estimate.

5. Be Prepared to Cover Tropical plants During Frosts

Unexpected freezes can devastate tender and tropical planted landscapes and gardens. You can protect these plants from the freeze by using a frost cloth. 

6. Don't fertilize with Nitrogen

Nitrogen in lawn fertilizer pushes new growth, which is great for spring and summer, but in winter can create new tender growth that gets hit hard by cold snaps like we are experiencing this week. Potassium to feed the lawn's roots and soil ammendaments are the best additions to your lawn through February.

If we can be of help with any of your winter Gainesville lawn maintenance chores - or the surrounding areas of Alachua, Jonesville, and Newberry - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or filling out our form at the top of the page!

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By Rusty,

As all eyes are turned towards Eta, a powerful tropical storm already causing damage in the Caribbean and threatening our state, we pray that family and friends already affected are safe. As we look towards the future and try to predict the storm's path we can take some steps today to help protect ourselves from damage. Here are 5 things you can do today to proactively protect your home..

  • Look Up at Your Tree Canopies -  Remove any dead limbs that are within reach and any growth close to windows or your roof. It may be late in the game to call our Gainesville Tree Service team out in advance of this particuliar storm, but if you have a chainsaw or even a hand saw, you may be able to remove and dispose of some lower tree limbs yourself to avoid unnecessary damage to your roof, vehicle, or landscape. If it's too big of a job for DIY, get it on the schedule before the next storm. We are happy to help!
  • Check your Gutters & Drainage system - Most Gainesville homes have some type of rain runoff control system - gutters, downspout extensions, french drains, or drainage system. These are meant to keep water from building up around the foundation of your home, and manage the onslaught of runoff we can have in Florida, so make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and that extensions are directing water away from your foundation. If you have a French drain, take a moment to make sure that it's cleaned out and that the catch basins are free of mulch, leaves, and debris to allow maximum water flow. We have had a very wet year already, so if you are already aware of drainage problems in your yard, take extra precautions to keep water out of your home. If you have a Gainesville drainage project planned, make sure to call us so we can get it taken care of before the next storm! 
  • Stormproof your Irrigation- Many clients find out too late that their irrigation system is one of the most likely places to be affected by lightning. If you have a pump that services the irrigation system, we recommend that you unplug it as well as unplugging your sprinkler controller/timer. One of the most common calls that we get after a storm is an irrigation timer that is no longer functioning after being struck by lightning. That rain sensor can sometimes act as a lightning rod begging to be hit. Unplug your timer during the storm to prevent this from happening. 
  • Unplug Fountains- Before a storm, fountains should be turned off and secured, electrical cords should be unplugged, rolled up and secured. Any body of water is a draw for lightning, and will commonly fry pumps, lighting, or any other electrical devoce nearby if not protected properly.
  • Secure Loose Items- Remove loose items that can be moved by heavy winds, creating potential hazards. Garden furniture, small grills, pots, and yard tools that may be laying around can become dangers in high winds. Move these items into a garage or secure structure before the storm arrives. My 3x5 Gator flag and pole on my front porch that I forgot and left out one year caused hundreds of dollars in wood repair because it was something I left out that was able to catch wind.

We will continue to monitor this storm closely and ask that you take all needed precautions in your Gainesville yard to keep your home and neighbors safe. It's always better to err on the side of caution and be over-prepared. If we can be of service after the storm passes, please call or text our office at (352) 378-5296 or e-mail info@themasterslawncare.com. Thanks and stay safe!

satellite image of large hurricane
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By Rusty,
5 Gainesvillle Landscape Tips for Fall

Although Gainesville landscapes have a very short fall season that transitions from Summer to Winter, we do still have a few areas we can focus our attention on in late October and early November to keep our Gainesville landscape growing more appealing..

Tip #1 : Fall is the best time of year to install new plants, trees, and sod in your landscape (even better than spring!)

Many people think Spring is the season to re-landscape, but that is typically a northern habit where the spring is best due to their harsh winters. Our winters are very mild, and our extreme season is the heat and humidity summer, and fall planting gives them 3 full seasons to prepare for it.

You will want to get the plants rooted in before the next harsh Florida summer. The climate in Florida allows its gardeners to enjoy blooms all year long. Planting in the fall will give them enough time to establish throughout fall, winter, and spring before the triple-digit temperatures begin. Fall is suitable to lay sod in Florida as it brings cooler temperatures which will not affect the growth of the roots. Cooler temperatures lessen the maintenance requirement as the sod won’t need as frequent of irrigation. 


Tip #2: Kill your weeds before they start with a Pre-Emergent weed application 

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds is one of the best things you can do for your lawn during this time. Fall pre-emergent applications are designed to prevent winter annual weeds from germinating, and these weeds germinate soon as the weather begins to shift. Timing is very important to successfully prevent winter annual weeds from taking over your lawn. If you start to see weeds growing, a pre-emergent will not work. At that point, you must switch to a reactive weed control plan by using a post-emergent weed control product. 

If you are not comfortable applying liquid products in your lawn, feel free to call our office to get on the schedule. 

Tip #3: Reduce your irrigation zone run times to reduce overwatering

Hopefully, your sprinkler system has only been running minimally this summer due to having a Smart Controller or Weather Sensor adjusting for all of the rain, but you probably still have some longer watering times from hot and dry spells that can pop up in spring and summer.  These station run time (or zone run times) can now be reduced as the temperatures drop.

Healthy established Florida lawns require no more than two days per week of water this time of year, and it will go down to once per week as we enter into November. The shorter days and cooler evenings mean less evaporation, and lower water bills as well. 

While adjusting those irrigation settings, it is also best to water later in the morning during cooler temperatures. As we shift into winter and freezing temperatures can creep in, you do not want to take a chance on your system running during a frost. This is another reason we highly recommend smart controllers to keep this from happening.

Tip #4: Get leaves off the lawn as quick as possible

If you have leaf-dropping (deciduous) trees that drop in autumn, your lawn will be smothered in a layer of Sycamore, Elm, Sweetgum, or Maple leaves. The layer of leaves will form a barrier that block sunlight, water, nutrients, and a healthy air flow from getting down to the root system of your grass. Most importantly of those isthe sunlight that provides Vitamin D which lawns need in the fall as it stores up food for winter. Keeping leaves off your lawn is an essential part of proper Fall lawn care and maintenance.

Tip #5: Pressure Clean to prepare for holiday guests

With the holidays fast approaching, look around your house at what could be power washed before your guests arrive. This year, you may even have guests that prefer to keep most of the gathering outdoors for safety precautions. This is the time when you may want to consider, "Do I want my family and friends to see it looking this way?"

Simple and quick walkway, driveway, and paver patio pressure washing are great ways to add curb appeal to your property after a hot and humid summer.  Whatever your home needs this fall, don't let it wait to the week before thanksgiving like I may have done more than a few times before!

If we can be of help with any of your fall landscaping chores in Gainesville, or the Surrounding areas - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or filling out our form at the top of the page!

 

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By Rusty,

As all eyes are turned towards Hurricane Dorian, a powerful storm already wreaking havoc in the Caribbean and threatening our state, we pray that family and friends already affected are safe. As we look towards the future and try to predict the storm's path we can take some steps today to help protect ourselves from damage. Here are 4 things you can do today to help protect your home and property.

Storm-ready your Irrigation System – This is an often overlooked item in storm preparations. Many clients find out too late that their irrigation system is one of the most likely places to be affected by lightning. If you have a pump that services the irrigation system, we recommend that you unplug it as well as unplugging your controller. One of the most common calls that we get after a storm is an irrigation timer that is no longer functioning after being struck by lightning. Unplug your timer during the storm to prevent this from happening.

Pay Attention to trees – At this point it may be too late to undertake major tree removal projects, but there is plenty that you can do still without a Professional Gainesville Tree Company. Remove any dead limbs that are within reach and any growth close to windows or your roof. You may not be able to reach an arborist in time for this storm, but if you have a chainsaw or even a hand saw, you may be able to remove and dispose of some lower tree limbs yourself. For those larger tree projects make sure to reach out and schedule a time to meet with one of our estimators for these projects in the near future as the storm season is still very young. 

Clean out gutters – In order to divert water away from your home your gutters need to be clean and clear of debris. Using a blower or small shovel to clean out leaves and debris and flushing out your downspouts with a hose will help to ensure that water flows freely. This is also a good time to check your drainage system if you have one installed. Clean out any catch basins and make sure French drains are cleared of debris. We may not catch the brunt of this storm as it seems to be heading south, but certainly we will get a lot of rainwater and potential flooding.

Decorative Items and Planters – Winds and rain can displace and damage decorative items and planters in your yard. To keep them safe and keep those from being blown over or damaging other structures bring them indoors to a garage or shed. This applies to other loose items like patio furniture, or smaller toddler playhouses. Trampolines are another common hazard that should be secured or moved to safety as they can easily become airborne with strong wind gusts.

We will continue to monitor this storm closely and ask that you take all needed precautions in your Gainesville yard to keep your home and neighbors safe. Our team will be ready to assist with any cleanup and tree removal needs you may have, but remember that it's always better to err on the side of caution and be over-prepared.

If we can be of service after the storm passes, please call or text our office at (352) 378-5296 or e-mail info@themasterslawncare.com. Thanks and stay safe!

3 Quick Tips to Prepare Your Gainesville Landscape for a Tropical Storm
By Rusty,

The next 12-18 weeks will determine how your lawn does in 2019, so we hope these tips are helpful to you in making sure you have a lawn you love in 2019. During the winter months in Gainesville, Florida lawns, the grass is semi-dormant – growing but at a slower pace and almost barely growing at all. The soil microbes are still busy though, doing what soil microbes do – enzymatic digestion of organic matter – aka composting.

So don’t be fooled into thinking the soil and turf grass doesn’t need food and water in the winter – the turf and the soil microbes are living, sending out roots, and need nutrients to stay healthy. Without an active and healthy turf and soil microbe population in winter, the St Augustine or Zoysia turf grass lawn will lag in the spring, losing valuable time during the prime growing season.

5 THINGS TO DO IN THE WINTER FOR ST AUGUSTINE LAWNS

Water Your Lawn with proper irrigation (1x week is recommended)
Feed Your Lawn (nutrients such as Potassium and organic supplements like Sea Kelp and Humic/Fulvic soil stimulants)
Mow Infrequently but as High as the Mower will Go
Weed Control
Be Patient, Spring is coming!

Master these five activities during the winter and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy Gainesville lawn this spring and well into the summer months.

1. WATER YOUR LAWN

One persistent myth is that St Augustine needs less water in the winter. This is false. Although the St Augustine turf is semi-dormant, it is still living and growing and needs food and water to do so. The soil is teeming with soil microbes that need a moist soil to compost organic matter into plant food. Let the lawn dry out and you kill the soil microbes, starve the turf and turn your lawn into a weed patch. You can irrigate less due to having lower amounts of evaporation with cooler weather - but don't turn your Gainesville sprinklers off by any means!

So remember, the #1 determining factor for the health of your Gainesville turf and soil microbes is water – and about 90% of the water your lawn requires will come from irrigation. Therefore, the irrigation system must run, cover the entire lawn and put out enough water to “fill” the soil. If it doesn’t – then fix and repair until it does.

How Much Water?

Your lawn needs just as much water in winter as the rest of the year. The amount of water needed is not determined by temperature but by our soils. Our soils need the same amount of water whether it is hot or cold. On average our sandy soils in Pinellas County will require watering 3 times per week – even in the winter. Learn more here: How to Set Up Your Irrigation System to Keep a St Augustine Lawn Alive with 2x Week Watering Restrictions

2. FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN

The main goal of feeding a lawn is not feeding the turf, it is for feeding the soil microbes so that they can compost. Nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and iron are not readily available in our sandy soils and need to be replenished on a regular basis. – even in the winter.

My winter feeding program focuses on potassium and micronutrients - especially sulfur and iron – but I don’t neglect the nitrogen. I limit nitrogen to 0.5 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn during the winter. One good granular application of a 16 -0-8 with a good micronutrient package is sufficient until spring.

3. MOW INFREQUENTLY BUT AS HIGH AS THE MOWER WILL GO

Winter is not the time to mow low – mowing low does more harm than good in the winter. When you mow low it opens up the canopy, exposing the soil and tender roots and stems to drying sun and winter winds. A dry soil and sun parched stems and roots does not make for a healthy lawn. These winter months are a perfect time to skip a few mowings, allowing the canopy to become even higher and reduce wear and tear.

4. WEED CONTROL IS EFFECTIVE AND SAFER

Winter is the best time for weed control. Focus on the persistent perennial weeds like Dollar Weed, sedges, and Day Flower. There are other annual weeds that pop up - but they will melt away with the rising temperatures - so focus on the perennials. I suggest Manor and Basagram as good herbicides to use on a St Augustine lawn in the winter months for control of dollar weed, sedges and day flower.

Be careful with the Weed-N-Feed formulations, as they may have high nitrogen content which could cause a lawn to fail in cold temperatures.

5. BE PATIENT

This semi-dormant period is natural and very important for the health of the turf – let it do its thing. Pushing the Zoysia or St Augustine turf grass out of semi-dormancy with excess nitrogen will create a false signal to the turf that spring has sprung and cause havoc with your lawn. I have heard from many homeowners so anxious for a green lawn they over stimulated their winter lawn with nitrogen, say "My lawn was so pretty - it was the greenest lawn all winter and now it is dead." Don't be tempted to make the lawn green with a parlor trick of high nitrogen fertilizer. Be wise, be patient, and let the grass progress from semi-dormant to spring in the right way for a great lawn in 2019.

QUICK NOTE ABOUT LAWN SPRAYING

The Master's Gainesville Lawn Spraying combines year round feeding of your lawn with insect and weed control so you don’t have to experiment with different brands and formulations. We know what to do and when to do it – that is what makes lawn spraying such a good service at a good price. If you are overwhelmed by the massive amount of choices for fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides, you may want to consider hiring a professional Gainesville lawn pest service. Call us at (352) 378-5296 if we can be of service. 

By Rusty,

The 2  two biggest mistakes I see when homeowners (and even a few Gainesville landscape companies) plant trees and shrubs are planting them too low, and applying too much mulch. In today’s quick tip, I’ll give you my secrets to planting a healthy tree in your Gainesville lawn.

Mistake 1: Planting Plants/Tree Too Low

This simple mistake is the most common one we see and does major damage to the plant. It also is the main reason that we see trees and shrubs planted for a while and not actively growing. Most people think a tree is supposed to be planted with the root ball flush with the soil level, but that is incorrect. This results in people planting their trees too deep which makes it hard for your newly planted tree to thrive, as the base of the plant cannot breathe.

What should be done is to install the tree so the root flare is flush with the soil level, which looks like the tree is planted too high to the untrained eye, like the photo below:

tree rot flare diagram

The reason this is bad for your tree is that this excess dirt rots the bark off of the tree and prevents valuable nutrients from moving from the roots up to the branches. One of the symptoms of a tree that has been planted too deep is if you lean on a tree that has been in the ground a few years and that tree’s trunk rocks easily back and forth in the ground, that tree is slowly rotting. The only fix to this is digging up the tree or shrub and replanting correctly to see if it can be salvaged.

Mistake 2: Too much mulch (mulch volcanoes!)

This is a case of too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, like candy. Mulch is great for plants and trees and overall is beneficial to landscapes by controlling weeds as well. The problem is when a person goes overboard piling too much mulch up against the tree trunk. The next time you are out and above, pay attention to the mulch volcanoes in your neighborhood. Most people, including far too many landscape professionals and lawn care workers, make this mistake. Here are some funny photos of "mulch volcanoes:"

mulch volcano
mulch volcano

Make no mistake, you need to mulch your new tree, plants, and landscape, but the way to do is to leave a gap of about 2-3" away from the trunk of the tree. Here is an image showing how we recommend trees to be installed correctly including the mulch and planting height:

proper tree planting diagram

For a tree to thrive, nutrients, fertilizers, and oxygen pass back and forth in a layer just underneath the bark. A telling example of how important this is for a tree - years ago, when a farmer wanted to kill a tree on their land, they would take their knife and cut through the bark all the way around the tree. This cut effectively cut off the tree’s supply of nutrients. This is called girding a tree and that’s exactly what happens when you pile too much mulch or soil up around the trunk by the two above mistakes. The bark rots and begins to cut off the supply of nutrients.

If you are thinking about planting a tree or making any updates to your Gainesville, Florida landscape, give us call at 352-378-5296 or email info@themasterslawncare.com. We’ve been helping our community improve the health and beauty of their lawns and landscapes for over a decade and have a lot of experience and knowledge in what plants and trees will thrive in our Florida weather, which will save you time and money in the long run. We look forward to working with you. 

hero-landscape-mistakes.jpeg
By Rusty,

April has flown by and here we are knocking on the door of summer. College students are heading home for summer after graduation this past weekend, and the elementary, middle, and high schools are next. This month, why not take steps to protect your home during the soon-to-come summer storms? A few adjustments now can really pay off when the next weather event hits. Here are 3 ways to prepare you Gainesville yard for storms that can save you hundreds of dollars, and give you some peace of mind.

1. Clean Your Gutters
During the fall and winter, many gutters became filled with leaves, pine straw, and debris. Clear any debris from your gutters to make sure all that rainwater can easily flow off your roof and away from your home. When water can't get through your gutters, it pools on your roof and flows over the gutters in ways that can damage your landscaping, cause erosion at the foundation, or even damage your home's wood siding. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, or you prefer to hire a Gutter Cleaning professional - it's important to get it done before the summer season comes, and it's much easier to do when it's been dry in spring if you're a DIYer! 

2. Prune Your Trees
Some of the worst storm damage is caused by falling trees. A healthy, sturdy tree is unlikely to topple in high winds, but one with dead limbs or disproportionate growth may. Prior to Summer is the perfect time to contact our team to have a trusted arborist evaluate the health of your trees. If you've got large trees on your property, you should have them evaluated every couple years. Maintaining them will help you protect both your property and the tree itself. 

3. Ensure Your Lawn has Proper Drainage
If water pools around your home, flood damage or foundational damage should be a concern for you in the storm season. As the summer downpours inevitably come, followed by the occasional tropical storm, proper Gainesville Drainage solutions are a top priority. They could involve Gutters, Downspout extensions, French Drains, Drainage Swales, or simply re-grading the area for improved runoff. 

4. Reduce Clutter in your Landscape

Many landscapes have clutter and debris in them - everything from pet and children's toys, hoses, garden furniture, landscape artwork, and other debris. All of these things can become airborne in a storm and cause damage to your or your neighbor's home. You don't need to remove it all until a hurricane or tropical storm is bearing down on us - but getting some of the unnecessary clutter in your yard will sure make cleaning up the lawn with the storm bearing down on you much easier.

5. Document your Home - Outside and In

This is not a tip you'd expect from a lawn company, because it has very little to do with your yard. However, it's a lesson many have learned the hard way. It is impossible to remember everything you owned after a major loss. Video or Photo evidence of what your home looked like, inside and out, before the loss makes replacement a simpler process - and there's no better time to have a simplified process in the midst of a catastrophe. The documentation should cover a quick inventory of your appliances, tools, furniture, and valuable belongings in addition to any upgrades to the home. 

Preparation for a storm shouldn't just happen when the storm is inevitably on it's way. It should occur annually as storm season approaches by proactively preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best. If we can help with the gutter cleaning, tree arborist services, or drainage solutions- don't hesitate to call our office at (352)378-5296 or fill out the form above. We would love to help!

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