USEFUL TIPS AND HINTS TO PREPARE FOR SUMMER
With the beginning of our summer rainy season irrigation and pest management are essential in keeping a healthy landscape.
Water thoroughly and let dry thoroughly
- The irrigation must be adjusted more frequently.
- Turn off the water after a rainstorm and let the landscape dry out.
- Keeping plants and trees perpetually wet can lead to pest problems, and root damage.
- A rain sensor can be installed to shut down the system temporarily until things dry out; and protect your plants.
- We install rain sensors for about $150.00.
Evapotranspiration increases during the summer
- Plants and trees can show signs of drought stress very quickly.
- Leaf blades will tend to fold in half, and turn a dull or flat green color - instead of being shiny or vibrant.
- This can happen after two or three hot days without rain.
- Most sprinkler zones with stationary heads should be set to water for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on that areas exposure to the Sun.
- Most zones with rotor heads (heads that move) should be set for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on that areas exposure to the Sun.
- If the zone has a mixture (this is not good) split the difference.
Most pests thrive on young succulent growth
- They pierce and suck the juice out of the leaves, or they just eat it.
- An extra set of eyes is always helpful.
- Do not hesitate to call and inform your management or Cut-Rite of any possible pest problems.
- We visit our properties once per week during the summer and keep a VERY watchful eye for pests and pest damage.
- We monitor and scout regularly, but pests are extremely small (as small as 1/16th on an inch) and can easily be missed.
- The key is to treat an infestation early.
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