Most Michigan homeowners have dealt with crabgrass at some point during the summer months. It’s an ugly weed that pops up virtually everywhere and it’s an eyesore to otherwise healthy landscapes. Getting rid of crabgrass is all about timing. Here are a few steps you can take to help control the issue:

1. Make sure it’s crabgrass.

A lawncare professional can help identify crabgrass. It’s important to know exactly what type of weeds are overtaking your lawn. Typically, crabgrass hangs lower than normal grass to the point where a standard mower is unable to trim it during a regular lawn cutting. The crabgrass stalks sprawl horizontally and growth can get fairly long.

2. Break the cycle in early spring.

Pre-emergent herbicide should be applied in early spring before the crabgrass germinates and spreads to other parts of the yard. If the application timing is right, you will have prevented the weeds from taking over next year as well. It’s important to select a herbicide that is safe for kids, pets and adults.

3. Kill the weeds, not your grass.

If the crabgrass is still hanging around by late summer, a post-emergent herbicide should be applied. A fertilization technician can recommend which type of herbicide has the power to selectively kill only the crabgrass weeds and not your grass. It’s important to select herbicides that are meant to kill the plant itself- not your grass or other surrounding landscape plants.

Keep your neighbor in mind! If a nearby yard is taken over by crabgrass, there’s a chance the seeds could spread to your property. If this is the case, a fertilizer technician can implement techniques to help minimize the spread and appearance of weeds.

At D.A. Alexander & Company, we’d be happy to discuss a plan to help you achieve barefoot grass! Contact us at 734-427-0030 for more information.

Photo by Kevin Frank | Michigan State University Extension

Fall cleanup is a routine procedure that typically includes leaf blowing or leaf removal service, along with prepping your lawn before the snow hits. However, there are a few more outside tasks to make sure plants bloom to their full potential next spring. Here are some services D.A. Alexander & Company, Inc. can provide to take care of your entire landscape this season.

Fall Cleanup

October is the best time to invest in fall cleanup services and thoroughly rid your landscape of leaves, debris and dead plants. In addition to raking leaves and disposing of the excess organic material in your yard, we also provide:

Removal of Annual Plants/Seasonal plantings- After the first frost, it's time to remove the annual plants that are no longer in bloom. This will make room for new annuals come springtime.

Trim perennials- perennials such as black-eyed susans, daisies and hostas can be cut back in preparation for next year. Most of the time, this means trimming them down to just a few inches above the ground. In spring, new green stems will protrude through the old foliage and the dead stems eventually can be cut back. 

Prepping for Winter

In the winter, trees and shrubs take the brunt of cold weather, frost, ice and heavy snow. It's also important to winterize your irrigation system before freezing temperatures hit.

Burlap bushes (boxwoods)- Wrapping your bushes in burlap consolidates heat and protects the root system from extreme frostbite. The same procedure can be done with delicate trees or large pines/spruce trees that may need protection.

Anti-wilt spray- Shrubs like boxwoods, evergreens or arborvitae may benefit from an anti-wilt spray. Safe for families and pets, this spray treatment helps the shrubs retain moisture in their leaves throughout the winter season, even when the temperature is below freezing. Preventing the “winter burn” or frostbite will reduce your fertilization costs.

Winterize your Irrigation System- Last but not least, always turn off your irrigation system in late fall/early winter. The professionals at D.A. Alexander & Company, Inc. utilize a winterization checklist, saving you money on costly repairs and unexpected damages next season. 

Fall is in the air! As we look to shorter days and colder temperatures, your garden may need some help transitioning to the new season. Here are a few ways we recommend prepping your landscape for fall:

1.  Don't stop weeding-

Chances are, the majority of plants in your garden are done growing this year. Now is the time to remove any invasive weeds and clean up around the perennials that will go dormant this winter. Mulch is a great way to prevent lingering weeds from coming back, while also insulating the soil. Here in Michigan, mulch can be a lifesaver from the unexpected drops in temperature and frost. While you're at it, rake over your entire garden to ensure plants are free of disease. Check for signs of discoloration and get rid of any dead leaves in the process.

2.  Take out any annual plants-

Your annuals lived the good life and are slowly starting phase their way out of your landscape. And since they won't be returning next year, why not make some room for next year's annuals? In the extra space, try adding mulch or even planters with seasonal mums that can withstand the cold.

3.  Bring your sensitive plants inside-

This includes any summertime staples like ferns or succulents that require the warmer temperatures and sunshine to thrive. While they might look great by the pool, it's likely they won't last very long outside, especially after the first frost.

4.  Clear the leaves-

Perhaps the most daunting task of the fall season, clearing away leaves before cutting your lawn is both healthy for the grass and your lawn mower. If the fall tailgating season has your weekends tied up, you can always rely on the professionals at D.A. Alexander & Company to take care of the grass (and leaves) in your yard.

5.  Invest in Core Aeration-

By the end of the summer season, your soil is very compacted. Core aeration is a process where plugs of soil are pulled from the lawn in order to break up compacted soil and thatch build-up. Fall is the perfect time to aerate the soil so it is in peak condition next spring.

For more information on lawn services, core aeration, and prepping your landscape this season, contact D.A. Alexander & Company at 734-427-0030.

Everyone hates weeds, and we are constantly trying to figure out the best way to prevent them. Many people think that installing weed barrier is going to solve all their weed problems, but is it really a good idea?

The Truth About Weed Barrier

Let's talk about installing mulch on top of a weed barrier. What happens to mulch every year? It eventually loses its color and breaks down into soil. After years of replenishing mulch, you create a beautiful soil layer on top of your weed barrier. The good news is you have created a great mulch base, high in organic matter. The bad news is, the decomposition of the mulch on top of the weed barrier has just created an optimal and excellent opportunity for weeds to grow. 

When the weeds start popping up and it's time to pull them, it is more difficult to pull them because the roots are often embedded in the fabric. Therefore, when you do pull them, the entire root is not removed, and the weeds grow back in quickly. So, while the weed barrier fabric seems like a good idea for weed prevention in your beds, it actually leads to more weeds.

A Great Alternative to Weed Barrier

Using a preemergent herbicide when you spread your fresh mulch is a great way to avoid weeds. As the season goes on, maintain the areas by hand pulling the visible weeds, or using a non-selective herbicide, or do a combination of both. This should be sufficient when trying to combat any weed problem. 

The Best Use for Weed Barrier

When it comes to decorative rock installation, a weed barrier is a necessity and it will give you much better results in controlling weeds. Obviously, rock is not going to break down like mulch, but be aware that rock can be more costly than mulch. When installing rock, I recommend a geo-textile fabric. This type of fabric is a stronger, more durable landscape fabric than typical weed barrier. If you are having rock installed by a contractor, make sure to request geo-textile fabric to give you the best results. 

Spring brings warm weather, colorful blooms and dreaded weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides are a useful tool in your warm weather battle against weeds.  Here are 6 tips to ensure you get the most out of a pre-emergent application.

1. READ THE LABEL. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals. It is the law to read the label and follow the instructions. The label will tell you what weeds and grasses the pre-emergent is effective against, how much to apply and if the product needs to be watered after the application to be effective. 

2. Avoid planting new grass seed. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent the seeds from germinating. 

3. Don't assume the pre-emergent you use on your turf can be used in your landscape beds. Read the label. You could cause serious damage to your landscape by misusing a pre-emergent product.

4. A pre-emergent is NOT effective once the weeds are showing. The active chemicals in the product must be in place prior to the weed starting to germinate. 

5. The soil or mulch must remain undisturbed in order to maintain the pre-emergent chemical barrier. Disruptions and holes made in a pre-emergent barrier create places for weeds to survive and drive you crazy.

6. Some pre-emergent products may cause staining on concrete, pavers, stone and other hard surfaces. There are non-staining formulas available.