You think it’s HOT here???

Yesterday was a pretty big day for me and I admit that I have a bit of a hangover today!

Not an alcohol hangover… or a hangover from my little league teams loss last night, but a hangover from the release of 3 months of built up stress. In case you are reading my blog for the first time, I decided yesterday that Lundholm Landscaping is no longer in the landscape maintenance business. Aside from 5 select accounts, I decided that it is in the best interest of all parties involved that I refer landscape maintenance to my competitors. My stress level immediately went down and today I feel much more relaxed and focused.

Going forward, I will focus my attention on Landscape Design, Construction and Consultation.

That’s water under the bridge. I am not the type to second guess myself or look back and wonder. Its onward and upward.

Today is a great day to discuss a few Do’s and Dont’s to help your lawn and garden survive a heat wave.

Plants obviously don’t have the luxury of going inside to relax and unwind in the air conditioning. Plants have to suck it up and weather the storm. Plants actually react to extreme heat the same way that they react to extreme cold. Their internal survival system instructs them to go into a brief or sustained, period of dormancy… Depending on the extent of the extreme heat.

Do…

Keep a close eye on your lawn and garden. Look for extreme wilting, insect infestations, black spot and cracking soil.

Continue to water plants on a normal schedule. It’s important not to over water, which causes fungus, root rot a host of other problems. Under watering is not advised either for obvious reasons. Even dormant grasses and plants need some water.

Keep up with weed control. Dormant plants can easily be taken over by weeds. Weeds take necessary water and nutrients from the soil, robbing them from your prize possessions.

Maintain at least a 1 to 2 inch layer of mulch in your planting beds and gardens. As a reminder, mulch helps to control weeds, keeps soil temperatures down and helps to retain moisture in the soil.

Keep up with your dead heading. Although a rose, geranium or petunia flower has bloomed and is beginning to turn brown, it is still demanding water and nutrients. Eliminate spent flowers so plants can send nutrients elsewhere(always use sharp pruning shears and make clean, crisp cuts).

Don’t…

Water your lawn 3 times a day to combat the heat. Excess watering puts additional stress on lawn and gardens in heat waves because the excess water encourages plants to keep growing rather than slipping into a brief period of dormancy.

Worry about a few brown spots, or even total brown out, in your lawn.

Apply any fertilizer which will encourage growth or prolong blooms.

Panic, this too will pass.

Cut grass if it doesn’t need it. The weight of a lawn mower can actually snap grass blades and leave your lawn susceptible to fungus and disease.

Apply any insect, fungus or disease control products during the hottest parts of the day. Products like this will burn your lawn and garden and cause irreversible damage. Always apply either Late afternoon or very early morning.

My last, most important don’t of all….

Don’t forget to read… or re-read my blog on an amazing new approach to lawn and garden care which is 100 percent organic(Item 6 in my series of Blogs on 10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn). If you are on the Holganix plan, your lawn is probably thriving because of the micro climate that you created in the soil.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article.

As always, If you need my assistance, please contact me in any of the following ways….

Subscribe to this blog
Office 609-898-9136
Cell/Text 609-722-1814

Email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com or lundholmlandscaping.com

Thanks again and see you soon…

Sorry if I pissed anyone off!

I had to make a big decision!!!!

I have been on the fence for this entire spring about which way I want my business to go… or grow???

Lundholm Landscaping has been in the lawn care/landscaping business since 1975. We have always prided ourselves on being dependable, prompt and knowledgeable in all phases of landscape design, construction and maintenance. With the recovering economy and all of my fancy new business knowledge, we have more business than ever. We did more business through May of this year than all of last year!!! The majority of our work has been new construction and large scale landscaping projects. While we have been close to being on schedule with our big projects, our smaller scale projects and maintenance accounts have suffered.

My nature is to want to take care of every customer and not let anything slip through my fingers… to have it all! I believe that there is not another company in existence that cares as much about it’s customers as I do. I took on way too much work this season and now the areas that helped create this landscaping machine of a company are dragging. Despite the fact that I leave my home at 7:00am every morning, scramble around for the next 12 hours, then crawl in the door just after dark, there simply are not enough hours in the day. I am running myself ragged and I am completely exhausted. There are still a pile of maintenance jobs that need to be completed and I am tired of telling customer that I still don’t know when we will get to their job. My stress level is off the chart and I am not happy at all with the way things are going.

Building this business, going forward, is me spending more time on marketing and management and much less time doing physical work. My good friend, Joe Cicero(Polar Bear Mechanical Contractors), once told me that if I was going to make a name for myself that I needed to spend my time finding the work, not doing the work. “Hire the best guys to do the work, get rid of dead weight and you will make more money than you could ever spend” uttered Joe one June afternoon while we chatted in his luxury 42′ rock star RV.

Those who know me are aware of the fact that this business is not just about making money. Words cannot describe the feeling that comes over me when we complete a landscaping project. To know that I had a hand in creating such a masterpiece gives pride a whole new meaning. To know that someone chose me and trusted me creates a tremendous feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Enough babbling and heres the great news….

Lundholm Landscaping, creator of the most innovative, cutting edge, hip landscapes in Avalon, Stone Harbor and Cape May is no longer in the landscape maintenance business. I will keep only 5 maintenance accounts and pass everything else on to other contractors. I am going to stop chasing every dollar and get on a course for true success and prosperity. I will work normal hours and actually get to spend time with my family. Going forward, Lundholm Landscaping is SOLELY devoted to landscape design, construction and consultation! NO LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE.
Sprinkler turn ons, winterizing, mulching, grass cutting, hedge trimming, fall clean ups will all be referred to my list of courteous, knowledgeable fellow contractors. There’s no referral fee, no sub-contracting and won’t involve Lundholm Landscaping in any way.

Please don’t be offended. Many of you have been loyal customers for many years. Trust me when I say that this will be better for all parties involved in the long run. There may be a slight time of adjustment, but this too will pass.

My new found spare time will be spent researching, writing blogs and driving sales…finding the most up to date, environmentally sensitive solutions to your lawn and garden needs. Further, I have 3 dozens ideas for landscape products and tools that I will be attempting to bring to market. I feel a tremendous weight lifted off of my shoulders already as my mind shifts from “What I didn’t get done this week” to “What I can’t wait to get done tomorrow, next week, next month and so on”.

I am starting right now with this blog. I promise to write 5 informative blogs every week! Not just a bunch of words that raise my Google rankings but information that YOU will be able to use!

Check back tomorrow as I will write about a few things that will keep your landscaping thriving in a heat wave.

As always… Get in touch with me in any of the following ways

Subscribe to this blog!!!

Call me in my office at 609-898-9136
Call or text me on my cell 609-722-1814

Email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com or visit my website at www.lundholmlandscaping.com

Thanks again and I look forward to your comments!!!

In Case You Were Wondering About The Million Dollar Landscaping Project???

Wow, it’s been a really hectic month!  It’s been a long time since I posted a blog so I thought I would bring my readers up to date.

A while back I had a brainstorm to solicit homeowners from Cape May County to give Lundholm Landscaping a shot at creating a MILLION DOLLAR LANDSCAPE.  Some people thought I was crazy and my business coach and mentor asked me if I had been inhaling too many pesticides!!!  None of us expected, or even dreamed, that one simple blog would create such a stir!!!   We actually generated several very interested customers!!!

Thats not even the crazy part…  

Things took a completely mind-blowing, over the top, unexpected turn and I have to temporarily put the deadline of July 4th on hold.  I had originally wanted to review the interested properties, make a decision and make a big announcement on July 4th as to who and where the MILLION DOLLAR LANDSCAPE would be installed.

HOWEVER…..

Shortly after posting my “Million Dollar Landscape” blog, I was discretely contacted by a major marketing/production firm.  They presented me with a few ideas that almost knocked me off my feet.  At one point, I almost asked them if they had me confused with another company!!!

If things work out, this deal could be 10 times bigger and more significant than I could have ever imagined.  I can’t give any more details out about it right now but as soon as things are signed, sealed and delivered, you will know!!!

On a separate note, if you log onto www.lundholmlandscaping.com you will see a few sneak peak photos of our most recent project.  We created the ultimate back yard oasis!!  I learned this past week that the entire project is going to be photographed and featured in a major Philadelphia magazine.  We are so pumped!!!

Life should level off in the next few weeks and I will get back to the subject at hand.  EXTREME LANDSCAPE MAKEOVERS!!!

If you need anything in the mean time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us…

Lundholm Landscaping

P.O. Box 1066

Cape May, NJ 08204

Office Phone 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-722-1814

email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

www.lundholmlandscaping.com

See you out there!!!!

10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn(Tip 10 of 10)

Whew!  I have finally managed to get to our final tip on my insider secrets to having a perfect lawn completed.  As lawns begin to come back to life and slowly turn that gorgeous emerald green color, business is booming.  So much for a slow economy!! I am anxious to get through this posting so we can get to the good stuff!!  At this point, readers are watching their perfect lawn take shape.  From here I plan to write about Pavers and Hardscaping, Irrigation, Landscape Design Basics,  Lawn Mowers and Power Equipment and on and on!!!  Lundholm Landscaping is a state of the art landscape design, construction and consulting firm specializing in “Extreme Landscape Makeovers”.

Specializing in Extreme Landscape Makeovers

Todays tip will act as a quick reference guide and summary for the previous 9 tips.  Having the perfect lawn is much easier when there’s a professional in your corner.  These blogs are permanently posted so feel free to check back whenever the need arises.  Once again, here are the basics to having a perfect lawn!

Soil Testing-  Having balanced soil is essential to having a perfect lawn.   Read my Blog “Have You Tasted Your Soil” for complete details on soil testing and analysis.

Thatching- Dethatching removes dead and rotting plant matter at the surface and allows nutrients, air and water to reach the root zone.

Aerating-  Aerating opens up soil, prunes roots and allows air, water and nutrients to get deep into the ground.  Aerating is essential when adding organic matter to soils to improving overall soil quality.

Grass Varieties-  Know what type of grass is in your lawn.  Knowing what type of grass is in your lawn insures you are managing your landscape appropriately.

Going Green-  Moving forward, expect to see a significant increase is laws governing how and when fertilizer can be applied.  Investigate organic alternatives that concentrate on improving soil and creating a micro environment that develops resistance and sustains itself.  The best that we have found so is a product called Holganix.  www.holganix.com.  If you are stuck on using conventional fertilizers, please do not over-apply chemicals to your lawn.  Do some research and understand what is going into your lawn and why.

Proper Watering-  Make sure you are not over-watering.  Lawns need 1 inch of water per week for maximum health.  More water can create fungus, less water can cause roots to dry out.

Mowing- Always use a sharp blade and never cut more than one third of your grass plant.  Ideal mowing height is 3 inches or higher!

Get Fancy- A few extra minutes per week will make your lawn stand out.  Purchase a striping system and master edging and trimming skills.  Take pride in taking care of your lawn.  Walk your lawn every week and inspect every inch.  Keep your eyes open for brown patches, dry spots and pooling water.  Be proactive and stop problems before they start.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns contact us immediately.  Your first 30 minute consultation is free.  I am always available to help.

Contact me in any of the following ways!

Rob Lundholm

Lundholm Landscaping

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-7222-1814

Email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn(Tip 9 of 10)… Don’t Forget about the FREE OFFER!!!

This is probably my favorite tip of them all.  Today we learn a few of my personal secrets that will make your neighbors think that you hired the greenskeeper from Augusta National to mow your lawn.

Here’s my plug line that not only identifies who we are, but increases our Google Ranking!!!  Lundholm Landscaping is a full service landscape construction company that specializes in EXTREME Landscape Makeovers!

It’s safe to assume at this point that you have put the previous 8 tips to use and are now the proud owner of the greenest lawn on your block!  It’s time to polish off your skills and round yourself into the total PRO! Let’s start with an advanced mowing technique that is a mystery to most, but a must in every professional’s arsenal. If you’ve ever watched a PGA tour event or a Major League Baseball game, you have certainly noticed the striped lines in the turf.

Citizens Bank Park boasting some serious striping!

Its actually a very simple attachment that bolts to the handle of any lawn mower.  The concept is a medium weight roller that simply bends grass over. As the grass is bent over, sunlight reflects differently projecting the appearance of stripes.  The picture below was borrowed from patternyourlawn.com.  Check them out as their products are amongst the best on the market.

Neighbors will be GREEN with Envy!

Lawn rollers like the one used above come in every size and easily mount to push mowers, riding mowers and commercials mowers. When mowing for show, remember to empty the bag as soon as it shows signs of being full, do not empty the bag when the lawn mower is on the sidewalk and always, always, always make straight, even lines.

Edging is a simple practice that most homeowners only associate with sidewalks.  I love a professionally edged sidewalk with tight square corners, but a properly edge flower bed separates the serious landscape manicurists from the average Joe.  For Planting Beds, I recommend at least a 3 inch deep edge. This depth separates the lawn from the mulch and looks AWESOME with a really cool shadow line.  Another benefit is that grass roots dry out when exposed and minimize the likelihood of grass advancing into flower beds.  The image below illustrates the difference between an average flower bed edge and a professional bed edge.  I prefer to use a string trimmer turned on its side, but a blade edger works just as well.

Gotta Love the Look of a Professionally Edged Bed

The final tip where the pros earn their money is trimming.  String trimmers come in a variety of models ranging from electric, battery operated, gas powered and clean burning propane powered.  There is no specialized technique for trimming.  Hold the trimmer level to the lawn and do not scalp the edges.  Pay particular attention to where the debris is flying and keep from flinging trimmings into flower beds(lessening the chance for weeds).

Just a quick reminder that we are currently offering a free 30 minute consultation for homeowners in Cape May County.  I will visit with you, walk your property, inspect your tools and make recommendations or… just pat you on the back.

Contact me in any of the following ways…

Lundholm Landscaping

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-722-1814

email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

www.lundholmlandscaping.com

See you out there!

10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn(Tip 8 of 10) FREE OFFER STILL GOOD!!!

We are rounding out our 10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn.  As spring temperatures slowly begin to climb, our lawn and gardens are coming back to life.  Daffodils are blooming, the Forsythia is bright yellow and Chick Weed is everywhere.  Tip number 8 for a Perfect Lawn is learning the different types of grass.  In the Mid Atlantic Region of the country, there are 3 main varieties of grass and a 4th variety that most homeowners do not know is even a grass.

Our goal by writing these informative blogs is to inform area homeowners and share our vast knowledge of everything in the field of landscaping to include lawns, gardens, plantings, soils, irrigation, hardscaping and pavers and power equipment.   I get overwhelmed at how many readers immediately log in and read our postings.  Sometimes, I feel as if they are waiting at their computer for me to post something.  Either way, I am honored that you are reading this…no matter who you are, where you are reading…THANK YOU!  Myself and Lundholm Landscaping are honored that you have taken your personal time to read what we have to say!

Now let’s get to the real reason that your eyes are glued to the computer. Information!!

In our area of the country, the 3 main varieties of grass are Rye Grass, Fescue and Blue Grass.  The fourth variety is often mistaken for a weed and is called Bermuda Grass.  Listed below are the common turf grass and a brief description of each….

Rye Grass

Commonly referred to as Annual or Perennial Rye.  Rye grass is a clumping variety and usually the first grass to green up in the spring(often called Winter Rye).  Rye grass is very common in Northern Climates as its easily adapts to cold weather and rarely turns completely brown.

Annual Rye- Similar to the growing cycle of an annual flowering plant, Annual Rye Grass completes its life cycle in one year.  Annual Rye germinates extremely fast(3-5 days) and has vigorous growth habits.  Common applications for Annual Rye are temporary uses, temporary erosion barriers, forage for livestock, hayfields and for a quick fix while waiting for slower germinating varieties to establish themselves.

Rye grass is easily identified by taking a close look at a lawn in early spring as noticeable clumping, dark green grass plants will be evident.  Rye grass is amongst the easiest to grow as it is extremely resistant to disease, drought and heavy traffic.

Fescue

This Picture Displays a Thick Bladed "Turf Type Fescue"

In my opinion, Fescue is the finest quality grass available.  Fescue is hearty, has a nice color and is a matting type grass that spreads through a vigorous rhizomatic root system.   There are new varieties of Fescue hybrids coming on the market on a regular basis.  My personal favorites are Black Magic and Kentucky 31.  Both are somewhat slow to germinate but are well worth the extra time.  If sewing Black Magic or Kentucky 31, make sure your seed blend contains a fast germinating seed like Annual or Perennial Rye.  Once these tougher varieties of Fescues germinate, they will muscle out the weaker Rye grasses and establish a thick healthy green carpet.

Fescue can be difficult to identify because of the numerous varieties.  Tall Fescue is tall(obviously), extremely thin bladed and clumping while Turf Type or Dwaft Fescues have thick grass blades and form a thick carpet like lawn which actually chokes out weeds and has a natural resistance to insects because of naturally occurring endophytes.  Tall Fescue does well in extreme heat circumstances but may need frequent reseeding do to it’s clumping growth habits(similar to Rye).  Turf Type Fescues have been hybridized to the point where growth rates are extremely slow so that less frequent mowing is necessary while the grass spreads.  Fescues can be planted in either sun or shade and adapt well in a variety of climates.

Kentucky Blue Grass

A Thick Healthy Blue Grass Lawn

Kentucky Blue Grass is by far the most fickle of grasses.  Most varieties go dormant and turn brown in extreme summer heat as well as winter.  Blue Grass is most susceptible to disease, does not like traffic and will not grow in shade.  Blue Grass requires frequent, managed watering as well as regular fertilization.  If you are wondering why anyone would even want Blue Grass, check the photo above.

Although the look of a finely manicure Kentucky Blue Grass lawn is second to none, if you are not a seasoned gardener, with a south facing lawn, do not plant Kentucky Blue Grass or Install Kentucky Blue Grass Sod.

Bermuda Grass

The Nightmare that is Bermuda Grass!

We have all seen this one.  Did you even know is was an actual grass or did you think it was a weed.  It takes over our lawns when it gets hot and it spreads like wildfire.  It loves our sandy soil, it works its way into our planting beds, its impossible to kill(with or without chemicals) and it’s UGLY.  I have spent the majority of the last 6 years trying to come up with a reasonable method to control Bermuda Grass.

Since Bermuda grass re-emerges rather late in spring, it can be managed. Bermuda Grass has a sub-surface root like rhizomatic structure that runs underground from a few inches to several feet.  Bermuda Grass is very hard to pull up and the roots can be sharp and course.  The only way that I have found to get rid of Bermuda Grass is to plant something more powerful that will choke it out.  High quality Fescue varieties will do just that.  As long as grass is thick and hearty, it will occupy the soil and not leave any room for the Bermuda Grass to establish itself.  Bermuda Grass can also be managed by using a paint brush and applying Round Up directly to the Bermuda Grass blades.  This is a grueling practice but if you take the time to walk your lawn on a daily basis and and paint Bermuda grass as it wakes up, you have a chance at getting rid of it.   Assuming your neighbors are taking the same steps or you have a really deep border along property lines.  I have done some research on a chemical called Ornamec which is a selective Herbicide.  I have not tried Ornamec but am interested to see if anyone has tried it and if it works in our climate.  If anyone is aware of a more effective approach, I’d love to hear it!!

If you are having trouble identifying what type of grass you have or are interesting in learning what type of grass would be best for you, contact me today and schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation(Cape May County Only).

Thanks again for reading and be sure to check back or subscribe to this blog for future updates.

Rob Lundholm

Lundholm Landscaping

P.O. Box 1066

Cape May, NJ 08204

Office (609)898-9136

Cell/Text (609)722-1814

rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

www.lundholmlandscaping.com

10 Tips to a Perfect Lawn(Tip 7 of 10) and a FREE OFFER!!!

Thanks once again for checking back to your encyclopedia for landscaping tips, techniques and practices.   Lundholm Landscaping is a full service landscape construction company specializing in “Extreme Landscape Makeovers!”.

Our recent topic has drawn a lot of interest from area homeowners.  I am pumped up that so many friends, family and customers are taking the time to read through these articles.  To show our appreciation, this week I am offering a free 30 minute Landscape Consultation to our customers Cape May County.  Just contact me and I will be there!  We will walk your entire property.  Ask me anything you would like and I will be happy to provide free advice.  No strings attached!

Recently I published a post on why you should consider changing from conventional lawn fertilizers to organic fertilizers.  Today we learn how and when to apply organic fertilizers.

Don’t panic yet, I am not going to ask you to go completely “Cold Turkey” in changing from conventional fertilizers to organic.  We are going to ease into it and let the results speak for themselves.  The product we are recommending is an all natural, holistic, organic approach and goes by the name HOLGANIX(holistic-organic).  Holganix focuses on creating healthy soil, thus a healthy lawn.  The concept is to build a micro-environment in soils which sustains itself with natural occuring nitrogen while building it’s own immune system to defend against insects, disease and drought.  The process is designed to work with the watering and cutting recommendations from an earlier post.

Since Holganix naturally adjusts Ph and resists insects, grubs and disease, these chemicals are eliminated.  Holganix saves money while reducing our carbon footprint and lessening impact on our environment.

Application time frames are very similar to conventional time frames.  For those readers who feel hesitant about completely cutting out pesticides and chemicals, this program does offer a certain level of tolerance.  When starting the program, its fine to mix Holganix with a reduced level of recommended chemicals.  As the your micro environment begins to develop beneath the soil, do not be surprised if you find yourself eliminating the need for pesticides and chemicals very early in the process.  If you want to completely eliminate chemicals  right from the start, that’s fine too!

Holganix is a liquid fertilizer so plan on investing in a good pump sprayer.  I recommend a back pack model(available at home improvement retailers for under $100.00).  Without further delay, we PROUDLY introduce a proven system to eliminate chemicals, improve the environment and produce a healthy, sustaining SHOW LAWN!

Here Goes…

Step 1- Early Spring.  Applied March 1st thru April 30th.

Granular pre-emergent crab grass preventer.  Spot treat(apply chemical weed killer directly to the weeds as needed) unwanted weeds.  We recommend Ortho Weed-B-Gone packaged in a  pre-mixed, ready to spray bottle.

Weed-B-Gone Spot Weed Control

Step 2-Spring.  Applied May 1st through June 15th

Holganix organic fertilizer.  Spot treat weeds as needed with Weed-B-Gone.

Step 3- Early Summer.  Applied June 16th through July 31st.

Holganix organic fertilizer.  Spot treat weeds as needed with Weed-B-Gone.  Apply granular or liquid surface insect control.  We recommend Ortho Bug-B-Gone in the pre-mixed, hose end spray bottle.

Bug-B-Gon Sprayer- Attaches to Garden Hose

***VERY IMPORTANT***  NEVER APPLY ANY FORM OF FUNGICIDE while using Holganix products.  Fungicide kills the beneficial bacteria associated with Holganix and disrupts the entire process.

Step 4-Late Summer.  Applied August 1st through September 15th.

Holganix organic fertilizer.  Spot treat weeds as needed with Weed-B-Gone.

Step 5-Early Fall.  Applied September 16th through October 31st.

Holganix organic fertilizer.  Spot treat weeds as needed with Weed-B-Gone.

Step 6-Late Fall.  Applied November 1st through November 30th.

Granular Fertilizer.  Any winterizing fertilizer will work fine.  Do not use any fertilizer with a weed control mixture.  Spot treat weeds as needed with Weed-B-Gone.

If the decision has been made to go completely organic, simply eliminate step 1, step 6 as well as the spot treating of weeds and surface insects.

The Holganix system takes about 3 years of consistent use to develop the desired micro-environment in soil.  Although the sub-surface development process does take time, immediate results are evident in overall color and lawn thickness.

Holganix is the future of lawn and garden care.  New Jersey is on the brink of passing the strictest lawn fertilizer bill in the country.  This bill is going to limit the useable amount of Nitrogen, eliminate the use of Potash and control when we can and cannot apply fertilizer.  The process introduced above puts us one step ahead of these eminent regulations.

This process is completely new to Lundholm Landscaping.  We have done considerable research in the area of going Organic.  The other companies and programs offered little proof of results as compared to Holganix.  In the coming weeks, I will be apply my first application to my personal lawn.  I plan to keep a series of pictures illustrating the progression of our Holganix lawn and garden.

Holganix will be stocked by Lundholm Landscaping or can be ordered through Aquarius Irrigation Supply(aquariussupply.com or several locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region).

My friends at Holganix will be monitoring this posting.  If you would like answers, right from the source, please post your questions or comments on this blog.

Thanks again for reading and we look forward to this exciting time in the history of our company.

Lundholm Landcaping

P.O. Box 1066

Cape May, NJ 08204

Rob Lundholm

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-722-1814

email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

www.lundholmlandscaping.com

10 Tips to a Perfect Lawn(Tip 6 of 10)

I want to start today, by thanking all who have taken the time to read my postings. It’s overwhelming when I think that so many people take time out of their busy day to read what I have to say.

Say NO to Chemicals and Pesticides in your Lawn and Garden

Today, Lundholm Landscaping is taking on the big boys!  We are going to reveal the dark side of this industry, then reveal an easy solution to the problem. A few weeks back, I attended a seminar in Norristown, Pennsylvania.  The theme of the day was irrigation products, but I took special notice of a new vendor.  They had a simple display, a few handouts and a large jug of an ugly brown water-looking product.  The display itself was nothing fancy, but the two gentlemen tending to the booth, really impressed me with their enthusiasm.  As it turned out, these 2 gentlemen were the inventors of the product.  In speaking with the two inventors at length, I quickly learned who was the business person and who was the actual scientist.

I immediately took to the scientist guy and had his ear for quite some time. At the end of our conversation, I quickly realized that I had been brainwashed. Brainwashed by advertisers who led me to believe that their product was something that I, and the rest of America, could not do without.  Through their fancy bags and prime time commercials, I let the big boys of the lawn fertilizer world convince me that the “Only” way to have a beautiful lawn was by applying their “Five Step” process. If I wanted an even more beautiful and healthy lawn, upgrade to the “SUPER Five Step” process.

That day in Norristown, I had an eye opening experience when the crew from Holganix uncovered what that five step process was actually doing to my lawn…and the environment. If you are not familiar with the five step process in conventional lawn care, please read my previous blog(Step 5 of 10). Our lawns do not need Nitrogen.  Nitrogen should come from a healthy micro-climate in the soil. Tests have proven that the only thing that nitrogen does in the spring is promote top growth.  As you apply fertilizer and the water soluble nitrogen takes effect, grass plants want to grow, grow, grow.  Compare this process to drinking a shot of “5 hour energy”.  When that “5 Hour Energy” wears off, we drink another(adding a second dose of fertilizer in late spring), then that dose wears off just in time for the stress of Summer heat.  I compare this to staying up all night, as a result of “5 Hour Energy”, then going to work and having to make a presentation to your board of directors.  You feel good at the time, but when the effect has worn, off things don’t look so good.  Could this be why our lawns turn brown in the summer???  That’s not even the worse part… Nitrogen from lawn fertilizer dissolves as water washes over it, over 70 percent of this nitrogen gets washed away!  Where does it go you ask??? Lakes, Streams, Oceans, Beaches, Watersheds and anyplace else water will wash it.

“Crabgrass preventer” in chemical form is not the solution to not having crab grass. How many times have we applied “Crabgrass Preventer” and had crab grass anyway?  The solution to not having crab grass is by having a lawn that is so thick and healthy that when crab grass seeds land in your lawn and reach the soil, they don’t get any sunlight…  therefore not germinating!

Don’t use insecticides to kill pests in your lawn and garden!! Create a micro-environment where beneficial insects and bacteria thrive and attack unwanted insects.  The decomposing bodies of the unwanted insects then provide “Natural Nitrogen”.  Stop pumping pesticides into soils and plants. These pesticides rarely do their job of killing the nuisance pests.  Pesticides do, however, kill the beneficial insects and pro-biotic bacteria.

The ideal scenario for lawn and garden soil would be similar to that of a forest. Plants grow, make leaves, the leaves fall, the leaves decompose into all natural compost feeding and fortifying the soil.  This process allows beneficial insects and pro-biotic bacteria to thrive, creating its own self defense mechanism.   Another benefit of an organic lawn is its ability to reduce global warming.  An organic lawn consumes up to 27 percent more carbon from the environment! Conventional fertilizers reduce grass plants needs to go out and find carbon while organic solutions encourage grass to find and consume considerably more!!

Please take a few minutes to read the article below to further understand the science behind organic solutions…

http://holganix.com/articles/igin_2011.pdf

To learn more about the system that we will be using going forward, please visit www.holganix.com.

That’s organic lawn and garden care in it’s simplest form. Tomorrow I reveal our new “Holistic, Organic” solution and 4 step program!

Rob Lundholm

Lundholm Landscaping

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-722-1814

email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

www.lundholmlandscaping.com

See you out there!

10 Tips to a Perfect Lawn(Tip 5 of 10)

Feeding

Lundholm Landscaping is a second generation landscape contracting company.  We pride ourselves on premium quality, high functioning landscaping solutions.  We feel that it is our civic duty to share our wealth of knowledge so that homeowners can make important decisions regarding their landscape.  Today we will learn about “Conventional” feeding practices.

It’s 5:50 am on St. Patricks day of 2011.  Most people are deep in sleep dreaming about how they plan to spend this festive day.  I, on the other hand have been tossing and turning all night wondering if I should even write this article.  As we press forward in our discussions, I will be encouraging all homeowners to stop pumping dangerous chemicals and pesticides into our lawns and our environment.  In the next few posts, I will offer my “Green” plan for a healthy lawn and an even healthier environment.  For now, I decided to go ahead with this posting because not everyone shares my views on the environment and lawn feeding.  So on with it… today’s lesson is “Conventional” feeding methods for a Perfect Lawn.

“Conventional” fertilizing consists of a five step process.  This five step program has been marketed for years and encourages a green, healthy “Appearing” lawn during the growing season.  As we view a bag or container of fertilizer we always see a series of 3 numbers separated by a hyphen.  The first number represents Nitrogen.  I’m not going to get super scientific on you, but in a nutshell, Nitrogen is fuel for a thick, green lawn.  The second number is Potassium.  Potassium encourages root growth to help a lawn survive drought, foot traffic and the stress of summer. The third number is Potash.  Potash encourages a healthy all around grass plant.  There is a saying in the industry for the three numbers…Up, Down and All Around.  Nitrogen is for the grass blades, Potassium is for the roots and Potash is for the entire grass plant.  Another insiders tip on “Conventional” fertilizing programs is when to apply each step.  For ease of remembering when to apply, applications are scheduled for the 5 holidays associated with the growing season.  These fertilizers are available in both granular(applied with a spreader) or liquid(attaches to the end of your garden hose).

Step 1.  Lawn Fertilizer with Crabgrass Preventer.

Apply on St. Patricks Day. This first application of fertilizer is designed to wake up a lawn and get the growing process off on the right foot.  The numbers on a bag of early spring fertilizer may read 27-2-8.  Step 1 is designed to promote top growth of grass blades while encouraging general plant health.  The crab grass preventer is a chemical additive which prevents crab grass seeds from germinating.

Contrary to popular belief, crab grass is an annual plant(completes its lifecycle in 1 season).  In the fall, crab grass plants will send up what I call an antenna.  This antenna resembles an old fashioned TV antenna on the roof of a home.  Anyway, this antenna is full of crab grass seeds.   As the wind blows, these seeds are spread all over your lawn with hopes of germinating and taking over the lawn during the hot summer months.  Early spring is an ideal time to apply Crab Grass preventer because crab grass seeds do not germinate until the air temperature reaches 80 degrees.

Step 2.  Lawn Fertilizer Plus Weed Control.

Apply Memorial Day.  Step 2 is designed to further promote top growth, overall plant health and is commonly referred to as “Weed and Feed”.  Numbers on a bag of step 2 will read something 28-3-2.  If a lawn isn’t Emerald Green at this point, it will be very soon.  The second ingredient to Step 2 is broadleaf weed control.  Broadleaf weeds are such things as Dandelions, Nuts Edge, Clover, Thistle and Chickweed.  These weeds work their way into a lawn and compete for water and valuable nutrients.

The most important step in applying Step 2 is to make sure that the lawn is wet.  Since a weed and feed is a topical weed control, it must stick to the weed in order to eliminate it.  The chemicals in a weed and feed work their way into a grass plant, disrupt the photosynthesis cycle and kill the weed.

Step 3.  Summer Fertilizer plus Insect Control

Apply on July 4th.  Summer fertilizers prepare lawns for summer drought while killing insects that can affect a lawn.  Numbers on a bag of Summer Fertilizer will read 20-0-8. Summer fertilizes may also contain additives that help grass absorb water and nutrients.

Summer fertilizers usually contain an insecticide which kills many insects found under the surface of lawns.   The most common insect is Grubs.  Grubs live in the ground and work their way up to the surface during the warmest months.  While a lawn is most vulnerable in the summer heat, Grubs eat the roots of grass producing significant brown patches.  Another nuisance pest associate with Grubs is moles.  Moles burrow just beneath the surface eating Grubs and creating a linear mound.   Granular summer fertilizers must be watered immediately after application to activate the product.

Step 4.  Basic Lawn Fertizer

Apply Labor Day.  Step 4 is a rebound type fertilizer and will boast numbers which resemble 32-0-4.  This late summer application helps grass regain its vigor after a hot summer.  This fertilizer can be granular or liquid and applied any time during the day.

Step 5.  Winterizer with Weed Control.

Apply Columbus Day.  Step 5 is a winterizer fertilizer that encourages deep root growth and overall plant health.  Promoting deep, healthy roots during the dormant, winter months insures grass gets off to a healthy start the following season.
This late fall application may include a weed preventer.  This preventer eliminates weed seeds on the surface and insures minimal competition for grass during the spring growing season.

All that being said, life in the lawn fertilizer world is about to take a serious turn.  As responsible property owners, we need to put the environment first.   Although the above mentioned steps and processes do produce a thick, green lawn the truth is that about 70 percent of these fertilizers and chemicals wind up in our lakes and streams as a result of runoff.  Also, the steps mentioned above do absolutely nothing to the general make up of soils.

I am in the infant stages of coming up with an effective, proven system to have a healthy lawn by reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals and pesticides.  The future of a healthy lawn must encourage the development of a micro climate in the soil beneath our turf.  Future lawn care programs include the use of beneficial bacteria and micro nutrients which will naturally deter unwanted insects and build an immune system that chokes out weeds.  Please take a few seconds to watch the video below to further understand the harsh impact that our current way of life is effecting our environment.

I am currently in the process of studying a new product line know as Holganix.  The concept is a Holistic-Organic approach to creating a micro-environment where chemicals and pesticides are not needed.  An environment that sustains itself while helping the environment instead of destroying it.  My next few Tips will involve the developement of this new approach.  Thanks for reading and please check back soon!

Contact me in any of the following ways.

Rob Lundholm

Lundholm Landscaping

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-7222-1814

Email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

See you out there.

10 Tips to a Perfect Lawn(Tip 4 of 10)

Watering

At Lundholm Landscaping, we pride ourselves on superior knowledge in all things landscaping.  Since not everyone can afford a professional, I decided to offer up a few vital nuggets of information.  If you have been reading my blogs on “10 Tips to a Perfect Lawn” and following my advice, you are well on your way to having a perfect lawn.  We have learned how to thatch and aerate, then how to cut grass, today we learn all about watering our lawns.

Watering is not only important to establishing a perfect lawn, but essential to maintaining a healthy, perfect lawn.  Today we will learn why to water, how to water, when to water and how much water to apply.

Lawns need water to complete the photosynthesis process.  Too much water will result in drowning the roots or causing fungus.  Not enough water causes grass to dry out and go into dormancy or die altogether, in extreme circumstances.  In an ideal situation, water hits grass blades, works its way into the soil, cascades over the root system then eventually purculates back into the ground.

Whether you have in-ground sprinklers or use a standard lawn sprinkler supplied by a garden hose, the following tips apply.  Lawns thrive when 1 inch of water is applied each week.  The most effective way to measure 1 inch of water is by doing the following process…

Gather a series of empty tuna fish cans or empty pie tins(both measure 1 inch in depth).  Spread the empty containers throughout your lawn.  Turn on your sprinkler(s) and record how long it takes to fill the containers.  Divide this time by 3.  I recommend watering your lawn 3 days per week and avoid watering every day.  A deep watering every third day is much more effective as this allows water to seep deep into your soil.  On the non watering days, the roots of grass plants sense there is water deeper in the soil.  The roots will actually grow deeper into the soil to find this water.  Deeper roots equal a healthier lawn.

Infrequent Watering Promotes Deep, Healthy Roots!

In-ground sprinerkler systems will require the above practice for each zone. While watering, keep a close eye on watering conditions and be sure that every inch of your lawn is being effectively watered.  If dry spots, or extremely wet spots are noticed, make appropriate adjustments.

Always water early in the morning, preferably just before sunrise.  Early morning watering allows water to slowly saturate the soil before evaporation can occur.  Some circumstances, however, do not permit early morning watering.  If this is the case and watering is only possible later in the day, always avoid watering after sunset or any time during the overnight hours. Watering during these times could create puddling which results in drowning a lawn or the eventual growth of fungus.

Finally, keep a close eye on the weather.  Avoid watering before, during(duh) and after rain.  For the high tech homeowner, invest in a rain sensor.  Rain sensors will over ride and shut down a sprinkler system when a pre-determined amount of rain is collected in the sensor.  Once the sensor dries out, normal operation resumes.  Another simple way to keep track of rain is by using a rain gauge.  Rain gauges are available from most hardware stores for under $5. Simply place the rain gauge in an exposed area and monitor watering manually.

Thats just about all I have on watering.  Very simple but extremely important.

If you are interested in having me come to your property and analyze your watering system, feel free to reach me in any of the following ways….

Rob Lundholm

Lundholm Landscaping

Office 609-898-9136

Cell/Text 609-722-1814

email rob@lundholmlandscaping.com

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you out there!