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Spring has sprung in many parts of the country and if you’ve already tuned up your lawnmower or bought a new one, you’re probably anxious to get out and start mowing your grass. But before you do that, it’s good to know when is the right time to start mowing your lawn in the spring. It’s not quite as simple as “when the grass starts growing.”

So, When Can You Start Mowing Your Lawn?

While the answer depends on where you live and what type of lawn you have, the general indicator will be how tall your grass is. Here in California, we have already started with our mowing chores while people in the North East may not be quite there yet. I recommend that you wait until it’s warm enough to mow regularly. If temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees, you wait a bit longer.

The Ideal Height to Cut Grass?

According to Pennington‘s full list, the recommended grass blade height is about three inches. However, there are exceptions, and is dependent upon what type of grass species you have. Typically you should keep your grass about three inches long, and mowing it down to  1-1/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches with the last cut of the season.

You should never cut the grass too short before the end of the season because the sun will dry out the soil and create dead patches. This can damage the soil and the lawnmower itself. 

What Are Ideal Mowing Conditions?

Try to avoid cutting wet grass. Instead, wait until the lawn has dried out some. Mowing wet grass is bad for several reasons. Wet grass can clog the mower, causing it to overheat, and stick to the mower’s underside, which is difficult to clean. Also, wet grass tends to leave clumps of wet clippings that could smother the grass beneath. And then there is the danger of you slipping on the wet grass while you mow.  Early evening is the optimal mowing time since it allows the grass the most shade to heal.

What if It Gets Cold Again?

Spring weather can be fickle. It’s hard to predict when cold weather actually is behind us. Temperatures should be consistently above 40 degrees F before you start your mowing chore again. However, do not mow again if temperatures drop and there is frost. Mowing frosted or frozen grass can damage your lawn, possibly killing it.

When to Fertilize and Water Your Lawn

If you fertilize twice a year, Spring is the time to apply just enough lawn fertilizer to help green up the grass. A third application can be added in mid to late spring, combined with your weed preventer. If you only fertilize once a year, for most regions the best time is around Labor Day.

Obviously, watering your lawn properly is crucial for a lush look and feel. How much water and how often depends on the region, grass type, the soil composition, and other factors. Generally, grass should be watered early in the morning. Watering during the hottest times of the day allows too much water to evaporate, limiting hydration. And watering at night encourages the growth of harmful fungi.

When to Outsource

For some mowing their own lawn and tending to their gardens is a joyful hobby. They have no problem doing this regularly on the weekends or their time off. But not everyone is excited about the fact that they have to trade in their precious time mowing the lawn. Given that their lawns may not be mowed weekly and ultimately show signs of neglect. A healthy, lush lawn is the result of regular care. If that is you, perhaps outsourcing the lawn mowing chore is for you. When you consider the value of your time vs the cost of such a service, most likely you will agree that it is worth it. If you live in Benicia, Vallejo, or American Canyon one such service provider is Shamrock Landscape Company. Look them up and give them a call to schedule your lawn maintenance service.

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A lawnmower is a mechanized machine using one or more spinning blades to cut a hard grass surface at a predetermined rate. The rate of cutting grass is controlled by the style of the mower’s blades, usually by a master cylinder, usually fixed in the center of a rotary wheel, or by a bolt or screw on each of the wheels. This type of mowers has a series of cutting paths, which are pre-set and are used for cutting different types of turf, such as ryegrass, bluegrass, tall fescue, and Bermuda grass. The most common grass types cut by this type of machine are Bermuda, Ryegrasses, Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Rimble. Each lawn mower has its own set of cutting blades, which vary in size and design.

Lawnmowers are powered either by electricity or gasoline. Many lawns don’t require the use of electricity for cutting grass, and for those mowers that do, an electric cutting unit must be attached to the mower itself. All electric mowers, however, must be plugged into an electrical outlet, and a separate cord must be used for the cordless models. In addition, there are some mowers which need to be plugged into a battery. Most lawn mowers come with an emergency starter in case of a power failure. In addition, most have an automatic cut-off feature, which allows the user to turn the engine off when not mowing.

It is important to learn how to properly use a lawnmower before committing to one for the first time. Each lawn mower has its own set of cutting blades. There are also differences in the number of blades on different models. The number of blades and how quickly they can be switched on and off affect the efficiency of your lawn mowing.

Some of the more basic lawnmowers have between one and eight blades. The smaller lawn tractors have fewer blades than the larger lawn tractors. For this reason, mulching lawnmowers may be more efficient than the zero-turn lawnmowers. Mulching lawnmowers are best used in thick, lush green areas where there are not many grass clippings. These lawnmowers also help to conserve gas mileage.

There are two types of cutting widths available on most lawnmower models. The first type is the cutting width or the width of the blade itself. Most lawnmower blades are between twenty-five and twenty-eight inches in cutting width. The second type is the cutting height, which is the distance between the ground and the center of the blade. This height varies by model, so you should read the owner’s manual to find out what the recommended cutting height is for your model. Some mowers will indicate the cutting width and the cutting height on the box but not all will do so.

Most lawn mowers come with an option for a grass-catching compartment. This compartment stores cut grass clippings and other debris. You may also choose to buy a reel mower that allows you to mulch in reverse, which is similar to a Husqvarna cut lawnmower.

Some lawn mowers have a self-retracting cutting lever. If your mower has a self-retracting cutting lever, you need to look for one with a safety switch. Older models that self-retracting have a safety switch on the side of each lever, as well as a metal clip that protects the base of each lever. The clip is designed to prevent the lever from coming off if it becomes stuck on the ground while the motor is operating. Many people mistakenly think that they can prevent the mower from coming to a stop by pushing the lever up and down – this action is actually forbidden since the movement of a spring could disable the safety switch, causing the mower to come to a stop without warning.

Lawnmowers that have a deck cover have two cutting surfaces. The deck is attached to the cutting surface by a series of deck bolts. Older decks may use screws instead of deck bolts, so be sure to read the owner’s manual or consult a lawn care professional before buying a new deck. Many newer decks come with a self-contained rubber deck protector to protect the deck against cracking due to wetness, grit, and water damage.

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Well now that you have a better idea of what a lawnmower is and how it functions you might want to think about the pros and cons of buying one and having to find a storage place for it or just simply outsource cutting the lawn to a lawn mowing service in Vallejo such as Shamrock Landscape Company. Lawn mowing services are generally not expensive and if you find one that is reliable and knowledgeable in what makes a lawn look great all year round, outsourcing this chore is definitely the way to go. 

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A lawn mowing service is not only for a person who is just getting into lawn care. It is also a great service to have in place if you are looking to get more out of your lawn care. There are a few different things that a lawn mowing service will be able to do for you that you may not have even thought about. This article is going to discuss some of these things that you should consider if you are going to hire one of these services. By the time you are done reading this article, you will know about a few different lawn care services that you can use for your lawn.

The first thing that you should look into when hiring a lawn care provider is whether or not they offer a weekly and bi-weekly service or even an on-demand service. Most of the time, a lawn mowing service will be able to provide you with a monthly rate that covers not only the materials that they will use to trim and edge your lawn but also the labor that they will do on your lawn for each visit. The monthly rate can save you money, so make sure that you check into this. It will also help you determine whether or not you want to pay your lawn care provider per visit. If you pay them by the hour, you can cut down on costs even more.

Some lawn mowing services that you might encounter are going to offer you bi-weekly services. Bi-weekly services are great because you can get a good amount of work done in a short amount of time. The problem with bi-weekly lawn mowing services is that you will not always know how much work has been done until it is time for the next week. Some bi-weekly lawn mowing services are only good for getting the lawn cutting job done once a month. If you are someone who likes to get lawn work done as fast as possible, then this might be the perfect option for you. However, if you are going to be able to see the entire lawn before the season starts, then you may want to go with a monthly service.

No matter which lawn mowing service you decide to use, you need to make sure that you know what your lawn is like. You should take a look at pictures of your lawn and be able to tell what kind of landscape you have. There are a lot of lawn mowing companies that advertise that they have the best lawn mowing service, but there are also some that are dishonest. With any lawn mowing service, you need to make sure that you know what you will be getting and know whether or not it is good enough for your lawn.

Another thing to consider is how reliable the service is. While it can depend on the area where you live, it is always good to shop around in order to get the best price possible. One of the best ways to shop around is to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or go online and read reviews. Once you have done your research you will be able to make an informed decision regarding which lawn mowing company you are going to hire.

One add-on service that is often offered by many lawn mowing service providers is a seasonal bed maintenance service. Seasonal bed maintenance involves things like clearing away any fallen leaves and branches from your lawn. The process of removing these leaves and branches is one that requires some work, but it is a very necessary process for keeping your lawn free from leaves and debris that can otherwise build up over time. There are a few different types of services that a seasonal bed maintenance service may offer, and one of them is to do this for you every year.

Another add-on service that you can find with most lawnmowing service providers is a trimming service. The reason that a tree or bush trimming service is offered is that they will have a lot more experience at tree and bush trimming than you do. These trimming services can also do these tasks better than most homeowners because they have the right tools at their disposal and they are trained to do them better. If you are interested in getting help keeping your trees and bushes healthy and shapely you will want to look into what some of these services might offer to you.

No matter which lawn mowing service you decide to hire, it is always best to hire a company that will give you all the information that you need to know. You should be able to get an idea of how much they will cost and whether or not they have any special offers for hiring their services at certain times of the week or certain days of the week. Lawn owners are often faced with a lot of extra work and lawn mowing service companies know this is why they strive to provide the best service possible for their customers.

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We have all heard about the dwindling honeybee population and the impact this will have on our food supply. So, today, let’s talk about bees and how to attract them into our garden. Here are the 7 most colorful flowers that attract bees to your garden:

  1) Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush, with its large bright flowers that are full of nectar, attracts butterflies as well as bees. This low-maintenance bush flowers late summer to early fall. The blossoms are great cut flowers for your vase. You can choose from several color varieties.

2) Lavender

You may already have Lavender in your garden and if you do, you will have noticed what a bee magnet Lavender is. This fragrant beauty has both nectar and pollen for the bees. Additionally, it blooms during the mid-summer gap when bees tend to be the hungriest due to diminished blooms they can feed on. But you get to enjoy some Lavender too by cutting some and putting them in a vase and still have plenty left for the honey-bees. 

3) Black-Eyed Susan

    Rudbeckia aka Black-Eyed Susan is a North American native and another honey-bee favorite. Bees can’t help but be attracted to the bright yellow, brown-centered beauties and their nectar. This is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year blessing you with its cheerful beauty.

  4) Echinacea aka Coneflower

Echinacea is one of the biggest bee attractors in addition to a beautiful flower in your garden. Drawn to the flower for its color, bees forage on both the nectar and the pollen that the plant produces. Coneflowers bloom for a long period from mid-summer to fall, providing many months of nectar for the bees.

5) Salvia

Did you know that Salvias are available in both annual and perennial varieties? Either one of which will attract bees due to the vibrant color. With many different types, it’s easy to find one that works best for your garden. These flowering plants come in an array of colors, blooming in purple, red, and blue, so chances are you will find one that fits your color scheme in your yard.

6) Grape Hyacinth

  This is one of the most fragrant blooms in the early spring garden. So, it’s no wonder that bees come buzzing to these beautiful bulbs. Earning its name from its tight clusters of flowers that resemble grapes, this plant shouldn’t be confused with Hyacinths which is a completely different flower. Full of sweet nectar and pollen, bees love grape Hyacinth’s tiny blue blossoms. 

7) Chives

One of the first flowers of the spring season, Chives will provide some of the first nectar for bees coming out of their winter dormancy. Chives are a good choice for gardeners because this perennial powerhouse is easy to grow in almost any region and climate. Plus, this flavorful herb is great for cooking. Blend some with your cream cheese or with a dab of butter to top your baked potato and you’ll be hooked, just like the bees. 

Of course, there are many more plants known to attract honey bees.  We just listed the 7 that we like the best.

Although Shamrock Landscape Company is not planting flowers in your garden, they are a well-known and respected mowing company serving Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon. Give them a call if you -rather plant then mow at (707) 647-2000 or visit their website – https://ift.tt/3emf46W – if you would like more information.

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Like the idea of organic gardening? So do we. How one takes care of their organic garden can say a lot about them as a person. An activity that focuses on working in the dirt and relying on nature and time is what makes organic gardening enjoyable. That can sound intimidating to a new organic gardener, which is why they should read the list of tips below.

The quick and drastic change in the weather conditions can shock your plants and cause them to die. It’s important that you gradually change temperate conditions over time so that your plants can adjust. On the first day, put them out in sunlight for about an hour or so. After a week, leave your plants outside for twice as long. The plants should be prepared to move outside permanently at the end of this week.

Slide your fingernails against a bar of soap to prevent dirt from getting under your nails. The dirt doesn’t necessarily hurt you, but you will save time and effort when cleaning your hands later. Instead of having to dig underneath your nails, you can just use a nailbrush to quickly remove the soap residue.

When you are pruning a tree, make sure that your tools are sharp. Cutting with a dull tool can tear the bark of the tree, causing unnecessary damage to the tree. Not only that, cutting with a dull tool causes you to spend extra energy on cutting. A sharp tool will give you a cleaner cut with the least amount of effort.

For a healthy, weed-free lawn, cut your grass at the highest point recommended for the blend of grass you’re growing. Cutting your grass too short won’t mean you have to mow less often. Instead, it allows weeds to take hold and causes water to evaporate. Longer grass can better protect itself against weeds, drought, and pests.

Are fresh mint leaves something you love but cannot stand how quickly they grow all over your garden? Rein in their growth by planting the mint in a large pot or garden container instead. The container can be planted in the ground, and it will still prevent the plant from dominating the garden.

Make sure the hole you dig for a tree or shrub is at least three times wider than the root ball of the young tree. Planting a seedling in a small hole will result in slower growth and failure to thrive.

There are many common household items that can be used to good effect in the garden. Try using duct tape to remove aphids from the leaves of infested plants. Wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out, and press it to the leaves to remove the aphids. A lint roller can be used for this task as well.

Organic gardening really is a time and labor-intensive activity, but that does not mean it is only for serious organic gardeners. This relaxing activity can be enjoyed by anyone with any kind of gardening skills. These tips were constructed to help those of all skill sets find out how to grow their own organic plants.

When it comes to mowing and maintaining lawns it is best to consider a reliable service near you. That way you have time to take care of all your garden chores and tend to your plants and still enjoy a freshly mowed lawn every week. You can call Shamrock Landscape Company if you live in or near Benicia, Vallejo, or American Canyon. We have provided the best mowing services since 1977 and guarantee your happiness with our service.

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Gardening is a great hobby to have, especially now in Covid times. If gardening isn’t your thing perhaps this article might make you reconsider.  

Here are six proven health benefits of gardening originally posted on Philstar.com

1. It improves brain health

Since it requires the use of your cognitive functions, research shows that gardening is effective in keeping your mind sharp. Not only does it help improve your memory, but also tending to your plants for even a few hours a day will lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

2. It keeps you active, and in shape

In the book, “Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way,” author Jeff Restuccio explained to WebMD that you can turn your gardening into a structured exercise routine. So, if you miss hitting the gym due to the pandemic, growing vegetables in your backyard is a perfect alternative to your workouts since three hours of gardening equates to an hour of a gym session. Plus, you don’t need to pay for a membership fee. It’s a win-win for your body and your wallet!

3. It provides a healthier diet

By growing your own food, you will find yourself more in control of what you put in your body. Freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and herbs have more nutrients than what you would normally buy from the store. On top of that, sustainably cultivating your plants will make for richer and more delicious produce, thus making it easy to incorporate more greens into your diet.

4. It relieves stress

The relaxing nature of gardening activities is in itself a stress reliever. Studies further proved that taking care of plants daily can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Not only that—exposure to sunlight makes your body produce Vitamin D, and in turn, Vitamin D produces serotonin, which is a brain chemical that makes you happy!

5. It aids sleep

Doing physical activities such as gardening will not only tire you out at the end of the day. Owing to the light therapy given off by the sun, you will also have adequate melatonin to help you sleep well at night, realigning your sleep patterns for an energy-filled morning the next day.

Your indoor plants are also a huge factor for a good night’s sleep. Plants with air-cleaning properties can clear out air particles and remove harmful chemicals, leaving you with excellent air quality while asleep.

6. It strengthens immunity

Being exposed to a sufficient amount of “the sunshine vitamin” also keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy, not to mention it boosts your immune system. The dirt in your garden is home to good bacteria called, Mycobacterium vaccae, a “friendly” soil bacteria that also helps in strengthening your immunity.

Taking part in gardening activities does benefit our overall health – from physical to mental. And what better way to begin your journey in horticulture than to use recyclable materials to help with the efforts on environmental sustainability.

Happy gardening from your friends at Shamrock Landscape Co.

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Do you have some plants in your garden you wished you hadn’t planted? You are not alone. Most  gardeners I know of are plagued by a plant that took over and are now wondering how to get rid of them PERMANENTLY. In my case, it is Periwinkle and Crocosmia as we speak.

If you are like many weekend gardeners you are always on the lookout for free plants that you happily plant in your garden regardless of what the consequences might be. Read on what plants not to put into your garden even if you are looking to fill a space and even if they are free. 

These are plants that I or my friends have had first-hand experience with. Some are very aggressive spreaders, some are invasive and some just take up a lot of space without adding beauty to the garden.

However, a little disclaimer is in order. What is considered aggressive, invasive, or a vigorous spreader in zone 4b for instance may not necessarily be so in your gardening zone. 

The terms aggressive and invasive are somewhat intertwined. The Department of Natural Resources – ( DNR) websites for your State may have their own definition of what invasive plants and aggressive plants mean. Per the Oxford Dictionary invasive means: “tending to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully” and aggressive means: “a plant that spreads faster than preferred, or into an area of your garden where it’s not wanted” (as paraphrased from the Chicago Botanic Garden website). 

Plants grow differently in different soils and different climates at different rates. This post is written based on my own observations and experiences.

9 Plants Not to Have In Your Garden

Let me start with my 3 most “hated”…

Periwinkle aka Vinca minor (common names lesser periwinkle or dwarf periwinkle) 

is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family. This is a groundcover that spreads rapidly and is VERY invasive and hard to get rid of.  This plant has literally choked a couple of my bushes to death. In addition, during the hot summer month, you will end up looking at burned leaves, making this plant quite unattractive.

Crocosmia  (montbretia)

This one seemed like a good idea because this plant is quite pretty. Crocosmia blooms are produced on slender stems of 2 feet (0.5 m.) or more in length. The flowers appear in May or June and the plant will keep producing all summer.  Crocosmia plants grow from corms, which are closely related to bulbs. In addition to seed pods (which are quite nice in flower arrangements), they will also produce runners underground which form new corms, and before you know it, they have taken over a large space in your yard. Do not plant unless you can let it roam freely.

Morning Glory Vine –  ( Ipomoea purpurea) 

I saw this description at the Hudson Valley Seed Company and since it mirrors my sentiments exactly, I am repeating it here: “The morning glory is like a good marriage. Its vines are strong and grow steadily but require a framework of support to reach their maximum potential. Its profuse blooms require frequent, immediate appreciation, as they last but a single morning before fading. And at its core is a seed that can adapt to any circumstance, self-sowing readily and thriving even in difficult soils. In fact, like the best marriages, morning glories flower most when faced with distress: drought and low-nutrient soils lead to blooms in profusion.”  My vine has made its way up high into the adjacent Birch and Pine trees and invaded the entire upslope and even the neighbor’s yard. So, unless you are a big fan of seeing blue or purple blossoms everywhere, I suggest you pass on this one.

Other Plants to Think Twice Before Planting

Snow-on-the-Mountain (aegopodium podagraria) – a/k/a Bishop’s Weed or Gout Weed 

I never thought that I would say this, but I ended up regretting planting this one. When someone gifted me this one I was excited about getting this pretty ground cover with its variegated leaves. Ground cover indeed! In no time did it cover everything in its path.  Snow-on-the-Mountain is so invasive and it spreads by underground runners. It took me years to completely eradicating it from my shade garden. Do not let this beauty fool you.

Royal Standard Hosta 

You probably did not expect this one on my list. In my opinion, royal standard hostas (the very common plain green hostas) just aren’t all that pretty and they are huge slug attractors.  And, they are definitely the most prolific hosta out there. 

Lambs Ear (stachys byzantina) 

The foliage on Lamb’s Ear is pretty and it adds a cool texture element to a flower bed. But once it starts flowering, it gets ratty looking. In addition, the flowers are not attractive, and it just takes up too much real estate in the flower garden. On the positive side, Lambs Ear is a known bee magnet, but there are tons of other prettier flowers that are bee magnets too.

Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis) 

Don’t fall for this beauty, despite their lovely flowers and sweet smell. Great choice if you love to pick bouquets for your home but, they bloom for such a short time and are naughty spreaders. No matter what, they don’t stay where you put them.  Don’t be swayed by this picture or their fragrance – stay strong!

Obedient Plant 

I was quite smitten when I first saw this plant.  It’s so pretty. But it did not take long for me to fall out of love because like the Crocosmia it spreads via underground rhizomes making it anything but obedient.  It’s called “obedient” because you can actually bend the stems to face the direction you want them to face. I know of no other plant you can do this with.  But in spite of this, pass on this one.

Common Orange Ditch Lilies (hemerocallis vulva) 

I think these are my least favorite of the lilies because they are prolific spreaders. Plus, ditch lilies take up a lot of space and there are so many other beautiful, cultivar and hybrid daylilies that you could use instead. Plus, you constantly have to remove the dead leaves and flower pods just to keep them decent looking. I would rate them as invasive because they crowed out other plants. 

There are many other perennials that some would call invasive or aggressive, including: bee balm, lamium, ajuga, cherry bell campanula (and a few other varieties) and agastache. I did not include them in my list because they are not a problem to weed them out and I like them well enough, so for me,  they are worth the effort. 

So how on earth is a novice gardener, or even a seasoned gardener like me, supposed to avoid ending up with perennials that will take over your garden. My best advice is just to read up and ask questions. Now, if I see a plant that I don’t have and I’m curious about, I will ask the seller or giver these questions:

Is this plant a vigorous spreader or aggressive? If so, is it easy to weed out?

Does this plant spread by underground runners?

Is this plant invasive?

If there isn’t anyone available to answer my questions, I will do a Google search on the plant name and quickly read up on it.

I hope this blog post was useful and informative. 

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September to December are typically considered “peak” months of California’s annual fire season. This year we started early and for the past few years, we have seen a trend of increasingly destructive fires due to the effects of climate change. Naturally-occurring wildfires tend to spark during periods of extreme drought and dry weather. These dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, natural kindling form of dried-up vegetation, and a spark from a campfire, a cigarette, or a fallen power line can be a deadly combination. 

Wildfire season is not a unique event to California residents, its effects can also be felt in other States. as well. Oregon, Washington, and Nevada residents are no strangers to the dangers that quickly spreading wildfires can pose to a community. In recent years, UCSB has been directly affected by fast-spreading, intensely destructive fires. 

Once a wildfire has been ignited, 3 conditions must be present to allow the fire to continue burning and spread. Firefighters call this the “fire triangle”.  The three conditions are ”fuel, a heat source, and air.” California, which is known for its dry Santa Ana winds, and the lack of substantial rains have caused vegetation and soil to dry up in record numbers. This is the result of the rapidly changing global climate. 

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According to Yale Climate Connections, California experienced an extreme case of “weather whiplash,” going from a record-breaking drought in 2012-2016 to a wet, rainy season in 2017-2018. The combination of drought followed by rain contributed to the growth of new plant life that has subsequently dried up by record-breaking heat levels, contributing to California’s intensely destructive 2018 fire season. And this year is shaping up to be even worse and breaking all records of fire destruction.

The undeniable danger that wildfires pose in California and other drought-prone areas has led scientists at UCSB to take a more hands-on approach towards explaining unpredictable weather phenomena. 

For example, researchers at UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science and the National Center for Atmospheric Research are exploring the possible effects of climate change on the major weather pattern and how those effects could possibly impact the frequency and severity of future wildfires in California. Their findings, published in a study called “ENSO’s Changing Influence on Temperature, Precipitation, and Wildfire in a Warming Climate,” could have “implications on land use and on wildfire fighting and prevention strategies at urban/wildland interfaces.

According to study co-author and Bren School faculty member Samantha Stevenson, the paper proves that “in fire-prone places like California and Australia, we can expect future El Niño and La Niña events to have a bigger impact on fire risk in a given year.” Stevenson also added that the sensitivity of land temperature and precipitation is “due to climate change.”

The research being conducted by academics at UCSB is just one of the ways that communities are doing their part to combat and raise awareness of fire dangers in the area. 

For example, controlled burns are being initiated by Fire Departments all over. Controlled burns include permissive burns and prescribed burns. Permissive burns are conducted by the fire departments to destroy areas of dense brush that might serve as kindling for future fires. 

Although these measures might seem overly cautious, wildland fire specialists see them as a necessary form of fire prevention.

If you live in a rural area it is extremely important to clear the brush around your home according to the recommended guidelines from your local Fire Chief. Generally, The recommended clearance is 30ft from your structure and more if you are dealing with elevations.

Prevent the next wildfire in California and give us a call (707) 647-2000 if you live in the San Francisco Bay area and your mowing equipment can’t handle dense brush, we can certainly help you with that.  

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Can you believe it? September is here again. The summer season is such an active time making the arrival of September appear so much quicker, but here we are. September is probably the loveliest month of the year, at least for me. Lots of sunny days and warm temperatures without the heat that keeps us indoors. For many of us that are lucky enough to have apple or pear trees, grapes or corn it is also harvesting time. But did you know, September is also a good month for sowing seeds, planting bulbs, and growing brand-new plants–some to enjoy quickly, and some to blossom the next year.

So, with that, let’s take a look at what you can plant in September.

FLOWERS

HARDY ANNUALS FOR NEXT YEAR

You can make a start on several of next year’s plants this month. Sturdy annuals such as larkspur,  poppies, and also cornflowers can be started from seed from late summer onwards.

WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers are a great addition for your garden and for the wildlife. Wildflowers offer food for pollinating insects, wild birds, and bats, and providing shelter for other small animals. I love wildflowers because they are fast-growing, low-maintenance, help to regulate weeds, as well as look great. So, I ask you, what’s not to like ?!

How to plant: Sow them in a patch of soil or in a container. Just follow the direction on the packet the seeds come in.

SPRING BLOOMING BULBS

Toward the end of September is the perfect time to plant some of the spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths. But hold on a bit longer to plant tulips for they like cooler temperatures. Planting bulbs now will burst your garden into bloom early spring. You can layer bulbs that will flower at various times for a prolonged display.

WINTER VEGETABLES AND FRUIT 

WINTER-HARDY SPRING ONIONS

Winter-hardy ranges of springtime onion such as entertainer and also white Lisbon can be planted this month for harvesting next springtime. Plant them thinly in rows about 4″ apart and 0.3″ deep. Once the plants appear, thin them out to permit 8 – 10″ in between the plants.

SALAD

This month focus your salad sowing on “late” varieties such as radicchio, rocket, mizuna, as well as winter months lettuce. You should sow plenty of seeds now, as later sowings won’t germinate if temperatures begin to cool off. Another great crop to do with your children.

SPINACH

Spinach is a wonderful alternative for a veggie plot. Spinach is quite hardy, harvest the young leaves for a salad, or let them grow into larger leaves for other food preparation. If you’re going to sow it outdoors, do it soon as later in the month when the temps are cooler the seeds might need protection in order to sprout. Spinach will do well in a warm area and regular watering. Be sure to harvest avoid going to seed.

RADISHES

What is a green salad without radishes? It can truly add some crunchiness and flavor to a salad at this time of year. Choose a quick-maturing seed like French Breakfast which can be ready to be harvested in under 4 weeks. The speed of growth makes them a fantastic option to grow with children. Conversely, you can sow winter-time variety which will take 2-3 months to develop. 

SPRING CABBAGE

After consuming root vegetables all winter, being able to harvest fresh leafy vegetables such as cabbage is a real treat. If you intend to plant spring cabbage seeds straight into the ground, pick a sunny spot, and compact the dirt firmly as cabbage likes a firm anchor for their roots. You can also plant seeds into trays for transplanting out later on. This makes it much easier to safeguard them from slugs and snails. Great cabbage varieties are Durham early, Duncan, and Greensleeves.

STRAWBERRY RUNNERS

If you already have strawberries in your yard, you may have noticed that your plants have sent runners out by now. These are long shoots, with a few leaves on them. You can make new strawberry plants by securing these runners down into dirt or a pot of garden compost, where they will settle. As soon as they have rooted, you can cut them away from the parent plant.

We hope this article was useful in your gardening endeavors. Give us a call if we can be of help, or visit our website for more articles on gardening.

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  Chore #1: Gather Up the Fallen Leaves, Twigs, and Other Debris.

Why? If you leave all those fallen leaves on your lawn they’re going to bear down on your lawn and at some point disintegrate right into a thick layer of thatch you will need to remove later. Not only that, the accumulation of fallen leaves can act as hiding spots for pests and foster fungal diseases. To avoid future problems it is best to rake up any fallen leaves on a regular basis. You could consider turning them into mulch and leaving some of them on your grass to provide nutrients to your lawn.

Chore #2: Clean Out Your Gutters

Speaking of fallen leaves, many of them will end up in your gutters causing serious water overflow when it rains. But be careful, cleaning out gutters can pose a danger to you if you are not careful. For those readers that live in areas where it snows, take note, thawing ice and snow will pose additional problems for leave clogged gutters. So, to prevent water intrusion from overflowing gutters be sure to keep them clean. Consider the investment of gutter guards to avoid problems in the future.

Chore #3: Prune & Trim.

Now is the best time to remove any dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth next spring. However, the reason for trimming back trees and bushes isn’t just for aesthetics — dead tree branches in the fall can run the risk of dropping during high winds (or freezes) in the winter month causing damages to people and property. Another good reason to prune back trees and shrubs is to prevent them from overshadowing lawn areas causing the grass to die. In many cases it is best to prune when the plant has entered a dormant stage, so be sure that you know what you are doing.

Chore #4: De-Thatch and Re-Seed Your Lawn

The harsh heat of the summer month may have caused burn spots and thatch build-up in your lawn. Pets may have caused some damage too. Now is the perfect time to get rid of thatch and reseed with a seed mixture that is complementary to the type of grass you have. Of course, if you really want to do your lawn a big favor you should aerate it too.

Chore #5: “Winterize” Your Sprinkler System.

This may not apply for our friends in the warm climate States such as California but most certainly important in areas where it can freeze. The main reason to “winterize” a sprinkler system is when water freezes and expands damages to the pipes can and will occur. To prevent this from happening, drain all water from the system and close all drainpipe shut-offs. You can watch a video on how to do this right here.

Chore #6: “Winterize” Your Garden Tools

Once you know that you are done with your gardening chores it’s time to put away your tools. Give them a good clean, sharpen those blades and drain the gas from your mower so you can store it away safely. In the spring you will be happy to know that your tools are ready for you.

No doubt, there is always something to be done in a garden. Breaking up chores into smaller pieces will make them seem less insurmountable and overwhelming.

Regular lawn care is an important aspect of a “happy garden” and can easily be outsourced to a local service provider such as Shamrock Landscape in Benicia, Ca. Of course, you could spend your precious time doing it yourself but why would you.  Their weekly or bi-weekly services are very affordable and your lawn will be in good hands. You can visit their website for more information.

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It is every homeowner’s dream to have a lush green lawn. But who hasn’t, at some time or another, had a lawn that looks less than that? Not all lawns are the same and it is likely to have different requirements depending on soil condition, drainage, moisture, and such. 

Read on to learn some practical tips on how to avoid common lawn dilemmas:

Even for grass, the winter months are a time of hibernation. But once spring arrives and the temperatures get warmer the lawn will start to grow again. Spring also marks the time for you to take pro-active steps toward a lush and healthy lawn. 

De-thatching will benefit the grass

The benefit of de-thatching the lawn is that it will remove dead turf and leaves, and miscellaneous other particles preventing new growth. However, it isn’t necessary to eliminate all the dead grass. Leaving a bit behind will provide all-natural plant food in the form of vitamins and minerals. Leaving behind about 10mm is plenty. It’s best to do this in the springtime before the lawn has started to grow.

Aerate the soil

Over time the dirt below a lawn comes will be become compacted and hard. This makes it hard for air, water, to penetrate. It also makes it harder for worms to travel through the soil to distribute necessary nutrients and dampness. A solidly compacted lawn has a more difficult time to grow, although weeds, being hardier than grass have no problems growing.

By aerating your lawn in the spring — using a garden roller or yard fork — you’ll be separating the compacted dirt and also allow air to penetrate and keep the grass healthy. 

Re-seed and cross-seed as necessary

No matter how great you are with your overall lawn care regimen, not all areas of a lawn are going to be growing rich and lush. Even the best of lawns sometimes have grassless areas or areas that are taken over by weeds. In some cases, you will find brown spots caused by the urine of family pets or wildlife. Spring is the very best time to start re-seeding these areas with seed or re-sod. Just rake out any kind of dead turf, or remove weeds and re-seed or re-turf. You might also consider cross sprinkling grass seed all over to yield a thicker growth. Just be sure to keep the new seed moist for better germination. 

Level out uneven areas

An uneven lawn surface will create a multitude of problems.  If there are ups and downs in your yard, a normal lawnmower is going to shave this area much too thinly compared to the rest of your lawn, and water can pool in these in locations, creating drainage problems. Depending upon your particular situation, you ought to fill dips as well as squash bumps. This will quickly improve the look of your lawn, and make it simpler to care for.

Cut the grass at the ideal height

A great deal of the nutrients in the grass are stored closer to the tip. By cutting away way too much can influence the health of the turf. Furthermore, the shorter you cut the grass, the more you expose the soil to the hot sunshine providing weeds a chance to grow. Longer grass blades will choke out weeds.

Leave the yard cuttings on your lawn

We all like a “manicured” lawn but consider leaving some grass cuttings behind as they serve as a natural fertilizer for the rest of your lawn. So, allow it remain where it might to aid your lawn to stay healthy.

Fertilize

Just as your body needs vitamins and minerals, so does your lawn. At least, give your lawn a good fertilizer application in the spring to foster growth and one in the fall to encourage deeper root development.  You can also consider applying an additional dressing during the summer, depending on your situation.  Always follow the fertilizer manufacturers’ instructions.

These are just the most practical, common-sense lawn care maintenance tasks to follow if a healthy-looking lawn is important to you. Of course, you could do this yourself or if you rather outsource it.

Shamrock Landscape in Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon has been providing lawn care services for 30+ years and can assist you with all of your lawn care needs. 

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Here a dilemma so many gardeners are facing lately!

Growing tomatoes is great, nothing beats the taste of a vine-ripened tomato. No store-bought tomato can quite measure up to that.

Tomatoes can be grown in the smallest of spaces and can yield a bountiful crop. All they need is good soil, water, and lots of sunshine – at least 6 to 8 hours of sun to bring out their best flavors. You will also need to stake the plants or make use of trellis, or a cage to keep them off the ground. It is a great idea to first decide on a support plan before you plant, then add that support directly after planting. Tomato plants like room to grow.

Here are some common mistakes tomato growers make

General tips on growing great tomatoes

    – compliments from our friends at Miracle Grow

Plant tomatoes in spring for a summer harvest. They take about 6 weeks before you can harvest.

Grow tomatoes in an area that gets 6-8 hours of sun.

Improve soil nutrition and drainage by adding Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All-Purpose In-Ground Soil (in-ground), Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All-Purpose Container Mix (containers), or Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix (raised beds).

Plant deeply by burying 2/3 of the stem.

Support tomatoes by giving them a stake or cage to climb as they grow.

Keep soil moist by watering when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.

Lay down 3 inches of mulch to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

Begin feeding tomato plants regularly with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules one month after planting.

Harvest when fruit reaches the color shown on the plant tag.

Although growing tomatoes is not what we do, Shamrock Landscape can assist you with all your mowing needs. Each crew has an English speaking member to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstandings. We pride ourselves in offering reliable weekly or bi-weekly services to keep your lawn areas looking their best.

Our service area is primarily Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon so we can focus on giving our customers the best service possible.  When you call us you get me – Mike – the owner.  Don’t delay, call us today for a quote in a Covid-safety way.

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There is no doubt that homes that have a lovely garden not only are the joy of the property owner but also see a boost in the market value. A fact that has been verified many times over. A well-design and maintained yard can yield a sizable ROI that homeowners love! Especially at a time when you are trying to sell your house.

Unless you are an experienced landscape architect, creating and installing the landscaping is best left to experts. However, maintaining the landscaping does not need to be complicated or taxing. Our team at Shamrock Landscape has 30+ years of yard maintenance experience to put your mind at rest. Our crew will mow your lawn and look after your garden weekly or bi-weekly as desired. We strive to make your landscaping look good so you get to enjoy your leisure time doing what you enjoy rather than cutting your grass.

A beautiful garden makes the house look well cared for, inviting, and also more desirable to prospective home buyers. Given the options, homebuyers will most likely pick a home that has nice landscaping over one that doesn’t. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy being complimented by visitors about the lovely garden? Just like a fresh layer of paint, well designed and maintained landscaping will create a favorable first impression.

5 Tips for Landscape Improvements and Lawn Care

1. Inventory what you currently have

Before removing every plant to make changes consider what you currently have that you can work with.

Are there spots in your garden that you love and might want to keep?

Are there areas that just never “took” and look neglected?

Are your bushes and trees looking healthy and groomed or dead? Do they need trimming?

Do you have enough seasonal color in your garden?

Is the lawn uneven, and in need of reseeding or resodding in some areas?

Is the overall appearance unruly and overgrown?

Do you need more outside lighting?

2. Select the landscape “flavor” you want.

How much time do you want to spend outdoors? Do you want to incorporate hardscape, a fountain, or an outdoor kitchen? What style of landscape does attract you? An English garden, a Japanese garden, a desert-like landscape, or do you have a vision of the tropics? Ultimately, the garden should be in harmony with the style of our house. The benefit of having a design plan is that you make better plant and hardscape selections and avoid random purchases that will not be conducive to the plan.  Getting it all right is hard,

rather,

Consider making the investment of a landscape developer to plan out the look you desire.

Browse Pinterest as well as gardening publications for ideas, concepts, and the most recent trends.

Visit a nearby nursery and ask for guidance.

3. Regular maintenance.

Getting a new landscape installed is one thing but it requires regular maintenance. No yard looks at its best without a gorgeous lawn. You must cut the lawn on a regular basis. Freshly cut and edged turf always looks appealing. At least 3 times a year you should also fertilize the grass and plants to keep them healthy. Always rake leaves and other debris to avoid bug and mold infestation.

4. Invest in bigger plants.

More mature plants immediately provide visual allure, color, and make the garden look more established and attract attention. This is especially useful if you intend to place your residence on the market soon. A mature looking garden will attract potential buyers.

5. Decide on a budget.

Creating the landscape of your dreams is not cheap. New landscaping including walkways, pergolas, hardscape, and outdoor lighting, and plants require an initial capital outlay. A professional landscaper can help you select a layout that fits both your budget and vision. Don’t forget to include the cost of the maintenance to keep the yard looking beautiful for many years to come.

We hope these suggestions are helpful to get you closer to the garden you desire. Shamrock Landscape Co is ready to assist you with your weekly or bi-weekly grass mowing and gardening tasks to maintain a stunning garden. Simply give us a call when you are ready.

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what does lawn mowing service cost in Benicia

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weekly lawn mowing service near me in Benicia

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