Taking Care of Your Lawn - 4 Step Program
The early Spring has done wonders for our lawns and I see most everyone in my neighborhood has already mowed at least once. We've applied crabgrass preventer and fertilizer a little earlier than usual (it should be done by the end of April in a "normal" year).
I've been asked about skipping the crabgrass/fertilizer step and go right to the weed 'n feed step (which usually should be done by Memorial Day). Dandelions are starting to bloom already! Although skipping the April step may seem like a good idea this year, I think homeowners will get better results if they don't skip it. After all, the key to a great lawn is healthy grass. Healthy grass doesn't leave room for weeds to grow. And the weed control part of step 2 doesn't really work well until the weeds are actively growing. They may be growing now, but in a few weeks they will really be active. That's the time to hit them with the weed control.
Castle Doctrine Law
I've been considering writing this blog for quite some time. I hesitate because I realize it is a hot topic and I'm not an expert on it. I do have opinions on it and appreciate hearing the opinions of others.
I have attempted to look at the shooting of the young man in Slinger from both sides. The homeowner who shot and killed the young man was concerned for the safety of his family. I do not know nor do I remember reading that the homeowner "warned" the "intruder" that was on the enclosed porch that he (the homeowner) had a gun. I would have. However, the homeowner did not know if the young man had a weapon either.
"IN LIEU OF FLOWERS"
No, this is not part of an obituary -- this is the title of West Allis Players' spring show! "In Lieu of Flowers" opens April 27.
Spring Cleaning Feels Good
There is something about spring that motivates me. Things are warming up, color is returning, and the hibernation sluggishness begins to wane. The increasing energy makes me look around and take notice of all of the things that accumulate and fill various nooks and crannies around the house, garage and yard. Piles of unread magazines, paperwork and mail need to be dealt with; unnecessary boxes clutter up the garage; faulty Christmas decorations and a broken bird feeder need to be repaired or thrown out; and fallen branches and litter caught in the bushes need to be cleaned up. Sure, it takes some effort, but it sure feels good to eliminate them from my to-do list, and things just shine and sparkle a bit more!
Trees, too, require a spring cleaning. They naturally accumulate clutter from years of growth and hardship. Insects attack, weaken and kill branches. Fungal diseases kill some limbs and internal decay fungi weaken many more, leaving them vulnerable. Storms cause some branches to split or crack, providing even more opportunities for fungi and insects. Growth within the tree is often crowded or misdirected, causing weakness and vulnerability. Too much shade from nearby canopies causes branches to die. Dead branches attract insects, and the resulting decay will spread fungi deeper into the tree.
Our Certified Arborists expertly employ the ANSI A300 pruning standard for this kind of clean up. It is called Crown Cleaning and is aptly named. We recognize and clean out the branches that have various fungal canker diseases starting, while we watch for and remove damaging insects. Understanding tree structure and biology enables us to make good decisions about which branches detract from structure or health. Storm damage is detected and removed. Intensity of pruning corresponds with specifications for each tree, based on the dimensions and health of each branch.
Trees improve so much from the cleaning! Pruning diseased, damaged or inferior branches leaves the tree healthier, safer, and more beautiful. Stress is reduced, and value and appearance are enhanced. Future growth is off to a better start and tree energy is reallocated to optimum growth and defense. Your tree can now yield all the benefits of shade and property enhancement for years to come.
Spring-cleaning is a necessary ritual that uplifts our spirits and improves our environment. It is a good time to assess our trees and get out the clutter that bogs them down. Our properties can then shine with pride!
BBB Hosts Free Document Shredding Event This Weekend
BBB Helps Consumers Thwart ID Theft by Hosting
Free Document Shredding Event
ID Theft is Nation’s #1 Complaint to FTC, Grew 8 percent in Wisconsin last year
Poundage
CONFESSION: I’ve gained approximately 10 plus pounds. I included the plus because after I added 10, I stopped visiting the scale on a daily basis. Let’s just say that I’m still able to fit into my skinny jeans.
Crime Prevention Tips For Your Home
I hope these are helpful.
Evergreen Disorder: Needlecasts
Happy Mothers Day
Regardless of my circumstances, I am going to do my best to write from the heart. The same heart which is being glued back together, piece by piece.
I’m going to give it to you straight. Not just from personal experience but from the tears, heartache and hours of conversations I’ve had with women around the world.
