Posted on August 20, 2019 at 3:41 PM by Adam Rosen
When it comes to a plant’s growing season, weather and time of year are the biggest players. But did you know that proper fertilization can go a long way in helping you to optimize plant growth?
Many plants will hit their optimal bloom in the summer, but some will lag behind. For these late-bloomers, fertilizing in the late summer and early fall can lead to better growth the next season. When fertilized at this time of year, most plants are still able to harness the warmth and show a slight bloom towards the end of season. At the same time, they are storing energy for the spring before going dormant. Essentially, the late bloom will inhibit some growth, but the fertilization should invigorate most plants with enough energy to carry over for an on-cycle bloom in the spring.
Posted on August 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM by Adam Rosen
In the heat of the summer, it may be tempting to continuously
water your plants in between rains to avoid under-watering. However, over-watering
plants can also pose a threat to your plants.
When a plant receives too much
water, this increases the risk of invasive fungal diseases attacking your
landscape. The excessive moisture in the soil provides optimal conditions for
the fungi grow, which can prove detrimental to your plant’s health. Root rots
are also very common in over-watered areas, destroying the integrity of your
plant’s roots underneath.
To spot over-watering in your landscape, these are a few
signs you should look out for; yellowing and soft leaves, consistently damp
soil or the growth of fungi. If you begin to notice any of these signs, you
should immediately adjust your irrigation schedule.
Posted on August 8, 2019 at 12:25 PM by Adam Rosen
After a long wait, rain has finally started to fall over the Valley! Here in the desert, this time of year allows some of the few opportunities we have to take advantage of a natural water source for our landscapes. Efficiently utilizing monsoon rainwater to hydrate your landscape can save on costs for yourself and conserve water for our environment.
To best capture this wet weather, it is important that you turn off your home’s irrigation system after heavy rain to avoid over-saturating your turf and plants. The system should then be left off for one to two days depending on the amount of rain. However, if there has only been a light showering, your irrigation should be left running as usual. If you are unsure if your soil is at the proper moisture level to either turn your system off after a storm or back on after allowing time to absorb, soil probing is an effective method to use. Depending on the depth, you may use either a screwdriver or a soil probe from your local hardware store to identify your soils moisture levels.
DLC monitors irrigation systems in the community's common areas as we work following rains in order to maximize the efficiency of your community’s water usage, as well.