We are approaching the time of year for core aeration and overseeding. Core aeration is a process using a machine to remove core plugs from a lawn area. Removing the plugs of soil relieves compaction and allows air to circulate into the root system. Usually the lawn is overseeded at the same time. Seeds will […]
When speaking to a customer today, I was reminded that a common question is, ‘how much water can I collect in a rain barrel?’ Here is a simple formula that will get you close to the amount. Generally each inch of rain yields a half a gallon per square foot. So a 20×30 Cape style […]
This time of year we will receive calls for masses of flies on windows in garages. If the fly is a metallic, usually green, it is most likely the green bottle fly, which feeds on dead animal tissue, animal excrement, or other garbage. The source can be as simple as an animal carcass (dead mouse) […]
Hemlock (Tsuga) woolly adelgids are usually noticed when a hemlock starts to lose needles, or the cottony, white egg masses are noticed on the twigs and leaf bases. They can be treated in early spring with dormant oil to reduce overwintering adults, or spray with insecticidal soaps in June and October. We also use injection […]
Pruning back vegetation from structures is usually done in midsummer to minimize access trails for insects, such as ants and carpenter ants. This practice of physically removing access for insects to the structure is an important component of integrated pest management. Foundation plants need to be kept off a home or business through regular pruning. […]
This time of year, stinging insects from the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae, such as wasps, hornets and yellow jackets, start to become a concern. Normally, toward the end of July, these stinging insects have developed large enough colonies or nests that they are noticable around structures and other areas used by people. Aerial wasp nests […]
Late Blight or Phytophthra infestans is best known for the devasting disease associated with the Irish Potato famine of the 1840′ and 50’s. UMASS sent out a tomato transplant alert last week regarding the presence of this fungal disease in plants sold in the northeast this year. Our wet weather conditions are perfect for late […]
Biting flies and mosquitoes are coming out. Mosquitoes can breed in moisture as small as a soda or water bottle cap, so vigilantly inspect your yard for breeding sources, swings, kiddie pools, tires and toys that collect water. For mosquitoes an integrated pest management program is critical. Focus on reducing breeding habitat (water) by eliminating […]
I just realized I never covered our Super Service Award from Angie’s List on the blog. Thanks to our customers, GreenHow was awarded a Super Service Award for 2008 for both lawn fertilization and pest and termite control from Angie’s List. Less than 5% of the companies on Angie’s List are awarded with the Super […]
Great news, imagine organic Light Emitting Diodes for TV screens, a great innovation, that will be available soon. -Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc. www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.