Secrets to a weed free lawn - Aeration!

This week we are talking about the best way to have a healthy lawn in an effort to snuff out weeds.

 Yesterday we talked about the importance of the right timed application of a pre-emergent herbicide.  Today, we are going to talk about one of the easiest ways (and least known ways) to gain and maintain a healthy lawn.

Many times a lawn will have no evidence of any insect or disease issues yet the lawn is off color, thinning or easily stressed in high heat. About 66% of residential lawns are growing in compacted soil and this is especially true in San Antonio where the little soil we do have is hard.  

The way to fix this issue is aeration of your lawn.  Aeration is the process where thatch and soil are pinched and pulled out of your lawn.  This process opens up the soil and allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate and improve the root zone. This results in a healthier soil and stronger turf root system which will help you to have a healthy, weed free lawn.

You can rent an aerator at your local rental center for usually for less than $100 a day and it doesn't take very long to do.  If you can coordinate it with your neighbors, you could probably get 3-4 lawns done in one day.  If you would rather leave it up to the professionals, let us know and we can help!

Secrets to a weed free lawn

The best defense against weeds in your lawn is to have a healthy lawn.  If you have a healthy, thick lawn, the weeds will have a tougher time taking root in your lawn.  So how do you make sure your lawn is healthy?  Over the next few weeks we will cover the best things you can do to have a healthy lawn.

One of the most important ways you can maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn is to start the year off right by applying a pre-emergent weed control product.  These products work best when applied prior to weeds actually germinating.  For the San Antonio area, late January to early March is typically the best time to apply a pre-emergent weed control to your grass.   

If you are applying yourself, avoid products that are "weed and feed" which contain both a fertilizer and a pre-emergent weed killer.  If you need help with your lawn or application of a pre-emergent, please give us a call at 210-657-7737.

Your Garden after the Freeze

Even if plants in your garden look blackened and wilted, new growth may still be possible from below the effected area. Pruning away the dead portions exposes buds that may still be alive and another freeze could wipe out those survivors.   It may take until mid-Spring before you see new growth; patience is key before you pick up the pruners.

Make sure your garden and potted plants remain moist. Water gives off heat, and this can protect plants from freezing.  Damp soil retains heat better than dry soil, protecting roots and warming the air near the soil.

The average last freeze for our area is March 1st so it is likely we will have another freeze this season!

15 Years and Counting!

Congratulations to Scott Wiatrek who is celebrating his 15th Anniversary at Preferred Landscape and Lighting!  Scott manages our Commercial Sales Division as well as being one of our licensed irrigation specialists.

Remembering MLK Today

There are so very many quotes from Martin Luther King making it hard to choose just one to share today. I know we can recite the beginning to the infamous "I have a Dream" speech so I wanted something different.  This quote I find very relevant in our society today as we drifted to a "its not my problem" mentality. 

Inspired at the Dallas Market Center

We had the opportunity to attend the Dallas Market Center this week for the Holiday and Home Expo and WOW we were inspired!

The place is overwhelming with 4 different buildings full of wholesale vendors for everything and anything you can imagine. The largest buildings is 14 floors filled with both permanent and temporary exhibitors.  It would take many trips to the market to even see half of the vendors!

The DMC has fashion, home furnishings, home décor, lighting, toys, floral, gourmet market items, jewelry, etc.  Many interior designers bring their clients to the DMC to pick out items for their home.  The DMC is not open to the public - only businesses are allowed in.
We were there to see the new products and innovations related to our Holiday Décor business as well as the Outdoor Lighting products.  Of course we also had to check out the other areas as well and we were blown away with the new trends headed our way in 2014! 

So while we had a great time visiting, why is it important for Preferred Lighting and Lighting to go and why would you the customer care about it?  The DMC is the place to see the new innovations and trends for the upcoming year so we can continue to offer the best products that are out at the market as soon as they are available.  It is also an opportunity for us to visit with our current vendors and meet new vendors to insure we are getting the most competitive prices on our products.  And these innovations and cost savings is what we can bring to you, our customer, and what makes Preferred Landscape and Lighting one of the best in the business!

Customer Testimonial

Here is some customer feedback for one of our clients who has come back year after year with new projects for us.  

 "Alan, I just wanted to let you know how happy we are with our landscaping from Preferred. Your workers did an excellent job and were very professional throughout the entire project. We have entertained twice since it's completion and everyone was impressed with your work. We will definitely use Preferred for future projects!" -JG

Holiday Light Feedback

"Thank you so much for the outstanding holiday lights.  The tree was so beautiful that many from all over the neighborhood have stopped by with compliments.  Some neighbors even took pictures!  Of course our camily enjoyed the lights the most.  Bless you, Shirley and Charlie  PS The service for repair was outstanding!  Thanks Again."

Surviving the Cold Snap

 

Temperatures have been colder than usual across the nation and that included a hard freeze over several days for San Antonio.  Many plants that usually do fine in the winter may have been damaged this year.  If you have plants that have suffered, we can help.  Our landscape professionals can determine if the plant needs to be replaced or if with some proper pruning it would encourage new growth this spring.

  

Also, it is important to check your irrigation system after the freeze.  The back flow device has brass fittings that may have become frozen and broken off.  If they are broken, you want to have those repaired quickly by a certified back flow tester.  Preferred is proud to have 4 certified back flow technicians on staff. 

Featured in the San Antonio Express News

We were so excited to be consulted on a recent article featured in the San Antonio Express News on water features.   The following is a link to the article:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/home-garden/article/Water-features-are-both-appealing-and-legal-5096123.php

The article describes the benefits of having a water feature and the different options available.  It also discusses the recent SAWS changes that have made owning a water feature easier.