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Landscape Supply Yard

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Measure any areas where you will need to add fill material to grade and smooth the existing site. Look for other areas you can "cut", or take some soil off to spread to these places. Often in large landscaping projects you will find that you have to "import", or haul in additional soil to level out the lawn, and it is best to bring this material in before any underground utilities are installed.

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Calculate how much fill you will need to import. This is a math problem, and if the area is irregular in shape, try to imagine it as a square or rectangle, multiplying width X length X depth, to give you a cubic volume of material. Large volumes are measured either in tons or cubic yards or meters. If the amount is very large, you will need to hire someone to haul your material in with a dump truck, smaller amounts may be brought in with a pickup truck or utility trailer.

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Spread the new fill material and level all areas of the yard. If you have a large amount to move, you may want to rent a small tractor with a front end loader bucket and a grader blade or box blade to do this job for you. Very large projects may require a bulldozer or other heavy equipment, but this may be too much for the average homeowner to attempt on their own.

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Mark off any flower beds, tree plantings, or other features you are putting in your landscape, and also consider any permanent structures you may want to add now or later. After the landscaping is complete is not the time to build a swimming pool or utility shed!

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Leave some additional soil in areas where you want raised flower beds, garden areas, or other features that need it.

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Remove plants, bushes, or undesirable trees from the area so that areas to receive grass will get maximum sunlight.

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Plant all the shrubs, bushes, and trees that you have planned for each area, and remember, it is often easier to start working one area and finish it before moving to the next. Large landscaping projects can be overwhelming if they are not broken down into a series of smaller projects.

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Lay out and install whatever irrigation piping you have planned, install conduits for underground electric to power landscape lighting and to operate pumps for fishponds or fountains you are building. If you use an electric mower, leaf blower, weed eater, or edger, you may want a couple of remote ground fault receptacles to eliminate the need for long extension cords. You will need to mount these with weatherproof boxes and covers on posts or attached to some type of structure.

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Work out your flower beds and other permanent landscape features, such as patios, permanent barbecue pits, fountains, etc. Use landscape fabric in planting areas to keep the weeds from becoming a problem, and mulch all these areas to conserve water.

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Finish grading the areas to receive grass. This is often done by dragging a section of fence material behind a lawn tractor or ATV, passing back and forth over the area until it is smooth.

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Sit back, and allow your work to establish itself.

Read more here:
How to Landscape a Large Yard (with Pictures) - wikiHow

The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL! Sounds like a soap opera title, doesnt it? These powerful adjectives also describe a breathtaking vegetative plant that fascinates me. The plant is Colocasia esculenta, more commonly called elephants ear. The leaves of this plant are interestingly shaped and huge. Because the leaves are large and closely resemble the ears of an elephant, I can certainly see how its common name was derived. The plant grows from a bulblike structure called a corm. In warmer climates, elephants ear grows as a perennial. Here in Nebraska, the plant is grown as an annual. Unless the corms are lifted in the fall and stored indoors for the winter, they will freeze and die. This plants uniqueness is similar to that of cannas and caladiums, all of which add a tropical flair to the landscape.

For many years, Rita and I have grown Colocasia esculenta. This year we planted corms directly into the soil in shady areas near our deck. We also planted some in planters. A great companion plant to grow with elephants ear is caladium. The leaf shape of both elephants ear and caladium are very similar and together they create a striking contrast.

Elephants ear prefers wetland planting. In USDA Zones 9 through 11, it grows almost as a perennial evergreen. It performs best in partial shade with slightly acidic, moist soil, rich in organic material. Under these conditions, elephants ear is a fast grower.

Its leaves are usually heart-shaped, reaching 2-3 feet in length and 1-2 feet

The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL! Sounds like a soap opera title, doesnt it? These powerful adjectives also describe a breathtaking vegetative plant that fascinates me. The plant is Colocasia esculenta, more commonly called elephants ear. The leaves of this plant are interestingly shaped and huge. Because the leaves are large and closely resemble the ears of an elephant, I can certainly see how its common name was derived. The plant grows from a bulblike structure called a corm. In warmer climates, elephants ear grows as a perennial. Here in Nebraska, the plant is grown as an annual. Unless the corms are lifted in the fall and stored indoors for the winter, they will freeze and die. This plants uniqueness is similar to that of cannas and caladiums, all of which add a tropical flair to the landscape.

For many years, Rita and I have grown Colocasia esculenta. This year we planted corms directly into the soil in shady areas near our deck. We also planted some in planters. A great companion plant to grow with elephants ear is caladium. The leaf shape of both elephants ear and caladium are very similar and together they create a striking contrast.

Elephants ear prefers wetland planting. In USDA Zones 9 through 11, it grows almost as a perennial evergreen. It performs best in partial shade with slightly acidic, moist soil, rich in organic material. Under these conditions, elephants ear is a fast grower.

Its leaves are usually heart-shaped, reaching 2-3 feet in length and 1-2 feet in width. The leaves are attached to thick, stalk-like stems nearly 2-3 feet tall. Although the plants are capable of blooming, never have I seen ours bloom.

Geography matters. A plant that spreads aggressively and is declared invasive in one region may be perfectly well behaved in another. For example, elephants ear is regarded as an invasive exotic throughout much of Florida. There, it displaces native plant species. Elephants ear forms dense stands along lakes and rivers where it completely crowds out native plant species. Since elephants ear is only hardy in Zones 9 through 11, it is doubtful that it will ever be listed as a noxious or invasive plant in Nebraska.

In many parts of the tropical world, the leaves and corms of elephants ear are cooked and eaten. Although I have never eaten the leaves of elephants ear, I have read that the taste of cooked leaves is similar to that of spinach. Cooked corms have a light mealy texture and a flavor somewhat like potatoes. They can be roasted, fried, boiled, grated or mashed. Poi is a starchy paste-like food product made from fermented elephants ear corms and is a staple in Hawaii, Tahiti and other Pacific islands. By the way, all parts of elephants ear contain the acrid compound calcium oxalate that can cause a stomachache if ingested without cooking.

It is doubtful that we will be eating our elephants ear plant, but I can assure you we are delighted to watch them grow. In fact, each year after the first frost, we dig and lift our plants and save the corms for the next season.

It is too late to plant elephants ear outdoors for this year, but when making plans for next season, I urge you to try Colocasia esculenta. The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL are the best ways I know how to describe this breathtaking plant!

Yard and Garden is provided by University of Nebraska Extension Buffalo County. It is written by horticulture aide Ted Griess of Minden. Questions can be directed to him by sending email to tgriess2@unl.edu or calling the Buffalo County Extension Office at 236-1235.

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Elephant's ear adds tropical flair to landscape - Kearney Hub

From the mountains to the desert and back to the Pacific Ocean, Southern California rocks in more ways than one.

Yards, especially in communities hugging the foothills, are filled with them. Anyone who has had a swimming pool installed, or simply gardens, knows the ground below is packed with them. Sometimes playfully called regional potatoes, theyve been distributed by rains by way of alluvial plains and scattered by earthquakes. Instead of hauling them away, some gardeners shrug and say, when you have rocks, make rock gardens.

Rockhound Nancy Bird of La Habra enjoys the thrill of the hunt and the colorful prizes that can be harvested from the earth. She can tell you exactly where to find and collect them, including Bureau of Land Management lands. Best of all, theyre free.

You can go on to any BLM land and collect a trunk load a day, and most people dont have a clue, said Bird, a proponent of residents enjoying their public lands. The Mojave Desert is simply a jewel in our backyard.

Recreational rockhounding, as it is technically called, is defined as the non-commercial collecting of rocks, minerals and fossils, according to governing laws, rules and regulations. Individuals are allowed to collect reasonable amounts of rocks on non-developed recreations sites/areas.

One great place for large, colorful boulders, easily accessible by a regular car, is to take theMinneola Road exit off I-15, go over the freeway, then any dirt road on the left has plenty. This is past Calico a few miles, she said.

Other good sites includePisgah Crater (take the Hector Road exit off I-40), which is an extinct volcano with lava rock and agates; Bell Mountain, north of Victorville on Stoddard Mountain Road, which has black jade and verde antique; and the site of Lucky Baldwins onetime gold mine outside Big Bear, where chryosocolla can be found. There are barite minerals in Palos Verdes, fossils in Topanga Canyon, actinolite in Wrightwood and snowflake obsidian next to the Salton Sea.

Its much easier and safer to go with a group, she said. And there are plenty of those. California is home to 120 mineralogical clubs that focus on different aspects of earth science (cfmsinc.org). Most support field trips, lectures programs and shows.

A veteran collector dating back to her days as a child camping with her family and later in college when a geology class got her hooked, Bird is past president of two local gem and mineral societies as well as the Year Around Garden Club in Whittier. She combines both hobbies in her small yard and offers others advice on how others can do the same. In fact, shes lecturing on the subject Sept. 14 at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Her presentation is appropriately called, Garden Rocks.

You can buy rocks, but I get bored with white and black ones, which are the most common, she said. I like the shiny, sparkly ones, the reds, oranges and yellows. (A red jasper) will stand next to a plant and provide just as much interest and dimension to a landscape as a plant will.

Rocks and geology are science, which is never-ending learning, she added. Thats what I love about rock collecting and what I love about horticulture, a science, too. I think we dont have enough love of science in this world. Its what makes our world.

Bird loves sharing her interests at gem and mineral shows, especially with young people. I love to give rocks to kids, she said. They love them. Too many people tell kids, what do you need with another rock? I say getting more rocks should be encouraged and not discouraged. Children dont realize that rocks are a part of science. There is no such thing as too many rocks.

In her upcoming class, Bird will provide handouts on rules and resources for those ready to get digging along with maps. And shell discuss three types of rocks sedimentary (sandstone, for example), igneous (volcanic) and metamorphic (those that have changed).

Once you have your rocks, then what? Dominic Masiello of DP Environments, a landscape design company in Arcadia, says to use them strategically in your yard. They can become natural focal points, adding height and texture to bland landscapes. Consider them to line pathways and to take the place of mulch, he said.

Another great way to use rock is by creating accent ribbons through hardscape, Masiello said. This technique softens up expansive concrete patios and pathways by breaking it up visually with a different texture. For example, using a darker colored rock around a lightly colored concrete creates not only adds texture, but dramatic color contrast, giving the landscape a professionally designed aesthetic.

Dry stream beds also have become an increasingly popular element in landscapes. Usingvarious sizes of rocks and gravel to mimick a stream provides an organic feel that works well with a California native garden. Choosing the right plants, of course, also is important.

Smaller gravel can be a great filler in between gaps of natural flagstone patios and pathways, Masiello said. It provides contrast to the flagstone as well as a porous joint for drainage.For this reason, flagstone paths and patios that are dry-set, meaning set without using a concrete sub-base and set with gravel instead, are becoming more desired.

When: 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 14

Where: Palm Room at the Los Angeles Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Cost: $25; register beforehand or pay at the door

Information: 626-821-4623

Resources

Majesta Ms A to Z Jewelry Supply, 6991 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; 714-292-3653, also on Facebook and Pinterest

Nevada Mineral & Book Co., 342 S. Tustin St., Orange; 714-633-1549;minbooks.net. Sells a variety of earth science publications.

Mining Supply and Rock Shop,9565 C Ave., Suite K, Hesperia; 760-244-9642; miningsuppliesandrockshop.com. Offers classes and single-day field trips, $40 for six consecutive trips once a month.

Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov/california

More:
Landscapes: When you have rocks, design a rock garden - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

From the moment this Modesto house was built, it was destined to be different, from its coffee can structure erected decades ago to its pueblo-style and landscape today.

Michael and Tammy Cunhas home at 329 Santa Barbara Ave. in Modesto has garnered Garden of the Month honors for September from the Modesto Garden Club.

The original owner of the house built the structure using coffee cans back in the 1940s. The cans were filled with cement, stacked in rows that then were covered with plaster, according to a press release from the Modesto Garden Club.

Whats inside the walls is decidedly unusual and so is the exterior of the home, for the Valley region at any rate a pueblo-style complete with a flat roof. Adding to its charm, the house is painted in a contemporary dark slate gray.

When they bought the house, the landscape on the corner lot was mostly dirt and dead grass and the Cunhas have been working to rebuild it since 2001, the garden club said. Dubbed Casita de Cunha, the home has a tiny back yard, so the owners used their creativity to make areas for outside dining and socializing in the more spacious front.

A pergola stands over an outdoor seating area where the couple sit in the evenings and talk to neighbors and passersby; theres also a half-walled courtyard that leads to the front door, which provides a more private area. Bold black and white stripes decorate umbrellas in the courtyard and the seating upholstery under the pergola, adding a pop and contrast to the walls and landscape plantings.

The Cunhas were inspired in their planting style by Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town in Mexico that they love to visit, so they brought in succulents, rock work and green grass.

There are several beds in the yard with plants such as agave, dracaena, horsetail reed, purple fountain grass and mother in law tongue. Among the cacti is one thats now over 14-feet tall that theyve harvested from to use in other planting areas.

The couple covered one expanse of grass with huge pavers patterned with black ash rock between them, among the more recent changes to the constantly evolving garden. Under the pavers is PVC pipe resting on pumice rock and black ash, designed so that any water that falls on the pavers goes to the PVC drain and washes out to the grass area.

More:
Modesto house built from coffee cans? That's just the beginning for unique structure - Modesto Bee

Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants

Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants

(Drew Saunders, Sept. 4, 2017)

Novi, MI -What kinds of plants are native to Michigan, and does that matter in landscaping? Landscape architect Drew Lathin, who has a demonstration garden at his Novi home, takes pride in educating people about the distinction. He recently held an open house to show off his collection of native plants.

I get questions Is hosta native? and I usually say yes, to China, Lathin said.

This is the sixth year that Lathin has run his own landscaping company, which only deals in plants native to Michigan.

All a native plant is, is a plant that was here before European settlement, Lathin said.

There have been plenty of non-native species, including plants intentionally brought over for agriculture like apples and decorative ones like tulips, both brought to the United States from Europe.

And there are also invasive species like Japanese Stiltgrass, Garlic Mustard, Giant Hogweed and the 40 plus species of plants the State of Michigan lists on its invasive species database.

In general people from the Midwest dont know what a native plant is. Theyve never seen one, Lathin said.

Standing in Lathins yard, he pointed out the bees to the Oakland County Times. The native plants were swarming with bees and other bugs. While the few non-native plants he had planted next to them, only occasionally had one bug on them.

Nodding Onion is a native true onion with purple flowers that comes out of its tall green trunk in a burst at the top, then droops down like Charlie Brown when hes sad. Its edible.

Another example is Cardinal Flower, a wetlands plant. It is a tall, red flower, which the hummingbirds swarmed around.

And there is an obvious reason Novis local hummingbirds and insects are in Lathins garden. Native bees evolved in stride with native plants. So, when they can find native plants, they are perfect for pollination; and by extension of course, the insects get more nutrition overall. Its beautiful to people, beautiful to wildlife, Lathin said.

By providing natural habitat for the birds and the bees it produces a noticeably different look from the traditional green grass and flower lined yards that make up much of suburban Michigan. But different doesnt mean not beautiful.

This plant is Bigleaf Aster. You look at one flower and you go This is really not much to write home about, Lathin explained, acknowledging that its not all that big or striking. But when you pack the plants together and you get a drift like this, theres a much different effect.

This is a different aesthetic, but its very formally designed, Lathin added.

To create a native plant landscape, Lathin uses much less bush mulch than other companies, and packs the plants closer together.

Lathin works for local governments on specific city beautification projects, as well as residents and businesses. His company, Creating Sustainable Landscapes, is aptly named.

In most cases, Lathin will be asked just to add certain patches of plants in peoples yards, and then might be asked to add bits and pieces later. Unless the residence is brand new, Lathin usually isnt asked to redo an entire garden in native plants.

Not even my yard is all native, Lathin said, pointing to the turf grass, hostas and boxwoods that are vastly outnumbered by native plants. If you dont count lawn, Im probably about 90 percent native. If you include lawn, Im about 70 percent native!

Like any other landscaper, summers are Lathins peak time. He and his determined crew can be found at creatingsustainablelandscapes.com.

Visit link:
Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants - Oakland County 115 News

Date: 09/01/2017Writer: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Pinterest

Tired of looking at your homes half-completed landscape, but you dont want to hire a professional? HOMEscape Solutions may be the answer.

Volunteers with the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences sponsored Sandoval County Master Gardener program want to help home gardeners accomplish their dream yard.

HOMEscape Solutions is a series of workshops for home gardeners. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 21, classes will be held at the Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service offices, 711 Camino del Pueblo in Bernalillo. The five classes will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, Friday, Sept. 22, and Friday, Oct. 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and Oct. 7.

Topics will include site planning, hardscape, the use of native plants, garden harmony, the use of Feng Shui, permaculture and xeriscaping and creating outdoor rooms. The major focus of the workshop is to provide ongoing support groups, guidance, feedback and assistance in developing the participants dream HOMEscape.

Veteran Master Gardeners Darlene Bassett, Sandra Liakus, Suzanne Maxwell, Cathryne Richards and Charlene Spiegel will lead the workshops.

The HOMEscape program motivated me to finally do something with my yard, said a recent graduate of the program.

Other graduates said, My front yard was a lifeless gravel pit. Now four years later, I have a yard I dreamed about and it gets better every year. And, My HOMEscape experience encouraged whimsy, inspired the zen and meditation in my garden. It helped me relax, learn and grow all at once.

To register online visit sandovalmastergardeners.org and under Classes sign up and pay. The $100 registration fee includes all materials, a resource kit, and Saturday lunches. For more information, call the Extension office at 505-867-2582.

The rest is here:
NMSU Master Gardeners host landscape design series in Sandoval County - New Mexico State University NewsCenter

Eerily quiet and strangely serene, Friday night was unlike any other inside The Daily Independent sports cave.

Scary good described that particular night elsewhere for a certain individual.

The Monday Morning Quarterback wasnt nearly as frenetically occupied as usual, since relentless rain knocked most of our coverage-area games up or back a day. The QB leaned back to admire the clock reading a reasonable hour after sending the last sports page of the evening until the phone rang a few minutes after midnight.

It was our Lawrence County informant, James Ellis.

Ellis proceeded to read off astronomical numbers, all associated with one person the Bulldog behind center.

Noah West, as it turned out, spent much of his Friday in Prestonsburg well ahead of the line of scrimmage. The junior quarterback, who is still learning the offense, according to coach Alan Short, compelled his coach to call his name over and over and over.

West carried 38 times for 406 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-32 victory.

Short joked about pursuing legal protection.

I had asked (Wests parents, Brad and Deena) after our game with Raceland if they were going to turn me in to social services for child abuse, Short said in a text message. He only had 26 carries that night. Not sure what they will think about 38 for 406.

Short said hes had the luxury of coaching quarterbacks Hayden Kiser, Grant Kiser and A.J. Cyrus, among others.

Some years we run it more, others we might throw it more, Short said. Now, its Noahs turn. With him and his ability to run, we obviously want to run it with him.

Short said West leaned on the Bulldogs experienced offensive line to pave the way past the Blackcats. Every yard was needed.

He is a humble and hungry guy, Short said of West. He is quick to give credit where credit is due, and knows that nothing can happen without the five or six guys up front.

West finished 18 yards shy of his second cousin Michael Wests record of 424.

Three and out

Those concerned about Racelands offense after a shutout at Putnam Stadium last week might have overlooked the Rams defensive performance. No problem, sayeth the Rams. They followed it up by slamming the door on West Carters normally proficient rushing game. Raceland held the Comets to their lowest output from the backfield 34 yards in nine games. Nicholas County limited West Carter to just 20 yards rushing on Sept. 16, 2016.

Ashland defensive coordinator Chad Tackett said the Tomcats weekly goal is to keep their opponents to fewer than the following: 100 rushing yards, 100 passing yards and 14 points.

While Ashland failed to check any of those off the list against George Washington, its defense proved its worth for the second straight week, preparing the landscape for more low-scoring games in the near future.

With 108 yards on the ground on Thursday, Greenup Countys Dalton Halstead became the first Musketeer since at least 2013 to eclipse 100 rushing yards in three consecutive games. Greenup County did not report statistics from its 2013 contests.

Helmet stickers

Four: Noah West (Lawrence Co.), Cam Webb (Raceland), Jaden Campbell (Fleming Co.), Blake Gamble (J. Central).

All of Wests accomplishments are listed above. Unless you skipped directly to this portion of the QBs prize-winning piece, or you just neglected to pay attention, you already had a chance to at least try to comprehend Wests numbers.

Webb tallied six receptions for 119 yards and a score against West Carter. The Ram also snagged an interception.

Campbell had a similar night on Thursday. He recorded 117 receiving yards and a TD to go with an interception and nine tackles.

Gamble toted 26 times for 141 yards and caught four Ryley Preece passes for 68 yards and two scores at Henry Clay.

Three: Gage Salyers (Ironton), Judd Adkins (Raceland), Cameron Corbin (Bath Co.), Ryley Preece (J. Central).

Two: Josh Crump (Fleming Co.), Dalton Daniels (Paintsville), Braxton Ratliff (Ashland), Damon Black (Raceland), Dalton Halstead (Greenup Co.), John Walker Phelps (Paintsville), Gabe Limings (EastCarter), JoshFord (EastCarter).

One: Isaac Caines (Ashland), Lane Rogers (Bath Co.), Patrick Kelly (Greenup Co.), Brad Glascock (Fleming Co.), Devin Johnson (J. Central), Justin Davis (Greenup Co.), Thomas Salyer (Boyd Co.), Matt Horn (J. Central), John McDavid (East Carter).

Did not report statistics: Fairview, Morgan Co., Rowan Co.

Snyders NEKY Super Seven

1. J. Central (2-0)

2. Paintsville (2-1)

3. Ashland (1-2)

4. Fleming Co. (2-0)

5. Raceland (2-1)

6. Greenup Co. (2-1)

7. Lawrence Co. (2-1)

Knocking on the door (next two in): E. Carter, W. Carter.

Wide right

Miss it? Heres a recap of local scores from Week 3: Mason County 51, Rowan County 16; Morgan County 60, Jenkins 0; Ironton 35, Russell 7; Lawrence County 37, Prestonsburg 32; Fleming County 21, Greenup County 17; Hurricane (W.Va.) 17, Paintsville 13; Johnson Central 40, Henry Clay 28; Nicholas County 19, Fairview 6; Bath County 32, Powell County 27; George Washington 14, Ashland 7; South Point 20, Boyd County 12; Raceland 35, West Carter 0; and East Carter 27, Betsy Layne 20.

Halftime Prep Talk

East Carter football coach Tim Champlin and a Raider have agreed to participate in the next episode of Halftime Prep Talk! The HTPT crew will visit Grayson this week. Watch at dailyindependent.com every Friday!

Catch up on past episodes by checking out the Halftime Prep Talk Facebook page.

Reach AARON SNYDER at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664. Follow @DIndependentQB on Twitter.

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MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: Stock rising in the West - The Independent

Carol Cloud Bailey, Special to TCPalm Published 6:30 a.m. ET Sept. 3, 2017

Over-irrigation makes the soil wet and more susceptible to rutting. Runoff is one of the indications of over-irrigation. The algae against the curb in the road is a sign that water stands in this location often.(Photo: CAROL CLOUD BAILEY/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)

Lawns work hard. Turf grasses slow erosion, moderate rain, keep the soil in place (less tracking of sand into the house), provide a place for recreation and relaxation, and cool the air. But, they are also expensive in terms of needed inputs of labor, fertilizer, and water. One of the main tenets of a Florida-Friendly landscape is to reduce turf. Is turf good or bad? As for many things, Id say some of both. Where there is a need for an open space, then turf works.

However, turf does require regular maintenance. The most commonly overlooked or mismanaged aspects of lawn maintenance include proper mowing and irrigation. The results of poor care in these areas often result in weak lawns full of weeds and ruts.

Automatic irrigation systems make it easy to use too much water. It is easy to allow the system to run on whatever program as long as the grass is somewhat green. A full check for good coveragethe water from one head should reach the next head, rate is the run time sufficient to put out the amount needed or too much, and frequency, is a needed monthly chore.

Over-irrigation can result in wet soils. In addition to making the grass more susceptible to insects, diseases and weed infestation, wet soils are prone to rutting from lawn mowers of other vehicles. The first step to fixing the problem is to evaluate the irrigation system and adjust as needed.

However, once ruts occur, repairs are often needed. The seemingly simple answer is to fill the rut with soil. The problem with this solution is that it causes more problems. The sod underneath the additional soil often dies creating a layer that makes water movement in the soil slower, compaction is relieved, and if the soil is different from the original, long term issues can occur with differing irrigation and nutrient needs.

Shallow ruts, from 2 to 4 inches deep can be repaired by the use of a pitchfork or other implement with tines. Use the tines to lift the rut and allow the soil to settle from time and water. This process helps reduce compaction.

Deeper ruts require more. Use a sharp spade or sod cutter to lift the sod out of and around the rut and then use a spade to loosen the soil including the soil that was pushed out of the rut. Regrade so the area is level or slightly higher than the surrounding area, it will settle over time. Reinstall the turf or use new sod. Treat the area as newly installed sod, but use a temporary irrigation line to avoid over-watering the entire zone.

Turf in the right place, managed well, and in small quantities can be a good thing.

Carol Cloud Bailey is a Landscape Counselor & Horticulturist. Send questions tocarol@yard-doc.comor visitwww.yard-doc.comfor more information.

Read or Share this story: http://www.tcpalm.com/story/life/columnists/carol-cloud-bailey/2017/09/03/rutting-lawn-caused-over-watering/612998001/

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Rutting in lawn caused by over-watering - TCPalm

Choose plants in scale with the size of your home. Boxwoods look fine in a knot garden but seem Lilliputian in the front yard of a grand colonial home.

Consider potential maintenance problems before you select plantings. You may like the appeal of a shaped hedge until you have to get the clippers out every two weeks. Also, consider the mature height of a deciduous tree planted too close to a home, leading to clogged gutters.

Select trees and shrubs to enhance a pleasing view or to block an unsightly one. If you decide to plant a privacy hedge to screen a neighbor's front yard, choose a mixed planting for your hedge. If one specimen dies, you can replace it without creating an odd gap between young and old plants.

Dull the harsh edges of your home's foundation with natural, flowing curves. You can situate masses of plants at each corner of your home, planting the tallest shrubs closest to the foundation, followed by successively smaller plants.

Include strategic splashes of color and fragrance to welcome friends and family. Rather than let fragrance waft down the street with the wind, plant a small stand of hyacinths by your front door where visitors can enjoy the color and scent.

Reduce the effects of wind and weather with trees. Homeowners in rural settings use windbreaks frequently, but suburban dwellers can also plant a row of evergreens on the side of the yard with prevailing winds. Deciduous trees can block summer heat and allow winter sun to shine through bare branches.

Excerpt from:
How to Landscape a Front Yard | eHow