Did your lawn take a beating this summer?

Try SLIT SEEDING.

Now that  the weather is turning extremely hot and dry in these later weeks of  summer, this sets  the scene for extensive grass loss due to the lack of moisture and extreme heat. Add to the mix high humidity and it immediately will put your lawn under stress, very likely resulting in disease and wiping out of th grass. If you find that your yard has suffered from disease, drought and insect damage, you might want to look at doing some renovation. by overseeding areas that have been affected.
 
If your lawns just a little thin you can do overseeding and broadcast the seeds over the whole lawn.
 
But, if there are bigger bare areas or is  extensively thin slit seeding is recommended.
Slit Seeding is done by creating small slits in the soil where seeds are dropped into the slits and grow. Seeds are distributed in a uniform fashion across the lawn This is a great way to renovate tired-looking lawns and thicken grass for a plusher-looking lawn the following spring. 
Both overseeding and slit seeding  are  usually done Begining of Septemberthrough the middle of October depending on weather conditions.
 
If you are interested in this service or have any questions or want us to come out and take a look, Give us a call @ 248.584.3506 ,we would be happy to come out.

Alergy Alert: The Source Ragweed

Ragweed

This time of the year, late summer, 10 to 20% of us start to suffer from ragweed allergies, or hay fever.

Symptoms may include:

• 
  
  Sneezing

• 
  
  Stuffy or runny nose

• 
  
  Itchy eyes, nose and throat

• 
  
  Trouble sleeping make life miserable for these people.

• 
  
  Some of people must also cope with asthma attacks as well.

This cause of all this suffering Ragweed, a very common weed that grows all over the United States. Ragweed is very invasive weed that is common on disturbed and unmaintained grounds.

Ragweed is indigenous to the U.S and there are several different species of Ragweed as well.

Common Ragweed

Giant Ragweed

Goldenrod Ragweed

But, no matter what species it is if you have allergies its a problem for you every late August - September.

 There is no cure for ragweed allergy. The best control is to avoid contact with the pollen. This is difficult given the amount of ragweed pollen in the air during pollination time.

 Though, total eradication of ragweed is considered impossible,given the plant's frugality and tremendous seed-producing capability, but control is important to minimize its spread and reduce its effect on the allergic.

Please do not try to manually uproot the ragweed at this time of year! It is ineffective, and skin contact may cause the onset of full-blown hay fever symptoms in persons with latent ragweed hypersensitivity.

 There is help to control this misery causing weed in your own yard.

We recommend having us come out and spraying your shrub beds and lawn, with an herbicide,  keeping the weeds out an under control, can at the very least help to reduce you and your family's symptoms.

Again call us if you have any questions or would like to start with applications to help reduce your exposure to Ragweed. @ 248.584.3506


- Roger

Proper Watering Techniques

Watering is based on the temperature, the humidity, and the amount of sun light.     Below are guidelines for how much water is needed for the usual Michigan climate; adjustments should be made for unusual weather conditions. It is best to water between 11 am and 2 pm, but remember to follow any local ordinances. If you are not permitted to water during the day, it is best to water as close to sunrise as possible. The objective when watering is to not leave water on the ground overnight.

For small areasget them damp once a
 day between 11a.m and 2 p.m

  For Medium Areas- water about
10-15 mins per section everyday

 







Lawns

• April 1 to May 14 - water is not usually needed unless severe drought conditions
• May 15 to June 30 - 1/10 of an inch per day  
• July 1 to August 31 - 2/10 of an inch per day
• September 1 to November 15 - water as needed, usually not needed unless drought conditions
• November 16 to March 31 - nature provides all the necessary moisture

For large areas- water 6-12 mins
everyday

For medium areas water 3-7 minutes
daily between 11a.m - 2p.m

Annuals

 *These are best used to highlight specific areas of a landscape design.*

•  Usually need to be watered daily, depending on the variety.
• Use a diffuser on the hose to prevent damage to the plants.

Perennials

*Perennials do not usually require the amount of water that lawns and annuals need*

• 
  
   Water every 2-3 days, depending on the variety
• 
  
  Water at the soil rather than on the foliage to prevent disease

Shrubs

Well established plants do not need to be watered unless they are very dry.

It is best to water at the soil rather than on the foliage. A drip irrigation method is best.

• 
  
  For Sandy soil, Water 1-2 times per week
• 
  
  For Clay soil, Water every 3-5 days

Deciduous Trees

*They usually will get enough water from the lawn and shrubs that are nearby *

• 
  
  In drought conditions, trees will need 1 to 2 inches of water per week
• 
  
  New plantings will need additional water, consult the nursery where purchased or the installer for details

Rain counts as watering. If it rains 1 inch, you won't need to water for several days.

It's Springtime!

Now is the time to start fertilizing your lawn and putting down pre-emergent. We'll be out next week to service our customers. If you need an estimate, give us a call at (248)584-3506.

Our Service Areas

At RAL we service a wide area including: Southeast Oakland County,Southern Macomb County, The Gross Pointe's and Northwestern Wayne County. If you are not happy with your lawn service and looking for another Lawn Service Company or if you want to start getting you lawn serviced for the first time don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call RAL at anytime even after 5p.m. at (248) 584-3506 for a free estimate, phone consultation, and special offers!
Or urgent questions you can always call on my personal cell phone-(248) 990-8533.

1st Step for Spring

Spring is right around the corner, and is crucial to getting a head start for that green, lush lawn. The first steps that must be made is Preemergent (crab grass preventative), fertilize, and also spot treat for flat leaf weeds such as dandelions. These actions will give a great jump for a healthy looking lawn.
Also there is a new insect called a European Crain Fly that causes damage in spring and fall seasons. This insect looks like a large mosquito, so keep you eyes peeled.

Here at RAL we offer all of these spring services and customize our applications for your lawn's specific needs.

Hello

Hi,

I am Roger Lakin. I am the owner or RAL Lawn & Shrub Care. I have been working in the Landscaping field for 28 years; I have been in business as RAL Lawn & Shrub Care since 1994. Please check back often for information on how to better care for your lawn.

Roger

Well, we have about 6 in of snow

We are looking forward to spring