Common Lawn Pests
Breaking News:
AT LAST ! !
An environmentally sound weed control that works ! !
Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment have finally approved Fiesta* for use on our lawns.
Fiesta* is a chelated iron-based product that finally gives us good results on broad leaf weeds. Unlike the products used by our competition, Fiesta* works.
Weeds
Simply adhering to proper watering, mowing and fertilizing will go a long way towards keeping unwanted grasses and weeds from invading. That in turn means that less herbicide is needed to maintain it. Remember, now that chemical herbicides can no longer be used, the cost of eradicating a weed infestation is much higher than was the case just months ago.
As a general rule, Fiesta* does not offer weed control as a single-application sale. That is, weed control is only offered to customers enrolled in one of our comprehensive lawn care packages. All of our programs concentrate on strengthening the existing turf such that it can, on its own, repel a weed invasion. Where weeds have found a way to penetrate, our strategy then depends on the extent of the invasion. If weed eradication is required, then we usually recommend and apply Fiesta*, a totally natural herbicide
Tender Shoots is committed to environmental preservation. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid weeds is to ensure a strong turf with top dressing, proper fertilization and maintenance. In order to minimize the amount of product applied, whenever possible or feasible, we apply only when and where necessary to control the offending weeds.
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Most common weeds found in Huronia are controllable with the new "organic" products. A few however, are somewhat resistant and require two or more applications for total eradication. These may include such pests as Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie), Field Violet (a domestic flower gone wild) and Wild Strawberry.
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Fiesta works very well on dandelion,
possibly the most despised weed in Huronia |
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Crabgrass
While Dandelion is the most despised weed, Crabgrass must be described as the most hated grass in Huronia and as a grass, it cannot be controlled with a selective herbicide and a special treatment is required. Products previously used for the selective control of crabgrass are no longer available (pesticide ban) however, all-purpose "organic" vegetation killers such as Horticultural Vinegar are effective. It is usually then necessary to overseed. Many other grasses, are often confused with crabgrass and, just as with crabgrass can only be eradicated with non-selective "natural" herbicides.
Crabgrass first sprouts unnoticed among your lawn's turf grasses. Only as it matures does it take on its ugly nature. It is then that is becomes overpowering. As summer progresses, it gets even worse when the seed heads form and, in August when the plant begins to die, and turns an ugly shade of purple and brown. It is an annual plant that propagates by producing a vast quantity of seeds which germinate when soil and air temperature rise in the summer.
NOTE: Corn gluten meal is often touted as a means of controlling crabgrass. Be wary. Crabgrass already sprouted is not affected by corn gluten meal. Corn gluten meal does indeed offer some relief from crabgrass but does so by inhibiting the germination of ALL seeds and thus, successful overseeding is no longer possible.
NOTE: Remember that crabgrass is not a weed as such but rather an undesirable grass. It is not affected by a broadleaf herbicide and requires special treatment.
Quack Grass
Quack grass and many other wild field grasses are often confused for crabgrass. Although there is no selective herbicide available to eradicate these, small infestations can usually be controlled by simply pulling the offending plant and allowing the well-fertilized turf grasses to fill in. Alternatively, a non-selective herbicide may be used. The best preventative is a strong well-fed turf.
Creeping Bent Grass
Creeping Bentgrass is great for golf course greens but when it establishes itself on your lawn, it can be very difficult to get rid of. Ironically, if you were to seed your whole lawn with bentgrass, the cost would be horrendous. It usually invades a lawn when seeds, carried by the wind or introduced in bird droppings, find conditions suitable. The bentgrass root system grows very close to the soil surface and thus is susceptible to heat and drought stresses. Thus heavy but infrequent watering will discourage bentgrass from your lawn. Once it is established, the best way to control it is to pull it or apply a non-selective herbicide, then re-seed with a high-quality turf grass blend.
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Many species of wild field grasses often invade otherwise pristine lawns. Since these generally do not respond to broadleaf herbicides, the only practical method of eradication is to hand pull them or to use a general purpose non-selective herbicide. |  |
Insects
Even the healthiest of lawns are susceptible to insect attack. A truly healthy lawn however, can sustain a heavier infestation and may survive where a poorly-maintained lawn may not. Thus prevention is best achieved with good lawn care practice.
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GRUBS
The most common and most damaging lawn pest in Huronia today is the White Grub. Grubs are the larval stage of several varieties beetles the most common of which is the European Chafer. This beetle has a one-year life cycle which makes it especially difficult to eradicate. |
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The cycle is as follows:
| Aug - Sept | Eggs hatch into larval (grub) stage |
| Sept - Nov | Grubs eat voraciously on the roots of grasses |
| Nov - Mar | Grubs descend in an attempt to reach below frost depth |
| Mar - May | Grubs climb to 2-3 inches below surface and eat lightly |
| May - June | Grubs pupate and turn into adult beetles |
| June - July | Beetles mate, lay eggs, starting new cycle |
Rodents such as skunks will cause cosmetic turf damage by their diggings in search of their favourite meal. The real damage is lawn destruction caused by grubs eating the grass roots which occurs when the newly-hatched grub is feeding voraciously in preparation for winter.
In the spring, when the grub resurfaces, rodent activity resumes, but the grub itself, since it is only eating lightly, causes little lawn damage. In most cases, damage caused by skunks or raccoons is repairable by simply replacing the divot. Because this usually happens during good growing conditions, the grass usually heals quite readily from rodent diggings. Not so however from the root death caused by the grub.
Indeed, once heavy grub damage occurs (which can happen in the span of just a few days), the only solution is to replace the turf either by re-seeding or sodding.
By far, the most effective time to treat for grubs is to apply a preventative in June or July. This method is environmentally sound (highly selective thus low toxicity) and, since it gets them in the egg stage, is extremely effective. Never-the-less, the product (Merit) is now banned in Ontario for political reasons.
If however, the grubs have already hatched, then the only solution is curative. This method uktilizes "beneficial" Nematodes and, when properly applied with appropriate follow-through by the homeowner, can be up to 60% effective. This rate of effectiveness is usually sufficient to avoid significant turf damage.
Click here for pricing |
Chinch Bugs |
Chinch bugs love hot, dry conditions. They damage the grass plant by chewing at the crown, then sucking the juice out of the leaf and the plant dies. The damage is haphazard in appearance and looks for all the world like the lawn has gone dormant for lack of watering. But unfortunately, a lawn ravaged by chinch bugs does not recover with watering and, if the damage is extensive, re-seeding or re-sodding may be required. Usually an overseeding or top dressing (with seed) will recover the lawn.
A strong turf can often survive a mild to moderate chinch bug infestation but a poorly-fed lawn has no chance. It is usually preferable to treat any infestation to prevent the insect from multiplying out of control.
Click here for pricing |
Leatherjacket (European Crane Fly) |
Leatherjackets can and do indeed cause lawn damage. But only when present in very large numbers.
The first indication of an upcoming invasion is the crane fly which looks for all the world like an overgrown mosquito on steroids. These can be seen flitting about when walking on the lawn or mowing, etc. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the root system during the day and on the crown at night. In heavy rains when the soil is oversaturated with water, they will come to the surface to avoid drowning and may be seen by the hundreds of thousands on driveways or walkways.
Treatment is done with beneficial Nematodes which once ingested, eat at the inards of the leatherjacket.
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Sod webworm, Cutworm, etc., etc. |
Your lawn can harbour all kinds of insects many of which, left unhindered, will destroy or otherwise make your lawn a much less enjoyable place to relax in. Your Tender Shoots representative can help you identify the critter and suggest a remedy.
Tree Care
There is good reason why many municipalities enact by-laws protecting our trees. A healthy tree can at once be majestic and awe-inspiring yet somehow be tender and soothing. Yet a neglected tree can quickly become diseased and saddening. We can help.
This section is for your general information only. At this time, Tender Shoots does not provide Tree Care as a service and unfortunately, cannot recommend a tree care specialist.
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Just as with your grass, trees are living, breathing entities. The stress of our urban environment (pollution, concrete, humans) makes our guardianship critical. Indeed, in many ways, trees are more susceptible to attack from insects and disease yet we sometimes take them for granted. A tree left to fend for itself is, well, just a tree. A well cared-for tree on the other hand can set your home apart. |
Tree Root Fertilization
The technician injects into the soil a special fertilizer at regular intervals around the tree's drip line where most of the uptake begins. With our super controlled-release fertilizer, just one application per year is all that is needed to give new life to most trees. A healthy well-fed tree is much better able to fend itself from insects and fungal attacks.
A side benefit derived from tree-root feeding is reduced competition with the turf thereby allowing a healthier lawn under the tree.
Fungus Control
Fungal attacks are seldom fatal to a tree. Fungus does however, severely weaken the tree so that is can no longer withstand drought or insects. Fungicide treatments are recommended only in extremely severe circumstances. At present, it is not known if fungicides will be approved for use in Ontario.
Insect Control
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There are several methods of controlling insects, depending on the type of insects to be controlled, the size and location of the tree and, of paramount importance, environmental considerations. |
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| Oak Skeletonizer | Gypsy Moth |
Spraying Spraying is generally the preferred method where the tree is relatively small (less than 5 cms in diameter) and of low height however, this method is no longer available under the pesticide ban.
Acecaps Several small holes are drilled around the base of the tree and capsules containing the proper amount of medication are placed. The tree's own system ensures that coverage is complete. Acecaps present no threat to our environment and for that reason are recommended by Tender Shoots.
Dormant Oils As the name implies, this is a mineral oil applied while the tree is in its dormant state. By applying the oil, your trees and shrubs can start the year off without any pests (this doesn't mean that they won't fly in from your neighbours, but it goes a long way to reduce the damage from insect populations). This is very safe with low toxicity to beneficial insects, pets and humans.
More Tree Problems:
Tender Shoots Hydroseeding Specifications
Seed TypePremium residential lawn-quality seed. Grass seed species and variety chosen in consultation with customer to meet soil and growing conditions, customer preferences, etc..
| Inert matter: | Max. 2% |
| Pure seed: | Min. 98% |
| Germination: | Min. 85% |
| Pure Living seed: | Min. 83% (Pure seed x Germination) |
Seed Quantity
Will meet or exceed seeding rates as recommended by seed grower.
Mulch Type
Recycled paper especially designed for hydroseeding
Mulch Quantity Minimum 1200 kilograms per hectare
Fertilizer Type
10-52-10 soluble fertilizer
Fertilizer Quantity
1.2 kilograms Phosphorous per 100 sq. m. +/- 10%
Tackifier
As required for erosion control
Application Method
Power-sprayed to ensure maximum soil contact.
Maximum spray distance from nozzle to soil -- 2 metres conditional on the accessibility of the area to be seeded.
Guarantee
Full, even germination. Complete customer satisfaction. Will overseed and/or re-seed as required.
Guarantee Conditions
Application must be done on a minimum of 5 centimetres of good quality, sifted topsoil. There must not be extreme conditions of shade or excessive tree root competition. The seeds must be kept moist throughout the period of germination.
Slit Seeding
As the name implies, the slit seeder cuts slits into the soil and drops the seed in. In most cases it is necessary to apply a fertilizer in a separate application. The advantage of slit seeding is that the seed is in fact sowed so that good soil contact is guaranteed. Slit seeding is somewhat less expensive than hydroseeding. This method is ideal for starting a new lawn or for overseeding to obtain a fuller lawn. Click here for pricing. |
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Slit Seeding Specifications
Seed TypePremium residential lawn-quality seed. Grass seed species and variety chosen in consultation with customer to meet soil and growing conditions, customer preferences, etc..
| Inert matter: | Max. 2% |
| Pure seed: | Min. 98% |
| Germination: | Min. 85% |
| Pure Living seed: | Min. 83% (Pure seed x Germination) |
Seed Quantity
Will meet or exceed seeding rates as recommended by seed grower.
Application Method
Single pass application. Slits at 5cm intervals maximum.
Guarantee
Full, even germination. Complete customer satisfaction. Will overseed and/or re-seed as required.
Guarantee Conditions
Application must be done on a minimum of 5 centimetres of good quality, sifted topsoil. There must not be extreme conditions of shade or excessive tree root competition. The seeds must be kept moist throughout the period of germination.
Verticut Seeding
This process involves applying the seed in a conventional manner then going over it with a verticutter. The verticutter works the seed into the ground to obtain the needed soil contact.
Click here for pricing.Verticut Seeding Specifications
| Inert matter: | Max. 2% |
| Pure seed: | Min. 98% |
| Germination: | Min. 85% |
| Pure Living seed: | Min. 83% (Pure seed x Germination) |
Seed Quantity
Will meet or exceed seeding rates as recommended by seed grower.
Application Method
Broadcast spreader application. Single or double verticut passes as negotiated and agreed to.
Guarantee
Full, even germination. Complete customer satisfaction. Will overseed and/or re-seed as required.
Guarantee Conditions
Application must be done on a minimum of 5 centimetres of good quality, sifted topsoil. There must not be extreme conditions of shade or excessive tree root competition. The seeds must be kept moist throughout the period of germination.
Conventional Seeding
Conventional seeding is the least expensive but also the least effective seeding method. The seed is simply applied to the soil surface with a cyclone spreader or drop spreader.
Click here for pricing.Turf Grass Specifications
New varieties and cultivars of the turf grasses used for residential applications are constantly being introduced to the market. Each turf grass variety is available in many cultivars so that the possible combination of specific blends is virtually endless. All seed blends used by Turf King use only registered varieties in different combinations of Kentucky Bluegrass, various Fescues, and Perennial Ryegrasses. Following are approximate combinations for various uses:
Residential Lawns -- New| 65% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 25% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 10% | Perennial Ryegrass |
General Purpose Residential
| 40% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 40% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 20% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Shadegrass
| 20% | Chewings Fescue | |
| 30% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 20% | Hard Fescue | |
| 10% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 20% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Low Maintenance
| 40% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 25% | Hard Fescue | |
| 20% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 15% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Sports Fields
| 50% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 25% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 25% | Perennial Ryegrass |
When to Seed?
Many, many factors must be considered in the decision on when to seed a lawn. In most parts of Ontario, fall seeding is generally ideal while spring seeding can be satisfactory but is usually less successful. Seeding done between mid-August and mid-October carries the full Tender Shoots guarantee while the guarantee for seeding done at other times may be severely limited. |
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What Types of Seed?
Turfgrass seeds are available in a staggering number of types, varieties and cultivars. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses however, the range in quality is as wide as the range in offerings. Generally, the more expensive the seed, the better. If you are planning to do your own seeding, the best advice is to use the appropriate seed for the conditions and very best quality you can find.
All Tender Shoots seeding projects use a blend of turfgrass varieties but in varying composition depending on the soil and location conditions. Only the very best cultivars are used.
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Turf Grass Specifications
New varieties and cultivars of the turf grasses used for residential applications are constantly being introduced to the market. Each turf grass variety is available in many cultivars so that the possible combination of specific blends is virtually endless. All seed blends used by Turf King use only registered varieties in different combinations of Kentucky Bluegrass, various Fescues, and Perennial Ryegrasses. Following are approximate combinations for various uses:
Residential Lawns -- New| 65% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 25% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 10% | Perennial Ryegrass |
General Purpose Residential
| 40% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 40% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 20% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Shadegrass
| 20% | Chewings Fescue | |
| 30% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 20% | Hard Fescue | |
| 10% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 20% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Low Maintenance
| 40% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 25% | Hard Fescue | |
| 20% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 15% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Sports Fields
| 50% | Kentucky Bluegrass | |
| 25% | Creeping Red Fescue | |
| 25% | Perennial Ryegrass |
Overseeding
| 100% | Perennial Ryegrass (3 different cultivars) |
Specialty Services
Our many other services include external eradication of home pests such as spiders, etc.
Tender Shoots offers a wide range of services, all related through common technology to our core business of lawn care. We do not try to be Jacks of all Trades but rather we strive to be the most respected experts in our selected few ventures. Although at first glance, these services appear somewhat unrelated, the products and equipment required in each of these is very similar as is the application process.
Driveways & Patios
Weeds and grasses
Weeds are amazing creatures. It is perhaps an exaggeration to say that they will grow in concrete but they certainly will grow in the smallest of cracks. It is sometimes easier (and much less expensive) to pull them out as they appear. However, once weed-infested, an organic non-selective herbicide may be the only sensible way to clean it up. Eco Clear is used by Tender Shoots for this purpose. Click here for Eco Clear pricing.
Tender Shoots introduced in 2001 the Hot Element weed eradication method. We literally cook the plant to death.
Click here for pricing.Ants
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Ants just love hot, dry, sandy areas. And many driveways and patios present just the perfect conditions. |
Poison Ivy
Huronia is "Poison Ivy Country". And since most of us are highly allergic to poison ivy, it has been designated a noxious weed. Indeed, some people react so violently to poison ivy that they require hospitalization. For that reason, all municipalities have enacted by-laws dictating that any poison ivy which may infect others must be eradicated.
Because of its virulent nature, it is not practical to kill poison ivy by pulling it so chemical treatment is the only viable method of eradication. Pricing depends on the extent of the poison ivy infestation as well as the difficulty in reaching it (trees, decorative plants, etc.)
Lawn Vac
Lawn Vac is one of our most popular services and as a result, we are unfortunately all booked for 2009!
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Lawn Vac is a nice short term for "Clean Up". We do indeed vacuum the lawn as part of the service but the whole job is so much more. We blow all the leaves, twigs and grime over to the curb where our powerful vacuum sucks it all up into our truck. We do your whole lawn and all you need to do is rake out your flower beds or vegetable gardens, leave the debris on the lawn, and we'll do the rest.
Although Tender Shoots does provide lawn clean-up services, these are available to our full-service lawn care customers at significantly reduced pricing. Our service consists of leaf and twig removal as well as Lawn Vac.
How much does it cost? Of course, that depends on the size of your property, how much debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) has accumulated, and so on.
Click here for pricing.And of course Black Magic!
You, Nature and Tender Shoots . . . . A Partnership
Need more information??
You can reach us at any time at: marcel@tendershoots.com
Of course, you can always call us at: 705.527.9399 or 705.721.8873