August 10, 2008

Water-wise Summer Landscaping Tips

When you water your lawn and landscaping this summer, make every drop count. The best times of day to water your plants are early morning and early evening. Avoid this task between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during this time of year, when the sun and heat are usually at their strongest. If you must water during the hottest time of the day, it’s best not to turn on a sprinkler or spray your trees, shrubs and planting beds with a hose because a lot of the water you use gets evaporated. A better plan is to focus on the ground around larger plants, shrubs and trees. It’s the roots, not the leaves that take in the moisture.

An irrigation system with a timer or volume control device can come in handy during heat waves or drought situations. If you would like to find out more about incorporating such a system into your landscaping, contact one of our designers for a consultation at 610-395-6940, or email us.

Make the Most of Every Rainy Day.
Why not harness the hydrating powers of rain that rushes off your roof, pavedsurfaces and compacted soil. Run-off rainwater from these locations can cause flooding downstream, erosion of stream banks and muddied streams, ponds and other natural water sources. The result can harm fish and other wildlife. You can help slow this run-off and help your soil retain needed moisture for your lawn and plants. The United States EPA offers these tips:

• Direct downspouts out into lawns, rain gardens or rain barrels.
• Use compost & mulch to reduce erosion and help rain soak into your landscaping.
• Use open pavers, gravel or other pavement options that let rain seep into the soil.
• Plant dense strips of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers next to streams, lakes and ditches to stabilize the soil and to slow and filter run-off.

For more great tips on how to care for your yard, please check out our aftercare or tips pages, where you’ll find lot of useful information on landscaping and gardening.

Lawn Troubles?
If your lawn has already succumbed to the ravages of this year’s weather, contact our Forever Green division. They can help fix what ails your grass now and help keep it looking great in the future.

Make 2008 a greener year. Our award-winning designers and crews are experts at creating custom designs using these and many other environmentally-friendly landscaping techniques. They would be delighted to talk to you about adding more beauty, function and value to your home with professional landscaping. Why not contact them today? Please call 610-395-6940 or e-mail us to schedule an appointment.

Your Vote Counts! The annual Morning Call Readers’ Choice 2008 survey is now open. We hope Plantique has earned your vote for Best Landscaper with our award-winning designs, expert installations and useful, free landscaping and gardening advice and news. Votes may be cast on the Readers’ Choice Web pages, or by cutting out the survey form from the newspaper and mailing it in. Thanks so much for considering us!

	Don't have the time or the inclination for yard work? Plantique provides many maintenance services. To make an appointment with our Forever Green Tree, Shrub & Turf Care division, please call us at 610-481-9882 (Allentown) or 610-861-8566 (Bethlehem), or you can click here to e-mail us. To find out more about our all-inclusive Management Packages service, call Lou Klegarth at 610-395-6940, ext. 215, or click here to e-mail us.

Web Sites for Environmental Tips

The Nature Conservancy

"Eight Tips for 2008"

United States EPA  

"Springtime tips for the environment"  

Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)

"Landscaping for Energy Efficiency and Healthier Environment"

And don't forget about us!

For more great advice about how care for your landscaping check out our Tips & FAQs, newsletter archives and Aftercare pages, where you'll find plenty of useful information on landscaping and gardening.

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