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Is your lawn looking patchy and brown? Here’s how to spot (and treat) a lawn grub infestation

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A fresh-looking lawn can provide instant street appeal and add to the value of your house. However, over the Autumn and Spring months, your luscious green turf is particularly vulnerable to an irritating lawn grub infestation. Thanks to the guys over at treeloppingipswich.com.au, here’s some tips on how to spot (and treat) lawn grubs and revive a backyard that has fallen victim to this prolific Aussie pest.

HOW TO IDENTIFY LAWN GRUBS

     Have you noticed little white/grey/brown moths fluttering around your lawn at night?

     Are magpies and other birds pecking at your lawn during the day?

     Have you noticed your grass has become spongy and/or brown in wide patches?

If you answered yes to all three questions, you might be dealing with an infestation of lawn grub.

To the untrained eye, moths and magpies are simply part of the Aussie landscape and may not cause alarm. But for those who have dealt with the devastating impact of lawn grub on freshly-laid turf, they can be one of the first signs of something much more sinister at play.

Lawn grub infestations usually happen within communities or streets simultaneously. If you think you might have an infestation, it’s a good idea to jump onto your local community Facebook page to see if others are battling the dreaded grub.

Generally, lawn grub will target the healthiest grass on the street. So don’t be surprised if that lovely Sir Walter or that lush Blue Cooch you just laid has become a prime target for moths on the prowl for a place to lay their eggs. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to treat…

HOW TO TREAT LAWN GRUBS

The best way to rid yourself of a nasty lawn grub infestation is through the use of targeted pesticides available at your local gardening/hardware store. In order to eradicate the pest, you’re going to need to ensure you strictly follow the application instructions.

Here are some tips to help you banish the bug…

     Lawn grub larvae and moths are nocturnal. This means that the best time for you to apply the pesticide is early evening.

     Ensure you cover the whole lawn thoroughly with the chemical and deeply water the product in.

     Due to the life cycle of lawn grub, you’ll need to repeat this process again in two weeks’ time. The second application will kill any remaining moths or beetles missed in the first round of treatment and should effectively interrupt the lifecycle of the pest.

HOW TO REVIVE YOUR PATCHY LAWN

After you have successfully killed off lawn grubs from your once-lush turf, you should find that with fertilisation and some deep watering, your lawn returns to its former glory within a matter of weeks. Some buffalo species—such as Sir Walter—recover relatively quickly. Others may need more of a helping hand to bounce back. For that reason, it is recommended that you fertilise your lawn with an appropriate product to give it a boost.

Unfortunately, if your lawn isn’t responding to fertilisation and watering, and has completely died in spots, reseeding or re-laying patches of turf may be your only option for recovery.

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Pest Control – Dealing With Pest Animals

Pest animals are part of the wildlife, but when they look for refuge they might find your property a perfect place to live. If this is the case, how should you control pest animals in your property?

State researchers, animal welfare experts and conservationists have considered ethical wildlife control especially in Australia where they are most prevalent. When it comes to determining how you should handle such animals, better ask these questions first.

Is changing the way we view them help solve the problem?

As our population becomes more abundant we are also taking up more space and eve taking up wildlife space which has already now affected their food and home. By changing how we see them and allow them to co-exist with us could be a good way to start handling them.

Is it necessary to control them?

It is necessary to have real proof that pest animals are doing more harm than good in your property, with your livelihood, in the ecosystem and with people. Whatever the case is to make sure that there is a real need for a pest control specialist before calling them and that the negative benefits outweigh the positive.

What pest animal control method to use? As these animals need protection too, make sure to check what the plans of your pest control specialist. Will they relocate the animals to a safer sanctuary or do they have other plans for them. If you also care for the well-being of those animals better do enough research about your chosen company.

For rodent control, bird control and other pest animal control, you can depend on pest control specialists to work your pest animal problem humanely.

What To Look For When Looking For A Reliable Arborist?

tree servicesTrees make our surroundings beautiful. However, unfortunately, there are times when people decide to completely remove trees they have been taking care of for a long time. Tree removal takes place due to some factors.

People consider removing a tree when it gets rotten or going to die. When the tree situation calls for removal, this is where tree removal service comes in very helpful.

Yet, some people may think that this is something they can do by themselves. But attempting to do remove a tree may be quite risky, especially for those who do not have the experience and expertise to get it done right.

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about all those issues when you use a tree removal service. Well-equipped tree care experts do tree pruning, trimming, partial cutting and removal of parts or the whole tree.

What to look for when hiring an arborist for the job?

It is necessary for people to find the right people you can trust to do the tree service work you need. You will want to make sure that they are trained professionals in the field. Request to see the license to prove they are qualified workers.

It is also helpful to do a background check with the tree service provider you intend to hire to know more about the company’s work history and if the staff’s licenses are really valid.

Then, once you the company that offers the best deal, call the service to set an appointment. Let the professionals do your tree service needs so you can relax and enjoy the benefits this service can offer.

Signs Your Tree Needs Pruning and Trimming

tree removal ironbarkYou want healthy trees in your yard. Pruning and trimming your trees at least once a year can help keep them strong, healthy and beautiful.

What if you have not maintained your trees for a long time? Don’t worry it’s not too late. If you have no idea when to call an arborist, check out the signs that you need a tree service expert.

Tree branches grow too long

When you notice the tree branches are too long, then it is time to trim the tree. Another situation that may need trimming is when they grow out too far that they reach your house, garage, car or power wires. In these cases, the tree should be trimmed before it causes serious damage to your property or falls over and hurt someone.

Tree looks odd

When you notice that your tree has formed an odd shape, starts to lean, look uneven, then you may have to consider calling a professional to help your tree grow health branches restore its natural shape. Also, consider calling a professional when you notice that the tree is damaged or cracked. If you ignore these signs it may cause permanent damage to the tree.

Tree has dead or broken branches

If you notice the tree has dead branches, have it removed by a professional arborist. If not removed, it will more likely cause disease and spread to other areas and eventually kill the tree. Dead branches also attract pests. However, if the tree is completely dead, then you will have to consider tree removal.

Tree branches prevent sunlight to get through

Though trees provide shade from the sun, there should still be a little light shining through the umbrella of the tree branches. If the tree is too thick that it prevents you to see sunlight when you look up the sky, then the tree should be thinned out to allow enough air and sunlight and grow properly.

If you still do not know what to do with your trees, call a tree service expert to examine your trees. The tree care expert should be able to provide you with the help you need to maintain your trees in good condition.

Why Some Trees Don’t Survive

Why Some Trees Don’t Survive

Planting trees on our property will not just improve the look of our garden, but it can increase its value once you decide to sell it. However, there are instances when the trees you planted died and just did not survive. Here are some reasons why your trees aren’t surviving:arborist services muirlea

Planting the wrong trees. All trees are not created equal. Some species may not be just right for your property as some are better suited to particular areas. Before you decide you want a particular fruit-bearing tree on your property conducts a quick research first. You can ask your arborist about your tree choices and if they see that your tree choice is wrong, they can provide you recommendations of what is suitable in your area.

Incompatible location. Trees can have a problem in growing when the location is too hostile for them. For instance, if the land is not providing enough moisture or if it has too much, or if the tree was planted at the wrong levels and soil which can make the tree suffer. Make sure that the soil matches the tree. At best, your specialist can conduct a soil test to give you the perfect place for your chosen plant.

Not properly monitoring them. Trees require your constant attention, especially the young ones. If you fail to take care of them properly, they won’t be able to grow to their full potential. Make sure to check the stability of the tree and the soil’s condition, and do not forget to check for possible infections or insects pestering your tree.

Tree Care Tips – How To Take Care Of Your Trees In Winter

tree lopping kholoWinter is a great opportunity for your trees to get rid of any unwanted weeds and lurking pests that may already be pestering them. This time is also perfect to prepare them for more fruitful rewards once the season is done.

Tree care tips for your trees this season

Get rid of weeds. Getting rid of any weeds you spot at the base of the tree will remove possible hiding places of insects that are trying to find their luck by overwintering.

Get rid of pests. One common problem for trees during the cold season are overwintering insects and their eggs. Common insects that can be found on trees in winter are aphids, scale insects, moth, red spider mites, and the likes can place themselves into the tiniest of crannies within the bark’s tree. They will emerge in spring which could harm your trees health in the process. To lessen the chance of having overwintering insects live in your trees, spray a winter tree wash onto your trees. You can do this at the beginning of winter and do the same thing at the end of winter.

Protect your fruit trees. While the cold weather is a great time to get rid of unwanted pests, but this season could play havoc with your fruit trees. For instance, fruit trees such as olives and lemons should be moved to a greenhouse or cool conservatory. Trees in pots should also be given proper drainage because when the roots freeze solid, this can be a disaster for them.

While it may be cold to take care of your trees in winter but with just a little time spent with them, your trees will feel that they are getting the love they deserve.

What Is An Arborist And How Do You Hire One?

arborist services redbankIf you grow trees in your yard, you want them to be healthy throughout its life. They need proper tree care right from the start because it can affect its shape, strength, and even its lifespan.

When it comes to proper tree care and maintenance, you need someone who has insider knowledge on all things trees. This is where you can depend on an arborist.

What is an arborist?

An arborist is a trained expert in the art and science of planting, caring, and maintaining individual trees. They are well equipped to do professional tree work. They are trained to identify tree problems and know exactly what every tree needs to grow healthy.

How do you hire an arborist?

It is important to hire a trained professional to evaluate your tree and provide the needed service to help your tree. When hiring an arborist, consider the following points:

  • Look to hire a certified arborist. They are always up-to-date on the latest in tree care.
  • Make sure they have proper licenses and insurance. The arborist license may vary from state to state and sometimes city to city.
  • Make sure they use proper tools and equipment because safety is paramount.
  • Make sure they know what they do. They should be knowledgeable on all things about trees and understands the safety aspects of pruning trees.
  • Make sure that the person you are talking to is the one supervising the arborist who will service your tree or the arborist him/herself.

You want to make sure that you hire the right person to do the job for you because you do not want anything to go wrong during the tree work process. You can expect proper tree care and maintenance if you hire an arborist.