7 Ways to Save Water in Landscaping

You worked hard (or paid a lot of money) to create the beautiful landscape that surrounds your home, so it only makes sense that you want to maintain it. Many people think that the only way to keep their yard green is to water it constantly. However, overwatering can be detrimental to the health of your landscape by causing shallow roots, weed growth, fungus, and disease. Even more, it’s environmentally wasteful and can become costly. Check out these tips for maintaining a lush yard with less water (and a pleasant surprise when you open your water bill!)

Save Water in Landscaping
  1. Water in the morning. Less evaporation occurs in the morning, so it’s best to set your sprinklers to finish their cycle before 8 am. There is less wind and heat earlier in the day, which allows your landscape to utilize fully the water it receives.
  2. Use mulch. Adding mulch to your landscape is an easy way to save on water (and it can be visually complementary to flowers and plants). Mulch acts as a sponge to hold and retain water, making it available to the surrounding soil when necessary.
  3. Pay attention to the weather. This seems obvious, but many people forget that they should be adjusting their watering frequencies with changing weather. You should be watering the most during July and August and less in the preceding and proceeding months. During periods of precipitation, turn automatic systems off.
  4. Make necessary adjustments and repairs. Observe the pattern of your sprinkler system and if you notice excess water being sprayed on sidewalks, streets, patios, etc., move your sprinklers or reset them to ensure the landscape itself is receiving most of the water. If you feel like something is wrong with your sprinkler system, have it checked out as soon as possible. A leak in an automatic system could waste hundreds of gallons of water or even cause structural damage to your home.
  5. Water heavily, but less often. If you’re watering every day, consider watering every other day or every few days, but increase the time the sprinklers run on these days. This reduces evaporation and allows water to seep further down into the soil, giving roots the moisture they need.
  6. Use a trigger sprayer when hand-watering. Attaching a trigger sprayer allows you to only disperse water from a hose when you need to. This saves water from being wasted when you’re doing anything other than watering your landscape (moving areas, taking a break, etc.). Trigger sprayers are an especially good investment because they serve dual purposes, like washing cars and other cleaning projects.
  7. Install smart sprinkler technology. New technology monitors the weather and condition of your soil and then automatically turns your sprinkler system on when necessary. Smart sprinkler systems, while sometimes pricey, allow you to effortlessly minimize the amount of water used to take care of your landscaping.

Even though it’s been an exceptionally hot summer, you may still be overwatering your exterior landscape. Follow our tips to reduce the amount of water you’re using while keeping the environment, your yard, and your bank account happy!

EAB Reaches Nebraska

Emerald Ash Borer

Back in May, we warned you that it was just a matter of time before the Emerald Ash Borer, the destructive beetle that will wipe out the state’s ash tree population, arrived in Nebraska. The invasive pests didn’t waste any time− on June 6, 2016, EAB was discovered during a site inspection of Omaha’s Pulaski Park. On June 17th, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed that the beetle had been found in a tree on private property in Greenwood (Cass County). Nebraska is the 27th state to confirm the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, alongside neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri.

The Emerald Ash Borer attacks the inner bark of all ash species, disrupting the flow of nutrients and eventually killing the tree entirely. Signs of infestation include thinning or weak branches, bark splitting, and D-shaped exit holes in the base of the tree.

Since late June, Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Washington, and Dodge counties have been under quarantine in regards to EAB. This means that nurseries are unable to transport ash trees outside of the quarantine area and the movement of firewood is being regulated in order to prevent the human-assisted spread of the beetles.

Okay, so EAB is in Nebraska. What do I do now? First, know that only ash trees within a 15-mile radius of a known infestation should be treated. A chemical called imidacloprid (found at certain hardware/gardening stores) can be used to effectively treat small trees. For larger trees, however, treatment must be performed by tree care professionals through trunk injections and other special chemicals. If you live within 15 miles of a known infestation or your ash trees are exhibiting signs of EAB, it’s best to call the experts and have them do a full inspection.

As of now, there’s no reason to consider cutting down healthy ash trees (as long as they aren’t within 15 miles of a known infestation). This could quickly change in the future, however, as EAB makes its way to other areas in Nebraska. Because EAB is now present in our state, it’s not recommended to plant any new ash trees at this time.

Worried about EAB in your trees? Give Dudley’s Dew-Right Services a call for an EAB inspection, and treatment/removal if necessary. In the meantime, burn firewood only in the same county that it was purchased in and pay attention to the health of your ash trees. For any questions or concerns regarding the Emerald Ash Borer, contact us here!

Source: https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Second-time-emerald-ash-borer-found-in-Nebraska-383458881.html

Making the Most Out of Small Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor Spaces

Being a city dweller means enjoying an abundance of entertainment, culture, opportunities, and more. Unfortunately, a spacious yard is generally not part of the package. Having a small outdoor living space doesn’t mean the space you do have has to go unused, however. With a little creativity, you can transform a small yard into a space that is comfortable, functional, and something to be proud of. Check out these tips for turning a spacially-challenged exterior space into an outdoor sanctuary.

Embrace the sunshine. Keep your yard open and bright by capitalizing on natural sunshine. Avoid bulky pieces of overhead furniture like awnings or large umbrellas, as they will enclose your space and make it seem even smaller.

Create a focal point. Consider adding a water feature or sculpture to your yard as a focal piece. Eyes will naturally gravitate toward a focal point and take attention away from the size of the yard. Some experts recommend placing a statement piece in the center of a small yard, which draws the eye inward and pushes everything else outward, making the space appear larger.

Build winding or diagonal paths. Pathways will add visual interest to any yard, but they are especially beneficial to small spaces. Diagonal lines make your yard appear bigger by elongating the area.

Utilize vertical space. When you can build out, build up. Use hanging or column planters and fixtures to decorate your yard. This will add charisma to your space without taking up precious square footage.

Use multifunctional pieces. When shopping for outdoor furnishings, look for pieces that serve dual or more purposes. Tables that can also be used as seating, benches that open for storage, etc. Because furniture takes up the most space in your yard, it’s helpful to minimize the number of large items in your space.

Keep it simple. A small yard can easily become overpowered or feel cramped if there’s too much going on. Stick to designs that are sleek and minimal, and avoid cluttering your space with unnecessary items. Consider size, scale, and perspective when planning.

A small yard doesn’t have to mean small landscape design. With the right tools and knowledge, your space can become everything you want and need from a yard. Consult with Dudley’s Dew Right to enhance your space, small or large, into the perfect outdoor living area.

Tree Removal Safety Tips

Tree Removal

Imagine cutting down a tree all on your own. You’ve got your equipment, your neighbor is over to help out, and you’re ready to go. However, it ends up being a painstaking process that takes hours to complete. You didn’t see the time commitment coming, but you’re near the finish line and you’re ready to watch it fall to its demise. The tree is on its last leg, and at any instant will fall into the area you planned, causing no damage. Perfect execution!

But then it looks like it’s going the opposite direction, toward your gracious neighbor’s home.

Uh oh.

The damage will be not only expensive, but stressful. And the worst part is, at this point, it’s too late. It is impossible to stop or change the direction of that tree.

This is only one of many examples that show why tree removal can be scary. Common techniques and practices lead to hundreds of injuries and deaths each year. When approaching a home project that involves intricacy and danger, the best option is always to hire a professional. Nevertheless, do your due diligence and research whatever project you are embarking on.

Survey your surroundings

Analyze the area around the tree. Are there multiple houses? Cars parked on the street? A busy intersection? Most importantly, are there power lines? Any power line within 10 feet of the tree must be removed. A licensed professional is required to remove those power lines before taking down the tree to ensure the safety of all those in the area.

Study the tree prior to removal

Some trees are big, some are small. Some have huge branches, some have small twigs. Each tree must be treated on a case by case basis, as each presents unique challenges. If you or someone else must climb the tree, check the branches to make sure they will support the weight of a person. You might be dealing with a larger than average tree that will need to be dismantled into smaller pieces. That means finding a designated or appropriate spot to do so.

Think like a meteorologist

No matter how much planning ahead you do, there is one variable that can ruin any day. Weather. It is very wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days or weeks leading up to removing a tree. Obviously, there’s always a degree of uncertainty, but staying on top of the weather may save you from potential roadblocks in the future.

Use common sense

Safety gloves, safety goggles, harnesses, and hard hats for all involved in the removal process are essential to your safety. Any equipment, such as chainsaws and even commercial equipment like cranes and lifts, need to be regularly maintained and tested, prior to removal. The last thing you want is a malfunctioning chainsaw while hanging from a tree by a harness. While safety gear is crucial, awareness is parallel in importance. Pay careful attention to surroundings, people moving in and out of the area, and those helping in the removal itself.

I could preach on and on about every safety precaution that should be taken in the tree removal process. You might heed my warning, but some will undoubtedly ignore this advice altogether. So, I leave you with the final and most imperative guideline that will GUARANTEE your tree is safely taken to the ground:

Hire a professional tree removal service.

Anticipating the Ash Tree Epidemic

Ash trees dominate the Nebraska landscape㆒ there are an estimated 54 million across the state. Many trees struggle to thrive in the midwest region due to climate extremes, but ash trees are one of the few exceptions. Researchers believe, however, that an infestation of invasive pests known as Emerald Ash Borers is inevitable and will wipe out a significant portion of Nebraska’s tree cover. So what exactly is the Emerald Ash Borer? How can they be identified? And what does this mean for Nebraska?

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle first discovered in the United States near Detroit in 2002. The adult beetles feed on ash foliage which causes only slight damage. However, the larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients and water and eventually kill it entirely. The pests are a shiny, metallic green color and about ½ inch long. They feed on only ash trees and travel across the country through chopped firewood. Currently, these ash borers have been discovered in more than half of the 50 states.

Emerald Ash Borer

A tree infested with EAB will exhibit several symptoms including canopy thinning, branch dieback, vertical bark splitting, zigzag tunnels below the bark, and D-shaped exit holes ⅛ inch across. Woodpeckers like to feed on Emerald Ash Borer larvae, so damage and stress to bark are also common.

Other than causing an environmental hazard, an Emerald Ash Borer infestation could have some serious implications for Nebraska’s economy. Experts have predicted that an infestation could cost residents, businesses, and state and local governments as much as $960 million in tree removal, disposal, and replacement collectively. Generally, an ash tree takes 4 to 5 years to show symptoms of an EAB infestation, and usually by this time, it’s too late for treatment. Based on the experiences of other states who already have EAB, it can be expected that nearly 100% of infected ash trees will be dead within 15 years of the insect’s arrival. Once the trees are gone, they will likely not grow back, and if they do, Emerald Ash Borers will destroy new populations in their early stages.

As of April 2016, there have been no reported EAB detections in Nebraska, but the insects have emerged in several surrounding states like Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Nebraska homeowners are being urged to treat their ash trees with preventative pesticides or even voluntarily remove them from their yards before the problem evolves. The experts are certain that the Emerald Ash Borer is on its way to Nebraska and it’s really a matter of when, not if. If you have ash trees in your yard or landscape, make yourself aware of this problem and take precaution㆒ it’ll save you money in the long run.

Sources:

https://www.emeraldashborer.info/
https://www.usda.gov/

5 Trees That Will Grow ‘Fruitfully’ In Nebraska

When people think of Nebraska, they immediately think one thing: corn. Though we do love corn, even us Nebraska residents may not realize that there are several fruit-bearing trees that can thrive in the harsh, unpredictable midwest climate. Check out these trees that’ll fill your kitchen with fresh produce and grow successfully in the backyards of the Good Life!

  • Pears. Pear trees will grow successfully in Nebraska so long as they don’t get infected with a disease called fireblight that will shrivel the fruit and destroy the plant. However, pear species such Moonglow, Luscious, Harrow Sweet, and Magness are resistant to fireblight, making them a very viable option. Pear trees grow best when they are cross-pollinated and three or more trees are planted together.
  • Plums. Plum trees will do well in the Nebraska climate, especially if European varieties are planted rather than Japanese varieties. Like pears, plums should be cross-pollinated. Plum trees in Nebraska, however, are susceptible to black knot disease, which can be a serious problem and very difficult to control.
  • Berries. Some berry trees are actually native to Nebraska, including buffaloberries and elderberries. Blueberries can be grown in our climate, but with slightly more effort than other fruits. Blueberry trees must be planted in areas where they will receive full sunlight for most of the day and away from other trees, so not to compete for nutrients. Mulberry trees are another option that provide sweet fruit for both humans and animals to consume.
  • Apricots. Apricots can be difficult because they bloom very early in the spring, which makes spring frosts a potential issue. However, apricot trees are a very reliable source of windbreak and are self-pollinating, meaning you only need one plant to produce fruit. Occasionally, brown rot disease may become an issue, but usually the fruit from these trees will grow healthy and without problems.
  • Apples. Apples are the most popular backyard tree in Nebraska. There are several varieties to choose from that will thrive in Nebraska’s climate, many of which are resistant to apple scab and cedar apple rust diseases. To ensure success, plant trees that differ in family but bloom at the same time next to each other.

Planting fruit trees can not only reduce your grocery bill but also provide your yard with alluring landscape features. Dudley’s Dew Right is experienced in planting and pruning fruit trees to ensure your plants produce healthy, luscious fruits year after year!

Preparing Landscape for Summer

Landscaping

April showers…well, you know.As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, but your yard has to be in good shape as well. Winter has definitely left its mark on nature this past season, and there’s a lot that needs to be done to get your yard back into tip-top shape. We here at Dudley’s Dew Right would love to make sure your yard is looking its best for the warmer weather.

As the weather gets warmer, you’re going to want to spend more time outside. If you’re spending time outside, you’re going to want to make sure your yard looks inviting for all of your warm-weather activities. We’re here to help you! Here is a checklist to get your yard up to par for outdoor activities.

  • Inspect your trees and shrubs
    Water damage can occur when melting snow and rainfall occur at the same time. You’re going to want to pay attention to your trees at critical risk (trees that look sick or frail). Signs of damaged trees include hollow trunks, small holes in the trunk, decay (cankers, cracks, fungi or soft, crumbling bark), bark with shallow pits and dead twigs and branches). Sound tricky? Don’t worry, give us a call today and we’ll take care of it for you!
  • Prune your dead branches.
    Healthy trees require proper pruning. Pruning protects trees from unsafe branches damaged during the winter. Dudley’s is more than happy to help you prune and jazz up your trees. And, if need be, we’ve got all the resources to remove those trees that came damage your yard.
  • Plant some new trees.
    Spring is a great time to plant new trees. If you need help choosing and planting, we know some people who can help you out!
  • Add mulch to your landscaping.
    As prior blogs state, mulching is a great way to help retain and conserve soil moisture all while controlling those pesky weeds! Check out our mulching services HERE!
  • Fertilize those plants!
    Applying a slow-release fertilizer on your trees and shrubs before peak growing season has plenty of benefits. Not only does it replace nutrients, it also helps to improve resistance to disease damages, insects and stressful weather.

Getting your trees ready for summer weather seems complicated, but have no fear! Dudley’s Dew Right is here to save the day. Give us a call today to set up a meeting to make sure your yard is ready for all those warm weather activities!

Storm Proofing Your Yard

Thunderstorm

The thunder rolls…but you need to protect your yard!

It’s officially spring time in Nebraska. One of the only places on earth where it can blizzard on Sunday, and then be sunny and 75 degrees the next. Spring in Nebraska also means the beginning of storm season, and we all know there can be some pretty severe ones here.

But what does that mean for your yard and landscaping? Downpours can wreak havoc on your property, damaging what you’ve worked so hard to create. But, there are some ways of protecting your home and yard from the heavy rains of spring. The following tips are from LotPlans.com.

You need to first be able to control stormwater runoff…but how? When you don’t have enough vegetation or porous surfaces (like rocks or mulch), the rain will quickly run over yards and streets. This runoff can carry pesticides and dirt into your water system. According to LotPlans.com, “Urban stormwater runoff is the leading contributor of water resource pollution, along with causing residential flooding.”

There are several eco-friendly ways you can deter storm drainage, and Dudley’s Dew Right would LOVE to help you out!

• Swales – Basically, swales are depressions in landscapes (existing or excavated) which direct drainage. Because swales direct flow rather than stopping it, you’ll want to make sure you’re directing it to an area where the water will be safely released. If the area is prone to flooding, direct your swale to a dry well or a garden bed with excellent drainage and high water tolerance. To make the most of swales, line the lowest point with rocks and add deep-rooting plants to the slopes – it slows down the water as it flows.

• Rain gardens – Rain gardens make a great addition to any landscape. You’re going to want to choose plants with the highest wet-soil tolerance for the middle of your rain garden. Native plants is definitely the way to go, if you can. They require the least amount of water between showers and make your yard more low maintenance. Give us a call today to talk about your rain garden ideas.

• Rain spouts – The smallest changes can make some of the biggest differences – like a downspout diverter. This is perfect to prevent flooding next to walls and to get water to lower ground.

Other ways to help divert stormwater is with green roofs and drainage driveways. Though green roofs may not be common in Nebraska, they’re growing quickly on the coasts, and a study from Portland, Oregon, found the green cover increases roof longevity. And, ecoroofs provide a better insulation which helps reduce heating and cooling bills. Another big contributor to runoff is driveways. For best results, get rid of your asphalt or concrete driveway and give gravel, spaced paving or even grass driveways a try!

Give us a call today, and let us help you storm-proof your yard!

Spring's Right Around the Corner. Get Your Landscape Ready!

Prepare Your Landscape

Birds are chirping. Days are getting longer, the nights shorter. What does that mean? Spring is ALMOST HERE. And there’s a lot to do before your landscaping is ready for the warmer weather. These tips from Freshome can help simplify what you need to do.

1) Be familiar with your climate. Know your geographic location on Earth, as well as your yard. You need to choose plants that will be fitting for the amount of sun and shade the different parts of your lawn will receive during the day.

2) Research before you start. Start by planning out your strategy for landscaping in advance. You need to decide if you want to break it into phases, or if you want to hire a professional service, like us here at Dudley Dew Right’s, to help you plan. If you’re curious about what plants or flowers to use, ask your local nursery for advice.

3) Know your local pests. Sure, you have to think of a plan for watering and sunlight in your landscape. But, don’t forget your local pests, like wildlife, insects and stray animals which can cause a lot of trouble in your landscaping. Make sure to plan if you need fencing, wire mesh or if you need to plant natural repellents to deter and ward off local pests.

4) Know your calendar and plant at the right time. Planting new fruit trees and flowering shrubs is always exciting, but you must remember plants will thrive and survive better if you plant them at the suggested time of year. Check gardening websites and ask your local nursery what times are best for planting the plants of your choice.

5) Don’t forget about growth. Make sure to take into consideration how large your plants will grow in weeks, months, etc. You’ll want to double check the height and growth requirements on the pots of your plants before you actually plant them. Or, just give us a call and let us help you!

6) Be inspired. People draw their inspiration from all over: neighbors’ yards, travelling to another part of the neighborhood or other parts of town. Make sure to check out local gardens and home and garden publications for your own landscape improvement ideas and motivation.

7) Make a map. When you get an idea of the plants you’d like to include in your landscape, map it out! Make sure to estimate enough room for walking paths, as well as plant growth and future maintenance. You also want to make sure tall plants won’t obstruct the view lines from inside your home.

8) Don’t forget maintenance. Landscaping requires regular upkeep and care. Everything from pulling weeds to watering and pruning needs to be planned out, as well as an occasional replacement of dead plants. Make sure you choose plants that will fit your maintenance schedule.

9) Low and high maintenance plants are key. Make sure you pick plants that suit your home style. According to freshome.com, if your home has a rustic or desert tone, ornamental grasses that grow wild may be more suitable for your landscaping. In your home is more tropical, flowering plants and shrubs might be more suitable. Give us a call today to talk about plants for your area!

10) Contrast with the outside of your home. Landscaping should enhance the exterior of our home, so make sure to choose plants that compliment or contrast colors in your home. You also want to make sure the plants complement the architecture of your home as well. Plan landscaping to be in harmony with your home.

Give Dudley Dew Right a call now to set up a time to figure out your landscaping for spring! The time to get started will be here before you know it.

Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Mulch

Landscape

In just a few short months, it will be time to get outside and get our yards ready for summer. Have you considered mulching your yard? It is an instant way to enhance the look of your yard, but you want to make sure you do it correctly.

Here are a few tips to follow to avoid common mistakes, with help from EfficientLawns.com:

  • Don’t put fabric or plastic under your mulch. If you already have some down, make sure you remove it before adding a new layer of mulch. Since mulch is biodegradable, it is suppose to become compost in the soil. When you place these weed barriers down, the compost process is disrupted and, instead, end up with a thick layer of compost where weeds can easily germinate. This, in time, also causes mulch to build up and begin to choke out plants.
  • Don’t apply your mulch too thick. We’ve all heard that too much of a good thing is not a good thing. That definitely applies to mulch installation, as well. Three to four inches of mulch is perfect. If your mulch is too thick, than water can’t get to the soil. The purpose of mulch is to hold moisture for your plants, not prevent it. Thick mulch also encourages visits from unwanted insects and rodents, and also can produce mold. When you have the correct amount of mulch, healthy insects will love it, and it will not increase mold or mildew. Lastly, mulch doesn’t break down fast. That means, if you add more mulch every year, make sure to only top dress and watch the thickness. If your mulch is getting too thick, it’s okay to skip a year, or you can remove some of the old mulch before adding the new layer.
  • Select the right color of mulch for your home. Just because the house across the street looks good with natural mulch doesn’t mean your house will. Dudley’s Dew Right offers a variety of mulch colors, including black, coffee brown, natural, dark brown and red. Come see us to see what color of mulch will look perfect with your home.
  • Skip the wood chips. EfficientLawns.com says it best: Wood chips are not a mulch. They are more similar to stone. Wood chips don’t retain water or prevent weeds. If you like the look of wood chips, the website encourages a good weed barrier and to treat them like you would stone.
  • Don’t go cheap. Your mulch shouldn’t look like dirt. You want it to aid in the appearance of your landscape, not hinder it. Colored mulches are encouraged because they keep their bright colors longer and decay a little slower. This means you can apply them every other year, or just add a little bit to thin spots.
  • Don’t buy bagged mulch. Your best bet is to purchase your mulch by the yard, unless you’ve only got a small amount to apply. Give us a call today to talk about our mulching services. Dudley’s uses a 40 cubic yard Express Mulch Blower with a 500 foot hose to make mulch application easy. Our blower allows for a cleaner application, consistent and even mulch installation, minimal landscape disturbance, and reduces the time we spend on your property. Contact us to get a jumpstart on gardening season!