What You Should Know About the California Wildfires

September to December are typically considered “peak” months of California’s annual fire season. This year we started early and for the past few years, we have seen a trend of increasingly destructive fires due to the effects of climate change. Naturally-occurring wildfires tend to spark during periods of extreme drought and dry weather. These dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, natural kindling form of dried-up vegetation, and a spark from a campfire, a cigarette, or a fallen power line can be a deadly combination. 

Wildfire season is not a unique event to California residents, its effects can also be felt in other States. as well. Oregon, Washington, and Nevada residents are no strangers to the dangers that quickly spreading wildfires can pose to a community. In recent years, UCSB has been directly affected by fast-spreading, intensely destructive fires. 

Once a wildfire has been ignited, 3 conditions must be present to allow the fire to continue burning and spread. Firefighters call this the “fire triangle”.  The three conditions are ”fuel, a heat source, and air.” California, which is known for its dry Santa Ana winds, and the lack of substantial rains have caused vegetation and soil to dry up in record numbers. This is the result of the rapidly changing global climate. 

According to Yale Climate Connections, California experienced an extreme case of “weather whiplash,” going from a record-breaking drought in 2012-2016 to a wet, rainy season in 2017-2018. The combination of drought followed by rain contributed to the growth of new plant life that has subsequently dried up by record-breaking heat levels, contributing to California’s intensely destructive 2018 fire season. And this year is shaping up to be even worse and breaking all records of fire destruction.

The undeniable danger that wildfires pose in California and other drought-prone areas has led scientists at UCSB to take a more hands-on approach towards explaining unpredictable weather phenomena. 

For example, researchers at UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science and the National Center for Atmospheric Research are exploring the possible effects of climate change on the major weather pattern and how those effects could possibly impact the frequency and severity of future wildfires in California. Their findings, published in a study called “ENSO’s Changing Influence on Temperature, Precipitation, and Wildfire in a Warming Climate,” could have “implications on land use and on wildfire fighting and prevention strategies at urban/wildland interfaces.

According to study co-author and Bren School faculty member Samantha Stevenson, the paper proves that “in fire-prone places like California and Australia, we can expect future El Niño and La Niña events to have a bigger impact on fire risk in a given year.” Stevenson also added that the sensitivity of land temperature and precipitation is “due to climate change.”

The research being conducted by academics at UCSB is just one of the ways that communities are doing their part to combat and raise awareness of fire dangers in the area. 

For example, controlled burns are being initiated by Fire Departments all over. Controlled burns include permissive burns and prescribed burns. Permissive burns are conducted by the fire departments to destroy areas of dense brush that might serve as kindling for future fires. 

Although these measures might seem overly cautious, wildland fire specialists see them as a necessary form of fire prevention.

If you live in a rural area it is extremely important to clear the brush around your home according to the recommended guidelines from your local Fire Chief. Generally, The recommended clearance is 30ft from your structure and more if you are dealing with elevations.

Prevent the next wildfire in California and give us a call (707) 647-2000 if you live in the San Francisco Bay area and your mowing equipment can't handle dense brush, we can certainly help you with that, just give us a call at (707) 647-2000

What to Do in Your Garden in September

Can you believe it? September is here again. The summer season is such an active time making the arrival of September appear so much quicker, but here we are. September is probably the loveliest month of the year, at least for me. Lots of sunny days and warm temperatures without the heat that keeps us indoors. For many of us that are lucky enough to have apple or pear trees, grapes or corn it is also harvesting time. But did you know, September is also a good month for sowing seeds, planting bulbs, and growing brand-new plants--some to enjoy quickly, and some to blossom the next year.

So, with that, let's take a look at what you can plant in September.

FLOWERS

HARDY ANNUALS FOR NEXT YEAR

You can make a start on several of next year's plants this month. Sturdy annuals such as larkspur,  poppies, and also cornflowers can be started from seed from late summer onwards.

WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers are a great addition for your garden and for the wildlife. Wildflowers offer food for pollinating insects, wild birds, and bats, and providing shelter for other small animals. I love wildflowers because they are fast-growing, low-maintenance, help to regulate weeds, as well as look great. So, I ask you, what's not to like ?!

How to plant: Sow them in a patch of soil or in a container. Just follow the direction on the packet the seeds come in.

SPRING BLOOMING BULBS

Toward the end of September is the perfect time to plant some of the spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths. But hold on a bit longer to plant tulips for they like cooler temperatures. Planting bulbs now will burst your garden into bloom early spring. You can layer bulbs that will flower at various times for a prolonged display.

WINTER VEGETABLES AND FRUIT 

WINTER-HARDY SPRING ONIONS

Winter-hardy ranges of springtime onion such as entertainer and also white Lisbon can be planted this month for harvesting next springtime. Plant them thinly in rows about 4" apart and 0.3" deep. Once the plants appear, thin them out to permit 8 - 10" in between the plants.

SALAD

This month focus your salad sowing on "late" varieties such as radicchio, rocket, mizuna, as well as winter months lettuce. You should sow plenty of seeds now, as later sowings won't germinate if temperatures begin to cool off. Another great crop to do with your children.

SPINACH

Spinach is a wonderful alternative for a veggie plot. Spinach is quite hardy, harvest the young leaves for a salad, or let them grow into larger leaves for other food preparation. If you're going to sow it outdoors, do it soon as later in the month when the temps are cooler the seeds might need protection in order to sprout. Spinach will do well in a warm area and regular watering. Be sure to harvest avoid going to seed.

RADISHES

What is a green salad without radishes? It can truly add some crunchiness and flavor to a salad at this time of year. Choose a quick-maturing seed like French Breakfast which can be ready to be harvested in under 4 weeks. The speed of growth makes them a fantastic option to grow with children. Conversely, you can sow winter-time variety which will take 2-3 months to develop. 

SPRING CABBAGE

After consuming root vegetables all winter, being able to harvest fresh leafy vegetables such as cabbage is a real treat. If you intend to plant spring cabbage seeds straight into the ground, pick a sunny spot, and compact the dirt firmly as cabbage likes a firm anchor for their roots. You can also plant seeds into trays for transplanting out later on. This makes it much easier to safeguard them from slugs and snails. Great cabbage varieties are Durham early, Duncan, and Greensleeves.

STRAWBERRY RUNNERS

If you already have strawberries in your yard, you may have noticed that your plants have sent runners out by now. These are long shoots, with a few leaves on them. You can make new strawberry plants by securing these runners down into dirt or a pot of garden compost, where they will settle. As soon as they have rooted, you can cut them away from the parent plant.

We hope this article was useful in your gardening endeavors. Give us a call if we can be of help, or visit our website for more articles on gardening.

Fall Garden Chores You Should Do

 

Chore #1: Gather Up the Fallen Leaves, Twigs, and Other Debris.

Why? If you leave all those fallen leaves on your lawn they're going to bear down on your lawn and at some point disintegrate right into a thick layer of thatch you will need to remove later. Not only that, the accumulation of fallen leaves can act as hiding spots for pests and foster fungal diseases. To avoid future problems it is best to rake up any fallen leaves on a regular basis. You could consider turning them into mulch and leaving some of them on your grass to provide nutrients to your lawn.

Chore #2: Clean Out Your Gutters

Speaking of fallen leaves, many of them will end up in your gutters causing serious water overflow when it rains. But be careful, cleaning out gutters can pose a danger to you if you are not careful. For those readers that live in areas where it snows, take note, thawing ice and snow will pose additional problems for leave clogged gutters. So, to prevent water intrusion from overflowing gutters be sure to keep them clean. Consider the investment of gutter guards to avoid problems in the future.

Chore #3: Prune & Trim.

Now is the best time to remove any dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth next spring. However, the reason for trimming back trees and bushes isn't just for aesthetics -- dead tree branches in the fall can run the risk of dropping during high winds (or freezes) in the winter month causing damages to people and property. Another good reason to prune back trees and shrubs is to prevent them from overshadowing lawn areas causing the grass to die. In many cases it is best to prune when the plant has entered a dormant stage, so be sure that you know what you are doing.

Chore #4: De-Thatch and Re-Seed Your Lawn

The harsh heat of the summer month may have caused burn spots and thatch build-up in your lawn. Pets may have caused some damage too. Now is the perfect time to get rid of thatch and reseed with a seed mixture that is complementary to the type of grass you have. Of course, if you really want to do your lawn a big favor you should aerate it too.

Chore #5: "Winterize" Your Sprinkler System.

This may not apply for our friends in the warm climate States such as California but most certainly important in areas where it can freeze. The main reason to "winterize" a sprinkler system is when water freezes and expands damages to the pipes can and will occur. To prevent this from happening, drain all water from the system and close all drainpipe shut-offs. You can watch a video on how to do this right here.

Chore #6: "Winterize" Your Garden Tools

Once you know that you are done with your gardening chores it's time to put away your tools. Give them a good clean, sharpen those blades and drain the gas from your mower so you can store it away safely. In the spring you will be happy to know that your tools are ready for you.

No doubt, there is always something to be done in a garden. Breaking up chores into smaller pieces will make them seem less insurmountable and overwhelming.

Regular lawn care is an important aspect of a "happy garden" and can easily be outsourced to a local service provider such as Shamrock Landscape in Benicia, Ca. Of course, you could spend your precious time doing it yourself but why would you.  Their weekly or bi-weekly services are very affordable and your lawn will be in good hands. Just give them a call at (707) 647-2000.

How Green is Your Grass?

It is every homeowner's dream to have a lush green lawn. But who hasn't, at some time or another, had a lawn that looks less than that? Not all lawns are the same and it is likely to have different requirements depending on soil condition, drainage, moisture, and such. 

Read on to learn some practical tips on how to avoid common lawn dilemmas:

Even for grass, the winter months are a time of hibernation. But once spring arrives and the temperatures get warmer the lawn will start to grow again. Spring also marks the time for you to take pro-active steps toward a lush and healthy lawn. 

De-thatching will benefit the grass

The benefit of de-thatching the lawn is that it will remove dead turf and leaves, and miscellaneous other particles preventing new growth. However, it isn't necessary to eliminate all the dead grass. Leaving a bit behind will provide all-natural plant food in the form of vitamins and minerals. Leaving behind about 10mm is plenty. It's best to do this in the springtime before the lawn has started to grow.

Aerate the soil

Over time the dirt below a lawn comes will be become compacted and hard. This makes it hard for air, water, to penetrate. It also makes it harder for worms to travel through the soil to distribute necessary nutrients and dampness. A solidly compacted lawn has a more difficult time to grow, although weeds, being hardier than grass have no problems growing.

By aerating your lawn in the spring -- using a garden roller or yard fork -- you'll be separating the compacted dirt and also allow air to penetrate and keep the grass healthy. 

Re-seed and cross-seed as necessary

No matter how great you are with your overall lawn care regimen, not all areas of a lawn are going to be growing rich and lush. Even the best of lawns sometimes have grassless areas or areas that are taken over by weeds. In some cases, you will find brown spots caused by the urine of family pets or wildlife. Spring is the very best time to start re-seeding these areas with seed or re-sod. Just rake out any kind of dead turf, or remove weeds and re-seed or re-turf. You might also consider cross sprinkling grass seed all over to yield a thicker growth. Just be sure to keep the new seed moist for better germination. 

Level out uneven areas

An uneven lawn surface will create a multitude of problems.  If there are ups and downs in your yard, a normal lawnmower is going to shave this area much too thinly compared to the rest of your lawn, and water can pool in these in locations, creating drainage problems. Depending upon your particular situation, you ought to fill dips as well as squash bumps. This will quickly improve the look of your lawn, and make it simpler to care for.

Cut the grass at the ideal height

A great deal of the nutrients in the grass are stored closer to the tip. By cutting away way too much can influence the health of the turf. Furthermore, the shorter you cut the grass, the more you expose the soil to the hot sunshine providing weeds a chance to grow. Longer grass blades will choke out weeds.

Leave the yard cuttings on your lawn

We all like a "manicured" lawn but consider leaving some grass cuttings behind as they serve as a natural fertilizer for the rest of your lawn. 

Fertilize

Just as your body needs vitamins and minerals, so does your lawn. At least, give your lawn a good fertilizer application in the spring to foster growth and one in the fall to encourage deeper root development.  You can also consider applying an additional dressing during the summer, depending on your situation.  Always follow the fertilizer manufacturers' instructions.

These are just the most practical, common-sense lawn care maintenance tasks to follow if a healthy-looking lawn is important to you. Of course, you could do this yourself or if you rather outsource it.

Shamrock Landscape in Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon has been providing lawn care services for 30+ years and can assist you with all of your lawn care needs. 

How to Grow Beautiful Tomatoes

Here's a dilemma so many gardeners are facing lately!

Growing tomatoes is great, nothing beats the taste of a vine-ripened tomato. No store-bought tomato can quite measure up to that.

Tomatoes can be grown in the smallest of spaces and can yield a bountiful crop. All they need is good soil, water, and lots of sunshine - at least 6 to 8 hours of sun to bring out their best flavors. You will also need to stake the plants or make use of trellis, or a cage to keep them off the ground. It is a great idea to first decide on a support plan before you plant, then add that support directly after planting. Tomato
plants like room to grow.

Here are some common mistakes tomato growers make

Read on for general tips on growing great tomatoes

    - compliments from our friends at Miracle Grow

• Plant tomatoes in spring for a summer harvest. They take about 6 weeks before you can harvest.
• Grow tomatoes in an area that gets 6-8 hours of sun.
• Improve soil nutrition and drainage by adding Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All-Purpose In-Ground Soil (in-ground), Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All-Purpose Container Mix (containers), or Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix (raised beds).
• Plant deeply by burying 2/3 of the stem.
• Support tomatoes by giving them a stake or cage to climb as they grow.
• Keep soil moist by watering when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
• Lay down 3 inches of mulch to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
• Begin feeding tomato plants regularly with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules one month after planting.
• Harvest when fruit reaches the color shown on the plant tag.

Although growing tomatoes is not what we do, Shamrock Landscape can assist you with all your mowing needs. Each crew has an English speaking member to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstandings. We pride ourselves in offering reliable weekly or bi-weekly services to keep your lawn areas looking their best. Our service area is primarily Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon so we can focus on giving our customers the best service possible. When you call us you get me - Mike - the owner.  Don't delay, call us today at (707) 6947-2000 for a quote in a Covid-safety way.

Pleasing Landscaping ... First Impressions Do Indeed Matter

There is no doubt that homes that have a lovely garden not only are the joy of the property owner but also see a boost in the market value. A fact that has been verified many times over. A well-design and maintained yard can yield a sizable ROI that homeowners love! Especially at a time when you are trying to sell your house.

Unless you are an experienced landscape architect, creating and installing the landscaping is best left to experts. However, maintaining the landscaping does not need to be complicated or taxing. Our team at Shamrock Landscape has 30+ years of yard maintenance experience to put your mind at rest. Our crew will mow your lawn and look after your garden weekly or bi-weekly as desired. We strive to make your landscaping look good so you get to enjoy your leisure time doing what you enjoy rather than cutting your grass.

A beautiful garden makes the house look well cared for, inviting, and also more desirable to prospective home buyers. Given the options, homebuyers will most likely pick a home that has nice landscaping over one that doesn't. Besides, who doesn't enjoy being complimented by visitors about the lovely garden? Just like a fresh layer of paint, well designed and maintained landscaping will create a favorable first impression.

5 Tips for Landscape Improvements and Lawn Care

1. Inventory what you currently have

Before removing every plant to make changes consider what you currently have that you can work with.

• Are there spots in your garden that you love and might want to keep?

• Are there areas that just never "took" and look neglected?

• Are your bushes and trees looking healthy and groomed or dead? Do they need trimming?

• Do you have enough seasonal color in your garden?

• Is the lawn uneven, and in need of reseeding or resodding in some areas?

• Is the overall appearance unruly and overgrown?

• Do you need more outside lighting?

2. Select the landscape "flavor" you want.

How much time do you want to spend outdoors? Do you want to incorporate hardscape, a fountain, or an outdoor kitchen? What style of landscape does attract you? An English garden, a Japanese garden, a desert-like landscape, or do you have a vision of the tropics? Ultimately, the garden should be in harmony with the style of our house. The benefit of having a design plan is that you make better plant and hardscape selections and avoid random purchases that will not be conducive to the plan.  Getting it all right is hard,

rather,

• Consider making the investment of a landscape developer to plan out the look you desire.
• Browse Pinterest as well as gardening publications for ideas, concepts, and the most recent trends.
• Visit a nearby nursery and ask for guidance.

3. Regular maintenance.

Getting a new landscape installed is one thing but it requires regular maintenance. No yard looks at its best without a gorgeous lawn. You must cut the lawn on a regular basis. Freshly cut and edged turf always looks appealing. At least 3 times a year you should also fertilize the grass and plants to keep them healthy. Always rake leaves and other debris to avoid bug and mold infestation.

4. Invest in bigger plants.

More mature plants immediately provide visual allure, color, and make the garden look more established and attract attention. This is especially useful if you intend to place your residence on the market soon. A mature-looking garden will attract potential buyers.

5. Decide on a budget.

Creating the landscape of your dreams is not cheap. New landscaping including walkways, pergolas, hardscape, and outdoor lighting, and plants require an initial capital outlay. A professional landscaper can help you select a layout that fits both your budget and vision. Don't forget to include the cost of the maintenance to keep the yard looking beautiful for many years to come.

We hope these suggestions are helpful to get you closer to the garden you desire. Shamrock Landscape Co is ready to assist you with your weekly or bi-weekly grass mowing and gardening tasks to maintain a stunning garden. Simply give us a call at (707) 647-2000 when you are ready.

How to Create a Year-Long Plan For Lawn Care

Looking for a year-long, easy to follow lawn care plan? A lawn care plan that keeps their lawn healthy over weeks, months, and years. Here are your key pointers for a healthy lawn:

In the Spring

Start mowing your grass as soon as it starts growing. Now is a good time to set the mower blades just a little bit lower than the recommended height and bag the clippings. This will minimize the chance of a winter-related fungal disease.  

Seed (or overseed) any bare spots created by drought, wildlife or pets. Cover with soil or paper shreddings and keep moist to achieve rapid germination and thick, healthy growth during the lawn’s active springtime growth period.

In the Summer

Let the weather be your guide to determine the frequency at which you water the lawn. A good rule of thumb is to water 1 – 1 ¼ inch of water per week for the lawn to remain green and vibrant during the summer months. 

Mid-July to mid-August, when the summer sun is at its hottest, it is recommended that you keep your grass mowed to a length that’s 1 – 1 ½ inch higher than normal. This will promote deeper root growth and slow water evaporation. It will also provide shade for the grassroots.

Fertilize the lawn every 4 – 8 weeks. The final fertilization to occur at least 6 – 8 weeks before the first frost arrives.

In the Fall

Consider seeding/overseeding once more. Fall is the ideal time for seeding/overseeding. This will repair, strengthen, and thicken the lawn in anticipation of winter.

Now that tree leaves are beginning to fall keep up on your leaf-raking duties so the grass blades can benefit from the sun and air they need to thrive.

Now is the time to aerate and detach your lawn. This accelerates recovery and rejuvenation.

If broadleaf weeds are present, treat them with safe, post-emergent herbicides in order to incapacitate them over the winter.

In the Winter

Winter is a great time for tool maintenance such as sharpening and cleaning the lawnmower and gardening tools. Give your mower an oil change too and retire it for the winter without gas in the tank. A gardener is only as good as his tools. Sharpened blades lessen the risk of grass damage and disease.

It is always a good idea to make a periodic sweep of your lawn during the winter month and remove any fallen leaves, twigs, and debris, etc. so it’s in good shape should spring arrive early.
Do minimize lawn traffic, since repetitive walking over the same spot can weaken even the strongest grass. For those of you that live in snow country, it helps to keep your driveway, walkways, and sidewalks clear of snow so these paths are always preferable to cutting across the lawn.

In Closing

A beautiful lush lawn is a source of pride and happiness for the entire family, and joy to behold. It will draw your family members outdoors to play and enjoy. Especially now during the Covid-19 shut-downs, a healthy lawn can be instrumental in maintaining one's sanity.