Ontario Grounds Care Inc

Tree Planting in the Summer... Not always the best idea, but you can do it, and take advantage of those great deals. But be careful! Its full on to summer now. Its HOT. The ground is hardening, the grass is browning some, and most trees and plants are going into a state that allows them to survive through low water periods. But you want to plant a new tree or two. Here are a couple tips to keep in mind when you do so for the highest likelihood for success.... 1. Put a good foundation down. Dig a larger hole in the ground to make sure you have the entire root ball in the ground. Before placing the tree give the ground surrounding the dug out area a significant watering. It will help the roots set, and get started into a much softer base than what is typical at this time of year. 2. Help keep the moisture in the ground. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch or compost will ensure the moisture you just put in the ground keeps a barrier for the sun. Less evaporation out of the ground, means a higher likelihood for success. While it isn't generally recommended to plant in the heart of summer. If you stay on top of it, keep the ground moist around the tree, you shouldn't have any issue managing the heat. Stay well. Enjoy your summer. If you need help, let us know. Thanks, Greg

Getting close to the end of this job! Coming together!

Our booth at Sir Ernest McMillan school fundraiser. Raffling off a Japanese maple and a red sunset red maple!

Tips for watering your lawn... its a little more complicated then you think. It's going to be summer soon, and it could be a very dry summer. How often should you water your lawn? What is the right way? We can help. 1. Water only when your grass needs it! Think water conservation here... When you walk on the lawn if the grass rebounds immediately, your lawn doesn't require watering. If you leave a path with your feet, it is the perfect time to water. You don't want to... over water the lawn, but letting it go too long will take a lot of the nutrients out of the grass making it harder for it to recover. 2. Water in the morning. Or if you have to in the evening. Never mid day. Watering in the morning allows the lawn to stay on cycle and limits the amount of water you need to be effective. Heavy watering mid day can be a waste of time because of quick evaporation. 3. Water deep, not often... Watering shallow will increase weeds taking hold and not the lawn. Turn on your sprinkler for 15 minutes. After 18 to 24 hours, find out how deep the water soaked in by digging a small hole in the watered area or using a probe (a probe will push easily through damp ground). You can also push a shovel into the ground and use it as a lever to spread the soil apart enough so that you can see several inches below the surface. Once you see how deep the water went in 15 minutes, you can calculate how long you need to leave your sprinkler on. For example, if the soil is damp to 4 inches (10.2 cm) below the surface and your goal is to moisten the soil to a depth of 8 inches (20.3 cm), you'll need to leave the sprinkler on for 30 minutes (2 x 15 minutes) each time you water. 4. Get a rain barrel. Its a great way to conserve water, it will allow you to use it for all your watering needs. They can be installed to collect rain water from your gutters and will provide water most of the season depending upon the rain levels in your area. Remember - Watering at anytime won't be bad for the lawn... but like anything a few adjustments and you can do a lot more and have things work much better, for stronger results. Take Care. Greg

Starting the next job at the new Remax office on Fairview St.

Sorry. Forgot to put up the finished product. Here it is.