Dog Days of Summer

The summer of 2010 is going into the record books as the hottest, and one of the dryest summers on record here in the CT River Valley. Today is August 9, and the temperature is 86 and humid! Our summer started early, back in May, and we are just beginning the "dog days of summer"......

Most lawns are not loving the weather we are having and unfortunately, August is sure to bring more. Those dog days surely mean more heat and humidity. The good news is that as the days get shorter, the night get a little cooler, and our lawns and landscapes get a signal that it's time to send out new roots and begin to prepare for winter. So, although it's hard to tell right now, all those brown lawns are beginning to wake up, even though we are going to have more summer weather!

What they really need along with the shorter days, and cooler nights, is a good soaking rain. Continue to do your best to supplement with watering as best you can. Fertilization is important now to have food ready for the lawn as it needs it. Aeration can be a big help to open the soil for better water absorption, more nutrient availability, and to help stimulate root growth. This is also a great time to overseed the lawn to introduce improved, disease and insect resistant grasses.

While it's difficult to grow cool-season bluegrass and rye-grass lawns when we're getting "hot-season" Georgia type weather, we're confident that protecting the lawn from insects and building the soil with the proper nutrients will really help most lawns bounce back quickly.

Arlington National Cemetery

Weed Man Springfield Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery

Weed Man employees volunteer their time and lawn care services at our nation's most revered cemetery.

The oppressive heat and humidity gripping the East Coast was secondary to the dedication and commitment of approximately 450 lawn and landscape professionals who participated in the Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) Renewal and Remembrance project at Arlington National Cemetery.

With temperatures in the high 90s and a heat index over 100 degrees, about 100 companies from 29 states participated in the event which is in its 14th year. Renewal & Remembrance has become a not-to-be-missed event for many professionals who desire to volunteer their talents to the ongoing maintenance of the revered grounds at Arlington National Cemetery.

Weed Man was well represented at the event in their recognizable yellow and green uniforms. Representatives from Weed Man offices in Massachusetts, Ohio and Virginia attended the annual event.

“Participation in this respected industry event is a wonderful opportunity for our team to work side-by-side with lawn and landscape professionals from across the U.S. to enhance the turf at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Bruce Sheppard, a Weed Man business owner in Virginia.

Tom Mauer, a Weed Man business owner from Massachusetts added, “We feel it’s our responsibility to volunteer in this program. We’re proud to be in a position to provide valuable lawn care services to our country’s national cemetery.”

During the day of service, lawn and landscape professionals spread lime, aerated turf, planted trees and flowers and repaired irrigation systems at the military cemetery. The event also included a children’s program. This year, children received a lesson about the history of Arlington National Cemetery, planted perennials in a garden and participated in the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Your presence here is a statement that demonstrates your dedication to your country as well as the industry by presenting our industry issues to your legislators,” said PLANET president David Snodgrass. “You are not only representing yourself, your business and your state, but most importantly, our industry.”

The combined value of products and services donated to Arlington is $250,000. Over the years, the program has contributed approximately $2 million to the care of the national cemetery.

Other facts and figures from the event include:
• 55 children participated in the children’s activity
• 120 tons of lime was applied to 275 acres at Arlington National Cemetery
• 31 acres of turf was aerated
• 10 yards of soil was installed
• 7 yards of mulch was applied
• 22 trees and 6 shrubs were installed
• 60 perennials were planted
• 9 trees were pruned and received cabling and bracing
• 7 trees received lightning protection
• Irrigation systems at the Columbarium and Receiving Vault were updated