Our Tree and Shrub Manager states that we are seeing signs of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar active in our area, not to be confused with bagworms or webworms. They build “tent” like nest in the crotches of the trees where they feed. These caterpillars are leaf chewers, and while they can defoliate a tree when the population is high, rarely is this feeding fatal, and a healthy tree will push out new growth. 

The Eastern Tent Caterpillars emerge and feed in early-mid spring and then move on in their lifecycle, while the tents remain until they weather away. 

The four-leaf clover has always been considered a symbol of good luck in the Irish culture. According to the legend, the leaves of a four-leaf clover represent hope, faith, love, and a fourth for good luck. A common belief during the Middle Ages was if someone carried a four-leaf clover, they would have the ability to see fairies. 

How Do I Use and Maintain My Irrigation System? 

A large part of maintaining a healthy lawn is proper watering. Your lawn needs between 1 and 1 ½ inches of water each week from April through November. 

To ensure proper watering, many homeowners install irrigation systems. A properly installed and maintained irrigation system can greatly simplify proper watering and often results in not only a healthier lawn but also water savings! 

Rough stalk bluegrass is most active in the spring in our region. As cold weather comes, it may shut down Poa Trivialis from growing for a week or two, but it will continue to thrive until the heat of summer. During that time, it goes completely dormant and will yellow out until temperatures cool. It’s pretty normal to see some of this grassy weed in a lawn no matter the effort we put forth. It may have already been in the soil, in a batch of cheap seed or shade seed, carried to your lawn by an animal, or many other possibilities. 

Question: My trees and shrubs were fertilized the other day and it rained that night, did the rain wash the fertilizer away? 

The answer is a simple NO. 

What Is The Proper Mower Height For Virginia Lawns? 

The most common grass found in the central Virginia region is tall fescue. Tall fescue benefits from a tall mowing height because the crown of the plant (growing point) is generally 3 inches or more off the ground. Also, the taller heights help prevent weed germination, reduce competition from unwanted grasses and decreases the amount of water required for turf growth. 

I have noticed that quite a few trees appear to be dropping their leaves early this year.  We have a maple tree in our yard that has dropped almost half its leaves while another maple next to it looks fine.  If you have trees that are shedding their leaves early, you may be wondering what is causing the problem and will it harm the tree? 

What Are Virginia Green’s Lawn Care Payment Options?

Jane M from Manakin-Sabot called Virginia Green recently and stated “I am new to Virginia Green; how do I pay my bill?” That is a terrific question and I thought I would take a moment to discuss our many varied payment options.

Killing and Removing Wild Violets 

Controlling wild violets in the lawn is one of the most difficult tasks for homeowners. Wild violets are perennials (return every year) that can take over a lawn in a few seasons if left untreated.  They are usually first noticed in late spring/early summer. Virginia Green treats for wild violets, and if we’ve been working with you for some time, we have likely reduced their numbers. However, it might take 3+ years to rid your lawn of wild violets.