DROUGHT ALERT!  

The continued dry weather and high temperatures will damage your lawn and landscape unless we work together to take special precautions.  This notice will provide you with instructions that if followed will minimize the impact this drought may have on your lawn, trees, and shrubs.

YOUR TURF.  As the lawn uses its available water, it passes through specific stages that you will need to recognize.  First, the grass wilts, generally turning a dark blue-green color.  In this phase, you can see your footprints after you’ve walked across the stressed areas of your lawn.  In the second stage, the grass turns brown, entering a dormant stage.  If managed properly, dormant grass will regain its health and vigor when favorable weather conditions return.  In the final stage, grass without water for five to six weeks will die.

We want to keep your lawn its healthiest under these conditions.  You can help us by keeping in mind a few simple rules when watering your turf. 

WATERING.  Note:  Choose one option only; damage will occur if you alternate practices.  In other words. . . keep your lawn green or let it go dormant.

Option 1:  To maintain a green, healthy lawn.

1. When your lawn shows signs of wilt, apply one half inch of water to all areas of your lawn twice a week.  Use your Buckeye EcoCare rain gauge in the sprinklers pattern as not all heads deliver the same volume of water.  Move the sprinkler when the water reaches the one half inch mark, usually after one to two hours, depending on your sprinkler heads.  If you have an automatic irrigation system, follow this procedure to determine the correct time to set each station.
   
   
2. Please pay special attention to sunny, high use, curbs, sidewalks, and sloped areas.  They require more water than other parts of your lawn.

Option 2:  To protect your lawn from damage.

1. If watering restrictions or bans do not allow weekly watering, or if you choose not to water, a light watering of one-half inch every 2 weeks will minimize permanent damage to your lawn.  This will supply just enough moisture to keep the roots and crowns alive.  This practice will not keep the turf green and competitive as water restrictions may prevent you from watering one inch per week.

DURING A DROUGHT A PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE SERVICE PROVIDER IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

It is important that you adhere to your professional, regularly scheduled program.  A delayed or skipped application is not in your lawns best interest.  At Buckeye EcoCare, we’re working to ensure that your lawn survives this weather.  The following information applies to your service.

FERTILIZER.  Not all fertilizers are the same.  Soluble fertilizers in either liquid or dry form should not be applied during hot and dry periods because they can damage your lawn.  We are currently applying a 50% insoluble fertilizer along with your summer insect protection.  Turf grass research has shown that lawns treated in July and August with slow release fertilizers will help your lawn recover once the temperatures cool down and the fall rains begin.

WEED CONTROL.  During a drought, weeds present a greater problem than during normal conditions.  However, blanket applications of broadleaf weed control may increase the damage to your lawn.  Your EcoCare specialist will make spot treatments to control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass.  Also, the materials we use on your lawn this summer have been selected and applied based on manufacturers label recommendations only.

INSECT CONTROL.  Insect damage from some pests such as grubs, billbugs and chinch bugs is more severe during drought conditions.  Turf grass plants under stress may not reveal hidden insect activity due to the overall browning of the lawn.  Your EcoCare specialist has the expertise to diagnose and treat any such problems that are present.

OUR GUARANTEE.  When you selected Buckeye EcoCare as your Lawn Care service provider, you purchased a service organization, not a fertilizer company.  The management team, along with your route technician, is here to help you manage your lawn and landscape through this drought.  As always, service calls are free and our response time is 2 business days.

Challenges such as drought and water bans can become opportunities!  If we lose some bluegrass during the current drought, please consult your lawn technician about fall seeding opportunities with drought resistant turf grass varieties.  The fall football season will be here before you know it. 

Yours for a greener future!

:: Lawn Care Service Guarantee ::

If your lawn ever experiences a problem, a fully-trained professional will visit within 48 hours to identify and remedy the situation. If you are not satisfied with the results, we will gladly refund your money.