Monthly Archives: December 2014

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Japanese beetles and grub worms in the United States. The history of infestation in the United States the devastation caused by: and the insect control to get rid of Japanese Beetles and Grubs. Brought to you by Weed Man of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul) 651-456-9696

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Japanese Beetles and Grub Worms: Their Migration and Infestation in the United States

Over the years, we have heard of several horror stories with regards to insects entering our territories from other countries, or from one state to another. This is a great cause of alarm for many people, and hence, calling for more stringent procedures when it comes to insect control. When such predicaments are not given immediate attention, they can lead into devastation beyond what you can imagine. Among others, one of the most infamous examples of such would be in the case of a Japanese beetle. As the name implies, it is a native from Japan, specifically from the northern part of the country. Its first recorded sighting in the United States was in 1916 and has since then raised standards for pest control to avoid the damages resulting from them in one way or another.

History of Migration of the Japanese beetle

The Japanese beetles were specifically seen first in a nursery situated near Riverton, New Jersey, and in a river in Philadelphia. It is asserted that they entered the United States from a shipment of iris bulbs with Japanese origin in 1912. It has grown well in the different parts of the United States because of having different factors it found to be nourishing, such as through having readily available food sources and turf for the development of larvae AKA Grubs. Their infestations were first recorded in 1972 in Mississippi and Arkansas. From then on, it has been the serious subject of different measures for insect control with the goal of being able to minimize its potential damages.

The Devastation of the Japanese beetle and grubs

In Japan, from where these beetles originated, they are asserted to be not as destructive as they have been in their new home. This is basically because of the fact that they have their natural enemies in the Japanese land, such as blue-winged wasp and anchor bug, which makes it possible to control their population and minimize the infestation they can cause. In the United States, however, they do not have the pests to counteract the spread of the Japanese beetle. This has prompted the government to execute tough regulations and meticulous monitoring for insect control.
Much of the damages caused by Japanese beetles will be evident in agriculture and gardening. They will feed on more than 300 kinds of plants, which will include apple, cherry, plum, grapes, willow tree, and roses, among others. The adults feed on the fruits and foliage of plants and they can also leave holes in the leaves.


 An Effective Means of Control for Insects and grubs.

To avoid the infestation caused by these beetles and turf damage from the beetles at grub stage, call us at Weed Man, your perfect choice for Minnesota lawn care. Through the years, we have become a favored option for insect control in the area, which is basically because of our state-of-the-art approaches, professional technicians and genuine concern for our customers. We will make sure your garden; will never be conquered by pests.




Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities
Click Here for a free no obligation quote. 

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Lawn Care Service St Paul MN Serving the Saint Paul Metro for Quality Safe Lawn Care - Lawn Care St Paul MN

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Professional Lawn Care Service Saint Paul, MN

*Our Standard St. Paul
Minnesota Program*
Guaranteed Quality For Your Lawn!
All application timing is weather pending

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* Spring fertilization: The micro-nutrients in this fertilizer will help green up your lawn and bring it out of winter dormancy. Precipitation (including snowfall) will help breakdown the granular fertilizer and release the nutrients into the grass and soil.
* Broadleaf weed and pre-emergent crabgrass control: It may take up to 14 days before the weeds begin to show signs of the dying process. The weed application also will help prevent crabgrass from emerging and help reduce the amount seen throughout the year. Weeds will then begin to curl and turn color when effected. Rain won’t affect this application unless it occurs immediately after it was applied.
* Early summer fertilization for Lawn Care Service St Paul MN : The nutrients in this fertilizer will help keep the lawn green as well as help the turf store nutrients for the up and coming summer heat. The fertilizer can stay on the lawn while dry without harming it. We also spot spray for any weeds in the lawn
* Late summer fertilization: The nutrients in this fertilizer will help bring the lawn out of summer dormancy and help green up the lawn as we head into the fall. The fertilizer can stay on the lawn while dry without harming it. However, the fertilizer will not start to work until it is watered in or until precipitation brakes it down. We also spot spray for any weeds in the lawn.
* Late season weed control: It will take up to 14 days before the weeds begin to show signs of dying. Weeds will then begin to curl and turn color when effected. Rain won’t affect this application unless it occurs immediately after it was applied.
* Winterizing fertilizer: The nutrients in this fertilizer will allow the lawn to store enough energy for the upcoming winter and help your lawn look its best next spring. As long as the fertilizer has been applied before the ground completely freezes, it will work properly. Leaf cover will normally not affect the granular fertilizer. In just a couple days wind, precipitation (including snowfall), and gravity will help push the fertilizer down to the soil.
A standard Lawn Care Service St Paul MN program comes with free reapplications for weeds as needed, free crabgrass post-emergent treatments, and free inspections for when you have specific issues that need further investigation. For more information contact our office at 651-456-9696 or click on LawnCareMinneapolis.com

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Remember we also do insect control and grub control for Lawn Care Service St Paul MN
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Fun Facts about the Dandelion: from Dandelion the weed, Dandelion Tattoo, Dandelion in Salad and a Recipe for Dandelion Wine. Thank you from Weed Man of the Twin Cities 651-456-9696

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Fun Facts about the Dandelion:

from Dandelion the weed, Dandelion Tattoo, Dandelion in Salad and a Recipe for Dandelion Wine.


Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Also known as: blowballs, lion’s tooth, wild endive, and many other names.
♣   Dandelions are most active during cool weather, spring and fall.
♣   They are known for their yellow flowers.
♣   The leaves are large and invasive. Preventing sunlight from reaching turf.
♣   Dandelions can grow and be found in almost any environmental conditions.
Cultural Practices
♣   Dandelions can be removed by hand, but it is important to make sure to remove the entire root. New plants will sprout from root segments.
♣   Utilizing proper fertilization and weed control will help turf out compete dandelions and prevent outbreaks.
♣ Dandelion Tattoo is a very common imagery used on skin throughout the United States.
Fun Facts
♣   Dandelions have been gathered as a food source since prehistory. They are used in salads, sandwiches, grilled, wine or used to make Dandelion Jelly.
♣   Dandelions are one of the ingredients used to make Root Beer.

Dandelions are in season during the spring and summer months, but they lend themselves deliciously to a beverage you can serve year-round. April and May are the best months to harvest dandelions for the purpose of wine making in the Northern hemisphere.[1] Try it out, and taste it for yourself.

EditIngredients

  • 1 package (7 g) dried brewing yeast
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) warm water
  • 2 quarts (230 g) whole dandelion flowers
    • Using 2 quarts+ of just the petals can make for a less bitter wine.[2]
  • 4 quarts water (3.785 L)
  • 1 cup (240 mL) orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.25 g) powdered ginger
  • 3 tablespoons (18 g) coarsely chopped orange zest; avoid any white pith
  • 1 tablespoon (6 g) coarsely chopped lemon zest; avoid any white pith
  • 6 cups (1200 g) sugar

EditSteps

  1. 1

    Wash and clean the blossoms well. Think of it as a fruit or vegetable; you don’t want bugs or dirt in your food. Remove all green material.

  2. 2

    Soak flowers for two days.

  3. 3

    Place the blossoms in the four quarts of water, along with the lime, orange, and lemon juices.

  4. 4

    Stir in the ginger, cloves, orange peels, lemon peels, and sugar. Bring the mix to a boil for an hour. This creates the ‘infusion’ that will later become wine after fermentation.

  5. 5

    Strain through filter papers (coffee filters are recommended). Let the infusion cool down for a while.

  6. 6

    Stir the yeast in while the infusion is still warm, but below 100 degrees F.

  7. 7

    Cover it and leave it alone, let it stand overnight.

  8. 8

    Pour it into bottles, poke a few holes in a balloon and place over the tops of the bottles to create an airlock, to keep out unwanted wild yeasts, and store them in a dark place for at least three weeks so that it can ferment. At this point you now have wine!

  9. 9

    Rack the wine several times, optionally. Racking means waiting until the wine clears, then siphoning or pouring the liquid into another container, leaving the lees (sediment) at the bottom of the first container.[3]

  10. 10

    Cork and store the bottles in a cool place. Allow the wine some time to age. Most recipes recommend waiting at least six months, preferably a year. [4]

EditTips

  • It may take more than three weeks for your wine to ferment if the temperature inside your storage area is cool. But be aware that fermentation at warmer than room temperature may change the taste of the wine, and can lead to higher levels of fusel alcohols, which have been known to contribute to hangovers. Warmer temperatures can cause many other problems like strong yeasty flavors, rancid odors and bacterial contamination. Generally fermentation should be done at room temperature or lower (50-75°F or 10-24°C).
  • Pasteurization uses 144°F for 22 minutes, or 122°F for 44 minutes to avoid changing character.
  • This recipe will produce a light wine that mixes well with tossed salad or baked fish. To add body or strength, add a sweetener,raisins, dates, figs, apricots, or rhubarb.[5]
  • Pick the flowers right before starting so they’re fresh. Midday is when they are fully open.[6] Alternatively, you can freeze the flowers immediately after harvesting, then pull off the petals right before preparing the wine.[7]

EditWarnings

  • Make sure you strain the drink thoroughly to avoid dandelion petals getting into your drink. That could disrupt your enjoyment of the wine.
  • There is some evidence that dandelions have a diuretic effect and may cause more frequent urination.
  • Avoid using dandelions that may have been chemically treated. Also, try to stay away from dandelions that have been graced by the presence of dogs, or that grow within 50 feet (15.2 m) of a road.

EditThings You’ll Need

  • Balloons
  • Coffee filters or clean straining paper
  • Empty, sterilized wine bottles
  • Large beverage container to strain liquid into
  • A large pot you can boil the dandelion mixture in
  • A place to store the fermenting wine
Wine Recipe courtesy of wikihow
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3 Causes of Winter Kill on your Minnesota Lawn: It is important to know how to plant grass seed and when to plant grass seed to repair your lawn in Minnesota.

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3 Causes of Winter Kill on your Minnesota Lawn:

It is important to know how to plant grass seed and when to plant grass seed to repair your lawn in Minnesota.

Presented by:
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Winter Kill on lawns #1

*Ice cover:

Periods of snow followed by warm temperatures, then freezing temperatures, can create a thick layer of ice on the lawn. Many cool season grasses can handle these conditions, but if ice persists for 30 days or more damage can occur.

Winter Kill on lawns #2
*Snow Cover:
A persistent snow cover can create warmer, insulated conditions near the surface of the soil. This can lead to gray or pink snow mold. It can also create the right habitat for voles, field mice, which can lead to noticeable trails throughout the lawn in the spring.
Winter Kill #3
Bare Dormant Grass

Bare dormant grass can become dried out when exposed to winter winds and extreme temperatures over long periods of time. This causes serious damage to the sensitive crown of the plant making recovery take much longer. Snow cover is preferred in heavy traffic areas.
Timing:
Plant grass as soon as the snow melts. Make sure you allow to germinate and grow 2-3 inches tall before having Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities put on the pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass. 
Recovery: 
Fixing your lawn after winter kill is generally an exercise in knowing how to plant grass seed and when to plant grass seed. 
1) Clear the area of non grass material and loosen the soil. This can be done with a hoe, rake or shovel. It can be helpful if there is no grass at all to dig down a few inches to alleviate any compaction in the soil. If the soil lacks nutrients a potting soil or starter fertilizer can be helpful. 
2) Choose a high quality Kentucky blue grass and perennial rye mixed grass seed.
3) Plant grass per instructions on the packaging. If patch seeding you may want to put the seed on a little heavier to increase the density and success rate of the planting.  
4) Sprinkle on a little hay or dried mulch to keep the seed from blowing away or by being eaten by birds. 
5) Water evenly as per the grass seed instructions. You do now want to drown the seed. Simply keep them moist for approximately 2-3 weeks in order for proper germination. 
6) Continue to water normally as you would the rest of the lawn after the 2-3 weeks.  Have Weed Man continue to fertilize and control the weeds as usual. This will help the turf recover and look great once again. 

Winter kill on the turf is never a fun experience, however by knowing how to plant grass seed as well as when to plant grass seed, should help shorten the life of the damage on your lawn. Have a green spring and we will be there soon to help you have an amazing Weed Man lawn. 

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Bermuda grass, crabgrass, Feed and Weed, green grass, Lawn maintenance

Feed and Weed AKA Weed and Feed , where to go to get feed and weed lawn services in Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota.

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Feed and Weed (Weed and Feed)

Where to go to get feed and weed lawn services in Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota?

Weed Man Lawn Care 651-456-9696 can help you keep you feed and weed treatment for proper nutrients in your lawn. We use only top of the line golf course grade products to bring you green grass that is healthy and beautiful.

Whether you have a crabgrass problem, weed control issues or just want to identify if you have Bermuda grass, quack grass or bluegrass Weed Man is on the job to get your Weed and Feed needs met!
Do not be fooled by some of the other companies that are offering to do a feed and weed treatment applications especially if they are using liquid fertilizer or inferior granular products. Our exclusive custom blended fertilizer is both slow release and high nutrition for your grass. If you here someone say they have a slow release product make sure to ask how many weeks does it last? If it is less than 8 weeks I would question the quality level of the product.
Our Weed Control is safe for kids and pets. You do not need to stay off the lawn for 24-36 hours like many companies products force you to do. Weed Man prides itself on its quality products, the safety of our product line and our commitment to you our valued customer.
Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities weed and feed (feed and weed) are two separate products correctly formulated for optimal results and healthy green grass. Do not hesitate or procrastinate get Jess and the Weed Man Lawn Care team to go to work for you!
Call Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities Today!
651-456-9696
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Which Fertilizer Minneapolis ? Timing of fertilizer can be very important for your lawn care in Minneapolis.

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When to fertilize lawn?… Which Fertilizer Minneapolis ?

Timing of fertilizer can be very important for your lawn care in Minneapolis.

When to fertilize Minneapolis is a good question that many Minnesota homeowners and renters might be asking themselves.


Typically in Minnesota the best time to fertilize is in April or May as soon as the grass thaws.

Here at Weed Man we use a golf course grade slow release granular fertilizer Minneapolis that will feed and nourish
your lawn for approximately 8-10 weeks. Therefore in our case the best answer is about every
7-10 weeks we will want to put our special one of a kind fertilizer down. If you do the math
it will be 4 applications of fertilizer a year. This turns out to be backed up by science as a study
done with the University of Minnesota Extension Service that we base our lawn care service on
and timing of when to fertilize the lawn.


We of course also take care of your weed issues. So in addition to the 4 fertilizing treatments
we do, we also do a blanket application to prevent crabgrass and spray all weeds. So our total
package is 6 treatments with unlimited reapplications if needed.

At Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities we aim to amaze you with the progress your lawn
makes and continue on that year after year.

Providing your Minneapolis Lawn Care with Pride! Make sure to use Weed Man’s exclusive Fertilizer Minneapolis

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