National Seed News
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Hydretain
Hydretain in Landscape Installation and Maintenance
Hydretain is a revolutionary chemistry designed to reduce watering frequency and protect landscapes from drying out for an extended period between watering cycles. A blend of hygroscopic humectant compounds, Hydretain attracts and condenses free water molecules from the air within the soil to create microscopic droplets that plant roots can use. This simple application will result in healthy, vigorous and drought resistant landscapes.
Offer Hydretain to your customers to...
- Control or eliminate dry spot problems
- Protect non or poorly-irrigated areas
- Improve seed germination
- Improve transplant establishment
- Enhance nutrient uptake
- Provide a non-toxic, safe environment for pets and children
ProScape 21-22-4 Starter Fertilizer
with .08 Mesotrione SGN 125 
A premium combination starter fertilizer and weed control product with an NPK of 21-22-4.
- .08 Mesotrione for pre-emergent control of weeds that can be used when establishing new turf
- All Mineral fertilizer with nutrients immediately available to the plant
- Potassium sulfate for immediate availability of the potassium with the added benefit of a small amount of sulfur
- Please see label for specific information on pests controlled, application rates, timing and use
Grappler Tool
We take pride in what we do and deliver only the best quality of reaching tools. We are happy to offer a tool that is completely manufactured in the states. It is good for any debris and litter pickup, even the smallest ones! The Grappler easily grabs:
- Litter, from newspapers to full 24 oz bottles of liquid, the Grappler quickly gets it all.
- Small branches.
- Things you wouldn't want to touch: dog feces, animal carcasses, unhygienic materials, etc.
- Items as small as a toothpick!
- Much, much more…
Sure Power
Sure Power is a new standard in herbicide power, providing swift early-season and late-season control to strike down challenging broadleaf weeds. In fact, broad-spectrum Sure Power is proven to produce excellent control of ground ivy and wild violet. Its four-way formulation manages more than 250 broadleaf weeds, making Sure Power a valued tool in the pursuit of clean cool-season turf.
Fast and Effective Selective Herbicide
- Outperforms the competition in ground ivy and wild violet control
- Proven efficacy on more than 250 broadleaf weeds
- Ideal for early- and late-season application
- Rainfast after one hour
- Rapid knockdown with visible results starting in 2-3 days
- First flumioxazin formulation for cool-season turf
- Group 4 and 14 herbicides support resistance management
- Easy-to-use, reduced-odor formulation
Proven efficacy on challenging weed issues
- Ground ivy
- Wild violet
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Black medic
- Plantain
NALP announces annual list of landscape trends
Experts anticipate 2019 to be the year of pergolas, two-in-one designs and automated maintenance.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals has released its official list of the top 2019 landscape trends.
Drawing upon the expertise of the industry's 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals, NALP annually predicts trends that will influence the design and maintenance of backyards across America in the year ahead. NALP develops its trends reports based on a survey of its members. It also draws from the expertise of landscape professionals from across the U.S. who are at the outdoor trends forefront.
"Homeowners yearn for beautiful outdoor spaces without the hassle of upkeep. With the rise of multi-functional landscape design and automated processes, consumers can spend more time enjoying their landscapes than ever before," says Missy Henriksen, the NALP vice president of public affairs. "This year's trends reflect current lifestyle preferences as well as innovations happening in the industry that are transforming landscapes across the country."
NALP listed the following five trends to influence outdoor spaces in 2019:
Two-in-one landscape design
Functional elements are becoming a necessity in today's landscapes. Consumers desire stunning outdoor features that have been cleverly designed to serve a dual tactical purpose. An edible vertical garden on a trellis that acts as a privacy fence, a retaining wall that includes built-in seating for entertaining, and colorful garden beds that divide properties all combine function and style.
Automated lawn and landscape maintenance
The latest technology and equipment allow tasks to be more streamlined and environmentally efficient than ever before. Robotic lawn mowers continue to rise in popularity among both homeowners and landscape professionals. Also, programmable irrigation systems and advanced lighting and electrical systems help outdoor spaces become extensions of today's smart homes. Homeowners relish knowing that these technological advancements give them more time to relax and enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Pergolas
A staple of landscape design for years, pergolas constructed of wood or composite material are now becoming more sophisticated. They can now come with major upgrades, including roll down windows, space heaters, lighting and sound systems. When paired with a luxury kitchen, seating area or fire feature, pergolas can become the iconic structure for outdoor sanctuaries.
Pretty in Pink
Pops of coral and blush are anticipated to add a more feminine touch to landscapes this year. With Living Coral named the Color of the Year by Pantone, a leading provider of color systems and an influencer on interior and exterior design, landscape professionals predict that this rich shade of pink could bring fresh blooms of roses, petunias, zinnias and hibiscus to flower beds. Experts also anticipate light blush tones to become "the new neutral" and another option for hardscapes and stone selections.
Mesmerizing Metals
Whether homeowners want a bold statement or whimsical touch, incorporating metals can bring new dimensions to landscape design. Used for decorative art, water features or furniture and accessories, creative uses of metals including steel and iron can make for lovely accents or entire focal points.
National Seed's Commercial Strength Ice Melt
Blue crystals help provide efficient application and even ice melting. Melts ice and snow to -15 degrees. Safe for use on treated wood and concrete.
- Designed for Illinois's Harshest Winter Conditions
- Contains RUSH Speed Enhancing Additive
- Dyed Blue For Ease of Application
Contains:
- Sodium chloride
- Magnesium chloride
- Calcium chloride
- RUSH accelerator
Facts and statistics about the Landscape industry
- Generates $77 billion in annual revenues
- Employs nearly 1 million people
- Has an annual growth rate of 3.5%
- Consists of nearly 500,000 businesses
Source: IBISWorld report, 2016.
If we dive deeper into this data, we can see how different specializations and services contribute to the scope of the entire industry. In a survey from a leading industry publication, respondents reported that they had completed business within the following sectors:
- 65% single family residential
- 23% commercial/industrial
- 42% maintenance
- 19% design and build
- 13% lawn care
- 6% tree care
- 6% snow removal
- 6% irrigation
Source: Lawn and Landscape Magazine State of the Industry 2014.
It is also worth noting that over 30% of respondents listed "Landscaping Maintenance" as their most profitable service. Other services such as "design and build" and "chemical lawn treatments" were substantial revenue drivers.
So what does all this data equate to? Revenue.
From the same industry survey, here's the breakdown of businesses by revenue:
- Less than $300,000—57%
- $300,000–$999,999—19%
- $1 million–$1.9 million—11%
- $2 million–$3.9 million—7%
- $4 million or more—6%
- Median Revenue Nationwide: $217,000
Each year, droves of new competitors enter the market. Nearly 20% of the entire industry is made up of new landscaping services. If you haven't faced fierce local competition, consider yourself lucky (for now).
PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMERS' EVERGREENS THIS WINTER
Anti-desiccant spray applied in the fall coats the foliage of your plants with this layer of organic "sealant" to help the plants resist the drying power of winter winds and conserve the moisture vital to their good health. Properly applied, a winter protection spray will safeguard your valuable plants through the cold months and gradually break down as warm weather approaches and your trees and shrubs begin spring growth.
Fall Fertilization of Trees
There is considerable discussion about the proper time to apply fertilizers to trees. The practice of applying N-P-K fertilizer to trees in the fall is common in the arborist and landscape industries. Is this practice a good one, or not?
P and K, Yes; but only "Low or Slow N" in Late Fall
Application of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) in the fall actually helps the tree prepare for winter, by inducing a proper hardening-off of this year's foliar tissues. This practice is common in forest tree nurseries. However, high levels of soluble nitrogen can encourage foliar tissues to remain young (juvenile), and to delay their preparation for frost. Therefore, application of high levels of soluble nitrogen (N) fertilizer to trees within 6 weeks of anticipated first frost will increase the risk of early frost damage to the foliage. Such nitrogen-induced foliar damage is more prevalent in hardwoods rather than in conifers. Slow-release forms of nitrogen are safe for use in the fall, since these will not have the same effect in promoting top growth as the fully soluble forms of N. For this reason, most commercial applications of nitrogen in the fall utilize "low and/or slow" Nitrogen.
Overseeding Lawns
- Overseeding lawns in fall reduces or eliminates competition from summer weedy grasses, such as crabgrass, foxtails, and other weeds.
- Overseeding lawns in fall reduces or eliminates competition from summer weedy grasses, such as crabgrass, foxtails, and other weeds.
- Rain amounts and soil moisture are generally better in the fall.
National Seed's Recommended Seed Mixes for Overseeding
FIELD OF DREAMS™ RE-SEEDER MIXTURE
• 25% Improved Kentucky Bluegrass
• 25% Improved Kentucky Bluegrass
• 25% Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass
• 25% Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass
FIELD OF DREAMS™ ATHLETIC TURF MIXTURE
• 30% Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass
• 30% Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass
• 20% Improved Kentucky Bluegrass
• 20% Improved Kentucky Bluegrass
GREENSKEEPERS GLAMOUR MIXTURE
• 30% Kentucky Bluegrass 98/85
• 30% Creeping Red Fescue
• 40% Containing 2 Turf-type Perennial Ryegrass
To order or obtain additional information please contact us.
The Salt Story... 2018/19 Shortage
As I sit here enjoying a beautiful 80 degree day in mid July, it's ironic to be talking about salt. Actually, if you are in the "salt business"or are a snow contractor or property manager it's late to be talking about salt. Here in Michigan and the Midwest we are only 4 months away, or less some years, from our first snow and/or ice event. It should be important for us to know: who we are working for? Who is working for us? Do we have enough equipment? And where are we buying salt and how much will it cost this year?
In an effort to share, the following is the basic story of salt in the Midwest markets...
According to some research we can all find out there on a Google search....there is about 10 million tons of salt that are sold into this region and its outskirts annually. There are about 4 main providers, one at about 1 million tons, one at about 3 million tons, and a couple others that make up another 6 or 7 million tons. There are a few other salt companies that don't own mines (at least in the US or Canada) and they import salt from other countries, such as Egypt, Chile, United Kingdom, Morocco and others. This combination of providers work to win bids and win relationships to sell salt into all of our cities, towns and local markets.
Our government gets first dibs to put out requests for proposals to get quotes for the upcoming season. This process starts typically in May and can linger through the summer. Just like any company managing their inventory or capacity of sales......the salt companies are trying to win some government bids, to sell off some of their inventory / production capacity. Therefore the salt companies really don't know how successful they have been at selling their inventory till most or all of the public bidding and bid acceptance process has taken place
After this round of sales, there is some salt released to be sold direct from the top salt companies to contractors or to large resellers/brokers of salt. The pricing available to this round of buyers is higher than that of the pricing offered to our state and local governments.
Once this round is achieved, the smaller contractor, one without a place to buy and store a season's worth of salt or at least a sizable portion or a seasons salt...well they must rely on the local supply yard to have salt for them a few tons at a time throughout each event, all season long. As you might imagine, each layer has a cost increase and a risk increase. The sooner we all find and secure a salt deal to meet our needs the better off we will be going into winter, negotiating contracts and sharing this process with the end users…our clients. I strongly urge you to "educate yourself and educate your clients" on the process of procuring salt. Knowledge is always powerful and helpful.
Patch Diseases Serious Problem
Perhaps the most serious turf disease likely to occur in northern Illinois is summer patch and necrotic ring spot, two separate diseases that attack grass roots and previously were referred to as fusarium blight. Research continues to look for information on these diseases. Brown patch may also attack turfgrasses. These "patch diseases" are similar in appearance and management in lawns.
Summer patch and brown patch tends to be most active in hot weather, while necrotic ring spot tends to be most active in late spring and in fall. Disease symptoms often show under turf stress in summer, however. Crescent shaped or circular patches of dead grass, often with clumps of green grass inside, are a characteristic symptom (often called "frogeye"). Lawn and other turf areas with advanced disease development may show irregular dead areas and streaks.
Patch diseases typically develop on turf with stress factors such as excessive thatch, poor soil conditions, sod installed over a poorly prepared site, irregular/excessive nitrogen fertility, and related problems. One typical situation in which these diseases occur is recently sodded lawns (within 2 - 5 years) put down over a clay soil, usually with good care (high watering & fertility) to keep the grass green and vigorous. This condition leads to poor root penetration and development, and also often a problem thatch layer.
Management of these diseases consists of correcting soil problems and implementing proper cultural practices, overseeding dead areas, and possibly fungicide applications. Improving conditions for root growth and reducing problem thatch is critical. Practices such as core aerifying and topdressing, along with sound fertilizing, mowing (avoid mowing too short), and watering are suggested. Spring and fall are suggested times for aerifying, assuming the turf is actively growing. Avoid heavy spring applications of nitrogen fertilizer. Focus most applications on the fall period. Fertilizers containing controlled-release nitrogen are suggested. Overseed dead areas with perennial ryegrass and resistant Kentucky bluegrass cultivars in late August or early September.
These management suggestions may not bring immediate results, but will get the patch disease under control in the long run. Fungicides are an option to help prevent further development on unaffected grass, but will not reverse the factors causing the disease or eliminate the disease. Fungicides treat the symptoms but not the cause of the problem.
Written by Bruce Spangenberg, former Extension Educator, Horticulture. University of Illinois Extension.
Tree Check Sonic Decay Detection Device
Tree Check Sonic Wave Tree Decay Detector is a breakthrough technology in sonic wave timers that will become an international standard in the pre-climb safety check, tree risk assessment and urban forestry inventories. Tree Check is designed for arborists and urban foresters as a low cost, simple to use, reliable field tool to detect the likely presence of significant decay, cavity or cracks in standing trees. Used properly it can "see inside the tree" revealing areas of concealed severe deterioration that undiscovered could result in tree structural failure or resultant property damage or personal injury.
Adding a mosquito-control service
Mosquito control can be a profitable service add-on. Everyone agrees mosquitoes are an annoying and potentially dangerous pest in the summer months. That would seem to present a big business opportunity for anyone in the business of getting rid of mosquitoes. Lawn and landscape companies that have begun offering mosquito control services are taking advantage of that broad-based demand.
Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heart worms, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.
There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United States, which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors and bite different types of animals.
Different species of mosquitoes prefer different types of standing water in which to lay their eggs. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish and dragonfly nymphs in permanent ponds, lakes and streams help keep these bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae. However, portions of marshes, swamps, clogged ditches and temporary pools and puddles are all prolific mosquito breeding sites.
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