So it's raining and we're spraying... what gives?

If you've lived in the Great Inland Northwest for any amount of time you're probably wondering where our beautifully sunny June is. This has been a very wet spring and wet beginning to our summer. Some of our valued customers have voiced concern that we're spraying when it's raining and how effective that particular application might be.  We wanted to be sure to address this as to not keep a question burning in the back your mind. Burning minds need to be avoided across the board, it's not safe especially if your wearing a flammable hat. But I digress...

Lets talk lawns for a a minute... we may actually spray lawns in light rain. Now I know the term "light" is mildly subjective but our technicians are highly trained and, in our opinion, the best in the industry, they've been taught how much rain is too much. The reality is fertilizer is great in the rain and weed control can be still effective. Now if you're a new customer and we're still trying to get your weeds under control then we will probably postpone your application for a day when it's going to be dry but if you're an established customer with us and we've been maintaining your lawn for over a year your lawn should have very few weeds if any. At that point we are primarily concerned with weed management. These type of customers should not be effected at all by a little rain.

Now tree sprays are slightly different. Early in the year we do soil drenches that are not effected by rain whatsoever but as we get into actually spraying the trees in mid spring we're careful not to spray if it's raining too hard. A little rain is ok but heavy rain is not. Wait what? A little rain is ok? That's right, most of the critters we are trying to get rid of actually live on the underside of the leaf where very little water goes when it's only raining lightly. Also, as long as it doesn't rain hard for 10-15 minutes after the application the insecticide has time to dry and is rain proof at that point.

The last major area of concern is Spider Sprays in the rain. Spider Sprays are not effected at all by moisture. It a can actually be raining heavy and have zero effect. We know that sounds a little nutty but it's true. Remember if you've ordered the entire Spider Spray program it's a guaranteed service. So rest easy, even when it rains.

We hope this clears up some questions and concerns. Please remember we are always here to answer your question at 509-487-3439, or 1-800-LAWNCARE. You can also email us at contactus@livingwaterspray.com

Spokane Lawn Care, Spokane Tree Care, Spokane Pest Control, Spokane Fertilizer

Flying Saucers Have Landed In My Yard!

More than likely your yard is not actually a landing zone for miniature intergalactic travelers but you probably have a case of Necrotic Ring Spot. NRS is a common disease in Kentucky Blue Grass, and because the lawns in Spokane are mostly Kentucky Blue Grass there is a strong possibility that you may experience it at one time or another during your stay in the Inland Empire.

According to North Dakota State University, "This is a serious disease of Kentucky bluegrass that is especially common on high maintenance lawns. Necrotic Ring Spot is caused by Leptosphaeria korrae, a fungus which is most active in spring and fall, although symptoms may be observed throughout the season. Initial symptoms are patches 6-24 inches in diameter with a mixture of normal, straw- and red-colored blades around the outer portion of the ring, resulting in a "frog-eye" pattern. The roots and crowns of affected plants are covered with black strands of the Necrotic Ring Spot fungus. Thatch may decompose in the patch areas, giving them a sunken or depressed appearance. In warm weather, the red blades are seldom seen. Plants affected in the cooler weather of spring and fall are weakened and very susceptible to summer heat and drought stress. This stress may lead to the death of weakened plants and an apparent resurgence of symptoms, even though the fungus may not be active at this time."

We have several treatment options for this particular turf disease but to be sure you don't misdiagnose it, it's best to have a Living Water Technician come out to make have a look. Please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-LAWNCARE or visit our website at www.livingwaterspray.com.


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