Tips for Summer Yard Maintenance

Summer is yard maintenance season - let’s keep our lawns looking healthy and fresh! When the temperatures heat up and your kids run around, your lawn can take quite a beating, which is why it’s important to take care of it. Not sure where to start? Here are 4 tips you can use to tend to your outdoors this season:

Control weeds - When the yard is in full bloom, your weeds can get a little out of control. Remove them by pulling or digging, or better yet try herbicides. These products are designed to kill broadleaf weeds without damaging the rest of your lawn. However, keep in mind that products can be damaging in the summer heat, so pull them by hand if the temperatures are hot.

Mow the lawn - We know this sounds like an obvious tip for your outdoor maintenance, but it’s important to lay out the specifics: mow regularly at about 3” to 4” and use mulching grass clippings to balance out the moisture levels. Keeping your lawn taller will help to shade the soil from drying in the sun and prevent weed seeds from ‘germinating’. Bonus tip: keep your mower blades sharp, as this minimizes the stress on your grass on those hot days of the season.

Protect from diseases - Did you know that summer is prime time for fungal diseases? That’s right - this is the season when mildew and brown patches start to grow, so apply fungicide when needed. Also, if you’re going to water the lawn, water it during the day to keep evening moisture to a minimum.

Water - Your lawn needs at least one inch of water a week, and even more when a drought occurs. However, you don’t want to oversaturate it either, so keep track of rainfalls by using a rain gauge or small, empty food can. Bonus tip: don’t let your grass go brown and then try to recover it - if your lawn dries up, it will stay that way until the fall rolls around.

Looking for more tips on how to take care of your lawn this summer? Click here.

If you notice any outdoor plumbing or drain issues, contact Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We offer all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to help you maintain your yard. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.

Celebrate Lawn & Garden Month

With April being National Lawn and Garden Month, you’re probably starting to think about outdoor planting. And as the temps slowly heat up on Long Island, you’ll be able to spend more time outside - relaxing in the yard and preparing fresh greenery. No matter the size of your garden, it’s important to plant and clean your lawn properly.

Here’s 4 simple tips to get you started this month:

Get the right mowing height. It’s a good idea to leave your lawn a little longer during the warmer months - most do well at 2” to 3”.

Use a sharp blade for mowing. A dull blade will likely tear your grass as opposed to cutting it.

Leave the grass clippings. It’s important to leave the grass clippings on your lawn as it recycles plant nutrients back into the soil. It’s also a great fertilizer.

Water and fertilize your lawn. But don’t overdo it. Too much water will drown the grass and too much fertilizer will burn it. Your lawn will survive better if it’s under-watered and under-fertilized!

Now that you have your lawn in check, it’s time to make sure your sprinkler systems are working properly - and that’s where we come in! You’ll want to prevent situations of over watering and keep your garden healthy all season long. Call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145 for a thorough sprinkler system inspection today!

Simple Tips For Saving Water Outdoors

Summer time is just around the corner and every homeowner wants their lawn looking greener than ever. However, the amount of water homeowners use in the summer is two to four times as much water than they use the rest of the year.

It is important to know that there are ways to save water outdoors and still have a beautiful landscape. Get the tips from WaterSense here:

• Timing is everything: Know how much water your landscape actually needs before you set your sprinkler. Your local utility can offer recommendations for how much water certain plants need in your region and best times to water. Generally, it's best to water lawns and landscapes in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, because significant amounts of water can be lost due to evaporation during the heat of the day.
• Look for the label: If your system uses a clock timer, consider upgrading to a WaterSense labeled controller which acts like a thermostat for your lawn, using local weather data to determine when and how much to water, reducing waste and improving plant health. Replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 8,800 gallons of water annually.
• Go with a pro: Contractors certified through a WaterSense labeled program can audit, install, or maintain home irrigation systems to ensure water isn't wasted. Make sure you ask for credentials.
• Tune up your system: Inspect irrigation systems and check for leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying on the sidewalk, street, or driveway.
• Play zone defense: When planting, assign areas of your landscape different hydrozones depending on sun/shade exposure, soil and plant types, and type of sprinklers, then adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule based on those zones' specific needs. This helps you avoid overwatering some areas or underwatering others.

For over 50 years New York Plumbing & Sewer Rooter has provided excellent plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, as well as heating service, repairs and installation. For all of your outdoor and indoor plumbing needs this summer call us at 718-514-7145.