Busy Bee Lawn Care Service and Sprinkler Repair - Lexington Columbia South Carolina

Lawn Sprinkler Valve Won't Turn Off

2012-03-13T06:25:00.000-04:00

So you've started up your irrigation sytem and your Lawn Sprinkler Valve Won't Turn Off. Now what do you do! Why is it doing that? Here is some insight into what is going on and what you or an irrigation contractor might be able to do about it, at least for the time being until you can get the system repaired.

Before you move on to calling a sprinkler repair service, see if you can turn off the backflow control valve. What you're looking for is a green rectangular box that is about 14" x 18". Inside this box you will usually find your backflow control valve. The backflow control valve prevents back siphonage of hazardous waste into your drinking water (if you don't have one, you should consider having one installed). If you can locate this valve, simply turn the valve to the off position.

Another valve that might be in the vicinity of the water main meter would be an emergency shutoff valve, which is a ball valve style shutoff point to isolate the entire sprinkler system water supply. It is often installed in a circular valve box with a green lid, about 5.5" in diameter. If you have a ball valve, it is likely to be located close to the water meter where the lawn irrigation system taps into the pvc or galvanized piping that is your water main. If you have an emergency shutoff ball valve, simply turn it to the off position. If you do not have a provision such as a ball valve to shut off your irrigation in an emergency or for winterization purposes, you may want to consider having one installed.

A third valve, which is actually the zone valve that is malfunctioning and staying stuck in the "on" position, is your zone valve. These are often located in a round green box or in one rectangular green box in what is called a valve manifold setup. If you can figure out where this valve is located, you can manually work the valve on and off to see if it seats and allows the system to shut down. What is causing your problem is the fact that the valve is either old and faulty or it has debris in it which is not allowing it to seat and seal properly.

After trying all of the above, as a last resort, you can opt to turn off your water main. I say last resort because you want some water pressure to your sprinkler system to see if you can get by without totally shutting down your water supply...don't you? So to turn off the water main, locate your meter then turn the key to the off position.

Tuning up your irrigation for your yard in the spring can help to prevent system failure, particularly to prevent or preemptively diagnose issues where a zone valve that won't turn off. Precautions should be taken in case of such failure, such as the installation of emergency plumbing water main shutoff ballvalve or a back flow preventer (which can be shut off). Lastly, excercise caution when working around pressurized pvc pipes, faulty valves and wires as they may be hazardous.

Lawn Fertilization Service Needs Differ

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

Often times where a customer is seeking a ”better" lawn fertilization service company there are similar complaints that I hear and the grass is often literally greener on the other side. I think the #1 complaint is “they are feeding my weeds”. Another one is the more general statement that “there have been no improvements in my grass”. The question then is why can’t the more commonly known treatment services in Columbia, S.C. address these issues with every customer? This question boils down to suitability where one service might be fine for one customer but not for another. In addition, I believe the answer is that the more commercial treatment services in many cases:

· Are not the correct fit for every customer’s lawn or every customer’s personality or style of communication. Some accounts call for a more personalized, unique approach.

· Have become “Price” driven in the minds of the customer and not quality driven. The current market cost of service is roughly half of what it should cost for an effective long term program.

· They have a better marketing program than the actual physical service. If they were to effectively go over the laundry list of items below it would result in less sales.

· Are employing low paid, unskilled workers who do not take stock in the outcome.

· Have caused the customer base in general to lower their expectations as to the definition of high quality service and outcome.

· Taken true personalization of service to you and your lawn out of the equation. Timely, constructive, thoughtful consultations are needed (and that costs more money, which is a tough sale).

· Fallen short in advising of the necessary, comprehensive regimen that is needed for any plant to grow. It takes more than just a sprinkle of chemicals.

An effective lawn fertilization schedule and weed control treatment program should include the treatments that these companies provide, but equally as important, should advise of the need for proper lawn mowing service, a regular fall cleanup schedule, serious consideration to the type of grass that you are trying to maintain, core aeration, and a routine lawn sprinkler system watering regimen.

Fit, suitability and communication are other important fine points – Some yards are so personalized and unique that some treatments will work in some places, but not in others. Take the slopey yard that is shady in some areas but sunny in others where the dog is allowed in the back yard but not the front for instance…here is an example of how anything short of the resident taking care of the yard on a highly personalized level would almost always be ineffective. It is nearly impossible to delegate this out to any service other than a grounds keeper. Suitability where one company’s cookie cutter approach works on the standard lawn but not on the more garden-like grounds is a consideration…does the service suit your unique needs? Sometimes, retaining a service that will communicate with you on the level that you and your yard require should cost you more. Sometimes, the company should refer you to another company that would fit your specific need better instead of accepting your business, knowing logically it will probably end up in failure…but hey, they’re not worried about it because you just signed a contract with them and you’re on the hook to pay them for the duration.

Maintaining a lawn properly requires attention to the plant as a living breathing organism. Treatments do matter, but of equal importance are the intricacies of how the lawn is being mowed, how often, with what type of equipment and at what height. Does your landscape maintenance service mulch mow or do they bag? Often times, bagging the clippings is literally the same as taking a little of your lawn’s health away every time they mow. It robs the ground of micronutrients and will eventually lead to the declination of the turf. Bagging is necessary sometimes, especially when you are planning an event where it needs to “look” its best, but definitely not on every mowing. Of equal importance is the height of mow, which should not be any more than 1/3 of the height of the grass. This is a price driven item...most people here in South Carolina opt for bi-weekly service which often times causes that 1/3^rd cut rule to be broken. To achieve the goal of optimal turf grass, you must consider whether to have your service done weekly or bi-weekly. Refraining from cutting at all is also a consideration. Here in South Carolina, we tend to have droughts for 5-7 week periods of time. It is during those dry/hot times that your service should refrain from cutting in some cases. This is another money driven item – if your service is being paid a flat monthly fee, then they are going to try to mow no matter what on a set schedule to “make their showing” and earn their keep. This is often the case where the person doing the work is the owner of the company who’s income is directly affected. Alternately, some companies employ hourly paid workers who are trained to “pass” on the mowing. The company then does not charge for that particular day’s service. The company owner’s income is affected by this non-mowing, but the worker’s pay is not as affected. In the end, the goal is to look out for the grass as a living organism, not a commodity.

At about the time that everyone is putting their lawn mower away around October 15^th, it is actually time to switch gears and think about the fall cleanup schedule. This applies to your yard if you have deciduous trees or pine trees, gumball trees, or any other tree that will lose its leaves or sticks in the fall. All this debris coming down on the ground can wreak havoc on the root systems of the turf. Instead of waiting until all the debris has fallen, it is best to have this fall cleanup on a regimen just like the mowing schedule.

Some plants grow well in some places, but not so well in others. The biggest problem I see is where people expect the chemicals to remedy situations where there is very little sunlight or too much shade. This would call for a different type of grass altogether, not a different treatment service. This is a tough pill to swallow for most people because its one of those situations where the building contractor threw down a general type of grass, often centipede or Bermuda, in an area that called for Zoysia. Or in the case where initially, the type of grass they used was great because the trees were new and small, but over time the trees grew large and shaded out the ground below. The hard and fast truth of the matter is that you would then need to either cut down the trees or rip up the sod and start with a new type of lawn. No treatment in the world will do this.

Core aeration is another costly item that is needed to complete the circle. This applies mostly to areas that have high traffic or the underlying topsoil area is thin. It also applies if you use heavy riding mowers as opposed to push mowers which are light and don’t affect the compaction of the soil. If your yard needs core aeration badly enough, you would be completely wasting your money if you were to treat it and expect a positive outcome. Aeration is another extremely labor intensive item that has fallen victim to recessionary lowballing trends. For the labor and equipment involved, an effective aeration service should be in the hundreds of dollars for the average yard.

Do you have a sprinkler system? If not, there’s a fly in the ointment. Modern grasses require controlled irrigation on a set schedule unless it is raining for us. If you want a positive outcome from your lawn fertilization service, it is absolutely necessary that you water your lawn regularly. Not only regularly but effectively – is that water reaching the necessary root system depth? If not, you need to saturate it more. If you have sandy soil, you may need to water more often. All of these things should be addressed on a professional level. The end result of your watering in most cases should be that the dirt, to the touch, is ever so slightly moist and seldom let to dry out completely. Its an art though! At times, especially when fungus is a threat, you should let it dry out a bit more than usual.

So, in defense of the more widely known treatment services out there, don’t hold it all against them if your yard doesn’t look any better. Do consider, though, that they should be advising you on all levels (and charging you) and that you get what you pay for. Comprehensive lawn care overall (unless you have some really intricate chemical balance issues) is done by companies that not only treat the yard but also do the physical maintenance on the yard.

Managing Crape Murder

2012-01-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

A while back, I did an article on how to prune crape myrtles. Since here in Columbia and Lexington South Carolina it is best to take care of these tree like bushes in February, before they begin to bud for the spring, I thought I'd post an update and some fresh thoughts on how to manage crapes...particularly, crapes that have been previously hacked on improperly.

One finer point that goes deeper on the subject than the usual "prune to train, prune off the spent pods only, don't hack on the large limbs" is what to do if the tree has simply gotten too big for the area or for your taste. These things grow very fast and before you know it you do have a big tree to deal with. Even if your crape myrtles have been perfectly manicured every February and it is now just too big, then what? No level of perfect cut is going to remedy the fact that you are now forced to either remove the tree altogether (gasp!) or go against all principles and commit crape murder (egad!). This situation is similar to camellias, where the bush has gotten so large that it is starting to look like a popsicle. So how to make the best of the situation.

I propose that you consider taking the whole tree down to the quick. Leaving a stump about 2" high...high enough to clear mulch but low enough to where it is not obvious. After you chainsaw it down, you then keep it watered and hope for the best. If you have any shooters with leaves you might want to leave those on until you get more shooters out of the stump. Then when those remaining shooters are no longer needed for their sunlight intake, you cull them to the quick. What were hoping for here is that the robust root system of your precious family heirloom firecracker red crape myrtle will quickly send up new shoots out of what is now a stump. The likeliness of this happening is quite high as, again, crapes are like weeds.

After a season or two, you then pick the shoots (4+ feet tall by now) that you like the most. You cultivate them to go in the direction you want and prune off the rest. It depends upon the situation but I recommend cultivating no more than 5 shoots which will one day be large (keep that in mind). So there's a potential solution to crape myrtles that have gotten too large and messy...

Another fine point of crape myrtle management is what to do with the large unsightly knots that have formed on the ends of the limbs as a result of previous crape murder. Speaking as one who's eyes practically burn when I see something like this, I propose that instead of paying somebody an hourly rate to tediously cut off every shoot from last year's growth, that, since you've already entered into the improper management cycle of crape murder, you cut this time just under the large knot area into fresh stump. This leaves a cleaner look; as clean as it can get. And sure, year after year of this will lower that precious, smooth trunk, but it does look better than leaving the knots and eventually it'll be down to the ground as previously proposed as an initial cut.

As always, if I can be of assistance, let me know!
-ash, Busy Bee Lawn Care & Sprinkler Repair

How to install a lawn sprinkler irrigation system

2012-01-14T17:15:00.000-05:00

If you have a large enough yard to where it impractical to water the lawn with a traditional hose and portable sprinkler you may want to consider installing an automatic underground sprinkler system. Sprinkler System Installation in Columbia S.C. includes many steps to take which are outlined below. Generally, these steps include:

Calling PUPS before you dig - especially when you are planning on running pvc pipes near utility junctions, you must call this free service (PUPS) to have them mark the area for gas lines, power lines, etc. Once you have called them, they will mark the site within 3 days or so of your order. Once marked, you will have a more clear idea of where and where not to install your pipes, valves, etc. One tip for locating your water meter is to look on the street curb for a blue marking. Sometimes there is a blue mark that lines up with where the main from the street runs.

Evaluating the areas in your yard that you want to be watered - Some yards have heavy slopes, which need to be taken into account in regards to the layout of the zone. If, for instance, you install a 4 head zone in a straight line going downhill, you will have problems with leak down issues. A better setup on this slope would be a side to side setup where all heads are pretty much at the same level. Another consideration specific to each yard is drip irrigation for the flower beds where careful planning is taken to isolate the beds as a unique zone rather than tapping into what was intended to be a lawn spraying zone. In short, every yard is different and the design of each yard should be unique, not cookie cutter.

Marking the ground where you want the heads installed - careful consideration should be given as to where to place a sprinkler head and exactly what kind of head to install in that spot. You should mark each spot with a flag. Once each zone head location has been planned, you should choose the type of head and decide what you want that head to do. Basically, you need to choose either a rotary head or a popup head. With each head, you then need to choose what type of nozzle to use. Nozzles vary in spray pattern, in gallons per minute output, in adjustability, and in spray angle.

Purchasing the appropriate parts and accurate amounts of piping - This comes with experience in regards to commercial sprinkler repair and installation. The advantage that the contractor has in this regard is #1 it saves time (which is money) if they can go by feel and #2 the contractor gets a discount on the parts. In the case of the do it yourselfer, there is a very good solution though...draw up a general plan of your yard to scale, get a GPM reading of the water main output, then mail that information to your favorite sprinkler parts provider (like Rain Bird). Manufacturers will often professionally draw up a parts list and a blueprint for you to use. You would then take that parts list to your favorite hardware store and begin purchasing. Again, keep in mind that you are paying retail for those irrigation parts where the contractor is buying at a discount (that can be passed on to you at least in part).

Choosing a water main tap-in spot - this is often a deciding factor for do it yourselfers as to whether they will proceed with the installation on their own. Basically, you need to install a "tee" in your water main line that leads to #1 a shutoff ball valve and #2 a backflow control valve (then on to supply the sprinkler system zone valves). Where you decide to tap in is up to you, but optimally it should be at the largest diameter pvc spot and close to the water meter. If you are faced with tapping into a galvanized water main pipe as opposed to the more simple pvc (modern) pipe, then you may want to consider either having a plumber come in and tap in OR tap in in an alternate spot. This is another task that you may want to have a professional do for you.

The items mentioned here are only a few of the many steps you eed to take when considering how to install a lawn sprinkler irrigation system. If you are the do it yourseler type and you are trying to save some money, you may want to call on a paid consultant to at least help you get started and make the initial recommendations such as layout, water main tap-in, water pressure issues, parts needed, where to get the right parts, etc. Either way, you should be careful for your safety, you should consider the environment, and you should practice only the best standard methods in plumbing.

Proper lawn maintenance begins with fall cleanup

2011-12-16T15:06:00.001-05:00

In the spring and summer, I often get the inquiry where there is a problem with the lawn like dead spots, washout, or bad growth. The turf is declining, there are bare spots or dead areas and the customer wants an answer. A common misconception is that, at that point in the year, there is a "silver bullet" of a remedy that can immediately turn the condition of the lawn around; a treatment or a quick seeding that will give them the lush, green lawn that they desire. The truth of the matter is that proper lawn maintenance should include a thorough fall cleanup routine that perhaps includes some treatments.

There are several different attacks happening on your lawn in the fall. Sticks, pine cones, gumballs, acorns, leaves and pine straw are a few of the major culprits. These items must be removed in order to optimize your lawn's potential. Fall cleanup can be done with a blower or a rake of course, but a blower is the best way to get all the debris out off the nooks and crannies in the quickest way possible. My favorite leaf blowers are an even tie: I like the Echo PB651-T, which you can't get anymore and I like the Stihl BR600 magnum, which is a quieter model that is available at your local lawn and garden supply store.

One thing I see people doing is running the riding mower over a yard full of debris. The intent here (and the misconception in most cases) is that this "mulching" of the leaves is good for the lawn, somehow easier to do than rake, and perhaps even more environmentally friendly. In my many years of experience with lawn care, it is in my opinion that I state that I believe that this method is faulty. It seems to me that mulch mowing the debris creates a thin layer of lawn suppressing garbage as opposed to a more chunky layer of grass killing garbage. Heavy riding mowers exacerbate the problem because the heaviness and the wide tires push the debris into the soil. Pushing acorns, sticks and pine cones into the turf is a sure way to kill that spot in the season to come (grass will not grow on top of a pine cone). Although using the riding mower and getting those yard guy juices flowing seems like a great idea, in my opinion you'd be much better off buying a quality backpack blower, blowing the leaves into a pile, raking that onto a $9 tarp and dragging it to the street or a natural area.

There are also various treatments that you might consider in the Fall. Lime, for instance, might be a good pick if your pH is off, if you see moss, or if you have onions...and often times, in yards that have a lot of washout or pine trees, lime application is a good choice for this time of year. One lawn treatment service that I consider to be a basic need is pre-emergent. Pre-emergent granules can be a critical part of the annual treatment regime in that they "prevent" winter weeds from emerging. This often overlooked treatment also has post emergent properties to a lesser extent and a slight amount of seasonal fertilizer.

In summary, if you have an abundance of leaves, pinecones, or the like in your yard, do your lawn a favor in the spring to come and do the leaf removal with a backpack blower. The job will be done much faster, much easier, and more thorough than other methods like raking. Take the time to manually pick up the heavier debris like sticks and pinecones. Carefully gather acorns with a rake or take the time to blow acorns into a pile so you can collect them and remove them. Spend some time working on your yard in the fall and your lawn will be on its way to being more lush and beautiful for your enjoyment in the spring to come!

Lawn and Sprinkler System Winterization

2011-09-27T06:35:00.000-04:00

The road to a beautiful yard that is free from weeds, appealing to the eye and functioning properly takes more than the occasional mowing during the cutting season. Fall is here and its time to do some final housekeeping in regards to your lawn, the sprinkler system, and the yard in general.

At this time of year, as prescribed in the Busy Bee Lawn Care Annual Grass Fertilization Service and Weed Control Program, you might want to consider applying a granular pre-emergent to your lawn and flower beds. A preemergent application in the fall is a step you can take to minimize the amount of winter weeds you would have otherwise. Its often those few weeds among your dormant grass that are not only unsightly, but also costly...if you didn't have these few weeds, you could probably put your mower away completely for the entire winter or if you pay for lawn mowing service, you can give your wallet a break for a few months. You should also cut down on watering, which contributes to weed growth in the winter when the base lawn is not able to crowd out the unwanted weeds.

Speaking of watering, late fall is the best time to winterize your (Rain Bird, Toro, Hunter, Orbit, etc) sprinkler system. This procedure should be carefully done by a professional sprinkler repair service. The purpose of sprinkler system winterization is to prevent the plastic pvc pipes, fittings, and valves from freezing in the winter by evacuating the water from the system. A hard freeze, which has become more prevalent here in Columbia and Lexington South Carolina can severely damage your irrigation which can be costly and time consuming (not to mention detrimental to a well watered lawn if left unrepaired for a length of time).

Another general item that should be included in your fall yard routine is leaf cleanup or "fall cleanup". The task at hand is to remove as much pine straw, cones, sticks, gumballs, and leaves as you can. Mulching these items and hoping that they turn into good topsoil has been proven through my many years of experience to be a bad plan. Most of the time where people have either left the leaves and debris on the turf for too long or, with the best of intentions, "mulched" the debris there are bare spots, disease, fungus and mold where the debris was left. Although some people advocate mulching debris in the fall (especially leaves), I have found it to be bad for the lawn. In my opinion, the best protocol is to blow the leaves into a pile, tarp them and drag them to your dumping spot; removing the debris from the lawn altogether. If your mower sucks up the debris well enough in "bag" mode without leaving too many chopped up pieces behind, then that's a fine tact as well.

In regards to a comprehensive lawn care routine, several preventative steps can be taken to maximize beauty and even save you money in the long run. Taking care to remove leaves and debris from among your lawn can save you from having to buy new sod in the spring. Proper irrigation winterization and backflow control valve testing can save you the expense and headache of a leaking system. A proper application of pre-emergent in the fall can save you from having to mow through the winter. So happy gardening, and if you don't have the time to do these things on your own, we're standing by to help as usual at Busy Bee Lawn Care, Columbia - (803)331-5323

Could The Columbia, S.C. “Famously hot” Slogan be Hurting the Local Economy?

2011-07-21T22:07:00.001-04:00

Could The Columbia, S.C. “Famously hot” Slogan be Hurting the Local Economy?
By: Mr. Ashley Brooks, Busy Bee Lawn Care & Sprinkler Repair

Columbia has been described as oppressively hot, stifling, sweltering, muggy, sultry, and just plain hot. Yes, Columbia South Carolina is the armpit of the South; it’s quite difficult to be productive outside as it is…so why did the powers that be vote for the current “Famously Hot” slogan? This moniker is not only stifling to the economy as an end result, but along the way it is making for bad morale, management problems; it offends would be vacationers…why would anyone want to stay here if the negative impression that they already have of Columbia is verified with this slogan? We’re still trying to live down the whole “armpit of The South” thing! I believe that dealing with the heat is a mindset and that if we do not think about it, have to think about it or be perpetually reminded of it we can be more productive and make it through the day without it being such a bain to our existence. As a blue collar business owner here in The Midlands, among The Midlands’ hundreds of companies who make their living out in the “non air conditioned” world, I for one vote we change this slogan to help our economy and to improve morale overall.

Complaining about the heat (as I, having been sucked into the media spin of it all myself, have caught myself doing, albeit jokingly, and just recently discovered the inherent problems therein) creates several problems and translates into a loss of revenue from the top down. I think we all can grasp the idea that if, in the minds of our peers and co-workers, the heat condition is perpetually portrayed in such a negative way, then production is going to decrease, revenue is going to continue to decrease, and we’re going to end up as a purely consumerist society where no one actually produces anything tangible be it labor with an outcome, a valuable product or a worthwhile service. Production verifiably decreases either outwardly, psychologically, or from peer to peer and ultimately take away motivation and drive. That throttling back of production of our extremely crucial blue collar industry (which is the backbone of Columbia’s economy) in this, our only productive 8 months out of the year (the other 4 plus are spent either preparing for a holiday, enjoying the holiday, or flat doing nothing productive at all), will trickle down negatively throughout our entire economy from the guy who mows your yard to the guy who sells you an insurance policy; everyone is affected. If the blue collar workers are no longer inclined to “just do it” or “acclimate” to the condition because the media has stifled their enthusiasm and appreciation of gainful employment, then their purchasing power will decrease as a result of lack of income or future income increases, the seller of the goods that they purchase will suffer due to the reduction of revenue, the building owner who rents the seller’s store to him would suffer, the tax system that we are born into and will die paying towards that supports our infrastructure will suffer, and on and on. Do slogan voters understand that perception can affect the economy?

We’re not getting any hotter, it’s the same as it has always been. Hurricanes are not getting more prevalent, El Nino is here one year and gone the next (it’s a cycle, we know this!), and the polar bears in Alaska are not dying as a result of anything short of God’s Will and the natural progression of the environment.

Tangent? Who cares! Its my blog get over it =)

For information sake, maybe it would help the cause somehow to mention that there exist several ways of dealing with the heat that those who are native to our fine City may or may not be familiar with. One way to beat the heat is by wearing a wide brimmed hat. Ironically, a company named Columbia Sportswear, makes such a hat which not only keeps the blazing sun from frying your ears and crown, but also seemingly brings the temperature down and shades your eyes. This hat alone buys you 20% more up time in the heat and glare (20% more up time for you means 20% more up time for your employer and 20% more uptime with the economy down from there). Some people may not consider such a garment to be the most “hip” thing in the world to wear but hey, we’re talking about survival here, not a fashion show. Another vulnerable body part that has to be protected lest you develop melanoma in your golden years is your forearms. Under Armor, Nike, etc make a long sleeve, lycra/spandex shirt that will cover your arms and shoulders to the equivalent of over 100 spf I’m sure, wick away moisture from you or retain moisture if you like (wet it with a hose!) to cool you, while not weighing but a couple of ounces and not weighing you down like cotton. The shirt buys you another significant percentage of up time. And finally, the 2 golden rules that we all hear which are so true: Hydrate and take a breather, either of which equate to a happier, healthier, more productive day for everybody.

So why would anyone want to come to Columbia with that sort of slogan hanging over our heads? We work so hard to tout our Vista Nightlife, good times at Lake Murray, the great residential developments like Lake Carolina, Forest Acres, Lexington…but we have this slogan that reminds the world how oppressively hot we are? If the word “hot” in the slogan was perceived as “trendy” then that would be a slightly different matter but it isn’t…hot is hot, as in temperature and its having an effect on our pocketbooks where travelers and vacationers are concerned. Think it is not affecting our coastal neighbors? Think again…Myrtle Beach isn’t exactly flourishing right now.

So being that it is not my nature to present a problem without some sort of solution, I have some suggestions for a new slogan that the powers that be should consider. How about “The heart of those Smiling Faces Beautiful Places” or “A Great Place to work and Raise a Family”? If our target market is Vista Goers how about let’s call a spade a spade and just say “The Vista from here is Great!”?

So tomorrow, like every day, the media will persist with their proclamation of “record highs” and, while in their air conditioning, joke about the oppressive condition of it all and we’ll all, ever so subliminally remember those statements and wonder why we’re having increasingly miserable summers. When did these “records” begin anyway? Did they start this temperature record keeping perhaps as far back as the late 1800’s? Maybe? Folks 100 or 200 years of “records” is not even a drop in the bucket where the timeline of humanity is concerned. We’re not heading into a hellish 120 degree every single day summer, we’re not on the brink of Armageddon, we’re not getting away from the fact that The Summers in Columbia are The Summers in Columbia, and we as human know-it-alls don’t know jack about meteorology or where this is all going in the grand scheme of things. What we do know is that we have a negative slogan that needs to be changed. It’s just my 2 cents…don’t hate the pot stirrer here…maybe something productive will come out of my rant for the betterment of the community. In the meantime, I’m going to keep on smiling, keep my head down, and try my best every day to be one of the driving forces of our economy even if it’s in a relatively small way.

Sprinkler Main Line Repair Costs

2011-06-29T11:20:00.001-04:00

Sprinkler Main Line Repair Costs can vary from situation to situation, but Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair Service, Columbia S.C. can service all your lawn sprinkler repair and maintenance needs. One repair that needs immediate attention is a broken sprinkler line which is leaking water.

First off, you’ll know you have a break in the sprinkler line if you’re experiencing a loss of water pressure, puddles and geysers in your yard, dead spots, or overly watered areas in the turf. A break in the sprinkler line is probably not located in the precise spot where you’ll see water coming up through the ground. So please leave digging to the professionals at Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair.

When you call Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair, a service tech will come out to assess the situation, explain to you what sprinkler line repairs are needed, and give you an estimate of the repair costs. First the tech will have to dig and locate where the line break has occurred. Then the tech will likely have to dig the lawn around the area of the break to determine how much damage there is, what parts will be needed, and approximately how long it will take to make the repair. From here, the tech can calculate an estimate for you. A quick, rough, online repair estimate can be obtained by emailing us at BusyBeeLawnCare@gmail.com, but a more accurate estimate will be given at the time of the service call.

If your lawn sprinkler line breaks, and you find yourself in need of prompt, professional sprinkler repairs, call Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair at (803) 331-5323. You can trust that your sprinkler repairs will be done right the first time because we know how important your lawn is to you!

Design Your Own Lawn Sprinkler System

2011-06-14T14:22:00.004-04:00

If you have made the choice to design your own lawn sprinkler system , you will need to make sure you have a good layout or design. Your design should include a drawing of your lot, sprinkler head position locations, and a yard divided into zones.

If a survey of your property is available, that would be of great help. Confirm its measurements by using a long tape measure. Mark all major boundaries and any objects in the yard, including trees, shrubbery, walkways, walls, etc…Also show where windows are located to prevent sprayed water from entering them, especially those on lower levels.

Make note of or mark the wettest and driest areas, as well as the shady and sunny spots. When deciding which sides should have sprinklers alone the edge, keep in mind that not all edges need sprinklers because this could cause watering over your property line. Use either triangular or square spacing when determining how many rows of sprinklers are needed. Details for this step can be found by doing some research online.

Now you will need to divide the yard into zones. Detailed and more specific instructions for this step can be found online by simply researching how to divide a yard into zones for a sprinkler system. If you’re not comfortable with tackling this step on your own, you can consult a plumber or sprinkler installation company.

Your layout should be as detailed and accurate as possible when you design your own lawn sprinkler system. A sprinkler system company or plumber can help you along the way if need be. Once you have your design, and have checked over it, you are ready to begin the installation process!

Sprinkler System Zone Wont Shut Off

2011-06-06T17:08:00.002-04:00

     Before you call a sprinkler system service company for a zone that will not shut off, troubleshoot the problem first. This can be a frustrating issue when you see the zone or zones watering long after they should have shut off. It could be something a simple as a programming error, but you could also find that a mechanical error like a stuck valve or wire malfunction is occurring.

     The first thing you can do is shut off the entire system at the control panel OR at the main backflow control valve OR at the system emergency shutoff valve which we can install for you. Whether your controller’s setting says “OFF”, “RAIN”, or “RAIN OFF”, by switching to that setting, you will shut the system off electrically. If the water stops running, the issue was in programming, and re-programming the water schedule could fix the problem.

     If water still continues to run, then this is an indication that the issue is mechanical in nature. At this point, you will need to go to the water source to shut the system off. The easiest way to locate the main water cut off is to find the backflow control valve, which is usually near the street with a green lid just at ground level.

     Now that you’ve concluded that the problem is mechanical, it is best to call an irrigation specialist who can find the problem and promptly repair it. You do not want the system to continue running because this could only worsen the issue, as large amounts of water would be wasted, your lawn could literally drown, or it can create a hazard much like a burst water main pipe.

     Troubleshooting a sprinkler system zone that just doesn’t want to shut off is quite easy. And although the problem itself could seem enormous, you can save yourself an emergency service call by troubleshooting the control panel first. If you find that the issue is a mechanical one, shut off the main water source and call a sprinkler service company.

Backflow Control Valves

2011-06-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

You can prevent contaminants from entering your water supply via your lawn sprinkler system by using backflow prevention devices or backflow control valves. The installation of these devices is required by law in some areas. Even if they are not a legal requirement, installing them is just good practice.
The on/off valves alone are not sufficient for preventing backflow. Over time, they can break or leak, allowing chemicals from the irrigation water to flow back into your water supply. These chemicals can include pesticides, fertilizers, and/or animal waste.

There are several types of backflow control valves. Double check valve assemblies (DCVA) are the most common, and are used for inline underground sprinkler systems. They are not approved for the prevention of backflow from irrigation systems containing hazardous substances. They are acceptable for sprinkler systems that aren’t injected with chemicals. Pressure valve breaker assemblies (PVBA) are the least expensive type of backflow control valve. They are easy to install, repair, and maintain. PVBA’s do not protect water lines, only the assembly itself. Commercial properties will use devices called reduced pressure zone assemblies. They have the highest level of protection, and are also the most expensive. If you have less than 6 control valves, atmospheric breakers are your best backflow prevention option. They are inexpensive, and each control valve will need an AVB installed.

You may also want to purchase accessories for your backflow control valves. Filter attachments are available to filter sediment from the system. Device enclosures are good for preventing theft and for heat insulation as a winterizing measure. You can also find test kits and repair kits that are portable and come complete with all the needed fittings and gauges.

Backflow control valves are a simple, inexpensive way to keep your family’s water supply safe from toxic or potentially hazardous chemicals. The importance of these backflow control valves cannot be stressed enough, which is why some areas require them by law. If you need one installed on your lawn sprinkler system or have one that needs repair or maintenance, give us a shout!

Sprinkler System Parts and Definitions

2011-05-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

So your sprinkler system is broken, leaking, or has been struck by lightening ay? One of the challenges with this issue is that when someone calls in for sprinkler repair, they don't have a good way of defining what parts may be broken. If you need a good resource for Sprinkler System Parts and Definitions, its as easy as a visit to our website! We have defined everything from zone valves to backflow control valves; control panels, tasks such as "trenching" and wiring, and all of those crafty words that the professional irrigation services use.

Sprinkler System Company Services

2011-05-19T08:05:00.000-04:00

When you’re researching lawn sprinkler systems, you may ask yourself what services does a sprinkler system company offer? Often, lawn and garden companies will hire their employees to install, repair, and maintain lawn irrigation systems. Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair is one such company. Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair works with both residential and commercial clients in the Lexington, Columbia, and Chapin areas.

Our crew can install your new sprinkler system after examining your land quality, lawn type, and landscaping. Once the installation process has begun, the crew will periodically check water pressure in each zone. When finished, the crew will ask you to inspect the sprinkler system to ensure it’s working properly.

Our sprinkler system company can also make any necessary repairs to your existing system. This can include pvc pipe repair, spray pattern adjustments, moving or replacing spray heads, adding lawn irrigation zones, removing trapped air in pipes, fixing leaks, etc…Also available is our Emergency Sprinkler related Plumbing Service where water main leaks are concerned.

Once you have a sprinkler system installed, or if you have an existing system, it’s very important that routine and proper maintenance of the system is performed. Tune-ups and regular maintenance will not only improve water coverage of your yard, it will also prevent costly repairs caused by ignored or prolonged issues. Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair can provide seasonal adjustments to the irrigation controllers, and perform an irrigation audit to seek ways of saving water.

As you can see, Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair can service your sprinkler system from installation to repairs and maintenance. Whether you are in Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, or Chapin, you can count on the Busy Bee crew to service all your lawn sprinkler system needs. Call us at (803) 331-5323 or email to BusyBeeLawnCare@gmail.com!

How to Select the Best Rotator Head Types for Your Sprinkler System

2011-05-18T08:02:00.001-04:00

Once you’ve learned the basics of how sprinkler systems work, and have learned the difference between spray heads and rotator heads, you can begin your search for the best rotator head types for your lawn sprinkler system. Since rotator heads cover larger areas of the lawn, you’ll need to compare rotator head types in order to choose those that will work best for your individual situation.

Rotator heads are typically spaced 18-55 ft. apart, and require a lot of water pressure to operate. The rule of thumb regarding the selection of rotator heads is: “the water pressure at the rotor head (in PSI) must exceed the distance (in feet) between the heads.” And if you’re going to space your sprinkler heads more than 45 ft apart, hire a professional sprinkler repair service or designer with the specialized knowledge that’s needed for the design project.

Gear-drive rotator heads have interchangeable nozzles with a radius reduction screw. Simply put, but turning the screw clockwise, the stream of water is distorted, which results in a reduction of the water stream radius. Do not adjust the radius based on watching the stream alone. The lawn surrounding the sprinkler will be a better indication of what adjustments need to be made.

If you’re worried about the esthetics of your landscaping, as well as the safety of rotator heads protruding from your yard, pop-up heads are a better choice than shrub style. They are installed below ground, and are only visible during watering periods. Because they are underground, they aren’t a tripping hazard.

The majority of rotator heads on the market have the same basic features, and therefore meet the minimum quality requirements. When shopping for rotator heads, check the radius listed on the packaging. The spacing of these heads according to the radius is very important, and should be followed according to recommendations.

Lawn Service Means More Than Just Mowing

2011-03-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Lawn fertilization services range from the simple application of fertilizer in the summer to the extravagant, managing all aspects of the grass from the growth rate to the depth of color. Most people only think about their yard in the pretty, warm months- fertilizing when the grass is growing or in the beginning stages of spring greening. Coincidentally, it is those homeowners who have the most challenges with their lawns as they have not done the preventative steps in the "off season" that would fend off the weed infestations, lack of growth, bug infestations and erosion. These items can prove costly, especially if you have to pay a landscaper to replace sod or build a retaining wall. A comprehensive lawn service will address all of these issues including proper mowing maintenance, lime applications, pre emergent applications, weed and feed in April, a summer fertilization and possible grubworm and chinchbug prevention applications.

Proper maintenance and prevention of turf problems begins with proper mowing frequency, deck height, and bagging practice. Most lawns should be "mulched" sometimes as well as baged other times depending upon the level of thatch. One should not mow "no matter what" during dry spells, even if a sprinkler system is artificially irrigating (because our water supplies alter the chemical state of water). Mowing height is extremely important; mowing high sometimes and low other times depending upon the type of turf (St. Augustine is mowed much higher than centipede or bermuda).

Soil testing early in the year can yield some valuable results as well. Often times, the soil in lawns in Columbia, Lexington and Irmo South Carolina call for an application of Lime now and then. Lime takes a while to work and should be applied in the Fall. Do you have moss growing in bald spots in the grass or lawn onions? If so, you may need to amend the soil with lime and or perform a core aeration.

Pre emergent applications such as Prodiamine or Dimension are critical components in a fully comprehensive fertilization program. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Take the time to remove yourselves from the winding down of October, get out in the cold of winter in late February/March, and apply preemergent to prevent those winter and early spring weeds that would "emerge" from seed...stop the seed from germinating.

Weed and feed is another, often granular, application that is easily applied with a spreader. It contains 2 components: a nutrition component with a timely mix of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium plus a weed killing component that further attacks those pesky weeds that made it past the pre emergent application phase. Also, by the time you add weed and feed, summer temperatures are on the horizon, which will, by virtue of the heat and light will kill out many weeds and rye grasses.

During the intense, high growth summer season, a timely, properly quantified application of fertilizer is critical. The needs of your lawn at this time are at its peak and the timeframe to make the plant grow thick in order to crowd out weeds is at its most opportune point. Spreading fertilizer should be done with a broadcast spreader, on 1/2 setting, crossing the lawn in one direction, then re-crossing the lawn in the other direction to increase chances of even coverage.

Grubworms, chinchbugs, and cutworms can completely obliterate your lawn in as little as a few days. Grubworms feed on roots, cutworms feed on new growth. All of these insects can be killed or prevented with a simple treatment.

If your lawn service is not at least advising you of these issues throughout the year, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Although many maintenance companies can come in "cheaper" in the short run, their oversights always prove costly in the long run. Mowing in a horticulturally sound way, lime applications, preventative weed treatment applications, weed and feed like scotts or lesco brand, a fertilization at the proper time and pest control are all items that a professional landscaping maintenance company will stay on top of for you - after all, you're paying them to make life easier for you not harder!

Sprinkler System Installation Columbia S.C.

2011-02-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

If you need a lawn Sprinkler System Installation in Columbia S.C, Lexington, Irmo, West Columbia, Chapin, or Cayce, let Busy Bee Lawn Care come give you an estimate! We have professionally trained, experienced sprinkler and irrigation tech's working for us nearly 7 days a week. Couple that with the most courteous, responsive management in the Midlands and you have yourself a great connection! Lawns need consistant irrigation and sprinkler systems give you that control that you need for a healthy lawn. It can save you money in the long run too because your grass will live healthier and have a much longer life span. Sprinkler system installation also gives a boost to your home's value.

Given the drought situations and problems with people losing their lawns due to low natural irrigation in the last few years, we saw a need in the community for sprinkler systems. Its the control and consistancy that these systems offer that helps with the situation. If left to the homeowner, who more and more often has little time if any to devote to their lawn's watering needs, the lawn often suffers, dries out, and requires replacement.

If you have a sprinkler system installed, you will also enjoy less water consumption over hand watering because, again, it is timed and exacting. Hand watering is often uneven or the water is left on for too long (which can also drown the roots).

Real Estate in the Greater Columbia, South Carolina Area can also benefit from sprinkler system installation. Given a quality, well maintained lawn with this critical component, houses have that added value that very well may be the selling point on any given piece of real estate.

For this and more tips on anything "yard" related, keep coming back to the Busy Bee Blog or visit http://www.busybeelawncare.com/ for the Finest in Landscape Maintenance, lawn Care, and Sprinkler Installation.

Lawn Service Columbia South Carolina

2011-02-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Here's a new Lawn Service, Columbia South Carolina Video by Ashley Brooks of Busy Bee Lawn Care. Make sure to visit our website (and exchange links with us if you have a similar website!) at www.BusyBeeLawnCare.com , follow our daily lawn mowing and gardening related posts at http://twitter.com/busybeelawncare , Friend us on Facebook, or call (803)331-5323 and let us take care of your yard, your landscaping, shrub maintenance, fall cleanup, fertilization programs, tree removal (by referral), sprinkler repair, and more. We are South Carolina Natives.

Lawn Fertilization Treatment Service

2011-02-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

If you are in Lexington, Irmo, Greater Columbia, S.C., West Columbia or Cayce, you might want to consider hiring a Lawn Service that properly implements a Lawn Fertilization Treatment Service throughout the year. At very least, you should have either prodiamine or dimension pre emergent applied, a fertilization or two, a weed and feed, and possibly an application of lime.

Pre Emergent is due within the next few weeks (its February 3rd now). What an application of granular pre emergent does is it prevents the weed seeds from emerging in the early spring. The key to weed control is, in part, prevention. Both the Prodiamine and the Dimension products have a post emergent element to them as well, which will weaken the weeds in your winter lawn that have already sprouted. This year, in particular, the Greater Columbia, S.C. Area had a significant amount of snow, which was plowed up onto the curb. Notice all the green weeds popping up at the edge of your grass where it meets the street? This can be controlled!

To maintain a healthy lawn, your lawn service should keep you informed of these and other issues like when to fertilize and with what NPK Mix, what the soil condition is like, is it necessary to apply a "winterizer", mowing frequency and height, etc.

So this year, before you opt for the lowest cost "mow and go" service you can find, please consider that not all lawn services are alike!

Call Busy Bee Lawn Care, Columbia at:
(803)331-5323 or
Email BusyBeeLawnCare@gmail.com

The Best Lawn Service in Lexington S.C.

2010-12-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

The Best Lawn Service in Lexington S.C. is Busy Bee Lawn Care. Not only do we do the sharpest edges in town, but we also pay special attention to the height of the grass. If its St. Augustine, we mow very high. If its bermuda, we mow low to encourage it to grow laterally.

Lexington South Carolina is also a great place to do business for us. We have been serving the Lexington and Lake Murray area since 2005 and are growing every year by doing business with other people who have businesses. You see, we are networkers. We belive in reciprocation where referrals are concerned. If you refer me to someone or if you keep us for your lawn service, I will keep you in my rolodex for when I need your service in whatever you do and refer you to the various people I'm in contact with as needed.

We don't just do lawn mowing though. In Lexington, many people want a yard company that they can count on to shape their bushes properly, to fertilize their grass and prevent weeds, and to clean up all the fall leaves that come down in November. Right now, 12/15/2010, we are doing fall cleanups every day in the area, preparing the yards in Lexington for the upcoming Christmas Gatherings.

So whether you are in Whiteford or Golden Hills, Governors Grant, Old Cherokee Road area; on Lake Murray or near Mineral Springs road we can help with expert lawn service, unmatched communication, accurate billing, and a sharp staff who you can trust.

Sprinkler Wire Valve Tracing Service

2010-11-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

We would be happy to be your choice for Irrigation and Sprinkler System Wire and Valve Tracing Service. Valves that need to be serviced can get buried under sod, dirt, pine straw, etc over time and would need to be located using specialized equipment. Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair can help. We would need access to the control panel which is usually located in the garage as well as access to all parts of your yard (so please make sure the dog is up). Here's how we locate valves:

Basically speaking, a "ping" is sent from the known location of the wire at the control panel in the particular zone socket in question. This signal travels through the wire to the solenoid on the sprinkler valve (if the sprinkler valve still exists and has not been removed). Specialized equipment can trace this signal and map it throughout the yard, bringing the technician closer to the valve. When the receiver is close to the valve, a solid signal is evident and the valve can either be uncovered or poked with a tool that would penetrate the ground.

In the case of a broken sprinkler system wire, the wire would be traced in the same way, but the skill level of the technician would have to be higher because they would be looking for a slight change in the signal as opposed to the usual solid noise. Nicks and severe damage to underground wires can be difficult to locate, but can usually be found with the right equipment and skill level.

One of the reasons that you would want to have your sprinkler zone system and wires mapped out is if you have a zone that won't turn off. Usually, such a zone would slightly weep water out of the sprinkler head, causing dead grass, mushy soil, slick spots on walkways, etc. The cause of zones not turning off is faulty zone valves that would need to be serviced or replaced.

For this and more sprinkler and irrigation system repair topics, visit us on the web or call (803)331-5323. We service Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and Cayce with the finest in sprinkler repair.

Sprinkler Head Leaks all the time

2010-09-17T15:10:00.000-04:00

I just did a Sprinkler Head Repair job in Lexington, S.C.. The customer called and described that one of the rainbird sprinkler heads always leaked, even (seemingly) after the system was off. Upon visual inspection of the sprinkler system, the head seemed to work fine, but it did indeed "leak down" after the zone was turned off. This type of problem exist where there is a head or a zone in the low part of a system, often the lowest head on the system - that's exactly what was going on with this particular service call. The remedy is quick and easy and I wanted to share with you how to repair such a problem on your own. Should you need to call on my professional services, I'm an email away...

Problem: Sprinkler Head leaks down all the time, causing large wet spot in grass, algae across walkway, higher water bill, etc.

Cause: Could be caused by a zone valve staying somewhat open. In the case this morning, it was simply the fact that the head was at the low point in the system, acting almost like a suction drain and allowing the water from that zone to drain out at the end of a cycle.

Solution: The solution today was to install a head with a better shutoff mechanism installed at the bottom of the head - a "seal-a-matic" or SAM. A head with a SAM installed will shut off more solidly, creating a tighter seal than with standard heads.

For more tips on sprinkler system and irrigation repair from someone local to Lexington and Irmo, S.C., come back to this blog or just follow us on twitter!

Sprinker System Repair Service Update

2010-08-28T15:39:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for sprinkler repair service and you are in the greater Columbia, S.C. Check out our newly revampled web page! We also will have how-to videos coming up soon on our youtube channel that will help you learn how to fix your lawn sprinkler system on your own. We have a Facebook page where we also post updates, we can be followed on twitter, and soon we will be launching in-person sprinkler repair mini classes!

The unique thing about our sprinkler repair and irrigation repair and adjustment service is that we don't mind you watching us work! If you call on us for service, feel free to observe...we will be glad to show you how to maintain your lawn watering system on your own in the future.

We look forward to being of service!

Grass Cutting Services in Columbia S.C.

2010-07-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Grass Cutting Services in Columbia S.C. are as diverse as the mowers that they use. Some lawn services offer "mow and go" only, some offer a more detailed lawn service, and others go further and offer full landscape maintenance to commercial and residential customers.

Simply mowing the lawn or "mow and go" is a service which excludes edging, blowing the hard tops, weed treatment in the beds, etc. Its simply a lawn mowing. Many customers who are just maintaining a rental property or real estate in Greater Columbia, S.C. that is for sale or vacant opt for this service.

A detailed lawn service would include mowing the lawn, edging the lawn, and blowing all hard tops clear of debris. This is what the majority of people opt for. This type of more comprehensive lawn care includes periodic inspections of the lawn to determine if weed treatment for the grass is needed, whether fertilization would be of benefit, or whether the frequency of mowing is appropriate.

Customers who have alot to keep up with in their yard often opt for full groundskeeping services. Many large or lush grounds call for an expert to manage the grounds with mowing schedules, bush shaping, tree service, fertilization, soil analysis, pressure washing, and more.

Landscape maintenance can be as detailed or as simple as your needs or budget requires. Picking the right company that fits your need is critical because it can save you money, it can save you time in interviewing replacement companies, and it can help minimize your work load and involvement in maintaining your yard.

Managing Dead Spots in Lawn

2010-05-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Managing dead spots in a lawn can be an intricate, expensive, and frustrating endeavor. The degree of communication with your lawn mowing service company can be a determining factor in whether these dead or diseased spots are properly managed. Dead grass can be caused by a spectrum of bugs and diseases and managed in several different ways that sometimes interrelate.

One common cause of bad spots in turf is pet urine. It is a fact that some pets, particularly dogs, will do their business in the same spot or general area every time. It is that concentration of urea or other biological chemical that can throw the pH balance off in any given turf. Some grasses are more tolerant of this phenomenon, others will die out. Correcting this problem could involve training the pet to go elsewhere, perhaps in the mulch/straw. Alternately, one could attempt to amend the pH of the affected area with treatments such as lime.

Another common cause, especially in the spring when growth is new and tender, is bugs. Particularly grubworms and chinchbugs. These pests will eat the root systems of your lawn and cause brown spots. They will continue to kill the yard until they are treated or until it becomes too cold outside for them to bear. Using a shovel, dig just under the affected area or at the edge of the affected area - look for short, white worm like creatures (grubworms). Identifying chinchbugs involves the same process, but looking much closer at the soil, looking for tiny dark colored bugs. Chinchbugs can also be brought to the top of a can cut at both ends and filled with water, placing the can in the suspect area. A preventative maintenance program would be in order if one is interested in managing these pests, which can be treated with granular pesticides. One note of caution: keep dogs/pets out of the treated area until it is safe for them to re-enter the area in accordance with the label on the product.

Grubworms and Moles go hand in hand. Moles feed, from underground, on grubs. Killing moles is very difficult, so a treatment option for this situation would be to supress the grubworms and hope that the moles head for greener pastures. Moles will make mounded caves - to manage mole hills, simply running the heavy tires of a riding mower over them will help manage until the moles leave.

Too much water or lack of sufficient sprinkler coverage can also contribute to the decline of a lawn. Too much water will cause the root system to get "waterlogged", causing the plant to starve for oxygen. Too little water has obvious effects, in extreme conditions causing the plant to go into dormancy. Proper sprinkler adjustment is important - the rule of thumb is to keep the soil at the turf just barely moist to the touch.

Other causes of brown spots in the lawn are heavy traffic or heavy machinery (as opposed to push mowers) which would call for more frequent aeration, lack of gutters which causes washing, steep slopes, and poor judgement in lawn mowing (cutting too short or too high or too often). Having a "perfect" lawn can be expensive! One must decide what they are willing to budget to keep the lawn at a satisfactory level of beauty.

For more information on this and many other Lawn related topics, visit our website or call us for lawn service at http://www.busybeelawncare.com/

Busy Bee Lawn Care Columbia Website Updates

2010-02-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

Here are a few updates we have done to the Busy Bee Lawn Care Service, Columbia Website:

We now have an about us page
We have updated our contact information
As always, we look forward to seeing you on twitter
We are always looking to do business with you and networking with you on our official Facebook Fan Page
We have updated our SiteMap

We look forward to serving your landscape maintenance needs in 2010!