Winter is coming to an end, spring is right around the corner, and with it comes some of the worst pests of the year. Biting insects, stinging pests, roaches, rodents, and everything in between can wreak havoc in and around your home if preventative measures are not taken. But here’s the good news: You can be ready!

By being proactive now, you can get a head start on eliminating and preventing these pests. Ultimately creating a pest-free environment for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy all spring and summer long.

Remove Any Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in it, roaches can survive for long periods of time near it, ants will create a colony around it, and all pests love it. Standing water in or around your home will attract unwanted pests. Thankfully, this is an easy fix.

As the weather starts to warm up and the ice and snow begins to melt, take a walk around your home and look for standing water. If found, treat the issue as soon as possible. Some common areas where water accumulates are:

• Buckets, flower pots, or birdbaths
• Tarps, downspouts, or gutters
• Leaky sinks or clogged drains

Do Some Pre-Spring Cleaning

Take a walk around the exterior of your home and pick up any debris/trash, as these create a welcoming environment for pests to make your home, their home. Look around trash and recycle bins, and under your deck or porch. You will also want to pick up any leftover wood/leaf piles, as this is the perfect place for pests to overwinter and eventually enter your home in the spring.

Seal All Gaps Around Your Home

While doing your pre-spring cleaning, you will also want to look for cracks, holes, or gaps on the exterior of your home. These provide easy entry points for pests to wreak havoc inside your home. Some of the most common ways pests enter your home are through:

• Doors and windows: Make sure the doors are sealed tight around their thresholds, and check for gaps/holes in the screen of the windows.
• Cables and vents: Make sure these are sealed tight to the exterior of your home
• Cracks and gaps on siding: Thoroughly inspect the area where the siding meets the foundation as this is a common area for cracks, gaps, and holes.

Ant Repellent

Ants are a pain in the neck when they find their way into your home. You have to turn into a detective to find out exactly where they’re coming from. Thankfully there’s a homemade repellent that can prevent ants from coming in. Just add equal parts flour and borax. Shake the powder wherever you don’t want ants to be. This can even work outside in your garden or flowerbeds.

Spider Repellent

There aren’t many good ways to trap or get rid of spiders due to their sedentary and solitary lifestyle. Spiders are great hiders but you can keep them away with a spray bottle filled with water, dish soap, and a few essential oils. Spiders hate lavender and tea tree oil (and so do a lot of humans).

Apply the spray to existing webs or areas you feel are prone to spider activity. The scents will be too strong for the spiders to bear and will be driven out.

Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is an essential oil and an ingredient in commercial mosquito repellent. Small insects don’t like the smell of citrus so use it to your advantage. Add a few dozen drops to a spray bottle with equal parts water and alcohol (or witch hazel) and shake well before applying to your body.

Using Vinegar

Vinegar is hated by many species of insects so why not take advantage of that. You can make yourself a handy bug repellent for when you are gardening, playing with the family, or having a backyard cookout.

All you need is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water and spray yourself down. This will ward off most insects except mosquitos. For a mosquito repellent, you’ll want to add citronella oil into the mixture.

Vinegar mixes well with other ingredients so experiment with other essential oils.

These DIY bug repellents are great for the short term but for the long term, you’ll want a perimeter pest control to make sure your yard and your house are bug-free this summer.

]]> https://greentechohio.com/2019/01/dangers-road-salt/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dangers-road-salt Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:44:45 +0000 https://greentechohio.com/?p=1135 Read More]]> It’s hard to avoid salt in Ohio in the winter. We need it to keep our roads clear and safe but it also an annoyance as it gets tracked literally everywhere. But did you know that salt can damage our trees and shrubs? That’s right. Salt can lead to a host of problems for your plants.

It Dehydrates The Soil

When sodium chloride gets into the soil it can cause a lot of damage to your plants. Salt ions latch onto water molecules and hold on to them so that it cannot be absorbed by roots.

It Poisons the Soil

Salt also decreases the amount of potassium and phosphorous in the soil which leads to soil compaction and a host of problems for your plants.

Identify The Culprits?

Now that you know how bad road salt is for your soil and plants it’s time to take action. When it comes to salt culprits there are two of them.

The first is snowplows. A lot of us have trees and shrubs planted along our road front. These plants are easy targets for the snowplows that sling salt onto them as they clear the roads. As the ice melts it creates a salty brine that can be splashed onto your trees by every passing car.

The second is YOU. Yes, you. We all have that giant salt shaker sitting beside our doors that we use to salt our driveways and walkways. Be careful where you sling. Salt can get into your plants via shoveling and runoff.

So how do I protect my plants salt damage?

Read on!

Put Down Barriers

This is a great thing to add to your next year’s winter prep schedule. By placing a barrier down under your plants it can prevent salt from ever getting into the soil. They are usually made of plastic or you can get them in burlap, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are covering the root zone of your plant you are good. When spring arrives just roll it up and toss out any salt.

Rake and Sweep

If you did not have the time to put down a barrier beforehand then you need to be ready with a rake and a broom. If it’s possible, meaning if there’s not any snow on the ground, then you can sweep and rake the areas that are vulnerable to the snowplows. The key is to make sure you clean up the salt before the soil thaws.

]]> https://greentechohio.com/2019/01/diy-yard-drainage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diy-yard-drainage Fri, 11 Jan 2019 13:22:39 +0000 https://greentechohio.com/?p=1122 Read More]]>

Do you have water collecting in your yard after it rains? Is your soil so heavy with clay that water permanently sits on top? Don’t panic. There are several creative ways to get rid of standing water or to disguise it as something else. Here’s a list of some DIY landscaping ideas

Draw up a Drainage Plan

Depending on how complicated a task lies before you, you might need to draw up a sketch of your yard to better determine which course of action to take. Figure out the high and low spots of your yard to figure out the best place to drain water. Make a note with arrows to show which direction water will flow. Make sure you aren’t draining water into your neighbor’s property!

Create a Creek Bed

A creek bed is an above-ground version of a drain pipe but with beautiful features such as rocks, boulders, and water plants. The purpose is to channel water from one location to another. Combine it with a rain garden or other water feature. Start by digging a gently sloping drainage ditch. Then landscape with rocks and boulders, plants, other ornaments.

Construct a Rain Garden

Draining even a moderate amount of water can be costly and time-consuming. A cheaper solution? Let the water work for you. If your yard is low-lying and naturally collects water why not build a rain garden. What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a way to transform that unsightly pool of water into a beautiful water feature with water-loving plants and even fish. You can even add to it by directing other water to it from your downspouts.

Add a Drainpipe

The most effective way to get rid of water is to drain it away with an underground pipe. The drain pipe should slope downhill ⅛ of an inch per foot. Dig a trench from the source to the catch basin at the other end.

Create A Bog Area

If you have a large amount of clay in your soil and drainage becomes a problem you can use it to your advantage and direct all water to one low location to create a bog area or pond. Add some water-loving plants like cat-tails, willows, lotuses, canas, or swamp lilies.

If you need help with landscaping ideas or anything lawn care related then contact GreenTech at (937) 339-4758 or drop us a message.

Are you looking to spruce up your house or looking for a great gift idea? Have you ever considered a houseplant?

I know what you’re thinking: “I can’t remember nor do I have time to take care of a houseplant.”

Well, you are in luck because here is a list of 5 hardy houseplants that can do just fine without your attention but give you all the enjoyment a houseplant can.

Anthurium

Anthuriums prefer well-lit areas but not direct sunlight. This is the perfect plant for a bathroom as they enjoy hot and humid temperatures. Its bright red, heart-shaped flowers can last for eight weeks or more, giving a splash of color to your room.

Anthurium is a great winter houseplant for the forgetful type because it only needs to be watered once a week.

Snake Plant

Its long slender green leaves and extreme tolerance to neglect makes this one of the best houseplants for those who want all the benefits of a plant without the work.

Snake plant care
Snake plants are so tolerant that they can go weeks without water. This is because it stores water in it’s long, sturdy leaves. Snake plant propagation is quite easy. All you do is dividing the roots and plant it somewhere else. How easy is that?

Cast Iron Plant

Living up to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is a tough, slow growing plant that can tolerate the dark corners of your house. It can even survive a range of temperatures and aridity. This is the perfect plant to spruce up a dark or low-lit room.

Chinese Evergreen

For a plant that requires a little more attention, as in moderate watering, try the Chinese Evergreen. It can tolerate low to medium light and can live up to 10 years or longer.

What a great gift idea!

Chinese Evergreen Care
The Chinese Evergreen enjoys higher humidity and temperatures in the low 70s. Keep it away from drafts which can damage its foliage.

Dracaena

You’ve most likely seen the Dracaena plant in your grandma’s house and you might have thought it was artificial because of it’s beautiful, glossy leaves.

Dracaena Care
Caring for Dracaena is pretty easy. They prefer their soil to be moist but not too moist. Soggy soil is a sign you’ve watered it too much and its leaves may droop or turn yellow. It enjoys brightly lit filtered light such as a kitchen sliding door or bay window.

Now that you have options to beautify your interior what about your exterior? Outdoor lawncare is little more work than caring for a houseplant. But don’t let that discourage you from having your dream yard. That’s what we at Green Tech do best. Let our professionals handle your outdoor needs this year.

]]> https://greentechohio.com/2018/12/snow-beneficial-harmful/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=snow-beneficial-harmful Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:08:04 +0000 https://greentechohio.com/?p=1104 Read More]]>

Snow is beautiful to look at, but a pain to drive in. It’s fun to play in, but it’s a nuisance to shovel. You might get a snow day, or maybe your car gets stuck on your way to work. No matter how you look at it, there are benefits and there are drawbacks when it comes to snow.

Now think about snow on your shrubs. Is it beneficial, or harmful? We’re here to answer that question. You have invested your hard earned time and money into your shrubs this year, so knowing how to best care for them in the winter is essential! Let’s first look at the benefits to snow on your shrubs:

Benefit #1: Snow Works As An Insulator

One of the biggest threats your shrubs will face this winter is the freezing cold winds. These winds can freeze the ground, which results in damaged root systems. Also, your shrubs have stored water to ensure survival through the winter months. Cold, dry winds can cause that stored water to freeze, which will ultimately damage the cell walls.

Thankfully, the snow works as an excellent insulator, which can protect your shrubs from potential damage caused by these winds. Snow will keep the soil significantly warmer than it would be if it were exposed to the elements.

Benefit #2: Snow Works As A Natural Fertilizer

When snow falls through the atmosphere, it picks up bits and pieces of nitrogen and sulfur. Once the snow melts, these natural nutrients are deposited into the soil and they act as a natural fertilizer. Ultimately, the soil structure is improved which helps your shrubs survive in the winter months, and thrive come spring.

Benefit #3: Snow Works As A Pest Preventative

With winter comes unwanted pests that latch onto, or hide under your shrubs until springtime. These pests can cause serious damage to your shrubs by stealing moisture and other essential nutrients, or by eating the leaves/branches leaving them exposed to the elements.

The snow will aid in preventing pests from making their winter home in, or near your shrubs. Also, while snow protects your shrubs from the freezing cold temperatures, it does not protect these pests. So while these pests die off in the cold, your shrubs will live on.

Benefit #4: Snow Is Aesthetically Pleasing

A nice coating of snow on your shrubs is beautiful. The snow laying on the bark of the trees is beautiful, the colors on your shrubs are enhanced, and the overall appearance of your garden is improved!

Drawback #1:

One of the few drawbacks is an excessive amount of snow or ice can cause stress on your shrubs. Heavy amounts of snow or ice can result in branches breaking, and in extreme cases, a shrub becoming uprooted. If this occurs, you can gently brush the snow off your shrubs in an upward motion to relieve some of the stress, while still maintaining the aforementioned benefits.

At Greentech, our experts will come alongside you to create a yearlong plan to create healthy, growing shrubs. Give us a call at 1-800-LAWN-CARE to hear more about how we can help you protect your shrubs this winter. Contact us today!

As the cold temperatures roll in, your pets and home are at risk of a potential flea infestation. This is because there is no stage of life (egg, larvae, pupae, or adult) where a flea can survive in freezing cold temperatures for a sustained period of time. So, when it gets cold outside, the fleas look to come inside, using your pet as their host.

Once inside, the female flea is able to lay around 50 eggs a day for over three months straight. At this point, it’s only a matter of time before you have a flea infestation on your hands. This is why it is important to know the signs of a potential infestation, so you can stop these pests before they even get started. We’re here to help! Here are the top 5 signs of a flea infestation.

Excessive Scratching

The saliva from the flea will cause an allergic reaction called, “flea allergy dermatitis.” This reaction will cause excessive scratching at or around the infested area. If you see your dog or cat itching more than usual, in areas they generally don’t itch, you will want to look for fleas.

Dark Specks

If you see dark specks on your pet, there is a possibility of it being flea dirt (flea feces). It may be difficult to tell whether what you are seeing is flea dirt or dirt from outside. In this situation, you can run a flea comb through the dirty area to see if any fleas, or flea eggs (off-white in color, round in shape) appear.

Hair Loss

Because of the excessive scratching and biting fleas cause on your pet, it can lead to hair loss and bald spots.

Stress

Yes, pets can become stressed just like humans can. Unfortunately, fleas can bring stress, frustration, and restlessness to your pets. This is mostly caused by the inability to relieve the itching caused by fleas. If your pet is not sleeping, acting unusually, and constantly scratching, they should be inspected for fleas.

Pale, White Gums

If your pet has pale, white gums there is a chance they are suffering from something called flea anemia. Flea anemia is a loss of red blood cells, which is common with fleas because they feed off the blood from your pet. If your pet develops pale gums, don’t panic. Take your pet to the vet, and as always, check for fleas.

]]> https://greentechohio.com/2018/11/prepare-yard-winter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prepare-yard-winter Wed, 14 Nov 2018 21:35:08 +0000 https://greentechohio.com/?p=1080 Read More]]>

The days are getting shorter and colder. It’s that time of year when most of us wait out the cold months inside where it’s warm. Before you hibernate for the winter, there are some essential steps that should be taken in order to make sure your yard and your house are protected.

Irrigation System

A sprinkler system is the heart of any well-maintained yard. It provides year-round water ensuring your yard looks its best which is why it is important to call someone to winterize your pipes. Water expands when it freezes, causing the pipes to rupture and burst underground. This can be very costly to fix. If you don’t know how to winterize your pipes it’s best left to a professional.

Protect Your House From Unwanted Visitors

Make sure your house is protected from insects and rodents this winter. Give the outside of your house a thorough going over. Make sure weather stripping and caulking are in good condition. Inspect the foundation for cracks and seal them if there are any. Check for holes in screens or gaps in your eves. Keep firewood and other debris far away from your house as to not invite pests inside.

Protect Your Trees

• Dormant Oil: Dormant oil is applied directly to the bark of trees and shrubs, covering up and killing any soft-bodied insects residing there. It should only be applied when the tree is dormant in the fall or early spring. At Green Tech we apply dormant oils in the spring and fall to make sure your trees reach their maximum potential.
• Deep Root Fertilization: Deep root feeding is the process by which by fertilizers, insecticides, and other soil enhancers are injected directly into a tree’s root system. This method encourages tree and shrub health throughout the year and eliminates competition from other plants.

If you need help winterizing your yard call Green Tech. Our experienced crew can help you winterize your flush your irrigation system and get your trees ready for spring with our dormant oil and deep feeding programs.

You have invested your hard earned time and money into some beautiful trees and shrubs. Your landscape is everything you’ve wanted it to be (and more!) But now winter is fast approaching and with winter comes harsh winds, heavy snow, frozen grounds, and all things harmful to your trees and shrubs.

Here is some good news: Winter does not have to result in the demise of your trees and shrubs. Instead, there are measures you can take to preserve and protect them so they’re even more beautiful in the spring. Here are 3 of those measures:

Add Mulch To Conserve Moisture And Protect Roots

As the temperature drops, trees and shrubs will begin to store water, and other essential nutrients in their roots. Preserving these nutrients is essential for surviving the harsh winter weather.

• One of the most effective ways of preservation is by adding a 4-8 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs. Adding mulch serves multiple purposes, such as:
• Conservation of soil moisture, and other nutrients
• Protection of precious root systems (they can be damaged when exposed)
• Protection from fluctuating soil temperatures

Lastly, remember to continue to water your trees and shrubs until the ground freezes, and add mulch to aid in survival this winter.

Utilize A Tree Wrap For Protection From The Wind, Sun, and Critters

Wrapping up your trees and shrubs has nothing to do with keeping them warm. Instead, by doing this you are protecting them against multiple sources of damage that can come with the cold weather, such as:

• Desiccation (AKA winter burn) – Where cold, dry winds prevent trees and shrubs from transferring moisture and nutrients
• Sunscald – Fluctuating weather temperatures mixed with excessive amounts of sunlight can cause “sunburn” on a tree or shrub. This results in dry, brown spots.
• Critters – Deer, rabbits, and mice will try to seek shelter under your trees and shrubs. Once there they can cause damage aboveground, and below.

Remember, it is important to leave the top of the tree or shrub uncovered, so that sunlight and proper nutrients can be received.

Prune Now For Growth Later

When pruning, you want to remove any dead, diseased, or over-growing/over-bearing branches. By pruning unwanted and unnecessary branches, not only are you making winter less strenuous for your trees and shrubs, but you are also preparing them for a better, healthier growth come spring.

At GreenTech, our professionals know tree and shrub care. We have year long protection plans to promote growth, and ensure good health for your trees and shrubs.

Give us a call today at 1-800-LAWN-CARE to learn more!

Contrary to popular belief, not all ticks slow down in the fall/winter. Some ticks, such as the black-legged tick (more commonly known as the deer tick) are only getting started in the fall. Deer ticks are out, active, and they are looking for a meal.

Thankfully, you can be prepared! Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your beloved pets from coming in contact with ticks. By taking these measures, you are also protecting your home from a potential infestation of these nasty pests.

Eliminate Tick Breeding Grounds

Ticks tend to hide and wait for a potential host to walk by before latching on. The fall season provides ample opportunities for ticks to find breeding grounds, and ultimately find hosts to latch onto.

One of the common places for ticks to hide and breed (where they can hatch up to 3000 eggs) is in piles of leaves or any area where there is leaf litter. By raking and picking up leaves you are eliminating a common tick breeding ground, and you are creating a safe space for your family and pets to play.
Ticks also like to breed in wooded, shaded areas. If you’re taking your pet for a walk in the woods, or if you have woods in your backyard, it is important to be aware that this is a common tick breeding ground, and take proper precautions to protect your furry friend (and always check your pet for ticks when you get home!)

Inspect Your Pets

A dog that doesn’t enjoy playing in the leaves, chasing leaves, or jumping into leaf piles is a rare thing. Dogs love doing those things! Because of this, it is crucial to inspect your pets for ticks to keep them safe and to keep your home safe from a potential infestation.

Here are a few tips when inspecting your pets for ticks:
Look for unusual lumps on the body of your pet
Check under ears, in ears, under the collar, between toes, and any other areas that may be commonly overlooked
Use a flea comb to help weed out those bloodsuckers

There are also preventative tick treatments you can give to your pets. These treatments will help reduce the chance of a tick harming your dogs, cats, or other animals.

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