We all want a great looking landscape. Lush green lawn in the middle of summer, thriving plants, and a strong ecosystem. We scratch the lawn and throw down seed year after year, plant our shrubs and flowers with peatmoss and fertilizer and expect great results yet we never truly address the soil that supports our hard work. The result is weak, anemic, and underperforming plants. To truly remedy the problem, we need to address the soil that supports and sustains our landscape. Great soil for growing anything requires a balance of structure, nutrients, and biology. Here are a few items to consider:

  1. Soil Texture
    1. Loam is the best! A mix of:
      1. 40% sand for drainage
      2. 40% silt for moisture and nutrient holding
      3. 20% clay for structure and nutrient retention
  2. Drainage & Aeration
    1. Most lawn and plants dislike soggy wet soil. Soil stays too wet for more than 24 hours.
    2. Compacted soil prevents oxygen and water to pass through and or being absorbed.
    3. Aerated soil lets oxygen in, water flow through, and allows roots to grow. 
    4. Test your drainage before you plant simply dig a hole 6- 12” deep and fill with water. If the water sits in the hole, it doesn’t drain within 1 -2 hours then you have a problem then you need to address.
  3. Soil pH
    1. Aim for pH 6.0 to 7.0. This range is slightly acidic to neutral.
    2. Most soils on Long Island are acidic. They are below 6.0.
    3. Most grasses (rye, fescue, bluegrass) commonly grown on Long Island do best when the pH is above 6.0. 
    4. Have your soil tested each year to determine your pH and adjust with lime. Lime is inexpensive and easy to apply.
  4. Organic Matter
    1. The ideal range for organic matter in the soil is 3-5%
    2. Have your soil tested to determine your %.
    3. To add organic matter top dress with compost or aged manure, 
    4. Organic matter feeds the microbes in the soil which in turn feed turf & plants.
    5. Retains moisture and buffers nutrients.
    6. De stresses turf and plants during heat and drought.
  5. Microbial Life
    1. We always want to support beneficial bacteria, fungi, worms and more that break down nutrients and or help transport water and nutrients to the turf and plants.
    2. Our plants live in a symbiotic environment. They all work together and if one is missing then it makes life difficult for the living.
    3. Avoid insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides whenever possible. They destroy the SOIL food web. See link. 
  6. Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
    1. Apply high quality slow-release fertilizer for turf 4x/year.
    2. Limit herbicide and pesticide applications to spot treatment to prevent damage to our water supply, bees, and wildlife.
    3. Apply organic fertilizers whenever possible. Espoma makes great products.
    4. Use Holly Tone for trees and shrubs.
    5. Use horticultural vinegar to spot treat weeds.
  7. Irrigation
    1. Have your system activated and tuned up before regular watering is necessary. Call now for appointment. 
    2. Most landscapes on Long Island only require watering every other day.
    3. Check your water company for codes and regulations.
    4. Nassau County regulations are odd/even day watering.
    5. Depending upon the weather and temperature, rotary sprinklers run time is 30- 60 minutes per zone every other day. Spray sprinklers run time is 5- 10 minutes every other day.
    6. Upgrade your controller to a Smart Controller to improve water management, save water, and money.

A beautiful landscape is a valuable investment and the cost to maintain a sprinkler system that sustains a healthy landscape is far less expensive than replacing lawn, shrubs, and trees. To learn more please visit our website at www.rainrich.com. To arrange an appointment please call the office at 631-423-2211 or click here. We look forward to serving you!