Top 8 Plants That Repel Bugs and Mosquitoes

Pesky bugs and mosquitoes can ruin any outdoor experience and cause harm to a landscape. Here are the top 8 plants that repel bugs and mosquitoes that you can recommend to your customers struggling with insect infestations.

1.) Citronella Grass

Citronella is known for its oil being used in patio candles. Citronella grass is a better option than candles because it doesn’t burn out. True citronella plants, Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, are grasses. Often times there is citronella scented geranium being advertised as Citronella grass, so don’t be fooled.

2.) Petunias

This perennial is sometimes referred to as “nature’s pesticide,” because it can repel aphids, tomato hornworm, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. It’s recommended to buy transplants and place them in light, well-drained soil in full sun after the last spring frost.

3.) Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant plant and luckily its smell deters mosquitoes. Plus its purple blooms add a nice pop of color to any landscape. It likes to be hot and dry, so it’s perfect for summer.

4.) Nasturtium

Nasturtium repels whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, several beetles, and cabbage loopers. This one will help other plants in your garden, too. It produces an airborne chemical that repels insects, protecting not only themselves but other plants in the grouping. Plant in early spring in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They should be regularly watered and deadheaded to promote blooming.

5.) Rosemary

Not only can this plant be used in the kitchen but it can help keep the bugs away. This is another plant perfect for summer heat because it likes to be dry. Mosquitoes are deterred by the smell of Rosemary. It can be planted it in containers, but it also works well as a hedge.

6.) Basil

Basil is an annual herb and repels houseflies and mosquitoes.  This plant needs six to eight hours of full sun daily, and its soil should be moist and well-drained. This versatile herb can also treat mosquito bites.

7.) Lemongrass

Lemongrass is closely related to citronella and repels mosquitoes, but unlike the latter, it’s edible and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. It can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and adds lots of extra height and texture to the landscape. Avoid planting lemongrass in clay soil. This tropical plant craves moisture but is quickly killed by heavy soil that makes water puddle.

8.) Mint

Refreshing mint can be used in dishes and cocktails, but it has an added bonus. It’s a perennial that can repel bugs and mosquitoes. It’s recommended to grow mint in a pot in order to control the plant.

Tell us which of the Top 8 Plants That Repel Bugs and Mosquitoes your customers prefer using the hashtag #MirimichiGreen on Instagram or Twitter.

Top 6 Ornamentals To Include In Fall Landscapes

Be sure to include Mirimichi Green products in all of your installs to ensure healthy plantings.

6 Factors To Keep In Mind About Artificial Turf Fields

Artificial turf fields have been gaining popularity for being low maintenance and eco-friendly because it doesn’t need to be watered, fertilized, or mowed. Is it truly beneficial and environmentally friendly to put down synthetic turf? Let’s explore 6 factors to consider about this field installation.

 

1. Maintenance for artificial turf fields

It is incorrect to think that synthetic fields require less maintenance than natural turf grass or to say that these fields are maintenance free. Artificial turf grass fields require:

1. Additional infill
2. Irrigation because of high temperatures on hot days
3. Chemical disinfectants
4. Sprays to reduce static cling and odors
5. Drainage repair and maintenance
6. Erasing and repainting temporary lines
7. Removing debris accumulation

2. Costs start to add up

Long-term costs are less with natural turf fields compared to artificial turf fields. Artificial fields need replacing every 8-10 years, whereas a natural turf field requires consistent maintenance and occasional replacing. When artificial turf needs renovating every 8-10 years, there is a hidden cost of disposal of materials. Since the fields are filled with a ground-up rubber material, the material may require special disposal which could be costly.

3. Players prefer natural turf

A recent survey of 1,511 active NFL players by the NFL Players Association found:

• 73% of the players preferred playing on natural turf grass field
• 18% preferred artificial turf
• 9% of the players had no preference

4. Player injuries are a concern

There is little to no research comparing injuries incurred on new artificial turf fields vs. natural turf fields. Some data indicates that the traditional artificial turf fields increased athlete injury, primarily due to increased surface hardness. NFL players were asked in a 2006 survey “Which surface do you think causes more soreness and fatigue to play on?”

• 74% felt that artificial turf systems were more responsible for fatigue
• 21% felt they were the same
• 5% felt like natural grass systems increased fatigue
• The most common comment was in the open survey section was “make all fields grass to prevent injuries.”

5. Potential infections increase

The potential for increased spread of infections among players has been under close inspection when it comes to artificial turf complexes. In a report titled “Texas Football Succumbs to Virulent Staph Infection From Turf”, at least 276 football players were reported to be infected with an antibiotic-resistant staph infection. These infections were primarily associated with increased skin abrasions stemming from artificial turf.

6. High temperatures are an issue

Artificial fields cannot be played on all the time due to the higher temperature on summer days.  The surface temperatures of artificial fields have been documented as high as 199°F on a day with an air temperature of 98°F. Researchers at Brigham Young University reported that “the surface temperature of a synthetic football field on campus averaged 117°F, with a daily high of 157°F. On an adjacent natural turf field, the surface temperature averaged 78°F, with a daily high of 89°F.” Artificial turf fields can be cooled down with irrigation but it is only a short-term fix. The only permanent fix for this issue is having the field be in an indoor facility. Because of these high temperatures, an artificial field will remain largely unusable during warm days. Additionally, practicing on an artificial field could increase the incidence of heat stroke, muscle cramping, and overall athlete fatigue.

Keep these 6 factors in mind when considering an installation of an artificial turf field.

The Top Problems And Solutions For Soil Compaction

Turf Symptoms Of Soil Compaction

Here are 5 signs to look for to determine potential soil compaction. If any of the symptoms are occurring there is a good chance the soil is compacted and needs attention and immediate maintenance.

1. Shallow, thicker and shorter roots
2. Smaller and fewer leafs/blades
3. Thin patches
4. Lacks green color
5. Overrun by weeds (e.g., knotweed, crabgrass, annual bluegrass, goosegrass, clover)

Tips for Preventing and Correcting Soil Compaction

Incorporating any of the 3 tips below into a turf maintenance program can help reduce soil compaction.

Reduce and direct traffic:

• Reduce traffic by the establishing pathways of concrete, pavers, gravel or dirt.
• Minimize traffic when the soil is wet or near field capacity.

Take the extra necessary steps:

• Use maintenance vehicles with pneumatic tires.
• Change up the mowing patterns to reduce mower use on the same route.
• Increase the height of the cut to increase wearability and root depth.
• On golf courses, build large greens in order to frequently rotate cup placement.
• On sports fields, occasionally move around the field boundaries.

Modify the soil:

• Develop a soil medium that is more resistant to compaction with sand or loamy soils.
  • Note that the addition of sand to clay soils may actually increase their compatibility and destroy soil structure due to the development of cementing conditions. 
• Add organic soil amendments such as Mirimichi Green’s CarbonizPN Soil Enhancer to decrease compactibility of the soil. (However, it is not a long-term fix and requires additional amending.)
• Incorporate one or more cultivation practices (e.g., coring, grooving, slicing, or spiking) into the turf maintenance practices. 

There is no single practice or product that can solely correct compaction problems and several must be combined for a successful maintenance program. The top solution for soil compaction is combating compaction before it has developed into a problem.

Give these tips a try and let us know what works best for you.

Dog Spots Destroying Your Grass? Here’s What to Do.

Having dogs has many perks, however, a lush, green lawn is not usually one of them. Unsightly brown spots in the lawn can appear after a dog relieves its bladder.

What causes dog brown spots?

These spots are caused by high levels of Nitrogen and not “acid” in dog urine as is commonly believed. Excess nitrogen in the waste is normal and due to proteins being broken down during digestion. Dog diets are usually high in protein so there will be high levels of Nitrogen. Small amounts of Nitrogen are good, but too much will kill patches of lawn.

According to the American Pet Products Association, 70% of US households have a dog. That equates to a lot of brown spots being formed on lawns across the country!

What can be done about dog spots in the grass?

Below are 4 tips for keeping the lawn looking healthy and green and preventing those brown spots:

1) Immediately Dilute The Spot

Watering the spot immediately after the dog has done its business will help dilute the Nitrogen. Running the hose for 10 seconds over the spot will help lessen the probability of the Nitrogen killing the lawn. Also, encouraging dogs to drink more water will internally dilute the Nitrogen. However, this technique will cause more trips outside.

Running the hose for 10 seconds over the spot will help lessen the probability of the Nitrogen killing the lawn. Also, encouraging dogs to drink more water will internally dilute the Nitrogen. However, this technique can also cause more trips outside.

2) Build A Designated Area

Construct a non-grassy designated area.

For example, a pine straw, mulched, or leafy area in the yard makes it pee-proof. Training the dog to use that area to potty may take a little time, but it is totally possible. Leading the dog to that area when it’s time to go will create a habit and a little positive reinforcement will encourage the dog to use the designated area. A homeowner can make these areas visually appealing to humans by placing potted hostas, ferns, or other greenery around the area.

If a designated area isn’t feasible, try “spreading traffic across a large turfgrass area or reducing the time the animal spends on the turfgrass may prevent damage.” Preventing over usage of the same spots will give the struggling grass a break and time to recover.

3) Plant the Right Grass (Grass Selection is Key)

Having the right kind of grass may also contribute to how easily and frequently these brown spots show up.

• Fescue and Ryegrass are the most resistant to Nitrogen due to the genetic makeup of the roots.
• Bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass do need nitrogen to thrive but are very sensitive to the time of year that they get fertilized. Unless the dog is only allowed to go outside during the spring and summer, these types of grass are very sensitive to Nitrogen and susceptible to brown spots.

4) Consider Fertilizing Less

If the lawn is suffering from brown spots, try reducing your fertilizer input.

Even small amounts of fertilizer may contain enough Nitrogen to kill the lawn in combination with the dog’s contribution. If you think your lawn needs a boost, try using a soil amendment such as CarbonizPN® Soil Enhancer instead.

Give these tips a try and let us know what works best for you.