IA Refines Strategy, Standards

The Irrigation Association has refined its mission statement and strategic initiatives following its July meeting of the Board of Directors. This includes the addition of “standards” as a new strategic initiative, which will focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

Mission Statement:  Promote efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.

Strategic Initiatives:  Education, certification, government/public affairs and standards.  

“At its core, the Irrigation Association is a trade association, so the mission statement was refined to ensure it reflects our industry knowledge and expertise,” said IA President Mike Harrington. He emphasized that the organization’s unifying statement – to ensure water is available for irrigation for future generations – remains the same.

IA’s Board of Directors also updated the organization’s strategic initiatives, defining a new focus on standards.

“Government entities, businesses and the public are becoming increasingly cognizant of water’s value and finite state, so the ability to prove our industry’s efficiency is going to be pivotal in our continued growth,” said Harrington. “Therefore, IA has chosen to add a strategic focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

“Our strategic focus on influencing public policy remains unchanged; because certification and education have increased in importance, the Board felt that each category should stand alone as a strategic initiative.” IA’s marketing/communications efforts will continue to support all initiatives

Ground Cover

 From a purely practical point of view, groundcovers offer alternatives to turf in hard-to-mow sites and reduce the need for watering and other maintenance. Groundcovers conserve moisture, maintain even soil temperatures and stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.

Groundcovers can create visual pathways to help direct foot traffic and can help link ornamental plants or provide transitions among outdoor spaces. Many groundcovers spread quickly to form dense plantings, which can help to inhibit weeds.

Selection

When selecting groundcovers, consider their spread, height, location, function, foliage texture and color. Since no single species of plant works for every landscape situation, pay attention to soil conditions, light and moisture requirements. Some plants prefer partial shade, while others thrive in deep shade or full sun; a few tolerate a wide variety of light conditions. The most effective selections are chosen with an eye for how plant sizes relate to the intimacy or expanse of particular landscape sites. When groundcover will be used to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, it should have an extensive root system and vigorous growth habit. Some groundcovers do not withstand excessive foot traffic. Before planting anything, create a walkway through areas intended for pedestrians

 Soil Preparation

A key to successfully establishing groundcovers is proper soil preparation. Before planting, eliminate weeds and turf from the area. For large areas, use a sod-stripping machine to clear turf. For weed control, consider a glyphosate herbicide or soil solarization. The process of solarizing uses the heat of the summer sun to raise soil temperatures high enough to kill harmful organisms and seeds in the ground. Solarize soil by laying strong transparent plastic over cleared and moistened soil. Seal the edges with soil and leave plastic in place for four to six weeks.

How Fertilizer Feeds Lawns

The main course for your lawn is the fertilizer's formula of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N – P – K). However, there's also a variety of secondary micronutrients needed to keep turf healthy and growing, including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper and chlorine. Granular fertilizers can contain a blend of nutrient particles, as in LESCO Poly Plus. Or, each homogenous particle can be made up of all the nutrients, as in LESCO NOVEX. LESCO PolyVex uses both approaches. It contains a blend of different nutrient particles and individual, homogenous nutrient particles. Nutrient Release The nutrients in the fertilizer are made accessible to the plant throughout a number of natural release mechanisms, including microbial action, soil temperature, osmosis, hydrolysis and physical breakdown. As the structure of the fertilizer pellet melts away, minerals are released into the soil and absorbed by the plant. Fertilizing and Weed Control We use premium LESCO fertilizers in our five-step fertilization program.

 

Round One – Crabgrass Pre emergent with Fertilizer, Between March and May

                         
                          This is an early spring application that helps prevent the establishment of crabgrass in your lawn. We use soil temperatures to plan for timely applications prior to
                          crabgrass germination. By most indications, crabgrass will
                          not germinate until soil temperatures  reach 55° F for at least three consecutive days. 

 

Round Two – Fertilization with Broadleaf Weed Control, Between May and June

                         
                          When broadleaf weeds pop up in the spring, we apply this superior weed and feed to lawns. It makes sure weeds don’t have a chance to get a foothold in your lawn.

 

 Round Three – Summer Turf Fertilization, Between June and July

                          
                          Proper fertilization is necessary for optimal turf growth and health. Our third round of applications gives your lawn an ample supply of nitrogen to keep it healthy
                          during the summer months.

 

 

Round Four – Fertilization with Broadleaf Weed Control, Applied between September and October

                         
                          For a less stressful spring, be sure to address potential weed problems at this time. Weeds that are not controlled at this time of year are the first weeds to pop up in
                          the spring!

 

 Round Five – Fall Turf Fertilization, Between October and November

                         
                          For the fifth application, we use a slow-release product that provides for faster nutrient absorption before the winter season. This is the most important fertilization for
                          your lawn! This application encourages strong root
                          development during the fall. It also helps turn your turf green first thing in the spring Quick and consistent greening Broad spectrum Lower surge growth Low risk of burn
                          Enhanced stress tolerance and Improved nutrient efficiencies.

 

We only use premium Lesco fertilizers in our five-step fertilization program.