SPURGE CONTROL

The New Top Priority In Your Yard

By: Nick Boulton

There are plenty of weeds that we deal with on a daily basis throughout the year, but the one that drives most crazy is spurge. Spurge starts off as a very innocent looking plant. If not dealt with quickly it can become very unsightly and can easily take over your garden or yard before you know it. Spurge is a summer annual weed, but in warm climates it can begin growing as early as February and grow all the way into September and October! After about roughly 5 weeks of warm weather, spurge can produce flowers and begin dropping multiple seeds. The seeds will need sunlight and warm temperatures to germinate, but if they are buried more than 1/2 inch deep, they will not be able to sprout. As long as warm weather continues, seeds will continue to sprout and make new plants. As weather cools, the unsprouted seeds will lie dormant to await the following year.

Getting rid of spurge is not an easy task. It takes time, energy and continued persistence, just as any weed does! The main root on some types of spurge can grow up to 2 feet deep. Small spurge plants can be difficult to spot, especially if it is in the grass or below the gravel bed. A good strategy is to take a daily walk through your yard and look really hard for these weeds. As soon as you spot the tiny weed growing you can gently pull it out. Each of these long strands of spurge carries tons of weeds, so be mindful to not spread your headache even more.

You can also use mulch to kill it. Smother spurge with 3-4 inches of coarse mulch. Over time, your mulch will break down and it will need to be replaced. Another natural way that you could try to get rid of this weed is pouring boiling water on them. If you are fine with using pesticides in your property, I would recommend Round-Up or Spurge Power to get rid of it. Just make sure that it will not over spray on to other plants such as flowers, shrubs, or trees as this will kill them. Lawn Doctor is a good resource and their trained technicians can help get your yard to where you want it. Good luck to you on your yardcare advendtures and I hope this information helps in your own personal battle within your yards to help get those weeds in check.

BEAT THE HEAT

St. George has been known to have temperatures averaging 102 degrees in the summertime. If you are struggling to find ways to beat the heat, here are a few tips people around the world have used to make the place they live a little cooler.

Hydrate regularly!

Water is low-cost, abundant and accessible. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue and improve endurance. Eating fruits and vegetables full of high-water-content won’t tax and overheat your digestive system.

eating Spicy!

The people of Mexico and India, two nations known for their sweltering climates, well know that eating hot stuff can help them stay cool. For example, chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can make you perspire, which is the body’s natural airconditioning system.

cold compreSS!

Fill a cotton sock with rice, tie the sock with twine, and freeze it for two hours before bedtime. Then slide it between the sheets. The dense and starchy rice retains cold for a long period to help you sleep better.

Frozen Fan!

Turn on and aim a simple house fan at a big bowl filled with ice. The cool air will circulate, lowering the room temperature to help keep you cool.

make a miSt!

To a cup of brewed and chilled green tea, add 2 tablespoons of strained cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil, like rose water or peppermint. Pour into a spray bottle, shake and store in the refrigerator. When you’re running hot, give yourself a cool, refreshing spritz.

cloSe tHoSe blindS!

Block the sun with curtains and shades. As much as 20 percent of summer heat enters you home as sunlight pouring through windows. Doing this can help you house stay cooler during the summer months.

There are many other ways people can beat the heat when the temperature gets too hot. Try experimenting with some ideas if your AC goes out or if you are wanting to come up with something creative and new! Make sure to stay safe and hydrated when facing that heat.