Neely News June 2023

FROM THE NEELY BOARD Greetings Neely Farmers!

Ihope everyone is enjoying the summer so far. I have some exciting news to share with you. This past month, the Neely Farm Board of Directors unanimously approved a project to replace all of the street signs in the neighborhood with customized decorative black-painted street signs, including all of our named street signs, as well as the traffic and directional signage throughout Neely Farm.

We believe this will be a major upgrade and will enhance the appeal of our alreadyamazing neighborhood. This has been a vision for me and current board members, Steve Woodrough, Pam Brazell, since we first proposed this plan while we served on the 2019 Neely Farm Board. Board Members in subsequent years, including Doug Gilmore and Sandy Hippelli have also been pursuing this project and I am pleased to report that after conducting a competitive bid process and reviewing a few proposals, we have finalized negotiations and have selected a contractor to execute on this work this summer. We envision that this will complement the upgraded Neely Farm amenity signs that were installed a few years ago. We did select the same contractor that did the amenity signs upgrades for this current project. Of course, the new amenity signs will not be replaced, and the new street and traffic signs will match, accordingly.

Details of the project will be announced as we finalize the plan and timeline with our contractor. Please feel free to contact the board at board@ neelyfarm.net with any questions or concerns about this project.

The Neely Farm Board is committed to continuously improving our neighborhood and we welcome any ideas and thoughts you might have in joining in that effort. Look forward to hearing from you.

Take care and hope to see you around the Farm!

Joey Dee, Neely Farm HOA President

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS

Watson Boren

Greater Atlanta Christian School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 9

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: National Honor Society, Beta Club, Cross Country, Captain of Varsity Swim Team

College/Plans for the fall: Auburn University studying Engineering

Wynn Boren

Greater Atlanta Christian School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 9

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: Baseball and Captain of Varsity Swim Team

College/Plans for the fall: Berry College where he will play baseball for the Vikings and study Engineering

Ryan Seeb

Woodwoard Academy

# of years living in Neely Farm: 18

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: Senior Class President, Captain of the Wrestling Team, Peer Leader, Honor Council, photography, travel, boating and astronomy

College/Plans for the fall: Will major in Astrophysics at Brown University

Lillian Owenby

Greater Atlanta Christian School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 18

Extra-Curricular Activities/ Hobbies: 4 years on Varsity Volleyball team (2 times State Champions), National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, multiple mission trips and volunteering in the community

College/College/Plans for the fall: Will attend Georgia College and State University for early childhood education

Caroline Stewart

Wesleyan School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 13

Extra-Curricular Activities/ Hobbies: Wesleyan Varsity swim team, this year helped the girls team, and her 4 x 100 Free Relay team win State in the 1A-3A division; Fowler Fins YMCA Team and USA Team, Wesleyan Varsity Track and the Wesleyan Sports Medicine program; National Honor Society and National English Honor Society

Caroline loves coaching the Neely Farm Swim Team! College/Plans for the fall: Auburn

WELCOME TO THE FARM

Please welcome our new neighbors: James Ren & Whitney Sharp moved in late May to 6140 Millet Way.

This month we have two new neighbors moving in Patricia & James Moslow at 4440 River Bottom Drive

Fredy & Ashleigh El Sakr who will move into 6170 Daffodil Lane in mid-June

A fun website to use to help children be more conscientious about handwashing and engaged. Visit: scrubclub.org

Summer League Play

◆ Mixed Doubles

June 3 - July 15.

◆ Senior Women (45+)

June 1 - July 13.

◆ Senior Men (45+)

June 2 - July 14.

Fall League Registration

Gather your friends and teammates and start planning for fall roster registration. Registration opens on June 22 and will close on July 13 .

Are you looking to find a team?

Ladies, please join us on Tuesday nights at the courts for a casual ladies tennis gettogether. We have already been playing and it has been a blast.

It’s BYOB, all levels are welcome, no pressure, and no need to RSVP. Tuesdays at 7 pm.

If you are planning an event on the courts, a round-robin, or a social event where you will need more than 2 courts, please make the tennis committee aware by sending an email to tennis@neelyfarm.net. Please do not have several people reserve different courts in order to accomplish this as the tennis committee needs to know about all large gatherings outside of our regularly scheduled matches. We are happy to help with making certain you have courts for a round-robin.

If you are new

to tennis

or the neighborhood and desire help finding a team, please reach out to your tennis committee tennis@ neelyfarm.net

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH JUNE 2023

UPDATES

School is out and the weather is nice which equates to more people spending time outdoors. Please observe the 25 mph speed limit and watch for increased activity with kids on bikes, playing in yards, walking pets, and enjoying the outdoors.

The Neighborhood Watch Committee is looking for new members. Please contact neighborhoodwatch@neelyfarm.net for more information.

FLOCK STATS FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS

79,566 Total plate reads on all cameras

8143 Unique license plates captured entering Neely Farm

493 License plates captured entering River Park

REMINDERS

◆ Slow Down. The speed limit inside the neighborhood is 25 mph. Please be respectful, courteous, and cautious when driving through the neighborhood.

◆ Lock your car doors when parked in the driveway. Be mindful of garage door openers left in cars.

◆ NEVER leave valuables in your car.

◆ Lock your interior garage door.

◆ Keep your garage doors closed.

◆ Keep your property well-lit at night. Keep a few lights in your home on timers. Consider the models that automatically make a modest adjustment to the on/off time to simulate normal activity.

◆ Collect your mail every day. Consider dropping off outgoing mail at the post office when it contains checks or money.

◆ Communicate with your neighbors.

◆ Add the Gwinnett Co non-emergency phone number to your contacts ~ 770.513.5700.

◆ Notify the Board and Neighborhood Watch of any crime or security concerns. Social Media posts are not a substitute for notifying the HOA.

◆ If you see something, say something.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

First – Call Gwinnett Non Emergency number 770.513.5700 or 911 if an emergency

Second – Notify the NWC: neighborhoodwatch@neelyfarm.net

2023 Pool News

Pool Hours for 2023

(for the lifeguard schedule check the Neelyfarm.net site)

May 13-September 23

*General pool is closed to resident use during swim team practice. The deck and baby pool area will remain open. Thanks for your understanding!

Swim Team Schedule for 2023

(whole pool reserved)

*General pool is closed to resident use during swim team practice. The deck and baby pool area will remain open. The entire pool will be closed on swim meet days at 3:30 pm, but you’re welcome to come to cheer on the Mallards.

Quick Reminders:

• Residents must use their gate key to access the pool.

• All guests Must Be Accompanied by a Resident – No Exceptions

• The pool will remain open until 10:00 pm, at which time all residents and guests will have 15 minutes to exit.

• IMPORTANT - If the gate is opened at or after 10:15 pm a gate alarm will sound.

• Please lower all umbrellas after use to prevent wind damage

• Please return ping pong paddles/balls after use to the breezeway

For more information and the lifeguard schedule visit the Neelyfarm.net website.

Community BULLETIN BOARD

Rising 4th-12th grade boys and girls are invited to join us this summer to learn the sport in a non-competitive environment. No experience necessary, other than the ability to swim well - it’s a deep-water sport. We’ll teach you the rest.

2023Summer Schedule

19

* Competitive fall season begins August 2023

Every Wednesday is Sandwich Day! There is a Sandwich Project collection site in Neely Farm. Please contact Renee Videlefsky for more info @ videlefsky@gmail.com

Hello Fellow Farmers!

I am a lifelong Neely Farm resident now swimming for the top 10 ranked University of Georgia Bulldogs Men’s Swim Team. I am training locally this summer and available to give swim lessons for all ages, including adults. Please call or text me at 470-6879020 to make arrangements to start swimming better.

Peter Sacca

Peterasacca@gmail.com

470-687-9020

NEIGHBORS, The Sandwich Project needs your ice packs from food and medicine deliveries. If you have any ice packs to recycle please contact Renee Videlefsky at videlefsky@gmail.com

2023 SWIM TEAM COACHES

Did you know it takes a village to run a swim team? If you’ve ever been a part of the team, you know it takes a lot of people and a lot of planning to run this beloved summer sport. This season we have 13 coaches, 104 swimmers and 19 ducklings, plus an amazing army of parent volunteers. Join us in person at one of our home meets or follow the action on Instagram:

@neelyfarmmallards!

#gomightymallards

https://neelymallards.swimtopia. com

Coaches Pictured Above:

• Top Row (L to R): Frankie Arendale, Emma Mock, Emilia Youngman, Josh Snowberger, James Umezaki, Ella Mock, Mia Hahn

• Bottom Row (L to R): Ben Connolly, Reece Buckelew, Carley Snowberger, Michaela Cassar

• Not pictured: Caroline Stewart, Amanda Brosas : Vipul Singh

Thursday, June 1 5:30 pm Tuxford Torpedoes Home

Thursday, June 8 5:30 pm Glastonberry Gators Home

Thursday, June 15 5:30 pm Pinewalk Penguins Away

Thursday, June 22 5:30 pm Horseshoe Bend Country Club Away

Tuesday, June 27 5:30 pm Oxford Mill Home

If you live near the pool or have a swimmer, chances are you’ve been hearing this cheer a lot!

Swimmers and parents alike are excited for the 2023 swim season to begin. Kids have been busy at practice learning their strokes, so they’ll be ready when the season officially kicks off on June 1st! We invite you to join us at one of our home meets to cheer on the Mighty Mallards. Thanks to all of you for supporting us with our Neely Farm Spirit Wear sale. Orders will be delivered to you soon!

RESIDENT-OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BABYSITTING

In Need of a Babysitter?

Hi, my name is Clare Muir. I am 14 years old and would like to help you out at your house. I am a freshman at St. Pius X Catholic High School. I am active in softball, winter basketball and National Charity League. I would like to help you out with your kids. I am the third child of four and babysit my younger sister a lot and help my mom out with her. Now I would like to do so for you as well. I can have fun with your children. I am here to help. I am also available for pet care and watering plants. You can contact me at (678) 628-5480 or email me at cmuir26@spxstudent. org.

CABINETRY

PAVO Corporation

Jonathan Owenby | Number: 678-224-8484 | www. owenbyjones.com jonathan@owenbyjones.com

Rayman Financial, Inc.

Full service tax and accounting firm (business and personal). Jeff Rayman | 678-469-6931 | www. raymanfinacial.com | jeff@raymanfinancial.com

FIREPLACES

Fireplace Connection

Fireplace Repair & Services including Glass Doors, Gas Logs, Outdoor Living Areas, Prefab Fireplaces, Rain pan replacement, Service All Brands. Eric Gaskins 404-569-5422. eric_gaskins@att.net

FRANCHISE

The Franchise Doctor, Inc.

NOTE: If your info is no longer needed in the directory (i.e. plan to move, seasonal business etc.) please email the newsletter (Newsletter@ NeelyFarm.net ) to be removed. We would like to keep this as updated as possible.

AQUATICS

AMS Pools

AMS pools is a full service provider for any aquatics needs including: Cleaning Services, Lifeguarding Services, Pool Construction, Pool Renovation, and Swim Lessons

Please contact for any aquatics needs or employment interest.

6220 Indian River Drive | www.amspoolsga.com chris@amspoolsga.com | 678.457.5341

ANTIQUES

Ring's Relics

Antiques–Buy and Sell. Bob Ring 770-710-8041 | bk827@bellsouth.net

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

EDP Collaborative Design

EDP Collaboratice Design is a full service architectural practice serving commercial/ corporate/institutional/multifamily sectors, with residential design on a case by case basis. Edward Palisoc | 6081 Endden Court. www.edpcollaborative.com | ed.palisoc@edp-collaborative. com | 404-783-1543

AUDIOBOOK NARRATION/ VOICE OVER TALENT

VoxArendale

4191 River Bottom Dr Elizabeth Arendale | @VoxArendale on Instagram Lectioandlattes@gmail.com | (404)775-9442

Elizabeth records, produces, and masters audio for use in audiobooks, video voice over, or radio commercials.

A Georgia service provider of custom kitchen cabinetry, shelving, garage and closet systems, countertops, design and installation. Steve Farrier | 4230 River Bottom Drive | pavocorp.com | Steve@ pavocorp.com | 706-927-1000

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

The Children’s Clothes Horse

Wholesale children’s clothing to retailers and children’s sample sales at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. Please see our website. Janet Hawkins | 404-5248897

www.janethunterhawkins.com

janet@janethunterhawkins.comfacebook.com/ JanetHunterHawkinsInc. Follow us on Instagram@janethunterhawkinsinc

ENTERTAINMENT

Atlanta Comedy Theater

Upscale comedy venue in Atlanta suburbs for comedy, dinner, birthdays, restaurants, and entertainment.

John L. Walker | 770-724-6400 www.atlantacomedytheater.com atlantacomedytheater@gmail.com

ESTATE LIQUIDATION

Atlanta Antique & Estate Liquidators Inc. Owned and operated by Judith Friedman, Atlanta Antique & Estate Liquidators Inc. has been in business in Atlanta since 1991 and conducted over 1200 estate and business liquidations. Judith Friedman | 678-429-1903 | www.atlestates.com | judith@atl-estates.com

FASHION STYLING/WARDROBE CONSULTANT

Strager Style

Fashion Stylist Shaye Strager works with men and women of all ages in organizing their closets, building a wardrobe they love to wear and sourcing new items quarterly or yearly pending desire and budget. Shaye Strager 917-952-5677 | www.Stragerstyle.com Shaye@StragerStyle.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Owenby Jones Wealth Management LLC

A comprehensive wealth planning firm established to serve affluent individuals and their families in an effort to plan for and achieve their financial goals. |

The Franchise Doctor, Inc. is a consulting firm specializing in existing and emerging concepts (start-up), franchise development, operations, strategic planning, financial management, franchise sales and brand building. | Joe McCord 470-375-8874 office | www.franchisedoc. com joe.mccord@franchisedoc.com

FLOORING/DECKING/SIDING

Brazilian Wood Depot

Hardwood Brazilian Decking, Siding & Flooring Sales. Eric Hoover | 770-242-0045 www. brazilianwooddepot.com Eric@BWDepot.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Weightloss System

This system is different... and it really is. I want to share with you this healthy aging and wellness company. Weight loss just happens to be a fringe benefit.

Here are some facts: 10-25 lbs of weight loss is typical in the first 30 days. People gain more energy and sleep, better performance, more lean muscle, healthy aging, and overall optimal health. In a nutshell, the program fires up your metabolism and the detox balances your system to function optimally. 30-day money back guarantee...nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let’s discuss a custom pack that’s right for you. Contact Lisa at 404-213-7676 | lstraussmains@gmail.com

HEALTH INSURANCE

AFLAC

Aflac is the most trusted and recognized name for supplemental benefits. Supplemental benefits provide a cash benefit paid directly to the client. Cash benefits help our clients pay for co-pays and deductibles not covered by their major med plan. Aflac plans covering Accidents or Cancer are affordable for either a individual or family. So if you don't have a cash cow at home to pay for those expenses you may want to consider having a cash duck to help with those expenses. Aflac is not more insurance it is the right insurance for you and your family.  Frank Stinger–AFLAC Benefits Advisor  770-330-1400 .

HOME FURNISHINGS

Leah Kristin Designs

Full service Interior Design Firm for both Commercial and Residential spaces. Leah Kessler | 404.513.1633

www.leahkristindesigns.com

Leah@LeahKristinDesigns.com

INSURANCE

SDK & Associates, Insurance Services

Helping families secure their insurance needs since 1986 including: Life, Disability, Long term care, & Health Insurance. | Sunil Sachdeva | (678) 521-8484 | sdkinsurance.com sunilsachdeva@hotmail.com

INVESTMENTS

Carter Terry & Company

A privately held investment bank, multifamily office, and private capital investment firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia to assist affluent families with the asset selection process and creditor protection issues. Adam Cabibi 404-907-3090 | www.carterterry.com acabibi@carterterryco.com

JEWELRY

The Colorstones

All kinds of gemstones beads, jewelry findings, jewelry custom made and repairs and jewelry classes. Pakorn Thanyawatpokin (Albert Than) | 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 184, Roswell | 413624-4745 | 2350 Cheshire Bridge Road, Suite 204, Atlanta | 314-626-4745 | www. b-e-a-d.com

LANDSCAPING

TurfPride LawnCare

Services include fertilization, weed & insect control for lawn and landscape; aeration; overseeding | Ron White | 770-590-7200 www.turfpride.com | info@turfpride.com

AKA Tree Removal

Full Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding and Mulch Suppliers | Jeremiah Wilson 404.713.4305 | akatreeremoval.com info@akatreeremoval.com

MARINE

SELCO USA, INC.

Import and sales of marine generator controls, protection and monitoring, for vessels of 75’ and greater. Wholesale. Anders Jakobsen | 770-455-9110 SELCOUSA.com info@SELCOUSA.com

MEDIA PRODUCTION

Chris Paul Productions Inc

Comprehensive Media Production Services for Broadcast, Corporate and Web. | Chris Paul 678-966-3011 | chrispaulproductions.com chris@chrispaulproductions.com

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER/AUTHOR

Artemis Skye McNeil

Best-selling author of “Keys of Love” and Founder of "The Happiness Habit" Online motivational speaking on Principle-based life skills for health and positivity. thehappinesshabit@yahoo.com | www.artemisskye. com | 404-579-7985

PAINTING

Ashford Painting

Stephen Adams | 4531 River Bottom Drive| ashfordpainting.com stephen@ashfordpainting.com| 404-369-0668

Ashford Painting is your full service commercial and residential painter. Interiors or exteriors, we have you covered.

PET / BABYSITTING

Convenient House Sitter/ Dog Sitter

Anne Marie Armstrong | (404) 797- 7097 amarmstrong@atlantalandgroup.com

I have grown up in Neely Farm and lived here since 1997. I am now 29 and looking to help out neighbors who need someone responsible, caring, and consistent to watch your home, take care of your pet/ pets, or water your plants. I have always loved dogs and currently have 3 dogs.  Please contact me at the phone number or email below.

PLUMBING/HOME SERVICES

Zurn Plumbing Service, Inc.

We are a full service plumbing company that specializes in residential repairs and replacements. If it’s Plumbing, We do it! Lisa Burns | 770-451-6765 www.zurnplumbing.com lisazburns@zurnplumbing.com

PRINTING

Trinity Press

Trinity Press is a full service commercial printing company. | Joe and Kay Dye 770-248-1964 | joe@trinitypress.com kay@trinitypress.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Counseling Services LAPC

Therapist specializing in Adolescents and young adults- DBT Trained “Enjoy returning to a life worth living for" Christine Barnes | 678-205-4322 | 770-765-3089 | atlantabehavioral.com therapistcb@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

Anthony and Sandy Hippeli | Palmerhouse Properties

We’ve worked in multi-facets of real estate since 1998. We know what it takes to get your house ready to sell using modern agent methods. We also know how to strategically set your offer apart from the competition when buying real estate.

Contact Us Today!

Anthony -678-262-8389 | Ahippeli@gmail.com

Sandy 770-364-2827 | Shippeli@gmail.com

Website: HippeliRE.com

Follow Us on Facebook: facebook.com/HippeliRE | Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/hippeli_realestate

Integrity One Realty

32 years of listing and selling offering discount listing fees and flat fee listings. | Robyn Anshell 678-781-4865 www.integrityonerealty.net robynanshell@integrityonerealty.net

King Industrial Realty, Inc. / CORFAC International

Real Estate Broker specializing in Industrial Real Estate Leasing and Sales. | Stephen C. Ratchford | 404-942-2003 | www.kingindustrial.com sratchford@kingindustrial.com

Joseph’s Homes Realty

We never lose sight of who we work for. We offer uncompromising service allowing our clients to achieve their real estate goals with professionalism and outstanding results. | Joe Cassar, Broker | 678-823-7677 | Joe@JosephsHomes.com www.JosephsHomesRealty.com

Marsha & Ned Richards Keller Williams Realty

As Neely residents for 30+ yrs,, we know what makes the Farm special. Please call with any real estate questions. Marsha Richards, Certified Luxury Home Specialist | 770-596-2169 | marsha@marsharichards.com | Ned Richards 404-314-2435 | nedrichards@kw.com

ROOFING

Skyfall Roofing + Restoration

Skyfall Roofing + Restoration is a Georgia service provider in exterior home repair and storm restoration with two main areas of focus—roof repair and roof replacement. We started this business to bring quality, trust, and integrity to an industry where it can be hard to know with which service providers you should feel confident to repair your home. Schedule an appointment with your neighbor, Tate Davidson (770-876-3522); our professional representative so you can experience the difference we are talking about. Our evaluations are free of charge, so let the sky fall! We have got you covered.

SWIM LESSONS

Peter Sacca

I am a lifelong Neely Farm resident now swimming for the top 10 ranked University of Georgia Bulldogs Men’s Swim Team. I am training locally this summer and available to give swim lessons for all ages, including adults. Please call or text me at 470-687-9020 to make arrangements to start swimming better. Peterasaccagmail.com

470-687-9020 | 6090 Rachel Ridge

TRAVEL/VACATION PLANNING

Jeanne Derderian, Travel Advisor

As a member of Virtuoso, I am able to utilize our worldwide partners to provide you with a memorable trip full of unique experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to craft a trip for you and to act as your personal concierge during the planning, traveling and returning stages. Jeanne Derderian, Luxury Travel Advisor/ 678-557-9450/ jeanne@largaytravel.com

WDWGetaways

Planning your dream Disney Vacation shouldn't be overwhelming. Let me take the stress out, and put the fun back in to your vacation. My services are free, and include Itinerary planning, Advanced dining reservations and discount monitoring. I specialize in Disney and Universal. Halle McCoy | 678-294-1255 | www.wdwgetaways.com | hallem@wdwgetaways.com

TUTORING

Brad Lantis

Tutoring/coaching services for middle school and high school math, through calculus; and high school sciences. blantis@gmail.com | 404-271-2715

Shari Moody

I offer SOAR study skills for grades 4th-12th, SSAT Prep classes for 6th-8th graders, and individual tutoring for reading, math, Orton Gillingham, college essay writing, SAT, and ACT. Let me know how I can help you! Teaching Kids to Study Smarter, Not Harder Shari Moody | 678-656-8805 sharimoodyllc@gmail.com

WEATHER BY CHRISTINA

Summer pop up storms can bring some of the worst weather of the year

Afternoon “pop up” thunderstorms are common this time of year, courtesy of our area’s warm and humid conditions. But sometimes, these pop up storms can be strong enough to produce wind damage -- including downed trees and powerlines. Some of the worst weather of the year can occur in the late spring and summer months as these storms produce torrential downpours as well as frequent lightning, and winds strong enough to topple trees.

But what makes a storm strong enough to be considered “severe”?

SEVERE STORM CRITERIA

A “bad storm” can be rather intense to drive through, and the thunder can be rather loud, but a thunderstorm is considered “severe” if it produces any of the following:

Ƚ Wind gusts 58 mph or greater (Why 58 mph? Because the traditional wind speed unit is knots, and 50 knots converts to 58 mph.)

Ƚ Hail that is 1 inch in diameter or greater (the size of a U.S. quarter)

Ƚ Tornado(es)

What are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms?

Lightning: While lightning is not a criterion for classifying a storm as severe, a “lightning jump” or large increase of lightning strikes in a short amount of time can signify a rapidly strengthening thunderstorm. These thunderstorms contain strong updrafts, or upward moving winds, that push water droplets and ice crystals higher in the atmosphere. Along the way, friction between the rain drops and ice crystals produce different static charges in the cloud, and lightning discharges the static electrical build up within the storm cloud. The more lightning strikes within a storm, the stronger the updrafts and more than likely the stronger the winds associated with the storm.

Wind Damage: High winds are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts as high as 58 mph or greater have the potential to knock down and uproot trees, down power lines, and cause structural damage to homes and buildings.

Often, in the late spring and summer, damaging winds within a thunderstorm are due to downbursts, which are rapidly-moving downward columns of rain-cooled air.

Scouting for Summer Pests!

Warmer temperatures mean summer fun, but they also bring pests to the garden and landscape. Fortunately, gardeners and homeowners spend more time outside tending to things this time of year and are able to spot some of these common pests before they become a major issue! Here are just a few to defend against.

Nothing is more heart breaking than tending to summer vegetable plants and then having them ravaged in just a matter of days. While humidity in the South is inviting for many diseases, especially on tomato plants, one thing gardeners can control is the tomato hornworm. This fat, green worm looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland, and it is anything but cute. Just one or two per tomato plant can strip it of its leaves in a matter of days. Rather than using a chemical, these guys can be plucked right off the plant by hand and then left for the birds to enjoy. Other than humans, some natural enemies to tomato hornworm are wasps and praying mantis, so you can often depend on nature to take its course. To prevent damage by tomato hornworm, gardeners must scout plants carefully every few days, as the pest’s green color blends right in with leaves. A full sized tomato hornworm is typically an inch and a half to two inches long. If infestations are great,Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays are acceptable for organic control.

A favorite plant for Japanese beetles are roses, but this pest will feed on many ornamental plants and even trees throughout the summer. They’re easily identified by their iridescent green color, and the damage they cause is hard to ignore. They eat leaves down to just the veins, leaving them looking skeletonized. The effectiveness of using the yellow Japanese beetle traps is debated because, while trapping some, it may also draw a large, unwanted population to the landscape. Place the traps away from susceptible plants, and remove the trap once it’s got activity on it. Chemical control is possible to suppress them, but elimination is difficult. Read and follow pesticide labels for application amounts and timing to mitigate the risk to other, desirable insects.

Noticing yellow or browning in spots of the lawn, or perhaps soft, spongy spots? This can be damage by chipmunks, birds, and especially moles, which feed on earthworms underground. Most creatures dig up spots in the grass, but moles tunneling underneath certainly affect larger areas in the lawn by pushing soil up! Their tunnels can span an entire yard. Reducing watering and stomping the tunnels down to redirect moles are often effective methods, but are ones that need constant attention. Traps are available to stop them from tunneling, but caution must be used and the homeowner educated so as to not harm or injure the wrong animal.

April and May brought thousands of questions into county extension offices statewide about strange, toothpick-like growths coming out of the trunks of many trees- commonly figs, crape myrtles and maples. Ambrosia beetle bores into unhealthy, often weakened and thin-barked trees around the turn of spring, and what is seen along the trunk is the sawdust kicked out of the holes they’ve bored. Over the summer, a second generation will emerge from affected tree trunks to scout out more trees to continue their lifecycle. Once this damage is spotted, it is important to cut away the affected limbs or trunks and remove and either bag or burn them. Proper tree care, health, and maintenance are the best defenses against problems like this. Certified arborists can also be consulted about preventative sprays for vulnerable trees.

And finally, there’s not a person on this planet who cares formosquitoes as they try and enjoy summer fun! Keys to reducing mosquitoes are eliminating standing water in common areas and in clogged gutters and using Mosquito Dunks in desired water, like ponds and birdbaths. They’re deemed safe for birds and fish. Consider an oscillating fan while relaxing outdoors. And rather than treating your entire outdoor area, treat yourself with repellents like Off, Deet or Skin So Soft. Lastly, make some adjustments to how you get dressed! Avoid dark clothing and strongly scented soaps. Apparently that’s what they’re most attracted to. Who knew?!

Ashley Frasca is host of the radio show Green and Growing, heard on 95.5 WSB Radio every Saturday from 6-9:00 a.m. For gardening tips, information, and advice, follow her Facebook page: Facebook.com/greenandgrowingwsb

WANT HELP STAYING COOL? GET OUT YOUR LAWN MOWER…

I recently received the following question.

Dave - In an effort to make our a/c unit less conspicuous in the backyard my wife has allowed plants to grow up around it. I tried to tell her that this is potentially bad for the unit but she doesn’t agree.

We’ve agreed to let you decide. Help! John in Lithia Springs

So, first of all – this is what I really love, the entire sanctity of a marriage hinging on my word.

Sorry wife, I’m on John’s side on this one and here’s why.

Your a/c unit needs to be able to breathe. It takes fresh air in on the sides and exhausts hot air out of the top. It also needs room to be services and washed.

Therefore your unit should be clear of any obstructions, from plants to more permanent structures like a fence or your house for at least 18” on every side.

Not only that, but in case someone thinks you should build a deck over the unit, there should be at least 5 ft. of clearance on the top of the unit as well.

So John, keep the area around your a/c unit clean and clear of debris. If you want to make your wife happy, feel free to plant and maintain some nice shrubbery about 3 ft. away from the unit.

Just make sure you leave room for the service man to get to your unit. Also leave room for your tent so that you will have a place to sleep.