What a great winter we are having in the Treasure Valley! Nothing like the snow-tracity we had last year. With warmer weather knocking on our door we get excited to start think and talking Lawn Care again.

While we still have a few months before we can safely declare lawn care season with weekly lawn mowing requirements. We thought it would be helpful to share a couple tips which will help as we enter nicer weather here in the Boise Area.  

1. Make sure and Maintain your Lawn and Landscape through out the seasons. As home owners we often trim everything down in the fall, dispose of most it and let the remainder decompose. That’s great, but make sure you are picking up those remnants as we get into the warmer weather. Also, if you have pets, pick up their waste often, even in cold weather if left on the lawn it can damage your grass severely.
2. Dethatch your lawn as we warm up. This can be done by a professional lawn maintenance company and sometimes requires special equipment. Often, you can take a wire rack and comb through your grass, removing the dead shoots and freeing up some space for new growth in your lawn.
3. Have a Fertilization Plan, soil condition is extremely important here in the Boise Valley.  We live in a dry arid climate with little natural nutrients in our soil. Here in Boise, our lawns require fertilizers and if done improperly these fertilizers can do more harm than good. We recommend having a professional lawn technician test your soil and recommend a plan.
4. Pre-emergent and Weed Treatments are often coupled with our fertilizers. Creating a Weed and Feed solution which not only feeds our lawns but kills and prevents weed. Crab grass dandelions, thistles these are all common weeds that develop in local yards if they go untreated. In Boise’s arid climate they spread quick and become quit the chore. Put a stop to them before they start, with pre-emergent formula.  
5. A Local Lawn Care Company might suggest Aerating your lawn if the soil is too compact. The spring make an ideal time for aeration as the grass can quickly adjust and grow-in.  This can be done in a couple different ways depending on the condition of your yard. A simple aeration shoe, with spikes on the sole, might work. While other conditions might call for an aeration machine which pulls larger plugs from the ground. This allows for dense soil to decompress and foster better health for your grass. 

Also keeping an eye on your trees and shrubs as they grow in, properly pruning and trimming them for the summer ahead.

​These are just a few simple tips to get you started to a green lush summer. 

​The snow season is approaching fast, as Boise residents like to be outdoors, and this winter here are a couple things you should check out with your friends and family. 

When you hear about dog sledding, you probably immediately think about either Canada or Alaska. But did you know that Idaho has a long history when it comes to dog sledding as well? American Dog Derby is the longest-standing dog sled race that originated all the way back in 1917. It is a two-day event that happens every year in the third week of February.
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Many dog sled teams gather to compete in a race that is 55 miles long. There is also a 100-yard Mutt Race for everyone who is interested in competing.

There are more hot springs in Idaho than in any other state. Hot springs offer you a great way to keep warm during the cold winter days. You can easily find a lot of hot springs right off the highway. However, if you are one of those people who love to explore, then put on a pair of snowshoes and go on an adventure.
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The all-natural Bonneville Hot Springs can be found in the Boise National Forest. It is a beautiful place that stays open throughout the entire winter. You can find the springs approximately one mile from the road, and because there can be a lot of snow on the way, the best solution would be to wear snowshoes.

There is a lot of public and privately owned yurts in Idaho. They can be found all over the state, and they make for a great base camp. These yurts provide access to many miles of a beautiful terrain, first turns for split boarders and skiers, as well as an access to some fresh powder.

Sun Valley Trekking operates six yurts. Each one of these yurts can accommodate anywhere from 16 to 19 people. Some of these six yurts even come with hot tubs. They will also prepare meals for you and use a snowmobile to transport your gear.
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You can find another six yurts near Idaho City. They are slightly less luxurious, but that doesn't mean that they are not well-appointed and clean. Make sure to always reserve in advance though. These six yurts are quite popular.

You never know we might just see you out in the Snow. One thing is for sure, we are still open and ready to help this winter with all your needs. 

When the New years comes around and you start planning for next spring make sure to give us a call for all your Lawn care and Landscaping needs here in the Boise metro Area.

• Weekly Lawn Care
• Lawn Fertilization
• Tree Fertilization
• One-time Services
• Much More...

During the summer and spring, many people can be seen spending a lot of time outside, trying to make their homes look as beautiful as they can. They spend hours planting flowers, pulling weeds and landscaping their front yards. And there is a chance that you do all of this as well.
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But, did you know that there are some common mistakes that people make, and that these mistakes could result in attracting a couple of unwanted pests to your home?
However, there is no reason to worry because all that you need are some small, simple changes in order to ensure that rodents and insects are kept away from your home at all times.

​Almost any (if note every) nursery or store that sells products for home improvement has a lot of mulch bags available for you to buy, and they are usually available in assorted colors. Wood chips is usually used for making this mulch. If you want to add some curb appeal to your home, then using some mulch is the way to go, and its price is relatively low as well.

Unfortunately, wood mulch is an attraction for many different pests, including termites and carpenter ants. Termites and carpenter ants are known for causing a lot of damage, which can sometimes be measured in thousands of dollars, so you definitely want to keep them away. In order to decrease the chance of pests, instead of using wood mulch, you can use rubber mulch. Not only does the rubber mulch match its wooden counterpart in weed control and appearance, but it also significantly decreases the chance of insects.

​If you take a close look at any shrub or brush in your garden, it is very likely that are going to see a few bugs scurrying along the branches or hiding between the leaves. These insects see plants as shelters and good food sources. Remember not to plant them too close to your home, because if you do, you may find some unwanted insects climbing their way through the windows.

​When choosing what to plant, a lot of people simply pick something that they like based off of appearance alone. But, it is important to remember that there are some herbs and ornamental flowers that can repel insects.

Geraniums are brightly colored flowers that do their part in repelling leafhoppers, mosquitoes and Japanese beetles. They last from spring to early fall, and they come in different colors.

Marigolds are good for repelling aphids, mosquitoes and even rabbits. They are not hard to grow and they can also be used for keeping the worms away from the tomato plants when planted near them.

Rosemary can be used to repel many different kinds of insects that can cause harm to your garden. It can be planted in the ground or in containers and it can be used for seasoning meat and vegetables. Rosemary can also be burned in order to keep mosquitoes away.

Even though these tips can help decrease the pest activity inside and outside of your home, it is likely that the problem will not be entirely solved. And that is where the professionals come in. Hiring a professional is always a good idea. 

Here at Safari Lawn Care we can help design a great looking and highly functional landscape. Our lawn and tree fertilization and weed control will ensure you get the best looking vegetation possible. While our pest control treatment will keep your lawn and trees bug and insect free.

Growing and keeping a lush, dark green lawn in Boise is something of an art. Homeowners take this seriously and I have a lot of great information on it to share. It is not just when the sun is shining that you need to pay extra attention to keeping your lawn in top shape, it is a year round commitment.
 
Your green lawn journey starts with your soil and the type of seed you choose for the area that you live in, and then moves on to fertilizers and other maintenance such as weed prevention and when you water it during the day and for how long. If you want that bare foot comfortable feeling in your lawn, then these steps are the best for you to follow.
 
It starts with the choice of the right type of grass. Not all of them are the same shade of green and not all dark green grasses grow in all climates. Good examples of a vibrant green grass is Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.

Location is important in choosing the type of grass you want for your lawnThe US is divided into three general zones. In the upper half of the US, cool-season grasses will thrive. “Cool Season” means that temperatures drop below freezing in the winter. Hee in Boise we fall into this region and these grass varieties tend to do very well, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue.
 
The states from southern California all the way to the Carolina’s are transitional grass states. These states need a mix of cool and warm season grasses, but cool season grasses thrive more in this zone.

​The southern part of the US is a warm season grass zone.  Warm season grasses need hot summers and mild winters to survive. These include the varieties Bahia, Common Bermuda, Hybrid Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia.  ​

Here at Safari Lawn Care we are always happy to answer any questions. Jump to our home page here or contact us by calling today! ​​

Lawn care companies are everywhere. They are as many as the bugs in a garden. They come in various forms from those operating with old trucks and trailers, as well as unreliable and outdated equipment, to those with shiny new trucks and equipment as well smart looking workers.

​Surprisingly, some of these odd looking companies with old trucks and equipment often provide a great service, while some of the sophisticated guys hardly get the job done. 
 
So, how do you really know which Boise lawn care company is best for you?
 
Although it's not usually easy considering the huge number of options out there, but the search will become much easier once you know what to look out for. 
 
So, whether it's your first time hiring a lawn company or you are just looking for another service to replace your current provider, below are the four basic things to look out for in order to find the right company. ​

The heat of summer can mean death for your lawn or it could be the best time to enjoy its greenness depending on how you look after it.

In the Boise area, regular watering is needed to keep the lawn healthy and green. As a result, most homeowners go as far as watering their lawns under the intense heat of the sun during mid-day; a routine they believe will preserve their precious lawns from the scorching summer sun and keep away the brown patches from showing up. Unknown to them, they are damaging their lawns even though it appears they are doing the right thing.
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Although, the sun is hot and you need to water to moderate the temperature of your lawn, even the heat is also needed for it to survive. Therefore, you have to know when to do the watering and how to go about it. So, here are 5 tips to help you keep a green lush lawn throughout this summer.

​Try to keep the moisture depth at approximately 3-4 inches from the soil surface. Any less than this will stress endanger the lawn, as the grass will struggle to get water, while any more of this will lead to logging and waste of water.

​A good way you can find out the depth of water in the soil is by digging a narrow hole or inserting a screw driver or any thin metal rod and feeling for moisture. Do this at different parts of the lawn. It is expected that the shaded areas will have more moisture since they don't get much heat. 

At the beginning, we mentioned how many homeowners water their lawns in the mid-day. However, doing this is a waste of time, as the water will quickly evaporate even before it gets absorbed by the soil. Night time is also not the best because, photosynthesis occurs when there is enough light.

​As a result, the best time to water your lawn is in the morning. Because the plant will be able to effectively make use of the water it is getting. 

​You don't need to be "too hard-working" in order to maintain a healthy lawn. In fact, frequent watering will only soak the root which can prevent it from growing deep. Such a lawn will not have strong grasses and as such can be easily preyed and uprooted.

​Instead of watering day and night, it is advisable to train your lawn by giving it three to four times weekly, preferably in the morning. Over time, this will help build a healthy green lawn with a deep root system. Also, make sure the lawn is well fed with the proper nutrients through a fertilization schedule.

​When watering your lawn, always give time for the soil to absorb the water. If any area starts to run off and you feel the area hasn't taken enough yet, just turn off the sprinkler. Give some time for water to soak in well, say 15 minutes, and then water again. Ensure every part of the lawn gets their own share of water; do not focus on just one area. Also, try to keep the sprinkler away from the path to avoid wastage.

​Just like any living organism, lawns also need air (oxygen) to survive. So, as you go about watering your lawn all summer, also make sure to keep it aerated. You can rent a machine for this or hire a local lawn service which should be able to help you out.

Get rid of the weeds early whenever you notice them, you can just pull them out. Although, you can always use a weed killer, controlling them at the early stages is healthier for your lawn.
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Finally, you now know how to water your lawn the right way. It’s not rocket science; no special training; no need to hire someone to do it for you- the simple  tips above should help you do a good job.

If your family is like mine, you're very familiar with spring and fall cleaning. It's the time when you take care of all the nitty gritty stuff that builds up over the months, like emptying the bug cemetery accumulating in the light fixtures and evicting the dust bunnies under beds and in corners. Yard care is another place where a little extra TLC from season to season will really go a long way to help your lawn or garden stay in prime shape for the coming months. Here are a few tips to get you in your green thumb groove.  ​

Spring is the time of year when life begins to awaken from a long hibernation.  This season starts in March most years but depending on weather, you may have to wait a bit longer. Take this time to clear your yard of debris that have gathered over the winter such as dead leaves, fallen twigs and branches and expired annuals or perennials to make way for new growth. If you wish, you can start a compost with the leaves, cuttings and expired foliage. 
 
As you begin to unwrap the burlap from your plants check their condition as well as that of the lawn. You may notice a few patches of grass have gone to the brown side; this may be for a few reasons, all of them very common due to the unpredictability of the weather. For instance, dormant seeding in the fall followed by an early winter snow could lead to what's known as snow mold. Be sure to till and aerate your lawn very well, as well as using a fertilizer rich in phosphorus to facilitate new seed growth.
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This is also a great time to re-assess the layout of your yard. Are you happy with the placement and proportion of the borders and flowerbeds or is it time to change up the landscape

Leaves transforming into bursts of crimson red, lemony yellow and saffron orange remind us that the season of unending raking is upon us.

As you are preparing your home for the cold to come, begin by clearing out gutters with a hose or other specialty tool. Clear your lawn of clutter, adding leaves, perennial vegetation and twigs to compost as before. As you rake don’t worry about collecting every last leaf; a little ground cover can act as insulation in the winter. Rim your trees and plants with another layer of phosphorus-rich fertilizer and trim the grass as low as possible.

After trimming, empty the gas tank on your lawnmower. This is also a good time to do a little tune-up on it as well as your snow blower. Drain and store hoses and while you're at it, be sure to drain irrigation pipes and fixtures to prevent freezing.  Put tools and appliances you'll need in the winter in an easy-to-find place. Check to make sure your shovels are sturdy and ready for the long winter to come.

The last step is to fix yourself a steaming cup of apple cider and relax on the porch as you admire your efforts!  ​

Happy Gardening! 

There’s no denying that a beautiful green lawn offers more than just a pleasing landscape to gaze your eyes on; it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. But, what if your lawn is less than lush? Maybe you've experienced a bout of fungus or mold; maybe droughts are slowly turning your grass brown and dry, or maybe you have patches where there is no grass at all! The good news is that with a little focus, time and effort, you can tackle just about any yard lamentation or even start from scratch. Here are a few tips for helping you get back in the green.   
 
The first step is to assess when to do what. With one day’s effort followed by care and maintenance, you can easily get your lawn back on-schedule for unending green goodness. However, it’s important to pick the right day! For instance, fall is a great time for aerating and dressing your lawn for the growth to come, while spring is all about de-thatching and renewing. It's important to know when to do what so that you don't end up creating more work for yourself in the long run.  If you’re prepping your lawn for winter, a core aerator is great. It allows oxygen, nutrients and seed to reach all the way down to the soil. Remember to store clippings, twigs (under ½ inch) and other vegetation in compost, turning once every two weeks.    
  
After a good coring, or thatching if you're looking at springtime planning, it's always a good idea to get a soil test. Soil tests can determine which minerals are already present (or sorely lacking) in your area. This is the best way to determine which fertilizer to employ. Generally speaking, you want to add fertilizer with high phosphorus content which is may be mixed in along with nitrogen, calcium and/or potassium. These macronutrients will really give your seeds the boost they need to grow. When you're ready, load fertilizer into a spreader, checking to make sure the dispersion setting is correct for the task and simply distribute evenly on your lawn. For something different, try bone meal!  
 
Once you do begin to experience new growth in your lawn, you'll want to be sure you’re ready to keep weeds at-bay. Crabgrass is a common foe of the field, and there are many seed blends that have a little crabgrass deterrent already added in. For spot treatment, grab a spade and manually remove the weed, making sure to dislodge the whole root and throwing it into a bag to prevent re-growth. These definitely don't belong in the compost! You can also use weed killer which is available at most grocery and home stores.  
 
Now that we've got the foundation for a great yard established, the hard work is over. At this point all you have to do is maintain as needed and water weekly, avoiding the hottest part of the day. As the sun cools but before it’s about to set, apply water evenly using whatever hose or irrigation rig works best for your yard. For best results you should aim for an inch of water every week, breaking up watering sessions over the course of the week.  Keep it up and you should have the lawn you've always dreamed of in no time!  ​

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