In the Weeds – January 2025

December and 2024 in review

December had something for everyone weather wise. If you like it cold there was a few days of that, if you like it warmer there was a lot of that too. We saw some needed rainfall, but nothing extremely heavy or persistent.

2024 was the best year in terms of rainfall and less extreme summer heat and dry spells in at least the last 5 years.

What to expect in January

Home gardeners, it is the month to stay warm, and if you start your own tomatoes from seed it is time to start. If you have winter crops in the ground good for you.   My indeterminate tomatoes I have talked about every month finally succumbed to a frost on January 6th. Seeing as I planted them about March 1 of 2024 that is a pretty good run. I really do think the fall/winter crop was better than the spring. On Sunday as we were preparing for the incoming weather, we picked gallons of both ripe tomatoes we made sauce with and green tomatoes to be fried up. If I would have had more time, we could have pickled some of those green tomatoes too.

Lawn maintenance should be minimal this month.  The frost and cold overnight temps the week of Jan 6th will keep most growth but a few weeds to an absolute minimum.

Action Items

Ants are showing up nearly everywhere-

  • Option 1 – Fipronil is a chemical that provides 12 months of protection. It both kills active mounds quickly and remains active for a long time. The downside is it must be applied by a professional licensed applicator. This also treats for fleas and ticks, so if you have pets that’s another benefit.
  • Option 2 – Apply a DIY granule insecticide like Amdro, Extinguish Plus, or Once and Done. Then follow up with mound treatment with a dust or liquid. The granule is slow to kill, but acts as a great preventative. The mound treatment gives you fast results.
  • Option 3 – I have been trying out a new product in some areas that I didn’t apply Fipronil to at my own home and have been impressed. “Tarrow” is a Borax solution you apply to a piece of cardboard and the workers carry the poison down to the colony.

Municipal Drainage Happenings

December weather was fair, but the early January cold snap has cemented turf grass into dormancy for a while. We are mowing once a month with tractors and twice monthly on shortgrass.

Hunter Soape

In the Weeds – December 2024

November in Review

November weather returned us to our normally scheduled programming after the extended warm spell. By that I mean many days in the 70s with a few bounces back into the 80s. Also, we saw some sporadic rain which helped us recover from that weird fall dry period.

What to Expect in December

Home gardeners, you should be starting to benefit from your fall planted cool season crops.  My indeterminate tomatoes are producing the most they have all season; we discussed how to do this a few months back. The frost will take them out sometime, maybe tomorrow maybe in January. I am going to grow my homegrown tomatoes until they do, and when frost is eminent, we will make fried green tomatoes with the unripe fruit.

Tired of mowing your lawn? You should get a good break now; our grasses are not dormant since we have not had a frost yet. But they know it is time to shut it down for the season. You may need a cut every 2 weeks to deal with some weeds but the weekly mowings are certainly done for a bit.

Action Items

  • Enjoy fires in the fireplace or outdoor fire pit on cold evenings.
  • Hot chocolate
  • Relax and enjoy this holiday season
  • Watch out for reindeer droppings in your yard following Christmas day

Municipal Drainage Happenings

November brought a break in the drought and perked up our turf since we had moderately warm temperatures. We are mowing once a month with tractors and twice monthly on shortgrass.

Districts that were treated with a pre-emergent herbicide look clean, those that did not elect for that have noticeably more weed pressure.

Overall, this has been the best year for turf in the past 5 years. No extreme freezes, consistent moisture for most of the year. Only a 45–50-day dry period and it was during 90-degree temps of September and not 100+ temps of July or August.

I am looking forward to another great year in 2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Hunter Soape

In the Weeds – November 2024

October in review

October or August 3.0 …. I am not sure which month we just turned the page on but it was not our normally pleasant weather for October. Furthermore, after a year of generous rainfall, we fell in to a mini drought. Even though it was only 45 days without rain the heat really burned up the unirrigated turf. The most frustrating part of the past month was that we were all teased by some nice cool fall weather back in September. The cooler nights and then dry weather put a halt to most of the growth of our turf grasses, but it also made the weeds go reproductive. So every time a lawn was mowed you where mostly just knocking down seed heads and very little else, but then the seed heads came back within days.

What to expect in November

Last month I said you “you can depend on a reprieve from the heat of our summers” about October and that turned out to be a lie. So, I will just say I hope November is cooler and it’s already starting out wetter than the preceding month.

Home gardeners, again I led you astray about getting fall/winter crops in last month. The good thing is you can try again since most of those plants are directly sown from seed into the garden. If you did get some plants started in October hopefully, they made it through to November

Normally, November would be the month we expect to see mowing frequency reduce. The growing season for our warm season grasses close with this month. Nighttime temps below 65 degrees F will shut down the Bermuda and St. Augustine lawn grass.

Also, this month it is time to switch out your seasonal color in your landscape beds and freshen up the mulch while you are at it. While we are talking about mulch, lets discuss tree volcanos.

  • Use a hardwood mulch, as it breaks down and decays it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
  • Think donut instead of volcano when spreading mulch around the tree. Keep mulch away from the trunk by a few inches at the least, larger trees go up to a foot. Do not cover the flare of the trunk if it is exposed, and avoid covering roots that are visible on the surface.
  • Mulch should be 2-3” thick total, adding 2-3” of mulch twice a year will create the dreaded “tree volcano” that suffocates the roots and prevents water from infiltrating. Stirring existing mulch around will keep it from forming a crust that is resistant to water infiltration. You can do this a few times a year and it gives you a freshly mulched look.

Image credit: Texas A&M Forest Service

Action items for this month- repeats from last month but November is the new October

  • Fertilization- We need to feed our grass to support root and plant health as the turf prepares for winter dormancy. It is very important we use the correct fertilizer currently. Using some leftover summer fertilizer will cause excess growth and stress the grass when it is trying to store nutrients for the winner. Below is my one and only recommendation.
    • Nitro-Phos- Brown bag- Fall Special fertilizer
  • Weeds- This month we need to get down an application of pre-emergent herbicide. Barricade, Dimension or Pendimethlin are the chemicals that you are looking for, I use “Nitro Phos Barricade”
  • Roses- Monthly feedings for roses are still important. Your roses should continue to bloom until the frost. In our area the First frost could be 30-90 days away, but keep feeding until then.
    • A fall pruning of your roses is generally a good idea. Do it before putting down fresh mulch to make the clean up easier. Follow the steps here for best results.

Municipal Drainage Happenings

October was the driest month I we have seen this year, and historically it is the second wettest. Turf conditions have rebounded well this year following 3 high stress years with droughts and hard freezes. The past 2 months have put a strain on turf, but I think this year has been 5 steps forward 1 step back at the worst.

Fall fertilization and herbicide are nearing completion for us.

Mowing schedules for most districts will drop back to monthly service on tractor-maintained areas and from weekly to every other week for shortgrass. However we will keep an eye on this, with a good shot of rain at the beginning of November we could see turf growth take off especially if the weather remains in the 80s during the day and above 65 at night.

Hunter Soape

In the Weeds – October 2024

September in review

I am a little late getting this out but I was waiting on September weather to leave and October to arrive. We did have a weird but wonderful week in September of fall weather. Rainfall was in short supply last month; I am pretty sure that is the first time I have said that in 2024.

What to expect in October

October is always the month I am looking forward to in the heat of the summer. Weather is pleasant. Rainfall is usually present but not overwhelming. It is the first month you can depend on a reprieve from the heat of our summers.

Home gardeners be thinking about your cool season crops and before the end of the month they need to be in. Most of all for us is being able to have home grown lettuce again. If you haven’t grown your own lettuce for salads, it will make you throw rocks at the stuff in the grocery store. It is extremely easy to grow and quick from germination to harvest.

We are changing gears in our lawns and landscapes as well. The growing season for our warm season grasses close with this month. Nighttime temps below 65 degrees F will shut down the Bermuda and St. Augustine lawn grass.

Also, this month it is time to switch out your seasonal color in your landscape beds and freshen up the mulch while you’re at it.

Action items for this month

  • Fertilization- We need to feed our grass to support root and plant health as the turf prepares for winter dormancy. It is very important we use the correct fertilizer currently. Using some leftover summer fertilizer will cause excess growth and stress the grass when it is trying to store nutrients for the winner. Below is my one and only recommendation.
    • Nitro-Phos- Brown bag- Fall Special fertilizer
  • Weeds- This month we need to get down an application of pre-emergent herbicide. Barricade, Dimension or Pendimethlin are the chemicals that you are looking for, I use “Nitro Phos Barricade”
  • Fungal problems – Gray Leaf Spot and Brown patch will could be present this month, but with our dry weather pattern and low humidity early in the month I do not see it being prevalent. Just make sure your irrigation is not overwatering
  • Landscape pest pressure is reduced this month. Caterpillars are the biggest culprits we will see and most likely it will be web worms in your oak trees.
    • BT Worm killer and caterpillar killer is an organic option that is highly effective on smaller caterpillars. Keep it on hand and follow directions. It can be used in the garden as well against tomato hornworms and to some degree Squash vine borers. It does not last long once applied so may
  • Roses- Monthly feedings for roses are still important. Your roses should continue to bloom until the frost. In our area the First frost could be 30-90 days away, but keep feeding until then.

Municipal Drainage Happenings

September was the driest month I think we have seen this year. Turf conditions have rebounded well this year following 3 high stress years with droughts and hard freezes.

We are starting up fall fertilization and herbicide this month. Much like I discussed above. We want drainage turf to be healthy and reduce competition for nutrients and sunlight.

Hunter Soape

In the Weeds – September 2024: Gardening and Maintenance Tips

August in review

August lived up to all expectations of being the most brutal month in our area. But it was one of the better August in the past several years. Most areas received some rain, and the last week of the month was unusually pleasant.

What to expect in September

If you are a home gardener this is the month we start getting active again. Heat will subside this month and it gives us a window for lots of vegetables again. Within another month we will be working toward cool season crops as well.

Continue to watch out for insect and fungal problems.

I would expect this month to stay wetter than normal following the trend for this year.

Action items for this month

  • Fertilization – If you have fertilized in the last 45 days I certainly would hold off. If you have not fertilized since Hurricane Beryl. The only reason to fertilize currently is if you are observing stress. In October we will want to apply a fall/winter fertilizer, more to come on that.
  • Weeds – you may be seeing some weeds popping up still as we discussed from last month. Sedge is one of the most prevalent problems I am seeing right now. “Sedge Hammer” is the go to product to treat with. Spot spray applications of your weeds with a pump up sprayer is the best bet at this time. Next month we will move to put down a granular pre-emergent herbicide again.
  • Fungal problems – Gray Leaf Spot and Brown patch will continue to be the prevalent problems here through October. Managing your irrigation so that the top of your soil layer is drying out between irrigation days will make a big difference. I have linked to more resources on identifying and treating these two problems.
  • Landscape pest pressure will continue this month. Aphids and caterpillars are the biggest culprits we will see. Ants are really active after all the rain as well.
    • BT Worm killer and caterpillar killer is an organic option that is highly effective on smaller caterpillars. Keep it on hand and follow directions. It can be used in the garden as well against tomato hornworms and to some degree Squash vine borers. It does not last long once applied so may need to be used every few days and after rains.
    • Cyonara is a broad range insecticide that will treat most of your insect problems from aphids to ants and caterpillars.
    • You may consider reapplying a granular insecticide if you applied one early in the growing season and are now seeing lots of fire ants. Something like Over N Out we work well.
  • Roses – Monthly feedings for roses are still imperative, if you have been on our program, you should be reaping the rewards.

Municipal Drainage Happenings

August was back to regular business just with more ground moisture than we have seen for the month in many years. We worked with our districts that where most susceptible to Johnson grass problems and used a targeted herbicide to treat the invasive grass. This treatment was very successful in controlling Johnson grass and most importantly reducing resident complaints about high grass. Currently we are seeing the best grass stand we have seen in many years in our districts.

Warm weather and green grass,

Hunter Soape

In the Weeds – August 2024

July in review

What a month! Direct impact from a Cat 1 Hurricane early in the month and then heavy rainfall for over a week toward the end of the month. One thing that holds true, our weather tends toward extremes here in the greater Houston area. Last month we talked about wet conditions and the weed and pest pressure, none of that has changed and we are going to start seeing new problems crop up.

What to expect in August

If your garden hasn’t been destroyed between winds, excessive rainfall and long-term saturated soils or pest consider your self a master gardener. Okra and green beans are doing well for me currently but everything else is gone.

Insect pressure is still persistent, we are seeing web worms still in trees and some army worms in lawns. Cinch bugs and grubs can show up anytime, see specific info about them both below. We are going to see fungal problems in many lawns this year with all the moisture and high heat returning.

Weeds have taken off in the best managed lawns this summer. So do not feel bad if you are seeing new weeds pop up in your lawn that where not there 30-45 days ago.

Action items for this month

  • Our “normal” schedule would not call for a fertilization in August, but I am going to feed my yard. We have had a lot of heavy rainfall with runoff to leach out nutrients. The silver bag Nitro – Phos is my preference again; it has a high-quality slow-release nitrogen so you will not get excessive growth and extra Iron to get that dark green color.
  • Weeds- normally we do not see broadleaf weed problems in July and August. But ample moisture and cooler soil conditions caused a lot of nuisance weeds to germinate and begin to show up. Use a premixed weed killer from the hardware store that attaches to the end of your garden hose for easy application and fast results.
  • Fungal problems – Gray Leaf Spot and Brown patch I expect to be more prevalent than normal and especially more than the past 2 years with drought. Managing your irrigation so that the top of your soil layer is drying out between irrigation days will make a big difference. I have linked to more resources on identifying and treating these two problems
    • Brown Patch- Link
    • Grey Leaf Spot- Link
  • Chinch Bugs- normally chinch bugs gravitate toward yards that are not maintained at as high a level as we discuss. Low fertility, weedy, stressed lawns are their normal target. But, if reproduction rates are high, and they probably will be this year, expect to see them in lawns that don’t usually have them. Identification and treatment
  • Landscape pest pressure will continue this month. Aphids and caterpillars are the biggest culprits we will see. Ants are really active after all the rain as well.
    • BT Worm killer and caterpillar killer is an organic option that is highly effective on smaller caterpillars. Keep it on hand and follow directions. It can be used in the garden as well against tomato hornworms and to some degree Squash vine borers. It does not last long once applied so may need to be used every few days and after rains.
    • Cyonara is a broad range insecticide that will treat most of your insect problems from aphids to ants and caterpillars.
    • You may consider reapplying a granular insecticide if you applied one early in the growing season and are now seeing lots of fire ants. Something like Over N Out we work well.
  • Roses- Monthly feedings for roses are still imperative, if you have been on our program, you should be reaping the rewards.

Municipal Drainage Happenings

Our drainages and corresponding maintenance to them was front and center in most MUDs and LIDs we serve this past month. Most importantly everything went well and worked as intended. The Hurricane damage was most extensive in areas with old big mature trees, especially where lines of single trees ran North and South. Privacy fences were also impacted heavily and we are still working around a lot of debris from them. Grass growth is looking great, we are continuing to see lots of Johnson grass and expect it to get worse over the next 60 days before slacking off in late September. Just like with lawns, broadleaf weeds are showing up that are not normal for the late summer.

Warm weather and green grass,

Hunter Soape