Author: HCMUD106

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

Voluntary Water Use Restrictions

Dear Residents,

The West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA) has requested that all Municipal Utility Districts within its boundaries voluntarily reduce their water usage.

While we have had small bouts of rain over the past few days, the overall drought continues to strain our water system and those other systems which help supply us. We ask that you help reduce this stress on our community’s water system by remaining mindful. Please ensure that your irrigation systems are leak free.

If you see a water leak anywhere in our subdivision please report it immediately by calling (281) 579-4500 or by writing in to MUDCustomerService@Inframark.com.

Tax Statement

If you have not received your tax statement and you do not escrow your taxes, please contact the Tax Office at 281-499-1223 or visit their website at www.taxtech.net.

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 106 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2021 on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027 *(Members of the public may attend the hearing in person. Due to the COVID-19 virus epidemic emergency and the high threat level warnings issue by various governments and agencies, members of the public may also attend this hearing by telephone at 888-251-2909, Access Code: 8813019.) Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.

Click here to read notice.

Water Service Update

The water plant is up and running and the wells are pumping. The interconnect has been closed. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Trash Restrictions Relating to February Freeze

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared the winter storm we just experienced as a disaster.  The following debris generated as a result of the February Freeze are not considered regular trash and will not be picked up as part of your regular garbage service:

  • debris removed from inside of the house as a result of flooding from broken pipes
  • frozen/damaged/dead landscaping (trees, shrubs, ).

Here are some options for disposing of freeze-related debris:

  1. The Bagster
  2. The Bull Bag
  3. Best Trash provides special collection service for debris removal.  For pricing, please email your address and pictures to customerservice@besttrashtexas.com to get a quote.

Please check with your homeowners insurance carrier regarding potential reimbursement for your debris.

Freeze Warning

Freezing temperatures possible Sunday thru Thursday. Protect pipes, people, and pets!

With upcoming weather expected to reach record lows, we want to remind everyone to take the time to inspect and insulate their household water lines.

Be sure to wrap exterior pipes and irrigation backflow preventers to avoid issues during the extreme cold. For tips on winterizing your irrigation system, view the below video.