Author: Brendan Wetzel

He is President of Phi Sigma Tau

Preparing a Site and Bed for Rose Plants

On By Brendan WetzelIn AgricultureLeave a comment

Led by Brendan Wetzel, Yardley Landscaping Company provides a comprehensive range of services to customers across Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Among the areas in which Brendan Wetzel has extensive knowledge is yard maintenance, and he is experienced in caring for a wide range of flowering shrubs.

When it comes to roses, the key is to select a planting site that will receive at least five hours of full sunlight each day. Particularly important is morning sun, which dries leaves and helps to prevent disease. Keep in mind that the sun’s angle changes with the seasons, and the site should receive full sunlight year-round. In areas with extended winter seasons, planting the bushes near the house’s foundation is one strategy that provides a degree of protection during the colder months.

When choosing a soil, select a loamy, slightly sandy one that allows moisture to drain but retains it long enough for root absorption. With too much clay, the roses’ roots run the risk of becoming waterlogged. At the same time, give each plant space in the bed. Crowding is associated with issues such as downy and powdery mildew.

Cleaning and Sharpening Garden Shears

On By Brendan WetzelIn CleaningLeave a comment

Keeping your garden tools sharp is essential to the proper maintenance of your shrubs and hedges. This requires regular cleaning, which removes dirt and sap from the blades.

Unfortunately, even with regular cleaning, some dirt is too stubborn to be removed with a cloth. If this is the case, use a wire brush or steel wool to remove the dirt.

The same is true for shears that have become rusty. For best results, disassemble the shears and clean between the blades.

Once the blades are separated, you should scrub them with a mild soap and then rinse them with water. Dry both of the blades with an old sock or towel.

With a diamond file or sharpening stone, sharpen the blades and lubricate them before putting them back together. Of course, the blades may also be sharpened when the shears are still together if there is no reason to take them apart.

How Much Should I Water New Grass Seeds?

On By Brendan WetzelIn AgricultureLeave a comment

A Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur, Brendan Wetzel is the owner and president of Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company in Bucks County. Brendan Wetzel’s company provides residential and commercial clients with services such as lawn aeration and seeding.

Watering new grass seed may be more complicated than it seems. Too much water can negatively impact the growth of grass, while too little of it can cause the sprouts to die.

All new grass seeds require consistent moisture until they start to germinate. Keeping the soil moist will prevent the seeds from drying out and dying.

However, a moist lawn is not considered the same as a soggy one that has been watered too much, which can keep grass seeds from growing to their full potential.

Usually, new grass seeds should be watered twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes. In dry conditions, homeowners may find that this amount of water is not sufficient. Conversely, areas that get a lot of rain may not require this much water.

When homeowners begin to see new grass, it means that the seeds are growing roots into the soil. When all of the seeds have germinated, homeowners can return to their regular watering schedule. Depending on the environment, this may take 30 days or more.

Things to Consider for a Spring Cleanup

On By Brendan WetzelIn CleanupLeave a comment

Proper spring cleanup involves more than simply picking up loose branches and other debris left exposed during the winter. While this is vital to maximize the growth of healthy grass, it is also important to rake the entire lawn and to clean garden beds in order to remove dead leaves and annuals that you intend to replace. From there, consider laying compost near plant roots to support their growth. About two-and-a-half centimeters of compost around perennial plants should be sufficient.

Before pruning overgrown shrubs and trees, identify the plants in your yard and determine the kind of care they require. For instance, some shrubs like rhododendrons and azaleas can be left alone until they bloom. Moreover, you should carefully inspect and clean all of your garden tools and clean them prior to the growing season. Edging and mulching are generally the last steps of an effective spring cleanup.