Turf talk

Since our last snow fall; I have noticed something as I drive around, 20% of all properties did not have a proper fall leaf clean up. In my own neighborhood, I had my crews clean my entire cul-de-sac off except for the two nasty people at the top of the block. I’m like an elephant, I forgive but I don’t forget.

I have received calls from a handful of stray customers saying I needed to come back. We were out until the December 15th snow. When I go to the properties, inevitably someone in the neighborhood

by Greg Carpenter, CLT, American Beauty Landscape

didn’t clean up their leaves. I see a growing trend in high value neighborhoods. Young people who don’t seem focused on curb appeal.

I think we need to petition towns to enforce regulations that we currently have. My borough has a height restriction of 10+ inches really 10” - 12”. How about 6” and as far as leaves go, it’s far less clear as to if you have to clean up your leaves or not. Unsightly conditions, hazards or unsanitary conditions 339-12B 1,2, 3 or causing a blighting on the neighborhood are line items stated in the ordinance.

I think by the time we get to blight, these homeowners have made a mess for all their neighbors. And if you are in the path of a prevailing wind, you will be the one cleaning up again and again.

So going into Spring, what do we have to look forward to? Although we had a nice break in February, the snow finally came and pushed our March 1 start dates of the last three years until two weeks later.

My spring letter advises customers that spring lawn applications will take place the last week of April. If you are lucky, Mother’s Day annuals will be Memorial Day annuals this year.

And I may use this column to inform my wife we’re not going anywhere fun until Labor Day (but have you seen the cost of airfare lately?). Sorry.

Good Luck and Keep Growing!

Greg Carpenter, CLT is owner of American Beauty Landscape since 1982. He attended the SUNY Farmingdale Turfgrass Program and is the Vice President of the NJLCA. Greg also serves on the Rutgers Turfgrass Advisory Board and the Bergen Community College Horticultural Advisory Board.