The usual suspects: How to spot and stop fungal plant diseases

Becca Gilloway on August 23, 2022

Keep your garden healthy by knowing what to look for—and what to do

From spots and rot to wilting flowers and unusual coloration, fungal parasites are one of the most common causes for plant diseases. With spores that spread through wind, water, and touch, it’s easy for plants to become infected, especially when a plant already has prior wounds.

But with the right knowledge and tools you can stop fungal diseases from spreading while helping nurse infected plants back to health. Here are some of the most common fungal diseases you’ll encounter and how to deal with them.

  • Powdery mildew
  • Black spot
  • Rust
  • Crown rot
  • Brown patch

Powdery mildew

WHAT IS POWDERY MILDEW?

Spreading to other plants by being carried in the wind, powdery mildew leaves a white, dusty coating (think flour) on the top of leaves and stems. An infected plant’s growth will slow down, and the disease could potentially kill it. It’s a common occurrence for cucurbits, nightshades, roses, and legumes. Unlike other fungal diseases, powdery mildew thrives in dry, warm weather and doesn’t require moisture to spread.

HOW TO DEAL WITH POWDERY MILDEW

Black spot

WHAT IS BLACK SPOT?

A fungal disease commonly found on roses, black spot—as the name suggests—appears as black spots on the tops of leaves and then slowly turns yellow. Typically occurring when a plant is in an environment that has too much moisture, black spot doesn’t tend to kill plants; instead, it greatly weakens them and opens up the door for other diseases (such as canker diseases and winterkill) to further harm a plant. Improve the drainage around plants and remember to stay vigilant during rainfalls to slow its spread.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BLACK SPOT

Rust

WHAT IS RUST?

Caused by a fungal parasite that feeds off living plants, rust is one of the easiest diseases to spot: simply look for red and orange spots and pustules on the leaves of woody and herbaceous plants. While usually mild and rarely killing an infected plant, rust does slow overall growth. Typically occurring when there’s moisture in the air and soil, rust thrives in wet conditions and spreads via water.

HOW TO DEAL WITH RUST

Crown rot

WHAT IS CROWN ROT?

Caused by a fungus that thrives in soil where there’s poor drainage and lots of moisture, crown rot attacks the root system of trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants—potentially leading to death. As the fungus affects the plant from the root up, you’ll probably become aware of crown rot when a plant begins wilting, feels stunted, or has thin and discolored foliage. If you see these signs, take a closer look at the base of the plant and its roots to see if it’s soft or brown.

HOW TO DEAL WITH CROWN ROT

  • Prevention is key: use resistant plants
  • Avoid excess moisture and improve drainage to stop waterlogging
  • Eliminate infected plants (or bark on a tree) to stop further spread
  • Spray near the root with IKE’s Total Disease Control All-Purpose Fungicide

Brown patch

WHAT IS BROWN PATCH?

Caused by several different species of fungus, brown patch can affect all types of turfgrass, especially tall fescue and perennial rye. Brown patch commonly attacks cool-season lawns during the warmer and more humid seasons (when daytime temperatures are 85 ºF or above), and it only gets worse if it’s the rainy season. Brown patch can range in size from only a few inches wide in diameter to several feet wide. It appears in circular, yellow and brown patches and can easily be mistaken for dead grass.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BROWN PATCH

  • Wait it out: most lawns can recover from a minor case of brown patch with proper fall fertilization
  • Avoid mowing with dull blades that leave grass blades wounded and open to infection
  • Avoid watering your lawn too much: most tall fescue lawns do not need watering and can go dormant
  • Spray area with IKE’s Total Disease Control All-Purpose Fungicide

Tips to Help Your Lawn and Garden Stay Healthy in the Summer Heat

Becca Gilloway on July 25, 2022

Summer is finally here, and with the hot weather comes barbecues, baseball games, outdoor parties and more. While we can turn to comforts like air conditioning, fans, or swimming pools to escape the extreme heat, our turf, shrubs, and plants aren’t so lucky. Prolonged periods of high temperatures can actually cause a lot of damage to our properties if we’re not prepared. With that in mind, it’s important to talk about some steps we can all take to help our lawns and plant life endure the summer sun.

Leave your grass a bit longer

When temperatures rise, opting for a longer grass length can be beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, when your grass is too short, high temperatures wreak havoc by adding extra stress on the plant itself. Since high levels of stress sap the energy needed for new growth, your grass will instead turn dry and brittle and begin to thin out.

Second, longer grass length means the plant has more time to develop and strengthen its root system. Stronger roots can tolerate the stress of high heat because they’re able to reach down and draw moisture from the soil—even under the most strenuous conditions.

Make a few mower adjustments

When it comes time to mow your lawn, adjust your mower for a longer setting. It’s always good to go by the “one third” rule: never remove more than one third of the grass height at one time. And speaking of mowers, do your best to keep your mower blades nice and sharp, as this will help reduce any stress or fraying of the grass blades when it’s time to cut.

During higher temperatures, don’t bag your grass clippings. This applies especially to mulching mowers, as mulched grass can settle into the lawn and help trap moisture. This will help you retain a cooler surface temperature, which can also help hydrate your lawn.

Water at the right time

If you know that temperatures will be hot, it’s good to space out your watering sessions. When you do water, aim for a good, deep soak. Deeper and less-frequent watering sessions can actually prime your turf for better water retention. So, make sure to water long enough to saturate down to the root zone, and then wait to water again until the grass looks dry. This will take some close attention, but when things begin to appear a bit wilted or dried out, you can give it another go.

Watering early during the coolest part of the day is the best approach to take. Those cooler morning hours are a great opportunity for roots to absorb more moisture into the root system. This helps sustain the lawn as it takes on those hotter temps throughout the day.

Limit wear and tear

Remember that hotter temperatures bring a lot of stress to your lawn, so it’s important to enforce a bit of traffic control when it comes to wear and tear on your turf. Not only does this mean keeping foot traffic at a low, but you also want to hold off on any maintenance like fertilizer applications throughout the summer. It’s all about timing. Since these kinds of applications promote more growth, they require energy and can cause more stress on your grass, which will already be maxed out by the summer sun. Additionally, the higher salt content in many fertilizers tends to draw away needed moisture and could cause more harm than good to your lawn. That’s why it’s best to proactively fertilize in spring, well before peak summer temperatures come along.

Activities like aeration or dethatching during periods of high temperatures and stress should also be avoided. Instead, save these for fall or spring when the grass is strong and healthy, and when your turf can recover quickly from the temporary damage caused by these cultivation practices.

Develop a healthy routine

The summer heat can be tough on your yard, but it can still thrive if you plan ahead. The best protection you can give your lawn and garden is maintaining its year-round health. Season-long care includes proper watering, fertilization, mowing, weeding, and pest control. These all help to ensure a healthy lawn that is well-equipped to endure those hot summer days. No matter where you are in your lawn care and landscaping journey, let us help you—each step of the way—by offering the best solutions for the projects ahead of you. For more information on our products, check out our product page or contact us.

The Usual Suspects: Top Insects to Look Out For In Your Lawn

Becca Gilloway on June 30, 2022

There’s nothing worse than looking out at your shrubs, lawn and flowers and seeing what was once green and lush has become brown and sickly. While lawns and other plants can support insects feeding upon them without any indication of distress for a time, when growing slows, damage can become quite obvious. The best way to get ahead of insect damage is to learn a little bit about the usual suspects and the steps needed to keep those pests at bay.

White grubs

White grubs are the larvae of a variety of different scarab beetles. Once they’re fully grown, they won’t bother your lawn too much, but in their C-shaped wormy form, they feed on turfgrass roots. If you notice patches of your lawn turning brown that are easy to pull up, you may have white grubs. Check for them with this easy trick: pour a bucket of hot, soapy water over the affected area and wait 10 minutes. If you see white grubs coming to the surface for air, we recommend treating with IKE’s Total Grub Control. Apply in spring and late summer/fall for season-long control and best results.

Chinch bugs

These tiny pests are so small that they can be hard to spot, but the damage they can do to your lawn can be devastating. They feed on grass by boring into the blade and sucking the sap inside. The toxic saliva they leave behind causes the grass to die. Signs of chinch bugs are yellow patches of grass that turn brown and die rather than come back to life when watered. You can test for chinch bugs by taking a metal can and removing the top and the bottom. Then, drive the can a few inches into the soil and add water. If you have chinch bugs, they should float to the top. Chinch bugs are best treated with a broad spectrum insecticide like IKE’s Total Pest Control.

Ants

There’s a saying that ants aren’t bad for your lawn until they are. What that means is a certain number of ants can actually benefit a lawn, as their tunnels provide aeration and the organic matter they leave behind promotes soil health. However, when ant populations become too large for the lawn, their tunnels can dry out the soil. When this happens, you’ll see unsightly mounds on the lawn’s surface that smother grass and prevent it from growing. While there are some easy homemade concoctions made from soap, vinegar and boiling water that can be effective in dealing with ants, these remedies can create damaged areas on your lawn. To address ants, we recommend IKE’s Total Pest Control. Apply it from April through September for up to six months of protection.

Rose slugs

Rose slugs aren’t actually slugs. They are the larvae of sawflies that feed on the underside of rose leaves. In the early stages of their life, they make tiny holes that look like brown spots on the leaves. As they grow, their size increases – as does their appetite. They begin to look like green caterpillars, and they can literally strip your rose plants bare. The trick in killing rose slugs is to use a product that can be sprayed on the plant without killing it. We recommend IKE’s Total Tree & Shrub Protection Plus. It provides systemic and foliar control of insects and pests on roses, flowers and landscape ornamentals.

Aphids

These tiny sap-sucking insects usually appear in groups on the underside of leaves of distressed plants. In large colonies, they can weaken plants, harming fruit and flowers. They multiply quickly, so it’s good to be proactive with them before reproduction starts. IKE’s Total Tree & Shrub Protection Plus is recommended for control of almost all aphids.

Cutworms and Armyworms

Cutworms are big, fleshy caterpillars that love to feed on lawns. They’re particularly crafty, as they cut off leaves at the crown and drag them into a burrow to feed. Adult cutworm moths lay their eggs at night, and they are attracted to light. Because of this, cutworm invasions are particularly common around well-lit homes.

Armyworms get their name because they congregate in large groups and move while taking down everything in their path. Like cutworms, the adult moths lay loads of eggs at night, so it’s important to get on top of them sooner rather than later. Both cutworms and armyworms can be treated with IKE’s Total Pest Control. For optimum protection, delay mowing or watering for 24 hours after application.

IKE’s: Your lawn insect management expert

Of course, there are many more insects that can wreak havoc on your lawn and shrubs, but these are some of the most common. If you’d like help identifying a culprit or want recommendations regarding the best method to defend against a known perpetrator, drop us a line.

You can find a comprehensive list of common lawn pests and how to deal with them through this resource from North Carolina State University.

How to Use Concentrates

Becca Gilloway on June 17, 2022

IKE’s lawn and garden concentrates are effective, efficient, and easy to use. And with more applications per bottle than the leading ready-to-use brands, these professional-grade products have everything you need to get the job done.

 

To get started, our simple tip-and-measure bottle works in just five easy steps:

  1. Find the mix rate
  2. Tip the bottle forward
  3. Measure
  4. Mix with water
  5. Spray

Step 1: Find the mix rate:

Check your label (or our Mix Rates Reference Chart) for the correct concentrate-to-water ratio (otherwise known as the mix rate).

Step 2: Tip the bottle forward:

Do this until the liquid fills the upper compartment.

Step 3: Measure:

Once the upper compartment is full, tip the bottle back until the liquid matches the angled measurement mark that you need for your product’s correct mix rate.

Step 4: Mix with water:

Fill your spray tank with the proper amount of water for your product’s mix rate. Now you’re ready to mix.

Step 5: Spray!

If rain is in the forecast, keep in mind that most products have an allotted rainfast indication. You’ll want to reference this information on the bottle to make sure you get the best performance per application.

Pretty simple, right? No gimmicks here. Just what you need to grow your self-driven ambition into something greater.

IKE’s Concentrates: We’ve Got You Covered!

With our concentrated lawn and garden solutions, you won’t need to worry about having enough product to get the job done. You can find peace of mind knowing that IKE’s concentrates are professional-grade products that outlast the competition and cover more square footage per bottle.

So, what are you looking for? No matter where you are in your lawn care journey, let us help you by offering top-quality solutions for each of the lawn care projects ahead of you:

  • Herbicides:

    Concentrated weed control solutions to protect lawns, gardens, flowers, and more from unsightly and unwanted broadleaf and grassy weeds.

  • Insecticides:

    Concentrated insect control solutions to protect roses, flowers, shrubs, and lawns from unwanted insect pests that invade soil and plants.

  • Fungicides:

    Concentrated fungus control solutions to control major lawn & plant diseases.

  • Fertilizers:

    Concentrated liquid fertilizers to build strong roots, provide enhanced proteins and yields, and stimulate lush grass.

  • Specialty Concentrates:

    Concentrated solutions for specialty applications including pond care, equipment maintenance, and enhancing the use of other products.

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions about our concentrates, check out the following resources:

For more information, please contact us.

The Usual Suspects: Top Weeds to Look Out For in Your Lawn and Garden

Becca Gilloway on June 10, 2022

When it comes to weed control, one of the most common questions we get asked every year is:

“What’s the easiest way to identify a weed?”

Some weed types are incredibly aggressive, and the most invasive types upset entire ecosystems. That’s nothing to take lightly. And since we care too much not to address this question, we’d like to offer some practical advice on how to identify common weeds you might come across while out in your yard. Then, we’ll also discuss a few ways to get rid of them if/when they make an appearance.

Why Controlling Weeds is Important

Weeds are disruptive because they compete for the nutrients, water, and sunlight that exist within a given growing space. As weeds begin to flourish, various pests and diseases are given the opportunity to move in and take over what was once healthy.

We don’t want that to happen to you! That’s why we’ve set out to equip you with the tools you need to effectively manage your lawn and garden.

It will take some effort, but as long as you remain diligent, you’ll keep your property looking beautiful from season to season.

Proactive Weed Control

To start, we want to stress how important it is to tackle weeds early. When it comes to combating weeds on your property, it’s good practice to abide by this rule: the sooner the better.

If you can begin treating weed issues before they emerge, then you’re off to a great start. However, if time has passed and weeds have already emerged, it’s not too late! We have products for either situation, but in order to get the best results, always start early.

How to Identify Weeds

Now that you know when to start, it’s also important to figure out which weeds you’re up against. Understanding how a certain weed is classified is the first step toward controlling it because weeds in similar groupings are often managed the same way.

This process of classification is not always easy. Some weed species can be classified in one or more of these groups, and others cannot be classified in any of these groups. There’s a lot of nuance to the topic, but, for the sake of this blog post, we’ll discuss general categories and groupings, then give examples of some common weeds in each one.

Annuals vs. Perennials

One way that weeds can be categorized is by their life cycle or life span. This descriptor generally sorts weeds into two groupings: annuals or perennials.

Annuals

An annual weed grows from seeds that were dropped in the previous growing season. Annual weeds grow rapidly, flower, set seed, and die in a single season. Some examples of annual weeds would be crabgrass, foxtail, knotweed, lambsquarter, purslane, and velvetleaf.

close-up view of Crabgrass at the edge of a lawn, hanging over onto the sidewalk

Crabgrass

close-up view of Knotweed

Knottweed

close-up view of Lamb’s Quarter weeds

Labsquarter

close-up view of Plantain weeds

Purslane

Perennials

Perennial weeds come back year after year and are more difficult to control. They also have more complex underground root systems, with tubers and rhizomes that can reproduce from pieces and fragments left behind in the soil. Examples of these are weeds such as dandelion, plantain, pokeweed, quackgrass, and thistle.

close-up view of Plantain weeds

Plantain

close-up view of Quackgrass weeds

Quackgrass

close-up view of a Thistle weed growing in a mulched area

Thistle

close-up view of Pokeweed

Pokeweed

Broadleaf or Grassy Weeds

Another way that weeds can be categorized is by their physical composition or appearance. In this case, weeds are generally classified as broadleaf or grassy weeds. While some weeds cannot be classified within these two groups, most common lawn and garden weeds easily fall into either category.

Broadleaf Weeds

Broadleaf weeds are those with leaves that are wider and often have a major vein running down the center of the leaf, with smaller veins branching off of it. Examples of broadleaf weeds include clover, creeping Charlie, dandelion, knotweed, lambsquarter, plantain, pokeweed, purslane, thistle, and violet.

Grassy Weeds

Grassy weeds have long, thin leaves with parallel-set veins. As the name implies, they are often in the grass family or another closely related family. Examples of grassy weeds include crabgrass, foxtail, and quackgrass.

Woody or Vining Weeds

A third way that weeds can be classified is based on how they grow. This category generally divides weeds into two groups: woody and vining.

Woody Weeds

Woody weeds are trees and shrubs that have woody or dense, fibrous plant tissue. They are usually perennial weeds like bush honeysuckle, poison ivy, and tree of heaven.

Vining Weeds

Vining weeds are those that climb or vine by tendrils or aerial roots. They are difficult to classify because they can be woody or herbaceous, perennial or annual. Examples of vining weeds include bindweed, honeyvine milkweed, poison ivy, and trumpet creeper.

Getting Rid of Weeds

Pre-emergent products like Sandbur & Crabgrass Preventer are your best defense. It provides outstanding pre-emergent control of more than 20 broadleaf and 20 grassy weeds in your landscape, turf, and ornamental planting areas.

Remember, when it comes to combating weeds on your property, the sooner the better! It’s best practice to never let them seed in the first place. If they’ve begun to emerge and you’re going to attempt to weed your yard, weed early, when the weeds are young.

If you catch them in time, you can pull them out or cut them below the soil line. Be careful not to dig too deep: you don’t want to expose new weed seeds to the surface. Weeds are even easier to remove when the ground is damp, like after fresh rainfall.

For those of you who know which weeds you’re working with, we suggest a helpful product like Lawn Weed Killer. You can use it for both cool and warm-season grasses, and this lawn weed killer uses a combination of three selective herbicides to control a wide variety of hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, clover, and plantain.

Lastly, if weeds have overtaken your patio, sidewalks, or driveway, try X-Out™ Grass & Weed Killer. If you need a non-selective herbicide to effectively control broadleaf weeds and grasses, this is the one.

Additional Tips

Once you clean out a section of weeds, make sure to clean your gardening tools before you move from one area of the garden to another. This will help to avoid spreading weed seeds. It’s also important to clean up any residual debris, throwing away any scraps that you left behind.

With a little bit of planning—preferably five to seven weeks before planting seeds—you can also cover a difficult section with Weed Armor Fabrics. Weed prevention fabrics allow air, water, and nutrients to pass through while blocking sunlight so that weeds can’t grow. This is useful around trees and ornamentals like flowers, bushes, and decorative shrubs.

Once in place, cover the fabrics with about 2″–3″ of mulch or stone to anchor and protect each treated section. This will be a great way to head into the growing season.

Finally, be intentional about watering your plants. Weeds love water, too, so it’s good practice to directly water the areas you want to grow. For more targeted spots like trees and shrubs, we recommend two options for getting your trees exactly what they need.

Tree Watering Bag: This 20-Gallon Bag provides 6–8 hours of watering for trees up to 4” in diameter. It’s constructed from a heavy-duty PVC, UV-treated material to withstand the elements and improve water conservation.

Tree Watering Ring: This 15-gallon ring provides 3–4 hours of watering for trees up to 6” in diameter. Its low profile is great for easy installation and filling. Also constructed from a heavy-duty PVC, UV-treated material to withstand the elements.

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

How to Prep Your Lawn for Summer Fun

Becca Gilloway on May 5, 2022

Having a great lawn means that you get to show it off. And in the summer, that means throwing great parties. Whether celebrating a birthday or graduation, hosting a neighborhood cookout, or planning an outdoor game night, your home can provide the perfect backdrop for those sunny days and warm evenings.

The problem is, our lawns take quite a beating throughout the year—from cold, dry winters to hot, rain-soaked summers. This usually means that at the same time we’re getting excited to plan our upcoming parties, some uninvited guests (like bugs, pests, and weeds) are getting excited to crash them.

We definitely don’t want that to happen to you, so if you’re gearing up for a season of outdoor entertainment, you’ll want to first tackle some maintenance and cleanup before sending out those invitations. With a little bit of planning and a few key products, we’ll make sure you feel prepared to throw the best summer parties possible.

In fact, here are six ways to get your lawn prepped for summer parties:

  • Identify problem areas
  • Prune branches and tidy up your landscaping
  • Keep bugs and pests off the guest list
  • Make sure to water your lawn and plants
  • Prep and clean all sidewalks and paths
  • Give your lawn a fresh cut

Know What You’re Working With

Let’s talk about location. If you plan to host any summer get-togethers, the first thing people will notice is the lawn itself. This means that you’ll need to get familiar with any problem areas in your yard. If there are any significant trouble spots, you’ll want to address them right away.

Look for obvious things like weeds, bare spots, dead patches of grass, or any insect or animal damage. Getting to these spots first will ensure you have plenty of time to correct any lingering issues long before the party starts.

If weeds are a concern, we have an insightful blog post on weed control that can help you find the right product for your situation. Otherwise, check out some of these other recommendations if you need some guidance or quick problem solving:

  • Lawn Booster Prime 30-0-0: Does your lawn need a boost? Here’s an environmentally friendly supplemental liquid nitrogen fertilizer designed to achieve vigorous root & plant growth. Use weekly or bi-weekly throughout the growing season or as needed by soil or tissue testing.
  • Site Armor ArmorGrow Straw Blanket: If you’re looking to plant new grass seed, putting this straw blanket on top will keep the seeds from blowing away or being eaten by birds.
  • Total Disease Control: Tell your family you can knock out the unwanted “fungus among us” with this all-purpose fungicide product. You may know (or soon will find out) that “brown patch” is a fungus that looks a lot like dead grass. If you have it, you can rest knowing it can be treated with this product. Plus, it works on other fungi on non-grass plants, too.

Before applying chemicals, make sure to check the product’s safety data sheet and give yourself the recommended number of days before having guests or pets out in the yard. Also, many products have an allotted rainfast indication. You’ll want to reference this—especially if rain is in the forecast—to make sure you get the best performance per application.

Survey Your Landscape

Proper maintenance is just as important as good preparation. The two go hand-in-hand. While it’s good to plan and have a strategy, don’t forget to mind the details. Practical steps like watering and pruning are just as vital when it comes to maintaining your property throughout the season.

Pay close attention to flower beds, bushes, and shrubs. Make sure to take the time to prune any shrubs or bushes that look wild and unruly. Pruning is essential for extending the life of most plants, so consistent pruning will help your shrubs and bushes live longer. You can always research each plant species to establish an optimal pruning schedule. For any drab or dull areas, consider adding potted plants or raised flower beds for variety and colorful layering.

Keep Bugs and Pests off the Guest List
Let’s face it: if you spend any time outdoors, you know that pests and bugs return every year. These little “nosy neighbors” tend to start moving in every spring. As temperatures rise, you’ll want to keep an eye out for them and take proper measures to protect your plants, trees, and shrubs.

Cleaning up leaves, standing water, and other areas that attract pests and bugs can be a good start before hosting any outdoor gatherings. But you’ll most likely need some additional support if you want lasting protection. Luckily, we have some products that will give you peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any uninvited guests crashing your party. Well, except that one cousin of yours, but we don’t have a spray for that.

  • Total Pest Control: For excellent broad spectrum control of over 75 insect pests in trees, lawns, shrubs, and flowering plants, choose this one. It can also be used as an interior treatment for indoor pests.
  • Total Grub Control: This works systemically to protect your lawn roots from white grub damage. Apply this product in spring and late summer/fall for season-long control and best results.
  • Tree & Shrub Protection Plus: This product will keep your flowers and plants beautiful and insect free. It provides season-long control of insects and pests on your roses, flowers and landscape ornamentals.

Keep Your Lawn and Trees Hydrated

Your watering needs will vary greatly depending on factors such as climate, local weather, natural environment, and which additional plants and ground cover you choose for your outdoor space. Regardless of which watering method you go with, consistency is key. This will help make sure that your beautiful green space doesn’t dry out or turn brown before summer is over. For more targeted spots like trees and shrubs, we recommend these two options for getting parched trees exactly what they need—and nothing more—while giving yourself more time to tackle other tasks:

  • Tree Watering Bag: This 20-Gallon Bag provides 6–8 hours of watering for trees up to 4” in diameter. It’s constructed from a heavy-duty PVC, UV-treated material to withstand the elements and improve water conservation.
  • Tree Watering Ring: This 15-gallon ring provides 3–4 hours of watering for trees up to 6” in diameter. Its low profile is great for easy installation and filling. Also constructed from a heavy-duty PVC, UV-treated material to withstand the elements.

Sidewalks and Driveways and Paths, Oh My!

Whether you want to take your outdoor space to the next level, or simply make sure your outdoor space is level, hardscaping is the way to go. Features like walkways, driveways, and sidewalks will factor into your summer parties just as much as seating and tables. Since these are high-traffic areas, you’ll want to make sure they look great and are as safe as possible. It’s all about giving your guests a great first impression as they arrive at your party.

For the most part, sidewalks and driveways can be cleared easily with a leaf blower or push broom. However, for heavier stains or stubborn weeds, you may need to use a power washer. If weeds and grass are poking through your patio pavement, they can be zapped with X-Out.

For new construction, or for clearing out a space for a future hardscaping project, try these products:

  • X-Out™ Grass & Weed Killer: If you need a non-selective herbicide to clear a space of all weeds and grasses, this is the one. Plus, our X-Out Grass & Weed Killer is made from foliar-active materials with little to no soil-residual activity.
    Site Armor ArmorLay: Stop mother nature from shifting the ground beneath with our professional-grade woven stabilization fabric. It provides superior erosion control by adding reinforcement strength to the surface. Designed for driveways, patios, construction entrances, and more.
  • Site Armor ArmorFilter: For French drains, retention ponds, and stabilizing non-paved driveways, this non-woven filter fabric allows water to filter through at a high flow rate to help prevent pooling and ponding. Our professional-grade fabric aids in the water filtration process by allowing water to pass through while keeping soil and sediment out—stopping spring showers and summer storms from washing out hours and hours of hard work.
  • Site Armor ArmorFilter:  For French drains, retention ponds, and stabilizing non-paved driveways, this non-woven filter fabric allows water to filter through at a high flow rate to help prevent pooling and ponding. Our professional-grade fabric aids in the water filtration process by allowing water to pass through while keeping soil and sediment out—stopping spring showers and summer storms from washing out hours and hours of hard work.

Give Your Lawn a Fresh Cut

This one’s obvious, but uncut grass looks messy, and skipping this step will surely take away from any efforts to tidy up your outdoor space. Plus, staying up on routine mowing will help prevent disease and other problems throughout the year.

For the best results, save your mowing for later, preferably as one of the last things you do before your party begins. This will give your lawn its best appearance and ensure the cleanest look possible as the big day approaches. Just don’t forget to bag up any grass clippings. While leaving the grass clippings is good for the lawn, you want your party space to be clean, without clumps of grass in the yard.

Party On!

Now that you have some helpful advice on preparing your lawn for summer, it’s time to plan some parties! Just remember, the more you stay on top of your regular maintenance, the easier it will be to prepare for future events.

3 Important Things To Know About Weed Control

Becca Gilloway on April 11, 2022

Maintaining a healthy lawn and garden can be a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of hard work. That may be why there are few things more frustrating than dealing with pesky, invasive weeds. And with so many weed control products out there claiming to be the “best solution,” how does one know where to start?

That’s what we’re here for. At IKE’s, we believe you should demand honest answers and be particular about the products you choose for your outdoor projects. With that in mind, here are a few basic tips to remember before making a purchase.

1. Know Your Enemy

When it comes to controlling weeds in your lawn or garden, the first thing you need to understand is what type of weed you’re up against. Different weeds have different life cycles and characteristics, so knowing these details will make all the difference in developing an effective weed control strategy.

The same will also help you know which category of control products to buy. For example, selective herbicides will only kill specific types of weeds—not all of them. Nonselective herbicides, on the other hand, promise to kill any weeds or unwanted plants within a single application site. They are great for when you’re wanting to clear out a certain area for your patio, sidewalk, pool, sandbox, etc.

Once you identify which weeds are your biggest obstacle, you can pick the right product to accomplish your goal.

2. Know the Season

The key to effective weed management is remembering that time is of the essence. If you’ve spent any time shopping for weed control products, you probably noticed labels including terms like “pre-emergent” and “post-emergent.”

But what’s the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides?

Pre-emergent herbicides

As the popular saying goes, “It’s all in the name.” Pre-emergent herbicides only target germinating weed seeds that remain below the soil’s surface. In other words, for these products to be effective, they must be applied before weeds have emerged from the ground.

Pre-emergent products are preventative and should be applied as early as possible, preferably in early spring before weeds are visible. They can also be applied again in the fall to keep things weed-free after the growing season.

Watering activates the ingredients within pre-emergent herbicides, helping them to effectively penetrate down into the soil. Once there, they create a strong line of defense against weed growth. It’s important to always apply them evenly over a treated area. If sections are missed, weeds will emerge and grow freely. If this happens, you’ll need to switch to a post-emergent solution going forward.

Post-emergent herbicides

Once weeds are present in your yard, it’s time for a post-emergent herbicide. Most commonly applied in late spring, these products are intended for use when most weeds have appeared above ground.

Post-emergent herbicides are designed to absorb into the plant itself, effectively attacking the root structure. For maximum benefit, plan your application accordingly, making sure to avoid watering or any rainfall that could wash away the product.

3. Know Your Options

At IKE’s, we offer concentrated lawn and garden solutions that are top-quality, professional-grade products. No filler. No gimmicks.

Not only that, but our products cover more square footage per bottle than the leading competition. No matter where you are in your lawn care journey, let us help you—each step of the way—by offering the best solutions for the lawn care projects ahead of you.

Pre-emergent products

Sandbur & Crabgrass Preventer: Provides outstanding pre-emergent control of over 20 broadleaf and over 20 grassy weeds in your landscape, turf, and ornamental planting areas. If you’re looking to stop unwanted weeds and grasses before they germinate, try our Sandbur & Crabgrass Preventer.

Weed Armor Fabrics: Weed prevention fabrics allow air, water, and nutrients to pass through while blocking sunlight so that weeds can’t grow. This is useful around trees and ornamentals like flowers, bushes, and decorative shrubs.

Post-emergent products

X-Out™ Grass & Weed Killer: If you need a non-selective herbicide to effectively control broadleaf weeds and grasses, this is the one. Plus, our X-Out™ Grass & Weed Killer is made from foliar-active materials with little to no soil-residual activity.

Lawn Weed Killer: For both cool and warm-season grasses, this lawn weed killer utilizes a combination of three selective herbicides to control a wide variety of hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, clover, and plantain.

Crabgrass & Weed Killer: Our Crabgrass & Weed Killer is a selective, post-emergent herbicide that can be safely applied to many types of turf to control a variety of broadleaf and grassy weeds such as Crabgrass.

Amine 400 Weed Killer and LV 400 Weed Killer: These selective herbicides control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds in pastures, lawns, and rangeland. Amine 400 is specifically formulated for use in warmer environments (above 60 ºF). For cooler environments (below 60 ºF), opt for LV 400 to get the job done.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Top 5 Reasons to Use Concentrates

Becca Gilloway on March 24, 2022

Whether you’ve got an acre or a hundred, we’ve got your back.

IKE’S concentrated herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers and specialty products allow you the freedom to create the solution you need for the lawn care project ahead of you.

But, maybe you’re wondering: Why concentrates? What are the benefits? Will they really make a difference in my lawn care routine?

These are the right questions to be asking.

At IKE’s, we believe you should demand honest answers and be particular about the products you choose for your outdoor projects.

That’s why we’re happy to share our top five reasons to start using concentrates for your lawn. And if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

1. Save money

With IKE’S Products, you’ll always get high-quality concentrates at a cost that doesn’t break the bank. Not only that, but our concentrates simply outlast the competition and are sure to save you money from season to season.

Want proof? Do the math!

Take our X-Out™ Grass & Weed Killer and Lawn Weed Killer concentrates for instance. Just one quart of these professional-grade concentrates equals 42 gallons of the leading ready-to-use brands! While some of our products might offer varying mix rates, one thing remains the same: our products provide more applications from fewer bottles. The savings speak for themselves!

2. Less storage space

Tired of always having to purchase backup bottles, just in case you run out?

That’s what we’re here for.

With IKE’S, having fewer bottles also means you’ll finally get more of your storage space back. Think of it as an organized way to work hard with less clutter. IKE’s concentrates will not only save you money, but all those empty shelves will help make room for a more orderly garage. And that’s a wonderful thing.

3. Fewer plastic bottles wasted

More applications from fewer bottles is another way to say that you’re helping to make a difference by minimizing plastic waste. Remember, just one quart of our concentrates equals gallons of the leading ready-to-use brands. That’s a great step forward in reducing the number of plastic bottles that either end up in landfills or processing centers.

4. Easy to use

Thanks to our easy tip-and-measure bottle for all 7.5 oz, pint, and quart size concentrate solutions, it’s a fool-proof way to measure the exact amount needed for the job. Just measure, mix, and spray. It’s that simple!

5. Simpler maintenance for large properties

Gone are the days of worrying if you’ll have enough product to get the job done. In fact, you can find peace of mind knowing your project will be taken care of. That’s because our concentrated lawn and garden solutions cover more square footage per bottle. These are top-quality professional-grade products. No filler. No gimmicks. Just more value and applications per bottle—the way Ike Lewis intended.

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