Landscaping Tips

If you’re ready to add some new plants to your yard, fall is a great time! With the weather finally relenting to slightly cooler temperatures, plants can withstand transfer better and require slightly less water. Be sure to till the soil and add fertilizer before planting. 

Additionally, you will want to check your irrigation system for any hard water deposits that may have built up along your drip lines. If discovered, these should be cleared before any new installations to help ensure water can reach your plants efficiently.

But be sure to keep these considerations in mind: Is it the right plant/tree for the right space? How big is your plant or tree going to be in its mature size as it relates to its space? Some shrubs grow quickly and overtake a small area! And what kind of light does it need? The closer the plant is to hard surfaces like sidewalks and brick walls, the more sun and heat it will absorb. Be cautious of placing plants near these reflective surfaces. 

And be aware that if you buy something that flowers in warm weather it may soon lose its blossoms. That’s ok, though, it should bloom again next year. These tips can help you decide how and what to plant for your new, fall additions to your yard!

Visit the Learning Center on our website, dlcresources.com/learning-center, for additional information about plant care. 

If you were thinking about dethatching your lawn this year, there’s still time! Dethatching can only be done during Bermuda’s active growing season from May through August. 

Thatch is matted, fibrous material between the soil and surface of the turf. Typically, it is caused by the accumulation of decomposing grass clippings and debris tangled with grass stems and roots. The obstruction can prevent grass roots from absorbing essential nutrients, leading to an unhealthy lawn despite your efforts to care for it.

But don’t do it too often-dethatching should only be done every two or three years. It’s unnecessary and even hard on your grass’s roots to go more often than that.

DLC recommends using a dethatching mower attachment that you can get at your favorite home improvement store. After the thatch is exposed, rake or mow it up and water and fertilize for maximum absorption. It’s also the perfect time to add amendments, such as sulfur, gypsum or nitrogen. Your grass should quickly recover and be much healthier in the future!

Visit the Learning Center on our website, dlcresources.com/learning-center, for additional information about turf care. 

As we move into August, DLC Resources is focused on protecting your landscape from both monsoon damage and the lingering summer heat. With most of the Ryegrass transitioning out, the summer Bermuda grass is filling in throughout your common areas. For any remaining bare spots, crews will continue to give extra attention through fertilization and irrigation to push growth in these areas, typically sloped or shaded places that receive less sunlight or water than turf in flat, open areas. We have done four rounds of fertilizer this growing season. Turf weeds are addressed as needed.

We are monitoring your irrigation system and have maintained increased run times as necessary for the warmer temperatures. In addition, our Water Department and local irrigation specialists carefully observe monsoon rainfall and on-the-ground conditions to deliver the right amount of water for your landscape. 

Monsoon windstorms have caused some damage in recent weeks, resulting in broken branches throughout the Community. We have had no less than 50 trees with damage, including medium to very large branches that were broken. We trimmed the affected trees as needed and cleaned up the areas. Ten trees have been lost so far.

Crews have been performing routine maintenance, trimming plants to keep them in their growth spaces. We are working to clean up bean pods and tree debris as well. Trees are trimmed to remove low-hanging branches and lift canopies. You may notice that some plants show signs of stress like wilting in high temperatures of 110 and higher.

A specialized Arbor crew finished trimming trees above contract height at Vistancia. Thinning and lifting canopies helps reduce wind damage from summer storms.

Our Special Projects Dept. is wrapping up work on the Poly to PVC conversion project along Westland Rd. Replacing cracked poly irrigation tubing with more durable PVC helps to save water and more reliably deliver water to plants. They are working on both sides of the road and in the median. 

Crews also replaced broken and damaged curbing in the Mira Vista area recently.

Monsoon Storm Response

When monsoon storms arrive, the emphasis for DLC Resources shifts to clean-up and repair. Typically, the summer storms occur late in the day, after crews have left the property for the day. For emergency storm response needs, such as damaged trees in the common areas blocking streets or sidewalks, please call your Community Management team. Full-scale non-emergency storm clean-up generally begins the following morning. Routine maintenance activities may need to be suspended or reduced in scope while the crew cleans up debris and perform repairs.