Overseeding
It’s that time of year again! As we approach fall, we also approach the annual event known as over-seeding. Over-seeding is the transitional process where we encourage seasonal Bermuda grass to move into early dormancy, and then over-seed with perennial rye grass. Bermuda grass routinely cannot withstand the colder temperatures from November-March, whereas rye grass presents a healthy, lush green color during this time.
Over-seeding generally occurs during the months of September/October when evening soil temperatures remain at 68 degrees or lower for a minimum of 3 consecutive nights. The process begins when we reduce irrigation time to a minimum, and then gradually reduce the height of the Bermuda grass to about ½ inch. This procedure is known as “scalping,” or de-thatching. This procedure not only encourages the dormant stage for Bermuda, but it allows the newly applied rye seed to come in contact with the soil and makes successful germination a likely result.
With seed down, and starter fertilizer applied, we then begin a heavy watering schedule. Rye seed must be kept moist during this critical period, or germination will be compromised. Rye seed will begin to “pop” in 4-7 days, and then take another 2-3 weeks of attention to gain sufficient strength to withstand mowing.
In summary, the entire over-seeding event (start-to-finish) takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Expect to see a dry brown color of turf during the 2-3 week scalping procedure, followed by the gradual greening of the newly germinated rye seed during the ensuing 2-3 grow-in weeks.
Water Safety
Stay safe around water by following a few simple guidelines.
Graffiti Prevention
Graffiti is Vandalism and Graffiti is a crime that can lead to other Criminal Behaviors if not prevented.
Every year millions of dollars are spent cleaning up graffiti from neighborhoods across the country and other nations.
Graffiti hurts everyone even though some consider graffiti, art. Defacing public or private property is not a form of accepted art. Graffiti lowers neighborhood appeal, lowers property values, drives away prospective home buyers and businesses and has other negative impact upon the community.
There are four types of Graffiti: TAGGER/HIP HOP, GANG, HATE AND GENERIC
Most difficult graffiti to deal with are acid etchings and tagger/hip hop graffiti because surface restoration can be expensive. Paying attention to the small quality-of-life issues such as graffiti pays big dividends and can prevent the downward slide of society.
Here are some things that you can do to help prevent the proliferation of graffiti in your neighborhood:
REPORT:
Report any suspicious behavior to the Sheriff Office at once. If you see someone about to write graffiti or commit any other crime, take note of the suspects description such as clothing, age, vehicle description if any and route of departure, Call the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (602) 876-1011. In an emergency, dial 911.
QUESTION TEEN REQUESTS FOR SPRAY PAINT PURCHASES:
Many merchants support the control of spray paint sales to minors under 18. If you are approached by teenagers do not buy spray paint for them. Find out how the paint is being used before you purchase it. Maintain supervision of your teen’s use of paints. Be suspicious and take note of any paint that may be on teen clothing or skin after “hanging out with friends!”
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN:
Teach your children responsibility and respect for themselves, their environment and the property of others. They need to know that graffiti on private and public property is disrespectful.
Teach pride in the community, Parents, teachers, and community leaders are needed to help deter graffiti writers, including some youth. Graffiti becomes a way of life with its own code of conduct, jargon and aesthetic standards. Tagging is believed to lead to more serious crimes.
GRAFFITI PREVENTION:
Keep your property well maintained. Remove graffiti immediately after receiving confirmation from the Sheriff Office.
Plant clinging vegetation like ivy to protect walls and other large flat surfaces.
Plant thick or thorny bushes and fences in front of large walls.
Eliminate anything that could encourage loitering after hours such as benches, abandoned vehicles, and etcetera.
Limit access to roofs and move commercial dumpsters away from walls. Cover drainpipes to buildings to prevent vandals from scaling them.
When painting your (commercial) property consider darker colors that are less attractive to graffiti vandals.
Increase lighting around your property; Use motion detector lights to draw attention to movement.
Textured walls are a deterrent to graffiti writers. Consider texturing outside walls if you are a regular victim of graffiti.
Consider applying a protective coating which provides a barrier between your property’s surface and the graffiti. Several different brands and prices are available at home development and hardware stores.
It is very important that graffiti be removed as quickly as possible. Check the telephone directory for Graffiti Removal Services if the project is too large for a person to handle!