A recent item in Architecture magazine listed the open acreage that has succumbed to development in each state between 1992 and 1997. Texas, leading the list, has used up 1,219,500 acres of croplands, forests and other open-spaces. Pennsylvania and Georgia follow closely behind. Every time natural habitat is turned into commercial development, some bird loses its home. By making our yards bird-friendly, we can make a difference one backyard at a time.

Creating a haven doesn't mean constant attention to maintenance. You will do yourself, and the birds, a favor by using plants native to your part of the country. Generally speaking, native species are plants that have naturally grown and reproduced in a given habitat over a long period of time. Exotic species, plants brought into new areas, reduce the diversity of other plants and destroy natural habitats. Once established, a yard full of native perennials requires minimal weeding, fertilizers or water. And even first year plants will bloom and provide food and cover for a variety of birds. In the East and Midwest, choose goldenrod and asters, leaving black-eyed Susans and native coneflowers for the mountain west region. Wax myrtles and sweetbay magnolia benefit the birds in the humid south, from the Tidewater to Florida and west into Oklahoma and Texas. Drought-resistant native poppy and yarrow are good choices to attract birds to California backyards. If you let milkweed stand into spring, the birds will use it for nesting material, and Monarch butterflies may lay their eggs on the plant. Gardeners often spend a lot of time pinching off wilted blossoms to encourage more bloom. But resist the temptation on an annual plant in the desert southwest called firewheel and it will reseed itself. Also, it is the seeds that attract the birds, especially lesser goldfinches.

Don't try to create a new landscape all at once. Plan. Consult with experts in your neighborhood. Nature works slowly and so should you. Gradually work your way around your yard, and take time to enjoy your efforts to keep the birds and the environment happy.

7370 MacArthur Boulevard Glen Echo, Maryland 20812
Phone: (301) 229-9585 Fax: (301) 320-6154
© 2007 Wild Bird Centers of America, All rights reserved

Proper Mulching Techniques
Mulch Like The Pros!

Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other landscape plants.

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Crabgrass!
What does it look like and How Do I control It?

Information taken from Extension Circular 407, Weed Management in Turf, Penn State University.

Crabgrass is a summer annual. This means its seed germinates and starts to grow in the spring. It continues to grow in the summer, produces seed, and dies in the fall.

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)
Two species of crabgrass, hairy and smooth, are commonly found in Pennsylvania (smooth crabgrass predominates in turfgrass stands). Both species are summer annuals and have wide (¼- to ½-inch), sparsely hairy, pale green leaves that taper to a sharp point. Leaves of hairy crabgrass are hairier than smooth crabgrass. The ligules of both species are long and membranous. Crabgrass does not have auricles. Seedheads are divided spikes that project like fingers from the stem, producing thousands of seeds in late summer. Seeds germinate in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55° to 58°F for several consecutive days. Crabgrass plants die after the first frost in early fall.

In Lawns: Maintaining the density and vigor of desirable turf grasses is the best cultural method of weed management. The available spaces found in a weak, thin lawn provide space for crabgrass to grow. Selecting the right turfgrass species for your area, appropriate liming and fertilization, proper mowing practices, judicious watering, and attentive insect and disease control are all smart cultural practices that will enhance the growth of your lawn and deter the growth of undesired weeds.

Most preemergence herbicides have long residual activity in the soil and may affect newly seeded turfgrasses. Thus, seeding of turfgrasses should be postponed for the amount of time specified on the manufacturer's label. Siduron is the only material that can be safely used during or immediately following seeding.

Research at Iowa State University has shown corn gluten meal to be an effective natural pre-emergent control of crabgrass. For more information, see "Corn Gluten Meal for Control of Crabgrass" handout at your Extension office or visit www.gluten.iastate.edu/links.html. Sometimes a postemergence herbicide can be used to control crabgrass. A postemergence herbicide kills growing plants after they have appeared in the turf. Once the crabgrass has emerged and is visible in early summer, uniform chemical coverage can be effective. Crabgrass begins to germinate when soils are moist and the temperature in the upper inch of soil reaches 55-58°F for four or five consecutive days. Although it is not 100% reliable, this is usually the same time forsythia petals fall.

Normally, preemergence crabgrass treatment in Pennsylvania should take place as follows:
Southern Pennsylvania March 15 to April 15
Northern tier and high altitude counties April 20 to May 15
Other Pennsylvania areas April 1 to May 1

Most preemergence herbicides have long residual activity in the soil and may affect newly seeded turfgrasses. Thus, seeding of turfgrasses should be postponed for the amount of time specified on the manufacturer's label. Siduron is the only material that can be safely used during or immediately following seeding.

For maximum effectiveness, preemergence herbicides should be applied uniformly at the label recommended rates. These herbicides are more efficient when watered in within two to three days of application. Sometimes a reapplication is required for season-long control.

Research at Iowa State University has shown corn gluten meal to be an effective natural pre-emergent control of crabgrass. For more information, see "Corn Gluten Meal for Control of Crabgrass" handout at your Extension office or visit www.gluten.iastate.edu/links.html.

Options for treatment include:
Spot treat established weeds with a postemergence herbicide like glyphosate (Roundup) or a soap product (Sharpshooter) or vinegar product (Nature's Glory or Burnout).

Apply postemergence grass herbicide like Grass-B-Gone (that won't harm broad-leaf plants in your landscape bed) on established grassy weeds.

Use a preemergence herbicide like trifluralin (Preen or Miracle Gro Weed Preventer) to prevent seed germination.
Ronstar
Pendimetha Pre-M, T
Prodiamine Barricade
Siduron Tupersan

Please visit us on May 3rd at our booth at the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival from 11AM to 5PM. The street will be closed to traffic and transformed into an outdoor marketplace for garden-related merchandise and fun. Our location - corner of Germantown Ave and Highland Ave.

Happy Spring!
Sincerely,

Eugene Rall, Jr
E.G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design