Japanese Beetles infest the St. Louis and Illinios Areas

While not native to the United States, the Japanese Beetle has quickly become one of the biggest insect infestations this region has experienced. First found in the US in 1916 at a New Jersey nursery, the Japanese Beetle has spread across the country at a relatively quick pace due to the fact that it does not have many natural predators because of its hard body. The picture shows a group of Japanese Beetles feasting on plant foliage from www.mobot.org.

The Japanese Beetle begins life as a grub and can reek havoc on lawns and plants because they feed on roots in the dirt inches below the surface. In mid June, as temperatures begin to warm, the matured beetle emerges from the dirt, and begins feeding on trees and leaves.

The adult Japanese Beetle has a metallic green head and copper colored wings covering its back with six tufts of white hair on both sides of the beetle’s body. The Japanese Beetle measures 3/8 of an inch in adulthood and can fly about five miles a day when searching for new feeding or breeding grounds.

Known to quickly skeletonize plants and trees, the Japanese beetle will feast on soft leaf tissue, leaving the tougher leaf veins, giving the appearance of a “leaf skeleton” behind. Some of the most susceptible plants and trees are those with soft leaves, including the
● American Chestnut, Elm, Linden, and Mountain Ash trees
● Black Walnut Tree
● Flowering fruit trees such as cherry, plum, peach, apple, and crab apple
● English Elm tree
● Gray Birch tree
● Holly Hock
● Chestnut tree
● Japanese and Norway Maples
● Grape vines
● Roses
● Zinnia

Plants and trees known to be resilient to the Japanese Beetle include the
● American Elderberry and Sweetgum tree
● Black Oak Tree
● Boxelder Tree
● Boxwood Tree
● Butternut Tree
● All varieties of Evergreen trees
● Holly bushes, Magnolias
● Lilac
● Red and Silver Maple trees
● Flowering Dogwood trees



The best defense against the Japanese Beetle is ensuring the dirt and plants purchased from local nurseries do not contain Japanese Beetle larva or grubs. If only a few Japanese Beetles are present they can be hand picked from the plant or tree as well as any damaged leaves. The presence of Japanese Beetles or damaged leaves will only attract more beetles to the area, so if the infestation is relatively small this removal may prevent any more beetles from moving into the affected location.

If the infestation is more severe there are many available insecticides which can be used depending on the level of infestation and life stage the Japanese beetle is in. A different insecticide should be used for adult beetles than is used for grubs which have not reached maturity.

Experts recommend against using a bug bag or pheromone trap. While these methods are effective in catching a great deal of Japanese Beetles, it is believed that they attract beetles from far away in numbers greater than what would not normally infest a property, and can reek havoc while on their journey to reach the bag or pheromone.

Protect Your Family from the West Nile Virus by Installing Proper Drainage to Reduce the Mosquito Population on your Property

Mosquitoes are not just an outdoor annoyance; they also can be carriers for the dangerous West Nile Virus. While there have not been any human cases of the West Nile virus this year, mosquitoes tested in St. Louis County were found to be carriers of the virus. According to the Center for Disease Control, standing water is one of the leading causes of mosquito infestation (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm).

Standing water provides mosquitoes the perfect place to breed and lay eggs. That means the more areas of standing water you have on your property, the higher the population of mosquitoes you may have, and the greater your chance of being infected with the West Nile Virus. With the high amounts of rain St. Louis has experienced this year standing water has become a big concern and if not properly handled can cause big problems. Prevent mosquitoes from turning your yard into their breeding ground by eliminating areas of standing water through proper drainage channels.

At Total Landscape, Inc, we specialize in correcting drainage problems, and reducing mosquito populations through a safe and environmentally friendly way. Drainage control from Total Landscape, Inc. can eradicate standing water, while improving the look of your property in a nontoxic and green manner.

Let Total Landscape, Inc. correct your drainage problems, improve the look of your yard, and reduce the potentially harmful mosquito population on your property. Call today to schedule a no cost consultation to solve your drainage problems.

Think Spring Patios and Fire Pits

Well it appears the cold temperatures are finally gone and we can now turn our thoughts to warmer thoughts outdoors. Weather its awakening the landscape or designing new ideas to better enjoy our outdoor environment now is the time to THINK SPRING. Two of the most enjoyable parts of our area are Spring and Fall. With temperatures in the mid low and mid 80s and humidity at a minimum now is the time to get out and enjoy your outside landscape.

At Total Landscape Inc. we can design the perfect backyard environment that is exactly what you want in the budget you are looking for. We create patio and fire pit spaces that meet every taste from limited to extensive. Our goal is to understand your goals and design a project that is exactly what you want. Our approach allows us to manage your project from start to finish even when multiple contractors are needed.

So if you wanting to improve your outdoor environment give us a call and let us design the outdoor environment you have always dreamed of. Call today at 314 574 0970 or visit our website and request a no obligation consultation.

Prepare for Winter Days Ahead

Winter is upon us and soon we will trade our sun screen for golashes and sleds. With colder days ahead, now is the time to prepare. Here is a list of things we should do to.

1. Make shure all irrigation systems are shut off and winterized for winters cold.
2. Shut off water to exterior hose bibs and disconnect hose and move inside
3. Remove water from bird baths and outdoor statuary and cover.
4. Have your heating and cooling system checked for proper operation
5. Change the batteries in you smoke detector
6. Prepare your landscape for a winters nap by mulching all plants and trees and removing fallen leaves from turf and landscape beds.
7. Have your car checked to ensure your battery and anti freeze are ready for fridgid tempratures.

These are just some of the basic things you can do to ensure you will be prepared for Winters blast!

APSP Recognizes Total Landscape inc For Outstanding Work

Total Landscape Inc. was recently honored with a Silver Award from the APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) for the Kieth Pool Project that was completed in 2007. This project was an example of our commitment to being the one source for our clients needs. The project was completely designed and installed by the professionals from Total Landscape Inc. We are proud to be recognized by a professional organization of our piers for a well done project. Our team turned the Kieths yard into a backyard paradise they had envisioned.

With spring right around the corner, it may be time to plan your backyard paradise. Our pool projects are designed to do two things. First of all we want you to trust us as the one source for your pool project. From start to finish we will design, install and manage the construction of your project. From the beginning our one goal is to develop a project that is exactly what you want and in the budget you desire. Once we have designed the project that is exactly what you want in your budget we will go to work to manage and install the project you have envisioned. We will co ordinate the entire installation process from start to finish managing the project and create your one point of contact for the entire project. We will communicate with you every step of the way to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Once we have completed the project we will stand beside you to provide the aftercare and maintenance you may need. We will walk thru the project with you at completion to thoroughly explain and answer any questions you may have.

If 2008 has you looking to a lawn and landscape project, trust the professionals at Total Landscape Inc. to get that done for you. A member of our team will be glad to meet with you to discuss any needs or problems you may have. Please contact our office at 314 416 0517 with any questions or comments you may have.

Why Turf Renovaton Is Best Done In Fall

Most turf management professional agree that the most beneficial nutrient application of the year is in the late fall. Fall applications are beneficial to turf, or any plant for that matter, because of slowed top growth and increased root growth at this time of year. Specific benefits of late fall fertilization include the establishment of optimally healthy turf before the onset of winter stresses, increased root mass and an overall healthier plant with quicker spring green-up without excessive growth surge.

Fall is the ideal time of year to stimulate root growth and prepare the plant for spring. Plants require a strong, healthy root system to absorb water and nutrients and transport them to the leaves and stems. Fall is the time of year when energy derived from fertilizer nutrients can be especially beneficial to the root system. Increased root growth occurs in the fall more than at any other time of the year – just because the top growth may appear to be dormant does not mean the root system is dormant.

Urea nitrogen will not leach when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees F. However, root formation will continue even after top growth ceases. Supplementing the plant with nutrients in the fall will aid in increasing root growth through the storage of carbohydrates (energy reserves). Because of a decreased photoperiod and cooler temperatures, the roots commence storing carbohydrates that were synthesized during photosynthesis.

Nitrogen plays an important role in plant physiology, but potassium is also essential regarding winter hardening by promoting cell wall development. Both nutrients are crucial to overall plant health. When selecting a fertilizer for the fall, a balanced ratio of nitrogen to potash, along with phosphorus, will help contribute to overall plant health. Research has determined that the advantages of late fall fertilizer applications include:
Extended color into the late fall and early winter months
Quick, early spring green-up without excessive growth surge
Improved turf density, which reduces weed pressure
Increased root growth, which increases drought resistance
Overall healthier turf with better resistance to disease, insects and other stress.
Key component in the formation of carbohydrates – food for the plant
Encourages drought and cold tolerance
Key component in cell wall strength and disease.


Proper turf grass nutrition requires a year-round program based on soil test results and other factors, but late fall fertilization represents one of the most important applications of all. LESCO/John Deere Landscapes recommends a balanced fertilizer for late fall applications to provide professionally managed turf grass with the proper nutritional elements for continued growth, hardiness and enhanced root development through out the fall and early winter.

September Lawn Maintenance Tips for St. Louis MO

Autumn has officially arrived, although it sure hasn't felt like it with temperatures at 90 degrees and up. Here are some tips for preparing your lawn and landscaping for the colder weather that will be here soon...

• Apply a broadleaf weed killer to turf
• Overseed any thin lawn areas at a rate of 1 pound for every 1,000 square feet
• Apply fertilizer to turf--Not to exceed 2 Lbs/1000 square feet. Fertilize azaleas, camellias, pieris, dogwood, rhododendron, boxwoods and mahonia with acid fertilizer. Other acid loving plants will be listed on fertilizer package. Fertilize blooming plants after blooming has finished..
• Begin removal of early falling leaves.
• Keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs.

Start Planting! Fall is the best time for planting trees and shrubs!