Posted by Sean Kennedy on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 @ 01:21 PM
For Christians all over the world this is a special time of the year as they are celebrating the birth of their Savior. We here at EnviroColor® wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the obligatory Happy New Year too!
We are excited about what the new year has in store for our brand and for all the individuals who are searching for the perfect solutions to their ground cover needs. As was mentioned last week we are perfecting our 4EverGreen grass colorant. This new product is the perfect item for the lawn fanatic who desires the "perfect" looking yard. As always we are striving to provide the end user the best top spray solutions for mulch, pine straw and now grass.
Sales pitch is over, seriously, we want our subscribers, readers and patrons to have a splendid holiday season. May you cherish the moments made this Christmas.
Merry Christmas from EnviroColor®.
Peace to all!
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Wed, Nov 04, 2009 @ 11:52 AM
What do we know about Biofuels? What I have learned in the past couple of weeks is that the food based ethanols from corn and soybeans work, but there is growing concern on how this can impact food supply and prices. In Europe and China there are major developments in turning wood into the next biofuel. He in Georgia at UGA a team of engineers has developed a new biofuel and unlike previous fuels derived from wood, the new and still unnamed fuel can be blended with biodiesel and petroleum diesel to power conventional engines.
"The exciting thing about our method is that it is very easy to do," said Tom Adams, director of the UGA Faculty of Engineering outreach service. "We expect to reduce the price of producing fuels from biomass dramatically with this technique."
Since this is very embryonic in its development there are several tests to effectively evaluate its long term impact on engines, its emissions characteristics and the best way to transport and store it. The research team is especially optimistic about the fuels impact on the environment.
Adams pointed out that the new biofuel also offers environmental benefits. The fuel is nearly carbon neutral, meaning that it does not significantly increase heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as long as new trees are planted to replace the ones used to create the fuel.
The researchers have also set up test plots in Tifton, Ga., to explore whether the charcoal that is produced when the fuel is made can be used as a fertilizer. Adams said that if the economics work for the charcoal fertilizer, the biofuel would actually be carbon negative.
"You're taking carbon out of the atmosphere when you grow a plant, and if you don't use all of that carbon and return some of it to the soil in an inert form, you're actually decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," Adams explained. "We're optimistic because in most types of soil, carbon char has very beneficial effects on the ecology of the soil, its productivity and its ability to maintain fertility."
So it seems that wood is the next generation of biofuel. This is important to our industry simply because of the impact it could have on the cost of wood mulch. This is a great example of how EnviroColor ® top spray is prepared to help the consumer keep the look they desire at their respective properties while continuing to strive for an environmentally sustainable solution to the incoming price increase of wood mulch.
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Thu, Oct 22, 2009 @ 12:32 PM
A while back I posted an article about the dreaded "Mulch Volcano" and how deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause root rot. Plus piling mulch high against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to insect and disease problems or that mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create a habitat for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.
Let me now recommend what we at EnviroColor consider proper mulching techniques.
- Inspect plants and soil in the area to be mulched. Determine whether drainage is adequate. Avoid placing mulch in drainage ways, because it may wash away or act as a dam, reducing water flow. Determine whether there are plants that may be affected by the choice of mulch. Most commonly available mulches work well in most landscapes.
- If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add mulch if there is a sufficient layer in place. Rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers to refresh the appearance (Top spray with EnviroColor® to refresh color if desired).
- If mulch is pile high against the stems of tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of the trunk and the root crown are exposed.
- Organic mulches usually are preferred to inorganic materials due to their soil-enhancing properties. If organic mulch is used, it should be well aerated and, preferably, composted. Avoid sour smelling mulches.
- Composted wood chips can make good mulch, especially when they contain a blend of leaves, bark and wood. Fresh wood chips can also be used around established trees and shrubs. Avoid using non-composted wood chips that have been piled deeply without exposure to oxygen.
- For well-drained sites, apply a 2 - 4 inch layer of mulch. If there are drainage problems, a thinner layer should be used. Avoid placing mulch against the tree trunks. Place mulch out to the tree's drip line or beyond.
Remember: If the tree had a say in the matter, it's entire root system (which usually extends well beyond the drip line) would be mulched.
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 01:05 PM
I saw a display in the
Pike Family Nursey store #40, Roswell for EnviroColor. I was skeptical. One of the employees walked me out to the front of the store to show me where some pine straw had been "treated." I purchased a half gallon diluted it into my 2 1/2 gallon pump spayer and "treated" my 30 bales of pine straw that were beginning to fade. Look at the difference!
Very Satisfied Customer! Thanks EnviroColor
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Wed, Sep 23, 2009 @ 02:24 PM
Great ideas on how to make your course play "new" Just remember the tree rings and the pine straw!
http://grounds-mag.com/golf_courses/grounds_maintenance_improve_course_strategic/
