Welcome, Katy Soyka!

Ehlinger Lawn Service is happy to introduce Katy Soyka! We recently hired Katy as our new Operations Manager. Katy says that she is excited to get back into the lawn care business. She has worked in the “green industry” since 2006.

Katy is originally from Sartell and attended Cathedral High School and Rasmussen college in the area. Before coming to Ehlinger, Katy spent over a year working in the Natural Foods Department at Coborn’s. When asked about the best part of her previous job, Katy said, “It was interesting learning about organic and healthier foods and products.  There were so many items I had never heard of but are growing in popularity such as the whole ‘gluten free’ craze. “

In her free time, Katy enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and listening to music, along with the occasional karaoke night. She loves being outside in the warmer months, spending time with her two yorkies. If she could be anywhere but Minnesota right now, Katy said she would like to travel to Ireland or Australia, but she would take anything over 72˚ at this point!

Katy is so excited to be part of the Ehlinger team, and we are so excited to have her. She is learning the ropes and will be an essential member of our team. She is most excited to be working alongside her fiancé, Joey. So next time you call in to Ehlinger, say “hi” to Katy and welcome her to our team!

Winter Activities in Central Minnesota

There’s no more beautiful place to spend a winter than in Minnesota. Whether you explore the Lake Superior Shore or the St. Paul Winter Carnival, there’s always a place to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with some loved ones. Even without a trip to the shore or downtown St. Paul, there’s plenty of exciting snow activities around central Minnesota.

Sledding and Snow Tubing

Central Minnesota has a plethora of hangouts and parks for some classic sledding and snow tubing.  Families can choose from a variety of parks including Hester Park, Riverside Park, Sauk Rapids High School Park, and Wilson Park for their fill of sledding and snow tubing. Just make sure to seek out smooth hills, avoid trees, and always travel with friends.

Ice Skating

There’s no more picturesque outdoor winter image than ice skating at a park under a light snowfall. Lake George’s beautiful outdoor rink located downtown St. Cloud. Skate rental is free, and the warming shelter is there for you to rest if you need to. The Municipal Athletic Complex (MAC) offers indoor ice skating, rentals, skate sharpening, and concession each under $10 per person. For other rinks around the area, check out the city of St. Cloud’s list of area rinks.  

Take Advantage of Power Ridge

Powder Ridge has been a longtime winter recreation staple in Central Minnesota. With renting and amenities for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, (and lessons for all activities) people of all ages can enjoy the area. Whether you travel up for a day, purchase a season pass, or wish to plan a special event, Powder Ridge  has all for winter sport enthusiasts in Central Minnesota.

Explore Quarry Park

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park is open all-year round for visitors. After a snowfall of four or more inches, the ski trails are open for cross country skiing. In fact, on January 9, they’ll be hosting a Moonlight Ski at Quarry Park where skiers can enjoy 4.2 miles of lighted ski trails, campfire, drawing for prizes, and hot chocolate. There’s also a variety of hiking and snowshoeing trails for the family to enjoy.

Central Minnesota has a host of fun recreational winter activities, Christmas light shows, hockey games and holiday shows to name just a few. Check out stcloudfun4kids.com for more family fun this winter!

Holiday Travel

Adverse weather conditions are nothing new to Minnesota drivers- we are decidedly adept at driving our way through snow and slush, and we’ve come to expect the presence of black ice as surely as the seasonal flu. Just as unpleasant, winter travel can become your worst nightmare in a split second if you’re not prepared. Despite years of practice, winter driving always requires elevated awareness and a ‘slow and steady’ mentality.

We’ve compiled a tried and true list of winter travel tips to get you safely on your way this holiday season; you’ll thank us as you count the cars in the ditch on the way to Grandma’s.

-Before you begin your holiday travels, be sure to check your gas tank. Under half full? Time to fill up. Sub freezing temperatures present the threat of a gas line freeze-up.

-Outlaw the beloved cruise control during winter travel. Patches of ice and drifting snow can appear before you’ve had time to react. Cruise control severely limits your ability to react in a controlled manner.

-You’re in a hurry, and so is the holiday shopper looking to pass you. Never pull out in front of oncoming traffic without enough time to account for spinning wheels; if you happen to catch a patch of ice, they likely will as well. A fender bender does not a happy holiday make.

-Store extra blankets, boots, gloves, hats and any necessary medications as well as brightly colored cloth in your car for winter travel. You never know when you’ll be glad to have them.

-Should you find yourself in a ditch on the side of the road, leaving your vehicle could make things a whole lot worse. Staying with your car will provide you with shelter from the freezing elements until help arrives, and you’ll be spotted easily for a swift rescue.

-Take a peek at your exhaust pipe. Snow, ice or mud clogged exhaust pipes could lead to a toxic carbon monoxide leak into the cab of your car while running. Should you find yourself in a snow bank, crack a window to allow fresh air in. Should snow make its way into your exhaust pipe, dangerous fumes may be pushed into the cab of your vehicle.

-Expect delays. Travel time can easily double on snow covered roads, and accelerating and decelerating slowly is the best way to maintain traction on icy surfaces. Check conditions before you leave and allow plenty of time for delays, so you are not rushed.

-Become friendly with your brakes. Understanding how your brakes operate is key to avoiding spin outs and accidents. Anti-lock or not, applying firm and steady pressure to your breaks when an icy situation catches you off guard is essential.

-Always thoroughly clear off snow and ice from all vehicle windows. That small patch of frost you thought would defrost quickly just might be the cause of a future fender bender. Keep your sights clear, and take the time to scrape. It might not be fun, but it’s definitely necessary.

-While out on the roads, keep in mind that exit ramps and bridges will freeze before the water on roadways will turn to ice. Use extra caution on highway ramps and bridges. Keep watch and stay back at least 200 feet from snow plows and maintenance vehicles, and never pass on their right.

Keep these driving and safety tips in mind when travelling this winter. From all of us at Ehlinger Lawn Service, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and safe winter travels.

Preparing for a Winter Storm

Although being stuck inside during a winter storm for an extended period of time is not likely, it is important to be prepared for anything. Just like many people keep a survival kit in their car, it is a good idea to keep one in your house, as well. This list of items is sure to keep you comfortable during your time inside!

Blankets/Warm Clothes

Make sure that you have plenty of blankets and layers of clothing easily accessible in your home. If the heat in your house stops working, it is important that you have another way to keep your body warm. Your blankets should be stored in a place that everyone in your home is familiar with.

Wearing layers is another way to keep your body insulated. Layers are very easy to take off if you are warm enough, but if you do not have them, it can be difficult to get your body temperature back up.

Water/Food

Water is another very important means of survival. If the ground is cold enough, the pipes in your home can freeze. This means that there would be no source of water in your home. Stock up on cases of bottled water or gallon jugs that can be stored in a closet or basement of your home, just in case.

Food is also an essential. Non-perishable food items are a good option that can be kept without refrigeration and will last for extended periods of time. This is good if you were to create a survival kit in a specific area of your home.

Candles/Matches

Most people rely solely on electricity to get us through the day. It can be easy to forget that during a storm, power can be lost. Keeping candles, along with matches to light them, as a source of light, and also a small amount of heat, when sitting inside during the storm.

Although we hope that no one gets trapped inside this winter, we wanted to remind you of the importance of being prepared. Hopefully this list gave you some reminders to stock up the next time you are at the store! Remember, if you do not want to shovel after the winter storm, let us do the work for you!

Snow Activities

Shoveling snow has been a chore in Minnesota for as long as any of us can remember. In order to get cars out of the driveway after a night-time snowfall, we must bundle up and grab our shovels. The piles of snow of the side of your driveway are a reminder of the early mornings and long hours spent walking with your shovel, but those piles can also be the staple for fun, family activities.

Build a Fort

With the sides of your driveway housing the most snow in your yard, it is the perfect place for you, along with your friends and family, to build a snow fort. Snow forts can range for as little as digging a trench, to as in-depth as creating a snow castle.

Check out these elaborate snow castles!

Have a Snowball Fight
A snowball fight is a fun event for people of all ages. You don’t need a lot of snow, or a lot of people, to have a snowball fight. You can spontaneously throw the first snowball towards one of your friends or loved ones, or take the time to plan teams and organize a full event with your friends and neighbors. You can also utilize the fort you may have created on the side of your driveway!

Use as a Blank Canvas

Snow paint is easy and inexpensive. A squirt bottle, some food coloring, and water are the only things you need to send your kids out for some artistic fun. Here are the full instructions!

Now that you know the snow of the side of your driveway is not just a reminder of your time shoveling, but also a place for fun with your family and friends, take advantage of it! You can also let us do the work for you! Visit our website to see what we can do to take your shoveling time down to zero!

Making The Most Of Your Winter

The winter months in Minnesota have proven to be unpredictable. There are years where we are ‘Dreaming of a White Halloween?’ and also years that we have the luxury of enjoying a brown (and slushy) Christmas. The sunlight fades earlier day after day, only leaving a small window of time to enjoy the beauty that surfaces after the snow falls.

The first snowfall each year brings excitement, holiday anticipation, and of course, the feeling of horror when you realize you have no idea where your shovel is, and you are already five minutes late to work.

That is where we come in.

According to St. Cloud State University Weather, the 2013-2014 winter season had 54.3 inches of snow. That number falls into the 3rd highest snowfall on record for St. Cloud, falling behind the 1968-1969 season with 60.8 inches, and the 1936-1937 season with 73.0 inches.

At Ehlinger, we automatically clear your driveway after any 1” or greater snowfall- no call needed. We charge a flat rate every season, no matter how many times it snows.

Can you imagine the possibilities?

Here are three things that you can do with the extra time you will have if you do not have to shovel this winter.

1. Make a Snow Angel… (or teach your kids how to create the perfect imprint.)

There is something about lying in the snow and waving your arms and legs that creates pure happiness.

2. Hit the Snooze Button

Give yourself that extra five minutes of rest. You deserve it!

3. Bake your Favorite Holiday Treat

Try one our favorites!

Candy Cane Popcorn

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Crackers

If the extra time could help you make the most of your winter, check out our Snow Removal page and make sure to enter our contest to win FREE Residential Snow Removal for the 2014-2015 season! Registration closes on Monday, October 13, 2014! Good luck!

Caring for Your Lawn in the Summer Sun

Can you believe it? It is almost August already! That means the days are long and the temperature is climbing! Your lawn needs special care as it heats up to keep it green. Can you imagine what it's like sitting out there in the blazing sun all day? While it’s not hard to keep your lawn happy in the heat, there are some basics that you should know.

Water in the Morning: Here’s a tip that’s pretty common but it is also very important. Watering in the morning is ideal because it is cooler in the morning. This allows more water to be absorbed rather than just evaporate away. Definitely avoid watering in the evening when not enough water evaporates and disease is most likely to develop on the wet lawn.

Don’t Overwater: Overwatering can also lead to disease. When too much water sits on the lawn and doesn’t evaporate, it creates the prime wet conditions for disease. Overwatered grass also has shallow roots making them more susceptible to heat. A good rule of thumb is to water about an inch to an inch and a half once a week.

Keep Grass Longer: Yes, we know you love a clean, short cut lawn. Don’t worry, you don’t have to let your lawn turn into a forest, but it is healthier for grass to be slightly longer when it is hot. Keep grass about 3 inches tall during very hot times. Like all plants, grass has a crown where new growth comes from. By keeping the lawn longer, the blades shade the crown and protects new growth. Longer grass also shades the soil, allowing less drying.

Utilize Clippings: Instead of bagging the clippings after you mow, consider letting them hang around a bit. A layer of grass clippings retains moisture in the soil and actually fertilizes the grass. Be careful with this because wet or long clippings actually smother the grass.

With careful attention, your lawn can stay green during the hottest month! Have an idea about summer lawn care? Lets us know!

Five Fail-Free Fertilizing Don’ts

As the weather warms up people want to spend time outside enjoying the outdoors on their lawn. Many people attempt to groom their lawn to the perfect green carpet by fertilizing. Oftentimes, people make mistakes with fertilizing that actually hurt their lawn. If you’re looking to maximize your fertilizing efforts, here are some things to avoid in the process:

DON’T fertilize without doing a soil test: It is always smart to do a soil test before you begin fertilizing. Applying the wrong fertilizer for your lawn’s needs can do more harm than good. The soil test measures the nutrient status and pH of the soil. Home Depot.com states that most grasses perform best when the pH level is within 6.0 and 6.5. Once you have tested the soil using a simple soil tester, you can determine what type of fertilizer your lawn needs.

DON’T forget to aerate your lawn first: According to LandscapingAnswers.com, it is extremely important to aerate your lawn before you spread fertilizer. Aerating is the process of removing small bits of soil from your lawn to help break up compact soil. Once aerated, there will increased airflow within the soil and will allow the fertilizer to reach the grassroots better. There are several different tools for aeration. Find which one works best for you here.

DON’T over fertilize: Applying too much fertilizer can burn the lawn, so can fertilizing too frequently. Most lawns need to be fertilized consistently once or twice a year. Figuring out the right balance for your lawn can be tricky so if you’re not sure how much fertilizer you will need, use this fertilizer calculating tool from Better Homes and Gardens.

DON’T mix fertilizer with weed or pest killer: Don’t use a poison unless you know you really have a problem. If you do, never mix it with fertilizer, says the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. When you mix the poison and fertilizer it is easy to apply too little or too much of the mixture. If you apply too little poison you increase the chance of breeding poison resistant pests. Always be sure to apply the fertilizer and poison separately. It may be harder but the extra step will pay off.

DON’T skimp on using a good fertilizer: If you’re taking the time to fertilize your lawn, opt for a high quality product. LandscapinAnswers.com suggests using a fertilizer that releases nutrients over time. Using this fertilizer gives a continuous release of nutrients to your lawn.

Fertilizing on your own can be tricky but with these Don’ts in mind, you are on your way to a lush lawn! If you’re feeling unsure of how to care for your lawn, contacting experts like the pros at Ehlinger can be the best choice.

The Importance of Weed Control

weed
wēd/
noun: weed; plural noun: weeds 

1. 
a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. 

There are two keywords in that definition: “not wanted”. Weeds are major nuisances and there really is no convenient or easy way to [permanently] get rid of them; however, it’s very important that you try, and here’s why:


1. They rob your soil and your plants of important nutrients, water, and sunshine, which can reduce the survival and growth of plants.

2. Some weeds release chemicals from their roots that are harmful to surrounding plants.

3. They can directly reduce profits by hindering harvest operations and lower crop and plant quality.

4. They may harbor insects and diseases and produce seed or rootstocks, which infest the field/garden and future crops and plants.

5. Weeds can be poisonous, distasteful, and physically harmful.

6. They provide hiding places for insects and serve as a source of vegetable diseases.

7. And finally, they can kill a gardener and farmer’s enthusiasm. 

If weeds are an ongoing problem for you, please contact us. Our treatment and maintenance programs have proven to reduce weeds.

Learn about our 5 Step Fertilizer Care Program here: http://bit.ly/1fu1p9x