From New Star Properties, July 24, 2018

We do trust you’re enjoying the summer season. As we’re in the middle of it now, I wanted to relay some information relating to crabgrass management as well as clarify operations related to sprinkler adjustments and repairs.

First, on crabgrass… As you’re probably aware, this stuff is a very resilient weed. To beat crabgrass, the Association applies a crabgrass preventative that is pre-emergent early in the season. While Alliance expects that the pre-emergent treatment to hold back about 90% of the weed; as temperatures rise into the 90’s the pre-emergent crabgrass barrier starts to break down, allowing crabgrass to grow…and requiring a post emergent treatment.

Alliance applied the post emergent treatment on July 16th that also included fertilizer and grub control. (This application is the Association’s 3rd treatment for the year). For crabgrass, the post emergent weed killer takes between 7-14 days to take effect. After 14 days, Alliance will follow up to treat any remaining weed spots. Crab grass is a problem and Alliance is hunting the weeds down…but, you may see some weeds as the summer progresses.

As noted earlier, while unit owners actually own their sprinkler systems, the Association is responsible for opening the system in the spring and closing down (blowing out) in the fall. During mid season (beginning early August), Alliance will be making adjustment check of all heads. This is strictly an adjustment, if there are broken heads, they will be flagged and the homeowner is responsible for the actual repair and follow up. (You may use Alliance if you wish).

If you have sprinkler concerns regarding your controller, heads, repairs or an adjustment that is outside of the Association’s mid-season check, you may call Alliance directly (603-622-1111) to arrange for your personal service. (You can also choose an alternate vendor or do-it-yourself). For your information, I understand an Alliance service call is billed at $55 (1 hour). To give you an order of magnitude, the cost for a replacement head (part only) is $20.

Hopefully, you found the crab grass discussion helpful? No doubt, this will be a recurring theme every season.

Enjoy the day!

Tim
New Star Properties

From New Star Properties, July 20, 2018
In order to protect the health of the grass, Alliance will postpone mowing until next Wednesday, as the grass it currently too short and mowing may damage it. Alliance will be on site today to keep up with the weeds and line trimming, though.

From New Star Properties, July 13, 2018
Based on community input and further discussions with Alliance, we have revised our “mid season” irrigation adjustment/repair plan.

First, Alliance will start the mid-season adjustment process about August 1st and it will likely go about 3 days. The irrigation team will check the heads and adjust as necessary, all part of the contract. However, if a head is determined to need replacement, Alliance will “flag” the head in the lawn and not immediately replace the component unless a unit owner is on site and agrees to the replacement and costs. If the unit owner misses the Alliance visit and a replacement is required; the unit owner can either address the issue on their own or call Alliance for a follow up visit.

Frankly, while the initial concept was well intended and likely the most cost efficient solution to replacing heads assuming 3rd party service, the appearance of an invoice for a part that wasn’t ordered by the unit owner is a tough proposition. We understand that and, consequently, revised the original plan.

Separately, in my discussions with Alliance, we talked about optimal watering schedules given the hot weather. During these hot weeks of summer, the grass probably needs a minimum of 40 minutes in the early morning. Alliance mentioned that possibly another 30 minutes in the evening might also be helpful.

Finally, you may have noticed the emergence of crab grass. In the next fertilization round, Alliance will be delivering crab grass treatment and grub preventative. We’ll advise when the application is expected.

Have a great weekend!

Tim