Blog
Root weevils: troublesome pests
Root weevils are one of the top pests that damage plants in the Pacific Northwest—and around the world. They are difficult to find because they are most active at night, and they are not easy to control. There are, however, a number of things you can do to prevent and...
How to manage lace bugs
We are seeing lace bugs on shrubs in some of our clients’ landscapes. Usually the main difference between having a few lacebugs or having an epidemic? Giving your plants enough water. We mainly see lace bugs on rhododendrons and azaleas and occasionally on other...
How to grow roses in western Washington
[Ed. note: While our business is closed to reduce spread of the coronavirus, we are reprinting some of our popular blog posts.] Roses are in bloom right now in Seattle. Many people love the beauty and fragrance of roses. But growing roses in western Washington can be...
Moss control: short-term and long-term solutions
Moss can be a major problem for lawns in our cool, damp climate. A healthy lawn that gets enough sunlight can outcompete moss. But it is difficult to banish moss entirely. Option: Moss control treatment If you would like, we can apply a moss control treatment to your...
Life cycle of the chafer beetle
Chafer beetles appear to be spreading in our region. We have recently gotten several comments in response to last year’s blog post about chafer beetles. People describe lawns that crows have ripped to shreds while looking for beetle larvae. Here is more...
Control troublesome pests with dormant oils
Some unwanted insects and mites survive the winter on leafless twigs, tree bark or hardened-off evergreen needles. Dormant oils can kill these pests without harming the trees. In Harmony uses dormant oils in winter as needed to kill the eggs or mature females of...
How to prevent and limit root weevil damage
Root weevils can be a troublesome pest of rhododendrons and other evergreen shrubs. It may seem like the damage to plant leaves appears out of nowhere. Because the adult root weevils feed at night, we see the damage but no insects. Notched leaves, especially along the...
Mushrooms sprouting in your lawn?
After it rains, you might see mushrooms sprouting in your lawn or garden beds. Clients often ask us if they should worry about these mushrooms. Should you be concerned? In most cases, having mushrooms in your lawn is a good sign. It means that it is healthy, with...
My, how it’s changed: 25 years of In Harmony and landscape pesticide use
In honor of our 25th anniversary, this is the first of several blog posts about changes we have seen in landscape practices over time.
Moles and lawn damage: what to do
Are you seeing signs of moles in your lawn? Many people struggle with these small but destructive animals. Here are some tips on how to manage moles in your yard. Mole hills and tunnels Moles tunnel beneath the soil looking for food. In the process, they may create...
Insects may go extinct. Take steps to help them survive.
Insects could completely disappear within a century if the current rate of decline continues, according to a scientific review reported in The Guardian. The first global scientific review found that “the world’s insects are hurtling down the path to...
Helping birds, bees and wildlife in your landscape
During this harsh winter weather, you may think about our wild friends. Birds, wildlife, native bees and other pollinators may have a hard time finding food, water and shelter. If you have a bird feeder, make sure it has plenty of food. In Harmony has always valued...
Manage overwintering pests with dormant oils
As the weather cools, your trees are slowing down for their winter’s rest. But some unwanted insects and mites are still active. Many scales, mites, codling moths, aphids and other soft-bodied pests lay eggs now. The eggs or mature females survive the winter on...
