I need to clarify something from another video I posted…
Last week I posted a video talking about the difference between pre-emergents that professionals use, and those that homeowners typically buy off the shelf. What I want to clarify is that the products I talked about (simazine, prodiamine and specticle) CAN ABSOLUTELY be purchased and applied by homeowners. They are available for anyone to purchase, and it is completely legal for anyone to apply them to their own lawn.
That video was simply about the difference in quality in the pre-emergents that professionals use, and what is most commonly purchased by homeowners off the shelf. The two most common pre-emergents you find in granular products off the shelf are gallery and dimension. Gallery and dimension ARE GOOD PRODUCTS, they DO work…but the products that most professionals use just work better! But again, that does NOT mean you have to be a professional to apply those products, they are available for anyone to purchase and use.
Hope this helps, we are glad to answer any questions you have!
The guys always appreciate a little help.
Our blue dye is in stock!
If you remember, earlier this year during our spring pre-emergent application we were mixing in a blue dye. This helped us ensure we got a good, even application put down for all of our clients.
Well if it worked so well, why aren't we using it right now during the fall pre-emergent? Its a simple reason...when the grass is green it doesn't show up!
Believe us, we would use it if we could...but you just cant see it unless the grass is dormant, so there isn't any benefit of using it right now.
No worries though, we will be ready to rock and roll with the blue come spring pre-emergent time!
If you haven’t already done so, you can go ahead and cut back on your watering schedules. Grass is starting to slow down and temperatures are dropping, so your lawn doesn’t need quite as much water.
When cutting back on watering, ALWAYS remember to reduce the number of days you are watering and not the amount of time for each zone. Remember that proper watering during the growing season is 1/2” per watering, 3-4 times per week. The 1/2” per watering needs to continue, but only 1-2 times per week for the fall months.
We have recently been stumbling across a weed that you’ve likely never heard of…Common Lespedeza (or Japanese Clover). You’ve likely never heard of it simply because it doesn’t rear its ugly head very often, and when it does rear its ugly head most people mistake it for spurge.
Watch the video for an explanation on how to tell them apart…and keep an eye out for it, this is a nasty, hard to kill weed!
The techs meet all kinds of interesting people in October...🧟♂️👻
This is the last call for fall pre-emergents! Get it done now or plan to deal with weeds!
Two of the primary weeds you want to prevent with this application are Poa Annua and Rescugrass. These two annual grassy weeds are a pain to deal with once they come up. Here in about 3 or 4 months it will be obvious who got a fall pre-emergent and who did not...and its these two weeds that will give it away.
Poa and Rescuegrass both start germining when soil temperatures drop below 70 degrees. We are right on the verge of that happening...get your fall pre-emergent down NOW!
Here is a good reminder for anyone planning to have Christmas lights installed...get your estimates and place your orders as early as possible!
Companies that install Christmas lights get busier and busier the closer it gets to Christmas. The longer you wait to place your orders, the later your installation date will be. Availability of commercial grade lights can also become an issue later in the season.
A lot of companies will offer early order discounts as well. The vast majority of people want their lights installed right before Thanksgiving, which can be a scheduling nightmare for Christmas lighting companies. If you place your order early enough, and are okay with an earlier installation date, you can probably save some money...and if the company you contact doesn't mention an early order discount, just ask!
Why you should place Christmas light orders as early as possible...
The perks of working outdoors...you never know who or what you’ll run into! 👀
As you are scrambling to get everything together for your Christmas lights, and it may be tempting to just run down to Wal-Mart or Home Depot to buy your lights. That is the convenient thing to do after all!
Well here a two very important differences between commercial grade C9s and the strands you buy off the shelf...(spoiler...commercial grade are WAY better!)
Don’t forget your sidewalks and driveway...they need lights too!
Christmas light installs are in full swing!
You've heard us say it before...LED lights are THE ONLY way to go!
The main reason we won't touch anything but LED is that the vast majority of our installs can be plugged into one outlet (up to about 400 ft).
The days of running plugs all over your house and trying to find different circuits are over. Installs are much more simple and easy when you know you only have to deal with one outlet!
Wreaths...the perfect final touch for Christmas decor.
You’ve probably seen extravagant Christmas light displays where lights are changing colors, patterns are changing, they’re synced with music etc. Those displays use what are called RGB lights. RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue, and each individual light contains those three colors which can be mixed, matched and programmed to endless color variations and patterns.
RGBs come in just about any type of Christmas light you want…C9, C7, mini lights, icicles, nets etc.
For our sign, we used a brand called Twinkly which we highly recommend. They are a mini light that can be completely customized and programmed using a smart phone or tablet…and yes they can be synced with music. They are FUN!!
So, if you’re going for the extravagant, complex Christmas light display this year, RGBs are what you need to look for.
Hope this helps!
A perfect Pink Muhly Texas sunset 😍
Another simple yet GREAT benefit of commercial grade C9s over what you buy off the shelf...customization.
With residential grade, what you see is what you get. I you buy a 20 ft strand, you have to use every bit of that 20 ft strand.
With commercial grade you can cut, splice, and piece together exactly what you want, where you want it.
Here is a quick demo of how easy it is...
😍😍
😍
Here is a quick tip for anyone installing lights on TOP of your roof, or what we call the “ridge line” (ridge lines are on top, roof lines are around the edges).
The ridge lines can be a little tedious, but if you have the right clip it can make your life much easier.
We use whats called the “ridge clip”. This clip has legs that straddle the ridge line, and each clip has teeth that dig in to the shingles to hold them in place.
The normal clip that you would use on a ridge line would slide underneath each individual shingle, making it much more time consuming and tedious for BOTH the installation AND take down.
Check the ridge clip out if you’re going to do your ridge lines, we highly recommend them!
Hope that helps!
SAT, DEC 5 AT 6:00 PM CST
VistaTurf’s Night of Lights
Looking great Kevin!
Kevin Klein is feeling thankful at VistaTurf.
November 26 at 8:43 PM · Midlothian, TX ·
🎄 Love our “MHS Panther Blue” Christmas Lights from VistaTurf this year! Done in one day and I didn’t have to get my ladder out or endanger my sons in any way. Plus it feels like a runway when I come home and see the driveway, Love it! This is the only way I will ever put lights up again.....with a phone call! 😂 #bluechristmas #ChristmasLights #AllTheLightsWork #Finally
Here a just a few pics form last years Night of Lights event. Earthtones Greenery, Inc. was absolutely lit up with a RIDICULOUS amount of lights!
With a combined effort from VistaTurf, Earthtones Greenery, Inc., and our friends over at Adam Rope: State Farm Agent...we couldn't help but add even MORE lights for this years event!
Stop by Earthtones Greenery, Inc. on Saturday, December 5th between 6:00pm and 9:00pm for a stroll through a Christmas wonderland!
Don't forget to bring a toy tomorrow night!
Earthtones Greenery, Inc.Night of Lights
December 4 at 1:52 PM ·
🧸 Bring an unwrapped toy to the event and we will deliver them to Toys For Tots! ❤️ 🎄
#NightofLights #Giving
Some great Christmas light jobs we just finished up!
If you think it’s too late to get some lights up, think again!
We can give same day estimates and next day installations...just let us know!
Thank you Young Love Photography for some amazing photos from our Night of Lights event!
Earthtones Greenery, Inc. Adam Rope: State Farm Agent check them out!
The Christmas cheer is just glowing at VistaTurf this morning!
These are strange days indeed!
We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year!
We certainly did, but we are now getting back into the swing of things and gearing up for the first round of 2021: Spring pre-emergent!
Yes...the blue dye is back! We are currently getting things dialed in and will be starting spring pre-emergent apps by the end of the week.
You will hear plenty more from us on this round as it is the most important application of the year...stay tuned!
Just another day of pre-emergents!
It’s truly a work of art...
Have you signed up for the pre-emergent application yet?
Remember it’s a fire place...not a wood chipper!
McKinney Fire Department
January 9 at 2:34 PM ·
This is what happens when you try to burn a Christmas tree in a home fireplace. This is from a fire we responded to this morning. Please dispose of trees properly! #firesafety #christmastrees
Big shout out to @cementcitycoffeeroasters on days like this!
Stay warm folks!
Thanks Erik Trejo!
I guess this can be our official announcement...we have expanded our service area to include Maypearl!
Erik TrejoVistaTurf
Yesterday at 8:30 AM ·
Thanks to Vista Turf finally making there move to Maypearl this year and getting to use them to treat my yard.
Thanks guys
🙀
92.1 Hank FM
Yesterday at 11:25 AM ·
Shout out to our wilde worker of the day today, Logan Childress working at Vista Turf in Midlothian! Thanks for workin the #wildeway 
Crape murder is real! (had some issues with the audio, but bear with it...too important not to post!)
🚨URGENT🚨...if you're going to trim your crape myrtles, make sure you know HOW to trim them!
We will post a video on how to properly trim crape myrtles, but for now, here is a video on what you should NOT do!
Improper crape myrtle trimming (crape murder) can and will lead to:
-Disease
-Insect damage
-Constricted grow
-Lack of blooms
-Death 💀
Take a good look at the crape myrtles in this video, and make sure your crape myrtles never look the same.
Remember, it is better to not trim your crapes at all than to trim them improperly!
Finally some blue skies to go with our blue lawns...😍
We get question after question about pre-emergent timing this time of year. People want to do everything they can to time it just right, which is understandable, but oftentimes unrealistic.
When trying to determine WHEN you should apply your pre-emergent, consider two things:
1. Too early is better than too late. Yes, you will have breakthrough in weeds either way later in the year, but you will have far less breakthrough on an application that is a little early as opposed to a little late.
2. Something is better than nothing. Whether its a little early or even a little late, applying a pre-emergent will be better than nothing at all. Life gets in the way, we get busy, we forget…so if you have the product and the time, just do it! You may not prevent all weeds 100%, but the alternative of preventing NO weeds is not a place you want to be.
Bottom line, don’t over complicate it! Even if you try your hardest, it is unlikely you will time your pre-emergent perfectly. Just get your product, find some time, and get it done!
We get this question a lot this time of year...is it not too early for pre-emergents?
First of all, remember that the timing of pre-emergent applications has everything to do with the weather, and nothing to do with a date on the calendar…more on that in videos to come.
Secondly, you have to remember that different pre-emergent products have different residuals, which simply means that some last longer than others. The product that we use (Specticle) has a residual of 6 to 9 months, which is one of the longest residuals available amongst pre-emergents (which is why we use it).
Having such a long residual buys us a lot of time on the front side of the spring pre-emergent. With the longer residual, we can apply pre-emergents in January and still get a very effective barrier for both early and late germinating weeds.
Hope this helps!
It’s a beautiful day for some pre-emergent!
Sad day...VistaTurf is Sold Out of Firewood. Everyone stay safe and warm this weekend!
Sad day...VistaTurf is Sold Out of Firewood. Everyone stay safe and warm this weekend!
Little known secret...you don’t have to water all your potted plants by hand. You can easily tap into your sprinkler system and add emitters to all of your pots!
Do it now and you’ll be set for all of your spring and summer color!
Where pre-emergent ends, weeds begin!
Blue skies are back...and so are blue lawns!
#preemergent #weedcontrol #lawncare
Sad day...VistaTurf is Sold Out of Firewood. Everyone stay safe and warm this weekend!
The freezing temperatures have caused damage to sprinkler equipment all across Texas. Especially in backflow devices, which depending on the type and the local regulations, are often ABOVE ground just like this one (which is not ideal for freezing temperatures). Damaged backflows need to be repaired or replaced BEFORE it warms up and your lawn needs water. Remember, the sooner the better when it comes to scheduling sprinkler repairs…don’t get caught in the spring rush!
Little known secret...you don’t have to water all your potted plants by hand. You can easily tap into your sprinkler system and add emitters to all of your pots!
Do it now and you’ll be set for all of your spring and summer color!
Where pre-emergent ends, weeds begin!
Blue skies are back...and so are blue lawns!
#preemergent #weedcontrol #lawncare
VistaPest
March 8 at 2:56 PM ·
Whats the first step to rodent exclusion? Eliminating ANY possible entry points into your home!
As you can see with this home, things like water lines and plumbing often provide plenty of space for rodents to make there way inside your home. Rodent exclusion repairs involve finding all of these potential access points and completely sealing them off.
When looking for potential access points keep in mind that a rate can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, and the diameter of a pencil is all that mice need!
😳
VistaPest
March 4 at 2:00 PM ·
Soldier and worker termite getting after it…these critters cause $5billion in structural damage per year in in the US alone!!
This is how effective pre-emergents are...when you miss a spot it really shows!
Side note...this is exactly why we use the blue dye!
Exciting things happening! 👀👀
https://www.facebook.com/vistapestcontrol
VistaPest
The freezing temperatures have caused damage to sprinkler equipment all across Texas. Especially in backflow devices, which depending on the type and the local regulations, are often ABOVE ground just like this one (which is not ideal for freezing temperatures). Damaged backflows need to be repaired or replaced BEFORE it warms up and your lawn needs water. Remember, the sooner the better when it comes to scheduling sprinkler repairs…don’t get caught in the spring rush!
Little known secret...you don’t have to water all your potted plants by hand. You can easily tap into your sprinkler system and add emitters to all of your pots!
Do it now and you’ll be set for all of your spring and summer color!
VistaPest
13 hrs ·
Termite swarmers are here!
Keep an eye out…the temperatures are just right for termite swarmers to emerge! Termite swarmers are winged, reproductive termites that “swarm” from early to mid spring.
When swarmers emerge, they are leaving their colony with the purpose of starting a new colony. Seeing termite swarmers around your home does NOT necessarily mean you have a termite problem, and the swarmers themselves do not cause any structural damage (that is left to the workers).
However, termite swarmers ARE a sign that there are colonies nearby, and are a good reminder to have frequent inspections and preventative measures in place to protect your home!
A year ago today! 😂
VistaTurf is at Earthtones Greenery, Inc.
March 13, 2020 at 4:45 PM · Midlothian, TX ·
It's no secret, there is a toilet paper shortage.
Don't panic though, you have options.
Earthtones Greenery, Inc. and VistaTurf put together some recommendations on "green" substitutes that might just come in handy...if it comes to that.
VistaPest
March 8 at 3:56 PM ·
Whats the first step to rodent exclusion? Eliminating ANY possible entry points into your home!
As you can see with this home, things like water lines and plumbing often provide plenty of space for rodents to make there way inside your home. Rodent exclusion repairs involve finding all of these potential access points and completely sealing them off.
When looking for potential access points keep in mind that a rate can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, and the diameter of a pencil is all that mice need!
😳
VistaPest
March 4 at 3:00 PM ·
Soldier and worker termite getting after it…these critters cause $5billion in structural damage per year in in the US alone!!
This is how effective pre-emergents are...when you miss a spot it really shows!
Side note...this is exactly why we use the blue dye!
VistaPest
March 19 at 3:11 PM ·
Termite swarmers are on the move...and so are flying ants.
These two are often mistaken for each other, and for obvious reasons its very important to know if you're dealing with termites or ants.
Telling them apart is actually pretty easy, you just need to look at these three things:
1. Antennae. Termite antennae will be straight, while ant antennae will be bent or elbowed.
2. Wings. All four wings of the termite will be the same size. With ants, the front two wings will be much larger than the back two wings.
3. Waist. Termites have a wide waist, almost as if they don’t have a waist at all. Ants will have a very thin, narrow waist that is pretty hard to miss.
Its as simple as that! You will have to get up close and personal to get a good look, but thats what you need to do! Don’t just assume its one or the other!
Is your sprinkler control box...dumb?
Spring is here, the grass is greening up...something to consider doing as we head into the growing season is to replace your outdated sprinkler control box with a SMART control box!
Our preferred brand is Rachio, with these control boxes you manage your entire sprinkler system from an app on your phone or tablet...from anywhere in the world.
Whether you are the set it and forget it type or the hands on control freak, the Rachio is the most convenient and innovative way to manage your watering.
And best of all...you can grant access to your lawn care or sprinkler company so that inspections and repairs can be done without you having to be home!
VistaPest
March 15 at 9:55 AM ·
Termite swarmers are here!
Keep an eye out…the temperatures are just right for termite swarmers to emerge! Termite swarmers are winged, reproductive termites that “swarm” from early to mid spring.
When swarmers emerge, they are leaving their colony with the purpose of starting a new colony. Seeing termite swarmers around your home does NOT necessarily mean you have a termite problem, and the swarmers themselves do not cause any structural damage (that is left to the workers).
However, termite swarmers ARE a sign that there are colonies nearby, and are a good reminder to have frequent inspections and preventative measures in place to protect your home!
A year ago today! 😂
VistaTurf is at Earthtones Greenery, Inc.
March 13, 2020 at 4:45 PM · Midlothian, TX ·
It's no secret, there is a toilet paper shortage.
Don't panic though, you have options.
Earthtones Greenery, Inc. and VistaTurf put together some recommendations on "green" substitutes that might just come in handy...if it comes to that.
VistaPest
March 8 at 3:56 PM ·
Whats the first step to rodent exclusion? Eliminating ANY possible entry points into your home!
As you can see with this home, things like water lines and plumbing often provide plenty of space for rodents to make there way inside your home. Rodent exclusion repairs involve finding all of these potential access points and completely sealing them off.
When looking for potential access points keep in mind that a rate can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, and the diameter of a pencil is all that mice need!
Grass is greening up…which means its time to aerate!
Regular aerations are crucial for the overall health of your lawn, no matter what kind of turf you have. The majority of our clients get at LEAST one aeration per year, and sometimes two.
What does an aeration do? Whether its mechanical or liquid, aerations loosen up your soil to allow oxygen, water and nutrients to reach the root system of you turf. This strengthens your turfs root system which results in thicker, healthier, greener turf.
Start making plans to have this done!
Mow crew leaders and laborers needed for this mowing season!
50+ hours per week!
For more information please call 972-268-2558
Para español llame 972-921-5231
VISTATURF
Mow Crew Leaders and Workers
VistaPest
March 19 at 3:11 PM ·
Termite swarmers are on the move...and so are flying ants.
These two are often mistaken for each other, and for obvious reasons its very important to know if you're dealing with termites or ants.
Telling them apart is actually pretty easy, you just need to look at these three things:
1. Antennae. Termite antennae will be straight, while ant antennae will be bent or elbowed.
2. Wings. All four wings of the termite will be the same size. With ants, the front two wings will be much larger than the back two wings.
3. Waist. Termites have a wide waist, almost as if they don’t have a waist at all. Ants will have a very thin, narrow waist that is pretty hard to miss.
Its as simple as that! You will have to get up close and personal to get a good look, but thats what you need to do! Don’t just assume its one or the other!
Is your sprinkler control box...dumb?
Spring is here, the grass is greening up...something to consider doing as we head into the growing season is to replace your outdated sprinkler control box with a SMART control box!
Our preferred brand is Rachio, with these control boxes you manage your entire sprinkler system from an app on your phone or tablet...from anywhere in the world.
Whether you are the set it and forget it type or the hands on control freak, the Rachio is the most convenient and innovative way to manage your watering.
And best of all...you can grant access to your lawn care or sprinkler company so that inspections and repairs can be done without you having to be home!
VistaPest
March 15 at 9:55 AM ·
Termite swarmers are here!
Keep an eye out…the temperatures are just right for termite swarmers to emerge! Termite swarmers are winged, reproductive termites that “swarm” from early to mid spring.
When swarmers emerge, they are leaving their colony with the purpose of starting a new colony. Seeing termite swarmers around your home does NOT necessarily mean you have a termite problem, and the swarmers themselves do not cause any structural damage (that is left to the workers).
However, termite swarmers ARE a sign that there are colonies nearby, and are a good reminder to have frequent inspections and preventative measures in place to protect your home!
A year ago today! 😂
VistaTurf is at Earthtones Greenery, Inc.
March 13, 2020 at 4:45 PM · Midlothian, TX ·
It's no secret, there is a toilet paper shortage.
Don't panic though, you have options.
Earthtones Greenery, Inc. and VistaTurf put together some recommendations on "green" substitutes that might just come in handy...if it comes to that.
