Early Spring Maintenance Tips For a Healthy New Orleans Lawn

To get the perfect lawn, the homeowner needs to put some effort into cultivating healthy grass. To grow the best lawn that you can, you need the right equipment and you also need to know the different steps for care that need to be applied at different times of the year. Spring happens to be one of the most important seasons for lawn growth, and the steps that you take during this time of year can make a significant difference in the quality of your lawn.

Here is what we recommend:

Sharpen Mower Blades
A lot of homeowners do not realize the importance of keeping the blades on their mower sharp and many will unknowingly keep running their mower with blades that are too dull. The problem is that a mower with dull blades will still make the grass shorter, so the person doesn’t even identify the problem.

The problem is when the blades are not sharp enough, they rip the grass instead of making a clean cut and this can damage the health of the lawn. At the beginning of the season, make sure to get the blades on your mower sharpened to ensure a nice clean cut.

Buy New Gas
The old gas that has been sitting in your mower all winter may have accumulated moisture while the machine was stored away. This accumulation can damage the engine of the mower and cause performance problems. Empty the tank and buy fresh gas to protect the mower against damage. Additionally, you want to make sure to dispose of the gas properly.

Clean Up the Lawn
Over the fall and winter, a lot of debris can build up on the lawn. The accumulation of leaves and twigs that are left over from the cold season, can deprive the lawn of sunlight and inhibit the flow of water to the soil. Early spring is an important time of year for the grass to grow, so you want to get out the rake and make sure that the lawn is nice and clear.

Give Mower a Tune Up
Make sure that your mower is in good working order by giving it a yearly tune up. Change the oil, replace the air filter and put in a new spark plug. It doesn’t cost that much and it is a job that can be done relatively quickly. A mower that is well cared for will perform better and it will have a longer operating life.

Control Weeds
The early part of spring is also the most important time of year for weed control. Following the winter, the grass is at its weakest and this is when weeds can really take root. Applying a spray program in the beginning of spring will be critical to ensuring that your lawn is weed free. If you wait until it is too hot and too far into the summer, the weeds may have really taken root, and it will be much harder to get them under control without damaging the turf.

Test Soil
You can put all the work in the world into your lawn, but if you do not understand what is going on with the soil, it could all be for naught. Knowing the soil pH will tell you in what ways the soil might be lacking and it can help to inform your decisions regarding a fertilizer. Testing the pH of your soil is relatively simple and the knowledge that it provides can make a major difference in your lawn care strategy. The test kits are readily available at most hardware stores and lawn care centers and they don’t require any specialized knowledge or equipment to use.

Water as Needed
One of the biggest mistakes that many homeowners make at this time of year is to overwater the lawn. Overwatering can damage the root system and make the grass more prone to disease. Carefully manage your lawn’s water needs and make sure not to go overboard.

The steps that you take in the early spring set your lawn up for the rest of the growing season. A failure to plan accordingly and take the necessary steps, can seriously diminish the quality of the lawn. The lawn care experts at Fischer Environmental understand the importance of this season and we can help to build a custom plan that will get the most from your lawn. Click here for more information about our lawn care services.

5 reasons that make New Orleans different from anywhere else

One of the first things that is going to make an impression on any visitor or first timer to the city is how different it is from the rest of the nation. New Orleans has its own feel and cultural vibe that helps to set it apart from cities in other places, and much of this is due to the peculiar history that this city has. While the history of New Orleans may be intertwined with the rest of the United States, much of it is very independent of events that occurred in the rest of the nation.

Remained an Outpost of French and Spanish Empires until 1803
Part of the reason that New Orleans has a history and cultural landscape that is so different from the rest of the United States is because it wasn’t established as a British colony like the other early states in the union. This sort of secluded it, and set it apart from the rest of the outposts that had been established in what is now the US.

Being set apart from the rest of the English settlements, and a long way from Canada, it was a place that developed its own culture. People from various cultural traditions shared the city, lived together and their cultures mixed to make something that was different from anywhere else on the planet. Even after the city became a part of the US in the Louisiana Purchase, it maintained this feel, and new groups of people came. The new cultures that they brought with them became a part of the mix.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter is a place romanticized in the minds of many. The unique architecture, the dining establishments, and the people, help to make the neighborhood a place that is truly enchanting. Being the oldest neighborhood in the city, it is full of history, and visitors can experience the past when they participate in many of the city’s cultural events and tours. If you want the authentic New Orleans experience, then the French Quarter should take a central place in your plans.

Diverse Population and Neighborhoods
A big part of what helps to make New Orleans so special is, as we mentioned, the people. In this city, you have people that come from all sorts of cultural backgrounds, and different groups from all over the world have helped to put their cultural stamp on the city.

From its days as a Spanish settlement and as a French city, the population has always been diverse. You have the Cajun and the Creole traditions, a strong African-American influence, a Latino community and the various cultural traditions that have come with generation after generation of Europeans who made this city their home on their arrival to the New World.

Creole traditions and food
One of the most distinctive elements that you will find in New Orleans is that of the Creole culture. Originally, this term was used to describe the free black or mixed race individuals that inhabited the city. However, as more Americans started to come to the city, it became a term that was also used to identify the city’s residents of French heritage. The influence that Creole culture has had on New Orleans cannot be overstated, and it touches everything from the architecture and the accents, to the art and the food. In New Orleans, you can still experience authentic Creole cuisine, with its rich flavors and a sophisticated blend of ingredients.

Mardi Gras Festivals
If you are going to talk about what makes New Orleans unique, then you have to mention Mardi Gras. While it does have its roots in the city’s French Catholic history, just like everything else in New Orleans, the blend of cultures has left its mark on the festival. On Mardi Gras, you have the wonderful parades, the interesting costumes and a celebration that cannot be recreated anywhere else on the planet.

Any person that has ever been to New Orleans knows that this is a city that moves to its own rhythm. You have a mix of culinary styles that cannot be matched, the various cultural influences, the over the top celebrations and festivals, and of course, the history. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that so many people over many generations have fallen in love with New Orleans.

We at Fischer Environmental love where we live and we hope that you visit New Orleans- you’ll fall in love, too!

New Orleans Festival Season 2016 Guide

New Orleans is a city that is known for its celebrations and festivals. Every year, the community comes together for a variety of events that celebrate the local culture, the food and a range of other things. As the festival season approaches, knowing what is happening when can help you be prepared for the events that you want to attend.

March 5-6, 12-13 – Spring Fiesta
The cultural heritage of New Orleans is one of the things that will attract many visitors to the city. With the Spring Fiesta, the first two weekends in March become a time when people can really experience this history up close. There are parades to attend, walking tours through different historic neighborhoods and tours of some of the historic homes.

March 11-12 – Buku Music and Art Project
For music, art and local culture, there are few events like the Buku Music and Art Festival. The event features music from local and national artists, and it also celebrates the history and culture of New Orleans. Watch the paddleboats go down the river, experience the authentic local cuisine or get the premium experience by taking advantage of the VIP packages.

March 20 – Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday
The Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday is another big event that provides a great cultural opportunity. Various tribes from the Mardi Gras Indian Council get together to hold a parade to celebrate their history. Dressed in elaborate costumes and performing cultural chants and dances they march through the streets for an event that is truly unique and interesting.

March 11-17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parades
St. Patrick’s Day has deep roots in New Orleans and every year the city celebrates these roots by hosting more than a week’s worth of events. There are a total of three parades and various block parties to mark the holiday and of course, the celebration has a touch of the local flavor. At the biggest of the parades, float riders throw beads and other trinkets just like they do with the Mardi Gras parades.

March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day
The celebrations for this Catholic saint are very important to many of the city’s residents and the events associated with it are a local favorite. The tradition is to commemorate the memory of St. Joseph and the relief that he provided Sicilians during the famine. By tradition, people will build alters to show thanks and share food with those in need. Additionally, there is the parade organized by the American Italian Marching Club.

March 19-20 – Congo Square New Worlds Rhythm Festival
This festival is a celebration of the rich cultural tradition that has helped to give the music of New Orleans its unique sound. It is a free event organized by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and it features all sorts of music and dance including that from the Afro-Caribbean tradition and the Gulf Region.

March 26 – Crescent City Classic
The Crescent City Classic is a 10k race held annually in the city. It runs through many of New Orleans most iconic neighborhoods and it is popular with local runners and competitors from all over the world. In addition to the race, you have the post-race festival, which includes music food and beverages.

TBA – Wednesday at the Square Concert Series
Running from March until June, residents and visitors can enjoy the different acts that take part in this 12-week concert series held at Lafayette Square.

SAINTS AND SINNERS LITERARY FESTIVAL: March 30-April 3 2016
Combined with the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, this LGBT literary event is host to various speakers, readings and workshops. It runs from the end of March to the first few days of April and it is made up of different events and contests.

French Quarter Festival: April 7-10 2016
With 20 performance stages and over 90 food and beverage booths, this is the largest free music festival in the South. It’s a celebration of the local culture and music, plus there are tons of attractions that are organized in association with the festival.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SHELL: APRIL 22-MAY 1, 2016
People come from all over the country to experience the New Orleans Jazz Festival. While it may be a festival to celebrate city’s connection to jazz, the event features artists and acts from every style of music that you can imagine. It’s a big event with big names and it only happens in New Orleans.

With the New Orleans festival season, it seems like there is another exciting event every day. It’s a great time of year and there is lots of fun to be had. Come to the city, have a good time and experience some of the events that help to make New Orleans a one of a kind city.

Fischer Pest Control is proud to be a part of the local New Orleans community for more than 50 years. We hope to find this guide helpful and we’ll see you out at the festivals this spring!

How to Plant a Spring Vegetable Garden in New Orleans

Gardening is arguably one of the most rewarding hobbies there is because it allows for such lush rewards. Not only does it require a fair amount of physical effort, it also requires quite a bit of strategic planning.

Depending on the climate you reside in, the weather patterns for the year, the soil you are planting in, and also what kind of vegetables you are interested in, you can certainly customize your garden in many ways.

With a few tips and careful planning, you can maximize your garden space this spring and reap the benefits for months. That is, of course, assuming you don’t have a pest, bug or disease problem in your lawn or garden. Contact us if you have any questions about controlling pests or diseases in your lawn or garden, or read more for our best tips and advice.

Spring Planting Dates (Feb to May)
Though the spring season doesn’t begin until March 1^st, there is ample opportunity to begin your garden work as early as January. A general rule for planting your seeds, is not to do so until after the last freeze of the winter—because frozen seeds will not produce—but with each seed, the most beneficial time can vary.

Even more important is your own climate in relation to recommended planting dates. Northern regions of Louisiana should plant seeds about four weeks after the earliest dates recommended, and Central Louisiana can plan for about two weeks after the earliest dates.

Hardier vegetables, such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, can be planted earlier in the season around late-February. March is a great time to start adding in more water-heavy vegetables such as corns, melons, cucumbers, squash, pumpkin and tomatoes.

April brings even more opportunity as temperatures warm up. Consider adding in okra, peppers, Swiss chard, Southern peas and sweet potato to your garden as you harvest other plants that may be ready.

As you add seeds to your garden throughout the Spring, you will also have the opportunity to harvest the vegetables from plants that were planted earlier in the season. Rework the soil and use that space to plant the later crop in the same space. This will allow you to maximize your garden space and the soil nutrition.

Tips on Planting

Seed depth
Not all seeds are the same, nor is the soil. How far to plant your seeds depends on both the seed size, and the soil type. Smaller seeds must be planted shallower than larger seeds. A general rule for depth is two to three times as deep as the seed is wide. Heavier soils, such as clay for example, warrant shallower depth. Lighter soil may require that you plant the seeds slightly deeper than normal.

Distance between plants
When planting your seeds, it’s easy to try to plant as many as possible, but this can actually do more harm than help. It’s important to allow for space to grow and cultivate your crop. If the plants are too crowded, they will not receive enough nutrients, thus producing mediocre crops at best. Melons and squash need the most space and require about 4-6 feet of space between plants. Otherwise, try to gauge the space based on the plant size, always allowing each plant enough space to grow without touching other plants.

Days until harvest
The number of days until harvest can vary for many reasons. Each seed will have different life cycles to begin with. In addition, the climate, soil nutrition and cultural practices will also influence the number of days to be expected. Check the seed packets for detailed expectations per seed in order to get an idea, but also know that the environment can also influence these things.

Fertilizer recommendations
Fertilizer is a great way to supplement your crops with additional nutrition and oxygenation. Depending on your crop, it is recommended to use anywhere from 2-3 pounds, to 6-7 pounds of fertilizer per 300 square feet. Recommendations are usually based on the pH levels of the soil, and the size of the plants, so be sure to test your soil first-before applying fertilizer.

Planting a garden can be hard work, but is incredibly rewarding when it produces what you’re aiming for. With enough research on the climate, soil, and seed requirements, you can get the best out of your garden each spring. Click here to contact us for any help.

The 10 best restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for a few things: a raging Mardi Gras celebration, the notorious French Quarter, the failed levee system of 2005, and the food. Situated just at the top of the Gulf of Mexico, and nestled in the Southern part of the United States, New Orleans is ripe for fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Even more so is the unique Cajun and Creole influence on both the culture and the cuisine, making the eating experience in New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.

At Fischer Pest Control, we have an insider’s view of the restaurant industry. With more than 50 years of providing commercial pest control for many fine New Orleans restaurants (click here to read more), we are proud to recommend these 10 restaurants as our favorites!

#1 Gautreau's
As if we could request that a restaurant pulls all of the best things about New Orleans into one kitchen, Gautreau seemingly fulfills our wish. The chef only uses fresh ingredients, and as a result, the menu changes quite often according to the season. The Cajun influence provides decadent flavors while its trendy place in the restaurant world keeps the dishes innovative. Be sure to bring both your appetite and perhaps your jacket, as this is a fine-dining experience.

#2 Commander's Palace
With over 2,000 reviews on Yelp, and 4.5 stars, this is undoubtedly a popular place to eat, and with good reason. Commander’s Palace is notorious for treating its guests like royalty, and the depth of flavor in each dish has a similar effect. The menu is classic Creole, but stands as one of the exemplary kitchens in the genre. Try the infamous gumbo for a quintessential Cajun experience, and splurge on the Turtle Soup to join the devoted masses.

#3 August
For a pinky’s-up experience, and decadent French flavors head to August. Described as approachable despite the high-class cuisine (and prices) August seems to be the well-known and reliably delicious place to treat your palate. What is especially great about the menu, is that the wine pairings with each dish seem to only excite its patrons, making it something of a draw in itself. It’s a bit on the pricey side, though, so be sure to come with a big appetite and deep pockets.

#4 Brigtsen's Restaurant
For the best seafood, easily head to Brigtsen’s Restaurant located on the river in the Carrollton neighborhood. Frank Brigtsen takes traditional Cajun-Creole flavors and amplifies them in a unique spin unparalleled elsewhere in NOLA. Order the Butternut Shrimp Bisque for a taste of heaven (seriously) and try your best to save room for the Pecan Pie with the insanely delicious caramel sauce.

#5 Clancy's Restaurant
Clancy’s is every bit an atmospheric experience as it is a gastric experience. With the trendy, whitewashed main floor comes also an innovative and contemporary Creole-inspired menu. The well-stocked bar offers strong drinks, which makes this a popular spot for trendy locals. Though it is trendy and energetic, it is also comfortable, like coming home when you first walk in. Do not forget to order the Fried Oysters with Brie if you want the full experience.

#6 Cochon Butcher
For a more casual eating experience, stop by Cochon Butcher and pick up a few sandwiches. It may be impossible to leave with only that, though, because the shop offers Cajun inspired charcuterie and a plethora of sides as well. The sandwiches are sinfully decadent: order the Muffaletta to get an idea of just how impressive they are.

#7 Bayona
For the ultimate Louisiana experience head to Bayona and get a table on the patio, where the foliage provides the perfect ambiance for this slow-food restaurant. Everything is made from scratch, and creatively so, making the entire dining experience a delectable treat from start to finish. The menu changes daily based on new inspirations, and wine pairings are always seemingly spot-on. It’s bound to be a high-end meal with at-home comfort.

#8 Restaurant R'evolution
R’evolution is known for its creative, and sometimes strange, menu. It manipulates Cajun-Creole cuisine by twisting the traditional dishes into something that can only be found in this high-end Royal Sonesta Hotel restaurant. Try the crab beignets with four different sauces for a memorable NOLA inspired meal. The Turtle Soup is arguably the most popular dish here and worth a taste, as well.

#9 Boucherie
Perhaps the cutest place on this list is Boucherie, a tiny cottage dining room that pumps out big flavors. The ambiance is comforting and many people head here for the hip atmosphere, relatively lower prices (under $20 per entrée, on average) and the funky twists on Southern classics. Order the Duck Confit Po’Boy, and if you are in the mood to try something spectacularly decadent and giddy-invoking, then order the Krispy Kreme bread pudding.

#10 Rue 127
Possibly the cutest combination of high-end and casual can be found at Rue 127. The atmosphere is intimate, but casual, and the food is creative and unique. The flavors of each dish are groan-worthy, but the most infamous dish at Rue 127 is, undoubtedly, the deep-fried cupcakes.

Without a doubt New Orleans has become a competitive foodie central, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chicago, New York, Portland, San Francisco and Atlanta. The difference in New Orleans, though, is that the cuisine is heavily influenced by the Cajun-Creole culture, making the restaurants even more impressive. Any of these top 10 is bound to impress, so start with one and have fun eating your way through NOLA.

5 Ways to experience Mardi Gras like a New Orleans local

Mardi Gras is by far the biggest and most famous celebration in New Orleans, loved by both locals and tourists alike. The tricky part, however, is to know where to spend your time and precious money in such an overwhelmingly exuberant weeklong celebration.

It can be quite difficult securing a place to stay—or even a place to eat—and getting from Point A to Point B can be a downright nightmare if you aren’t prepared.

So plan ahead, way ahead, and show up early if you want to get the best spots in town during this celebration.

#1 Eat Something
Being in the Southern part of the United States, New Orleans, naturally, has a lot to offer by way of food. Add to that the Creole influence and the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and you will find yourself in gastric heaven.

Perhaps the most famous of all the eateries in the area is Café Du Monde, where you can find beignets covered in powdered sugar and the perfectly sized mediocre cup of coffee. Located just off the French Quarter and with plenty of outdoor seating, this place is the perfect spot to rest and indulge, simultaneously.

Don’t forget to pinch some tails and suck some heads- that’s local speak for eating crawfish.

#2 Watch the Parades
The biggest events of all are centered on the parades that run through town. The parades begin an entire month before the actual day of Mardi Gras, with the most popular ones taking place in the days leading up to it. They are called krewes by the locals, and the super krewes are the most popular and popularly rambunctious parades. These include Zulu, Rex, Bacchus, Endymion and Orpheus. Show up early (as in, several hours early), grab a spot for viewing and wait for the spectacle to begin. It will undoubtedly be the highlight of your Mardi Gras experience.

#3 Dress Up
Outside of Halloween, Mardi Gras is one of the other days that not only allows for unwarranted costumes, but also actually encourages extravagant dress up. After many of the parades are after-parties, and many of them may even require a costume.

So start thinking about your attire, now, and plan accordingly. Bring a (cheap) camera and take pics of all the interesting and creative costumes you see!

#4 Catch Beads
Perhaps the most notorious part of Mardi Gras is the never-ending bead throwing.
While it has been said that one must flash the parade members for beads, this is not true. Simply hold out your hands, wear your biggest smile, and wait for the outpouring.

Each parade has dozens of floats, and each float is littered with dozens of people, each holding hundreds of beads, all to be thrown into the crowd. Don’t pay for beads, in any manner, and enjoy your growing collection.

#5 Adults Head to the French Quarter
While Mardi Gras is incredible fun for the whole family, there comes a time when the children must stay home. This is definitely true for the French Quarter, as well.

Though it is certainly loads of fun, it is for adults.

There is a lot of promiscuous behavior, plenty of drunk people, and a little bit more crime than in the other areas of the city.

Considering that most travelers head to New Orleans to check out the debauchery at one point during Mardi Gras this seems like the perfect place to explore when you’re ready: just leave the kids at home.

Whether you’re a local, or a tourist, you can easily enjoy the best that New Orleans has to offer during Mardi Gras. The key is to become familiar with the layout of the city (i.e. safe areas versus seedy areas), plan way ahead, make reservations, and stay hydrated. Things book up months in advance, so be sure to start early. If you do follow these 5 tips, then you will certainly see the city with the same enamored eyes the locals do.

Fischer Pest Control is proud to be a part of the local New Orleans community for more than 50 years. We hope to find this guide helpful and we’ll see you out at the parades in the metro area!

5 Top New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades

New Orleans is undoubtedly known best for its Mardi Gras celebrations. Though worlds over can certainly identify New Orleans as the Mardi Gras destination, there still seems to be a bit of information lacking as to what the celebrations actually are.

The parades—or more locally known as krewes—are listed as the most common ways to celebrate. In fact, there are many krewes that star in the celebrations, each with their own unique historical significance. This makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans a historical celebration, just as much as pure entertainment.

Here are 5 of the top krewes (or parades) to see.

#1 Rex
If you ask any of the locals which parade takes precedence in New Orleans, they will likely name the Rex parade. The Rex Organization was founded in 1872 for the sole purpose of bringing more order to the rambunctious parades that had come to take over New Orleans. The Rex is responsible for donning the flamboyant regalia of a pseudo-king in the traditional Rex colors of purple, gold and green. Complete with the Rex parade, is an elegant Rex ball that draws equally tantalizing attention throughout the Mardi Gras celebrations. If you can’t snag a coveted invitation, then you can view the ball as it is streamed live on local television.

#2 Orpheus
The Krewe of Orpheus is the newest parade to hit New Orleans. Harry Connick Jr. and his father founded the parade in 1993 in order to honor the Greek mortal Orpheus, who was known for his powerful musical talents. His musical talents, it is said, could calm the world over, and overcome any task at hand. In a twisted love story where Orpheus ironically loses the love of his life after using his music to save her, his name has become synonymous with music. The benefit as a parade-goer is that it takes place on Lundi Gras, or the Monday before Mardi Gras, allowing you the opportunity to attend it, as well as a traditionally held Tuesday parade.

#3 Bacchus
The Krewe of Bacchus is most notably the party parade, as the name itself honors the Roman god of wine. It was the first krewe to introduce celebrity riders in the parade, and recently invited the fictional and egregiously flamboyant character Ron Burgendy to host the event. The Bacchus also is known for its over-the-top floats, including the Bacchasaurus (a giant dinosaur), the Baccawhoppa (a large whale) and the more recent addition of the Baccamore, a love-themed boat. The parade is traditionally held the Sunday evening before Mardi Gras, drawing massive crowds, and even grander participation of over 1,400 members each year.

#4 Thoth
Another parade that is held on the Sunday before Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Thoth. The parade is the only one to maneuver the more narrow streets of New Orleans, as is true to tradition, in order to pass by the institutions that house the elderly and ill person that would otherwise miss out on most of the parades in town. Though originally created in order to bring the festivities to those that couldn’t easily attend, the Krewe of Thoth has grown into one of the biggest attractions in the weeklong Mardi Gras celebration.

#5 Endymion
Perhaps the largest and most popular Krewe of all is the Krewe of Endymion. It is notoriously the parade with bragging rights for bringing the most enviable celebrities in to lead as honorary grand marshals. The parade is held the Saturday before Mardi Gras, and following the parade is the Endymion Extravaganza which, this year, will have Pitbull and Steven Tyler as the entertainment. For obvious reasons this is said to be the highlight of Mardi Gras 2016.
Though Mardi Gras literally translates as “Fat Tuesday” and is centered around the beginning of Lent, a time of fasting before the Christian holiday of Easter, Mardi Gras celebrations have expanded far beyond the single day. In New Orleans, in particular, Mardi Gras has developed an identity on its own, drawing thousands of people each year. It is a spectacle, to be sure, and if you absolutely have to choose only five parades to attend this year, then these five will surely show you the best of Mardi Gras.

Fischer Pest Control is proud to be a part of the local New Orleans community for more than 50 years. We hope to find this guide helpful and we’ll see you out at the parades in the metro area!