This is the Autumn Blaze Maple, beautiful isn't it? You can usually find it at your big chain stores. (We found one Box Store that had it for sale in several sizes.) So, what's the problem with it? It's a cross between the Red Maple and Silver Maple, both of which do very well in acidic soil. Our soil in SE Idaho is too alkaline. It will usually make it 1 to 2 years, leaves begin to yellow, and it slowly dies. There is a maple with red fall color that is very well adapted to our soil. Look for Norwegian SunSet Maple and Pacific Sunset Maple. These are crosses between the Norway Maple native to Europe and a maple native to Asia.
      Sadly, there are quite a few trees that you can buy at the chain stores that won't do well here. Locally owned and operated nurseries usually only carry trees that are adapted to our soil and climate. You can usually find a tree that will have the characteristics you're looking for (size, color, shape) and will thrive here. Are you looking for just the right tree? Stop in and we'll help you find it! 

Typically in SE Idaho, you will only need to water your lawn from May through September. The average ET (Evapo Transpiration) rate, which means the rate at which water is being sucked from your lawn is depicted in the table below. This is about how much water your lawn will need. The easiest way to measure how much water your lawn is getting is to take a tuna can out and water until it contains the desired inches. One last thing to take into consideration is the amount of rain your lawn is receiving, because this counts toward your water needed. For example, if you get 1 inch of rain the first week in July, you will only need to water an additional inch for that week. Questions? Post them below!