Spring Maintenance – As we head into March the temperatures begin to rise and plant material begins to grow. Here are some ideas we thought you might find useful to ensure a spring, Greenup.
TURF CARE:
In some cases, you might find your turf yellowed or discolored in some areas. Spring maintenance tips – Turf Typically frost can be the most noted culprit. We highly recommend using professional-grade fertilizers to improve color and minimize surge growth. 23-3-6 U-FLEXX w/4.2% of iron is highly recommended. This is the Best product and available at high-end nurseries and wholesale distributors.
Most of the turfs we install are a Fescue blend. Weekly mowing is required. We recommend mowing your turf at 3”, In addition Fertilizing turf every 10-12 weeks from March-September.
Spring maintenance tips – PruningPlants and Trees:
As the pruning season is upon us after cleaning and trimming plant material we recommend feeding them with a complete fertilizer such as Best products 9-9-9 w/11% iron. This product can be used in all plant material in your landscape. Plants like azaleas and camellias thrive with this product. The iron won’t stain your concrete either.
IRRIGATION NOTES:
At some point this month you will want to consider testing the functions of your automated system. For our new construction clients, you most likely have a Hunter industries controller. You can test the systems by pressing the right arrow button for 2-3 seconds and the system will turn on. After inspecting each zone you can advance to the next zone by pressing once the right arrow button. Most of these controllers have A, B&C programs. We typically program your turf on A, drip systems on B and for larger tree installs deep well bubblers on C.
DISEASE AND PEST PREVENTION:
Some of the most common pest problems in turf are chewing subterranean pests such as Grubs and cutworm. They feed on the roots of your turf and lay larvae daily. The damage begins slowly at times missed. Look for beetles and or moths in your turf, smaller discolored spots, or even dead spots randomly throughout your turf. Treatments are abundant and quick-acting. Unfortunately, treatment will require 2 applications to eliminate active pest and the second application to eliminate the newly active larvae later in the growing season.
Aphids and fungus are 2 common problems in ornamental plants and trees. Symptoms and indicators include sticky residue on or around plants. Excessive ants in the landscape curled or wilted leaves on plant materials. Treatments range from soap and water mixtures to systemic pest control. Contact treatments such as soaps may provide immediate results but we highly recommend using a systemic treatment for annual control.
If you should have any questions or concerns please feel free to email John our landscape project supervisor and spring maintenance expert.
Mail to [email protected]