Winter Tree Work
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January and February are the best times of the year to prune your large trees, especially oaks. Trees are much less likely to contract illness and be infected by fungi during the winter months, and pruning during the winter allows the trees to undergo a natural healing process before spring arrives.
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It's Never Too Late for Mulch
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All of your shrub and flower beds should have 3 to 4 inches of quality mulch in them. Good mulch reduces weeds, conserves water, prevents erosion, and regulates soil temperatures. A proper layer of mulch can aid in freeze protection for your plants over the winter months. Mulch also enhances the appearance of your landscape, making it look neat and well cared for.
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Annual Landscape Functions
January/ Early February:
Granular Turf Weed Premergent is a weed preventative that will not kill existing weeds up and growing, only prevents new weed seeds form germinating. January is a good time to perform tree pruning.
March:
Scalp turf 1 to 2 notches lower- this will help to keep your turf from thatching during the growing season and allow sunlight in for new green growth. Scalp back any ornamental grass to allow new growth (lirope or pampas grass) Broadleaf weed control in turf. Broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions, thistle, and clover. Can be easily killed with a pump up sprayer and a broadleaf weed herbicide available at any home improvement store.
April:
Weekly mowing should be performed. Late April, first application of fertilizer needs to be put down to help start building healthy turf. High nitrogen granular fertilizer preferably slow release is recommended for bermuda grass. Spring/summer color/ flowers can be installed.
July:
Summer time weed killer (MSMA) can be sprayed on crabgrass, blue stem, goose grass, nut grass and Dallis grass. Several applications may need to be performed on Dallis grass to kill. 2nd application of fertilizer suggested to be put down on bermuda turf. (High nitrogen slow
release). For St. Augustine, ironite is very helpful in providing a deep healthy green. September Fall winterizes fertilizer such as a 15-15-15, a ratio of higher phosphorus and potassium is suggested to build turf root systems for cold winter months.
October:
Premergent weeds control for fall weeds need to be applied early October. Mid October is good time to plant pansies for fall/winter color.
Nov- February:
As need mowing should be performed to keep any weeds from getting out of hand or to mulch down tree leaves. Broadleaf weed control can be applied again for any weeds that present.
Note: Never spray Broadleaf MSMA weed killer in St. Augustine, on any plants, or under any tree canopies. Also, when you buy your products at the home improvement store, always read the label on the bag or bottle for the particular type of product you are buying. Know what type of grass that is in your yard. Be sure to always fully read the label before applying chemical, preemergent or fertilizer on your yard.
