Seasonal Tips from the Experts

January

1. Apply mulch to landscape beds as needed.
2. 2 inches of mulch can reduce evaporation from soil as much as 70%. 3 inches of mulch can reduce soil temperature by 10 degrees.
3. 5 inches will eliminate weed growth (too much around plants can cause root rot).

February

1. Deciduous trees are to be pruned. (When temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit)
2. Shrubs, including those non-flowering and those flowering in the summer (after June 30) and fall are to be pruned. For best results in pruning consult a pruning guide or a professional landscape/nurseryman.

March

1. Overseed thin areas in turf at a rate of 1Lb/1000 square feet.
2. Apply dormant oil spray pesticide to non-sensitive plants. Dormant oil should be applied before leaf and flower buds start to expand and when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Fertilize shrub beds with 2:1:1 ratio at a rate of 2-3 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
4. Complete pruning of trees and shrubs that flower after June 30, and all evergreens except pines.
5. Apply pre-emergence herbicide to shrub beds and lawn areas.
6. Fertilize turf areas with high nitrogen fertilizer at the approximate ration of 3:1:2. When fertilizing shrubs, keep the fertilizer away from the trunk of the plants and avoid leaving the fertilizer in piles. High concentration of fertilizer can kill a plant. Also, wash your hands afterwards.

April

1. Apply broadleaf weed herbicide to established turf areas.
2. Fungicides to be applied if turf diseases arise. Remove and/or repair any damaged limbs from trees or shrubs that were incurred through winter weather.
3. Watering of newly planted trees and shrubs is crucial. Regardless of the season, the first year of a newly planted tree or shrub will require regular checks of soil moisture. This can be from once to twice weekly depending upon conditions. Always rake mulching room around the plantís base to determine the true moisture situation. When watering is required, slow soaking immediately at the base of the plant will be most beneficial.

May

1. Apply any pesticide necessary for the control of soil insects no later than the first week of May.
2. All early flowering trees and shrubs to be pruned immediately after flowering is completed.
3. Inspect trees and shrubs for any insect and disease problems, especially on new trees and shrubs.
4. Remove weeds from landscape beds. (Spot spray with a herbicide or remove manually. The herbicide will insure that the entire weed is killed, including the root.) Also note, when mowing around beds, direct grass clippings away from the beds in order to keep weed seeds out.
5. The second fertilizer application is to be made to the turf at this time. Not to exceed 2 Lbs/1000 square feet. Fertilize azaleas, camellias, pieris, dogwood, rhododendron, boxwoods and mahonia with acid fertilizer. Other acid loving plants will be listed on fertilizer package. Fertilize blooming plants after blooming has finished.
6. Check turf for diseases, but apply fungicide only if needed.
7. Keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs.
8. Prune conifers (Christmas trees, etc). Consult pruning guide.
9. Plant annuals: Marigolds, Petunias, Begonias, etc.
10. Sharpen blades before mowing lawn areas. Do not cut off more than 1 inch at each mowing.

June

1. Continue pruning that is required of early flowering trees and shrubs.
2. Inspect evergreens for mites and spray as needed. Consult an insect manual or professional landscaper or nurserymen.
3. If scale is present, spray as needed.
4. Keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs. Water all trees and shrubs if the season has been excessively dry (two weeks or more without rainfall). Apply 1 inch per week.

July

1. Apply second application of fertilizer to azaleas.
2. Check plants for aphids, scale and mites, spraying as needed. A second application of an all purpose spray at this time will be to help prevent an insect problem from developing.
3. Keep watering those new trees and shrubs.

August

1. Apply third application of turf fertilization. Same application as in May. Be sure to water fertilizer. For best results, do towards the end of the month.
2. Inspect lawn for diseases, but apply fungicide only as necessary.
3. Maintain adequate moisture for newly planted trees and shrubs.
4. Remove weeds from beds. Continue pest check.
5. Find an air conditioner, swimming pool, and some iced tea!

September

1. Apply a broadleaf weed killer to turf
2. Overseed any thin lawn areas at a rate of 1 pound for every 1,000 square feet
3. Apply fertilizer to turf as described for May in late August or early September.
4. Begin removal of early falling leaves.
5. Keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs. Fall is the best time for planting trees and shrubs.

October

1. Water turf only if the fall has been dry.
2. Fertilize trees which have not received fertilizer in conjunction with other plants. Broadcast method to be used to apply an analysis of 22:11:11 fertilizer at a rate of 10-15 pounds for every 1,000 square feet. Minimum of 8 feet beyond the drip line.
3. Water plants as required. This must be done if autumn has been dry to improve your plants chances over the winter.
4. Leaf removal should be carried out throughout this month. Even though temperatures have cooled, windy and dry conditions can dry plants out. Continue checking first year planting.

November

1. Complete work outlined for October

December

1. Finish any leaf removal
2. Prune late flowering plants, evergreens, and trees.
3. One-half rate application of fertilizer on lawn helps root growth.

Seasonal Landscaping &

Lawn Maintenance Tips

Thank you for visitng our Seasonal Tips for Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance. These tips will help you maximize the beauty of your outdoor environment, and they are procedures that the Total Landscape team follows each time we service your lawn and landscape.

Because every yard is unique, we invite you to consult with us for a specialized method and plan for your location and situation.

Bob Franey, CLP
President and Founder
Total Landscape, Inc.