SPRINGS ON THE WAY

                        It’s February and old man winter has us in his grasp. However, the time is upon us to start planning our landscape priorities for the spring.  One of the first things that need to be addressed is our pre-emergent weed application for the lawn.  The month of February is usually the ideal time for the first application of the season. I usually accomplish this by using a combination of Treflan/surflan. The middle of the month is ideal. This is a granular product, so it can be applied as you would a fertilizer.  Remember, this needs to be broadcast over your lawn when it is dry and then watered in to activate it. This will control weed seeds that have not germinated but will not control what is already present.  For these pesky weeds you need a post emergent, which is usually in a liquid formula.  Please read and follow label directions completely.

             In most areas the latter part of March is an ideal time to start applying your spring application of fertilizer to your shrubs and trees.  Moreover, you should consider refreshing or renewing the mulch around your plants as well.  Please don’t fertilize your lawns too early.  This can lead to root desiccation and decease in your turf.  In the south the end of April or beginning of May is an ideal time frame.  Pruning should also be initiated in the month of March. A good rule of thumb,” always prune soon after your plants bloom so you can be assured that you do not cut off next years blooms”.

             Let’s shake off the chills of winter, roll up our sleeves and tackle our landscape chores head on.  Good luck!

Weekend gardener, Mike Wilson

SPRINGS ON THE WAY

                         It’s February and old man winter has us in his grasp. However, the time is upon us to start planning our landscape priorities for the spring.  One of the first things that need to be addressed is our pre-emergent weed application for the lawn.  The month of February is usually the ideal time for the first application of the season. I usually accomplish this by using a combination of Treflan/surflan. The middle of the month is ideal. This is a granular product, so it can be applied as you would a fertilizer.  Remember, this needs to be broadcast over your lawn when it is dry and then watered in to activate it. This will control weed seeds that have not germinated but will not control what is already present.  For these pesky weeds you need a post emergent, which is usually in a liquid formula.  Please read and follow label directions completely.

             In most areas the latter part of March is an ideal time to start applying your spring application of fertilizer to your shrubs and trees.  Moreover, you should consider refreshing or renewing the mulch around your plants as well.  Please don’t fertilize your lawns too early.  This can lead to root desiccation and decease in your turf.  In the south the end of April or beginning of May is an ideal time frame.  Pruning should also be initiated in the month of March. A good rule of thumb,” always prune soon after your plants bloom so you can be assured that you do not cut off next years blooms”.

                         Let’s shake off the chills of winter, roll up our sleeves and tackle our landscape chores head on.  Good luck!  

Weekend gardener, Mike Wilson

From our family to yours,  Happy Holidays.