When should turf be pre-emerged?

Only on established turf.

In the fall to control winter annual broadleaf weeds.

In the spring to control annual broadleaf weeds.


When should turf be aerated and what is the process?

Established turf can be aerated at any time and as often as necessary to reduce compaction, improve water and oxygen infiltration and to facilitate the application of sulfur, gypsum, fertilizer and sand.

Mechanical aeration is done by core aerators that pull out plugs of soil, tines that vibrate into the soil or blades that slice the soil. Adequate penetration is the key to good results. Choose the equipment that best matches your soil conditions and scope of work.


What is the optimal time frame for the planting of trees and plants?

Fall planting in late September/early October because this allows the plant time to establish roots in the new soil before the cold weather puts the plant into dormancy.

Spring planting in mid March/early April because this allows the plant time to establish roots in the new soil. The better rooted the plant is before the summer heat, the better its chance for surviving the heat.


What is the timeline and process for the preparing of the turf and planting of perennial winter rye grass?

Optimum time is during the first two weeks of October or when the evening temperatures consistently stay below 65 degrees.

Scalp Bermuda and then de-thatch if needed to insure good seed contact with soil.
Apply seed with a drop or broadcast spreader. Seed at a rate of at least 10 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. and apply the seed in two directions of 5 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. with the second application perpendicular to the first.

Water a minimum of four times per day to keep seed continuously wet until germination.

After germination fertilize with a start fertilizer. This should contain a high amount of phosphorus to stimulate root growth. Reduce water as growth increases. Don’t over water or you will have yellow turf.

Rye likes to be tall so mow at a height of 2.5” to 3”


Should you fertilize and water trees in the winter?

Growth in the winter is very slow and many plants will be dormant. Fertilizer is best applied in the spring when plants come out of dormancy and buds and shoots resume growth. Wait until March to fertilize.

Winter watering will be less frequent. Continue to run the irrigation long enough to soak the whole root zone as you would do in the summer but don’t water again until the soil has drained from the root zone. This will allow oxygen to enter the soil between waterings. Oxygen is as important as water for healthy roots.

Suspend irrigation whenever rain is adequate.


When should fertilizer be applied to plants?

In the spring and as needed through the growing season to maintain good color and blooming. Don’t over fertilize healthy vigorous plants, it will only increase maintenance needs.


How can we prevent frost damage?

Install hardy plants that are not frost sensitive.

Plant sensitive plants close to walls or in protected areas.

Cover sensitive exposed plants with sheets or a frost protection fabric that breathes. Do not use plastic.

A heat source like a light bulb under the plant can reduce frost damage.


When should we trim frost damage and what is the process?

If a plant does freeze, leave the frozen leaves and stems on the plant until new growth resumes in the spring. The dead material will act as protection from subsequent freezes.

In mid to late February or early March cut the dead frozen material back to the good green wood below. Cut just above a bud or a new system.


How can Bermuda grass be eliminated from growing in ground cover shrubs and granite areas?

In granite areas or bare soil apply an herbicide labeled for use on Bermuda during its season when temperatures are 80 degrees and above and when rain is not expected for at least 4 hours.

In ground cover or shrubs apply a selective herbicide labeled for use on Bermuda within that particular shrub or groundcover. Repeat applications may be necessary. In cases of extreme infestation it may be easier to remove the plant, treat the Bermuda and then re-plant.


What species of plants can be hard pruned?

Generally most ornamental shrubs can be hard pruned. The most success has been seen with bougainvilleas, oleanders, lantana, and sages. Prune early in spring or late winter so that the plant has time to put on enough new foliage to shade its trunk before the intense summer sun burns the wood.


When should hard pruning be done?

Late February to early March