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Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter:

Fri - November 18, 2011 - 4:04 pm

New Lawns:

Installed in November, December, January, or February: Water when installed, then every two days for two weeks and every three days for the rest of the year. Water lawns especially before hard freezes.

Each of these watering times throughout the year need one inch of water at a time.

New Installed Trees & Shrubs:

In September through January: Trees and shrubs installed in these months need to be watered well when planted, every other day for two weeks, then twice a week for the remainder of the year. When established, they can be watered one or two times a week.

Each of these watering times through out the year need one inch of water at a time.

Landscape Maintenance Schedule for Established Shrubs, Trees, and Lawns:

November: Reapply mulch to protect roots.  (Wait unitl all leaves have fallen.) Treat broadleaf weeds as soon as they emerge with liquid Ferti-Lome Weed-Out.

December: Remember to water shrubs and turf thoroughly before a severe freeze to prevent winter damage.  Well-watered plants withstand cold mulch better.  Now is a good time to do any transplanting needed.

If winter is mild, you may want to start your pre-emergent herbicide treatment early. (If the weeds are allowed to germinate, the pre-emergent will not be effective.)

January: All plants should be heavily mulched to prevent root damage which may occur during a severe freeze.  Water evergreen shrubs and ground covers thoroughly prior to a hard freeze warning.  Prune summer-flowering shrubs  and trees (I.e., Crape Myrtle, Buddleia, and Pampas Grass).  Prune evergreens except spring-flowering shrubs.

February: Use pre-emergent herbicide on turf area.  Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental containing Dimension should be used on Centipede, Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine prior to weed germination.  Apply a pesticide/scalecide (Dormant Oil Spray) on plants which have scale (such as Camellia, Euonymous, Laurel, Azalea, Variegated Privet) if scale is present. Dormant Oil should be applied before leaf and flower buds start to expand.  Air temperature should be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Take soil sample now if you did not do it in the fall.  Lime grass if recommended.  If leaf spot occurs on plants, spray with Consan 20.  Apply blood meal to Pansies for increased blooms.  Fertilize every two weeks with Ferti-lome Blooming and Rooting.

March: Remove excess thatch from turf area by vigorously raking, then mow at recommended cutting height:

Bermuda     3/4″ to 1-1/4″

Centipede     1-1/2″ to 2″

St. Augustine     2″ to 3″

Zoysia     1″ to 1-1/2″

Aerate every three to five years to reduce soil compaction, which encourages water run-off.  This procedure allows increased soil absorption and nutrients to the root zone.

Last chance to apply pre-emergent herbicide.  Spray azaleas for lace bugs with Hi-Yield 38 Plus or Malathion.  Apply every seven to ten days for one month.  Make sure that the chemical is applied to the underside of the foliage where the insect is attached.  Acephate is a systematic insecticide for chewing and sucking insects and is absorbed into the plant tissue.

As perennials and bulbs begin to emerge, top dress with mushroom compost.  Apply Treflan to beds to prevent weed or grass germination.  Spray all Evergreens with Triple Action Plus if diseases are present.

***The chemicals and fertilizers listed above are available at many of your local garden centers.  This information is being provided to you as suggestions only.  Please read all package labeling.  Call us or your local Extension service for more information. ***

Keep checking back for future maintenance tip updates!!!