If your lawn is showing symptoms of this disease (see last week’s blog), you can treat with Disease EX fungicide with the active ingredient Azoxystrobin. Or treat organically by top dressing with Peat Moss in the Fall followed by Natures’ Blend Compost in the Spring. If you suspect any problems with your lawn, we can diagnose and help find the right solution. Watch Wyatt’s video on how to collect a grass sample.
Video
Each year in January and February, I give my pre-spring “Get Ready for Spring” garden talk. I always start the talk with pre-spring pruning and the importance of sharp tools.
You may want any pruning saws sharpened professionally, as it can be a little difficult and tedious. But pruning clippers, loppers, and hedge shears are easier to do-it-yourself if you are inclined to. Pruners, loppers, shears, as well as shovels and hoes all perform better with a good sharp edge. Less effort and strain when trimming or digging, and clean cuts that heal faster than ragged cuts; that’s our aim.
We have carbide sharpening tools in stock that do a fast job on pruners and shears and take up very little storage space. Metal files are more appropriate for the harder steel edges of shovels and hoes. Diamond sharpening rods or whetstones can give the very finest edge to pruners if you are a perfectionist. For those far from perfectionist, I have sharpened my shovel enough to make a big difference in transplanting a shrub just by finding a rough spot on the concrete street curb and rubbing the cutting edge back and forth until dull is gone and cutting edge is on.
When sharpening pruners, be sure to watch a video or read instructions before beginning, as a simple proper sharpening makes pruning easier and more fun, but sharpening the wrong edge will ruin a tool forever. Once you’ve sharpened your tools, you can keep them sharp longer and prevent rust by wiping on a thin layer of lubricating oil, such as boiled linseed oil, tung oil, motor oil, lamp oil, or cooking oil.
-James Gill
Wow! Snow and 2 hard freezes has really hurt my lawn. The only thing growing are the weeds. The weather is now warm enough, but not quite sunny enough to spray your Weed b Gon Spray. Weed killer sprays will work their best with sunshine and no rain. Be sure to check the forecast to see if we are sunny for 3-5 days with no rain or your irrigation system.
Wait to fertilize once your grass is completely out of winter dormancy so it will absorb the fertilizer and give you the results you are looking for.
Have you finished pruning? It not, please prune quickly. The spring flush of new growth is about to happen since the weather has warmed up and you don’t want to miss the opportunity for Mother Nature to give you all that new foliage and then just cut it all off. Watch the video below for tips to proper spring pruning.
Once everything is pruned and new growth begins flushing it is time to fertilize. You will fertilize your tropicals and shrubs with Hibiscus Food, Rose Glo or even easier, Gill Lawn and Garden Food when you fertilize your lawn. Timing is key to a beautiful lawn and landscape once again.
-DeAnna
Brown, dry looking lawn? Check for Chinch bugs.
Plant Zinnias with your kids or grandkids, (or just for you!)
If a plant is root-bound, take a moment to tease or cut roots before planting.
Dead patches in your grass? James shares tips on plugging damaged lawn areas with Floratam Sod.
Family holidays, like Easter this Sunday, are different this year. BUT, special meals and (virtual) gatherings with family and friends are still on!
We’re offering reduced pricing on in-town delivery of gift plants for Easter weekend.
If you’d like to send a cheerful arrangement to a local loved one or decorate your space for a holiday video-chat gathering, give us a call. We’ll put something together for you and drop it off on the porch of your choice.
