Here is a quick check list of current events in the yard.
Soil tested? Custom
Program written? Apply the products that your soil needs instead of guessing. Doing
soil tests are cheaper and provide better results than random applications. Why
do you think farmers with hundreds of acres soil test?
Lawn Mower – sharp (new) blade, new oil, new air filter, new
spark plug for season?
Prune azaleas, camellias and other spring flowering plants
after they bloom? Wait on Gardenias for now.
Trees need pruning? Growing strong out to the tips of the
limbs? Plenty of new foliage?
Fertilized your trees and shrubs? 17-00-09, 08-02-04 (organic),
Professional?
Fertilize daffodils and spray them with Messenger for bigger
bulbs next year. Leave the leaves (foliage) to collect sunlight to refurbish
bulb for next year.
Huge fleshy leaves on new growth of camellias and azaleas? Leaf
gall? Remove infected leaves and destroy.
Is Powdery mildew attacking roses, crepe myrtles,
dogwoods? Neem PY (organic), Honor Guard
Large Patch Fungus in turf – get an early start – prevention
is cheaper than curative. Disarm, Cleary’s 3336, Dual Action Fungicide, and
Prophesy are a few chemical controls. Crab Shells, Serenade, and Natures Blend
are organic controls that “fix” the problem.
Adult mole crickets are mating – manage them. Lebanon Insect
Control
Fire ants are starting to forage – manage them. Lebanon Insect Control, Baits.
Grubs are near the surface – manage them. Lebanon Insect Control, Grub X
Scale insects are really bad. It seems like they get worse
with all the dry weather. Safari Tree and Shrub for quick knockdown and Dominion
for long term control.
For trees and shrubs with perennial insect problems consider
Dominion Tree and Shrub.
Get a “jump” on fleas this year. Lebanon Insect Control, Bug
Blaster outside. Precor 2000, Inverted Carpet Spray, Alpine Flea Insecticide
with IGR or Ultracide all have an adulticide as well as a growth regulator and
are labeled for indoor use. Prefurred Plus or Bio Spot to apply to pet.
Plant a vegetable garden?
Plant a flower garden?
If you applied preemergent in February, it is time for your
second application (depending on the rate and product you used the first time).
Remember the ornamental beds!
The leaves have fallen – new mulch?
Fertilized Palm Trees with 07-00-09 (the most awesome Palm
Fertilizer)?
Tested your well water? With over seven years of drought,
many are getting salty.
Pruned holly fern, cast iron plant, and monkey grass (Liriope)?
Moles? Mole Patrol, Traps.
