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Fertilize Your Landscape Properly Part 1

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:07:39 +0000

Maintenance plans should be produced for trees and shrubs in your landscape. A effective care program includes monitoring and keeping insect and disease problems in line along with restraining weed competition, and giving well timed applications of water, mulch, and fertilizer.

Tree and bush fertilization is particularly crucial in urban and suburban areas of the country where soils have been changed due to building. These urban lands incline to be heavily compressed, poorly oxygenated, poorly drained, and short of organic matter. Even where soils haven’t been stricken, fertilization is possibly needed as part of a sustainment program to step-up plant vigor or to improve root or crest growth.

Trees and bushes in residential and commercial landscape plantings are frequently fertilized to keep them flourishing and attractive. Over-fertilization is frequent, inducing excessive growth, particularly in immature nursery stock. Trees growing in lawn expanses usually get some nutrients when the grass is fertilized. This is normally adequate to maintain most trees in prolific soil. However, fertilization could be required on altered soils wherever unconsolidated fill material has been superimposed or the topsoil has been removed. Managed urban areas where fallen leaves are dispatched may also call for a fertilization program to enrich soil and replenish nutrients.

Plant nutrition is no stand-in for environmental factors, such as sunshine and water, which must be in equilibrium if a tree or bush is to acquire its full potential. Trees or bushes that are healthy and flourishing are more insusceptible to assault by insects and diseases. An application of fertilizer might, in a few cases, improve the plant’s resistance to additional infestations of certain pests. For instance, maple trees will recoup from mild cases of Verticillium wilt after applications of nitrogen fertilizer.

Fertilizer Objectives

How and when to fertilize landscape trees and shrubs depends on:
Maintenance objectives (stimulate new vs. maintain existing growth)
Tree and shrub ages (generally more for younger and less for older plants)
Plant stress levels

Time to Fertilize

The top time to fertilize trees extends from late fall, after the leaves have fallen, through the winter and into early spring before vigorous new growth occurs. Fertilizer applied in the fall has a longer time period to penetrate the soil enabling the roots to more efficiently absorb it. The fertilizer is taken up by the roots during the winter and is available to the plant for growth in the spring.
Trees that are fast growing should be fertilized yearly. Well-established, mature trees usually require fertilizer once every three to four years.

Newly Planted Trees Fertilizer Use

Freshly planted trees typically do not need fertilizer during the 1st growing season. Almost all transplanted trees produced in the nursery have elevated levels of nutrients that last through the 1st growing season. Exuberant fertilization during the first year could harm the tree and cut back its rate of development. After the 1st year, nitrogen can be utilized in a roughly 3ft area around each tree. This will assure a satisfactory supply for continued development. Don’t apply fertilizer within 12 inches of the stem of the tree since fertilizer can burn and injure young stem tissue.

How to Determine Whether to Fertilize

Visual inspection of trees and shrubs is often the best overall factor to use in making fertilization decisions.
Look for:
Poor leaf color (pale green to yellow)
Reduced leaf size and retention
Premature fall coloration and leaf drop

Soil Test

Eighteen nutrients are essential for plants:carbon,oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium , calcium, magnesium, sulfur and nine trace minerals: iron , boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt, nickel and chlorine. Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen function in the formation of plant cells and food creation, the first two obtained from the atmosphere and the latter gotten from water absorbed by roots.

A soil test furnishes specialized data on the potential for plant reaction to agricultural limestone and to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In addition it provides a verifiable basis for ascertaining how much of those elements to add once they are found to be lacking. A representative soil sampling can be a challenge to get, because most nutrient-absorbing roots of trees and bushes are in the upper six inches of the soil and may stretch out two or three times beyond the radius of the crown. Consequently, in determining the nutritional demands of trees and shrubs, it’s also essential to look at soil and moisture conditions; the species, age and vigor of the plants; and previous fertilization.

Nitrogen, the most frequently deficient soil nutrient, provides the greatest growth reaction. Regrettably, soil tests or analysis for available nitrogen are not very reliable. Nitrogen is at hand in several forms (e.g. nitrate, ammonium, urea) and these forms can change rapidly in the soil. However, overall tree growth, particularly root and shoot elongation, leaf color and leaf size, can be enhanced with additions of nitrogen. Be careful not to over-fertilize with nitrogen. Do not overcompensate with higher amounts of nitrogen when fertilizing grass, shrubs and trees. Nitrate leaches readily from many soils and can cause water pollution troubles.

For container landscape and other better landscaping ideas visit http://better-landscaping.com/Site_Map.html

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Points To Consider When Buying A Snowblower

janetra — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:07:39 +0000

A snowblower is an essential piece of equipment for homeowners in areas of heavy snowfall or for those with physical limitations that prevent them from shoveling snow manually. There are two types of snowblower, the single stage and the double (or two) stage snowblowers. A single stage snowblower will probably be adequate for areas of lighter snowfall and for those with a small area to clear. For heavier snowfall or for homeowners with larger areas to clear a two stage snowblower will be more efficient and easier to use.

Consideration of the area to be cleared is essential before you make a purchase. The path width cleared varies considerably with the model and matching the path width with the driveway or path to be cleared will cut down on the number of passes needed considerably. It is also essential to consider the degree and type of snow in your area. Light snowfall of around 50 inches a year could be tackled with a single stage snowblower. Annual snowfall of up to 150 inches, especially if it is mostly wet snow, and hence highly packable would require a two stage snowblower with a powerful engine of a least 7hp.

How Snowblowers Work

Single stage snowblowers have augers, rotating drum-shaped wheels for cutting and lifting the snow into the disposal chute. In a two-stage snowblower the auger performs the first stage cutting and lifting then impellers finish the lift into the chute. Discharge from the chute can then be controlled by adjusting the angle. a two stage snowblower then requires a more powerful engine and can throw the snow further and faster. Chutes may be made from metal or polymer, a good idea as rusting can be a problem with some metal chutes.

Consider the Area to be Cleared

Single stage snowblowers have clearing paths of about 21 inches, which is adequate for smaller areas but for a larger area the number of passes could become excessive. They are compact and easily stored and maintenance is reasonably easy. The machine are propelled forward by the action of the auger biting into the ground so it may often be necessary to help them along with a push. Some models have rotor paddles which contact the ground and assist in the propulsion, others have larger wheels which Can be real help.The price range of single stage snowblowers is around $300 to $600.USD.

If you have a larger area to clear you are really going to need a two stage snowblower to do the job in a reasonable time. For all but the biggest areas a medium power machine with an engine of about 8hp should do a good job. The clearing path of this size machine is around 25 inches, they are mostly self propelled with large wheels. prices for this range are between $1000 and $2,500.

If you need a snowblower of even bigger proportions the largest and more powerful come with up to 45 inch clearing paths and powerful motors. The price is hefty too of course. One of these monsters will set you back between $1000 and $2500 USD

Some Thoughts on Snowblower Features

Most of the snowblowers on sale today have a Tecumseh Snow King engine which has been specially developed for working in cold conditions. Starters are either electric key driven or recoil. An electric starter would be our choice as they are more reliable and much easier to use in the cold than pulling starting ropes. make sure the snowblower you choose is not too heavy, as hauling a heavy snowblower up steps to store it for the summer can be a challenge, especially if you have physical limitations.

You might consider buying your snowblower before the winter season starts as there are good bargains to be had in used snowblowers.

Janet Ashby is an enthusiastic gardener and homeowner. For more information and some good deals on new and used Toro Lawnmowers and Toro Snowblowers visit her website.

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Patio Gazebos – Add A Touch Of Traditional Beauty To Your Patio Area

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:07:38 +0000

At last that time of year is upon many of us where we can spend some quality time relaxing outdoors in the garden or on the patio. Each year more and more people make better use of their outdoor living area and investing more time and money in ensuring that they get the space right so they can enjoy whatever amount of summer that we receive. The patio area has really come into its own on the past few years with more money being spend on the remodeling of this area each with the ideas that people are coming up with becoming more and more adventurous. But you do not have to go over the top to get the most out of your patio, indeed a very basic patio area with just a few simple additions can make a very nice area to sit and relax. So what are the simple rules that would enable you to create yourself a nice patio area for this summer?

The size of your patio area is all important when it comes to planning what you want to do with the area. You can still create a lovely small patio area but without many of the refinements of a larger area. One thing that you can add to your outdoor patio area to enhance its looks is a patio gazebo. A patio gazebo can make a lovely feature of any patio area and if you decide to grow a few trailing plants over the framework it can look quite beautiful in the summer.

Patio gazebos come in many different shapes and styles with many of the home improvement stores selling either a ready made version which they can deliver for you or they sell the patio gazebo in kit form for you to construct yourself. The self assembly ones are the cheaper of the two options and if you are in the slightest way handy you should have no problems in constructing one yourself.

Positioned in the correct way your patio gazebo can afford you a bit of extra privacy when out on your patio area, when you want to drink your coffee and read the newspapers early on a sunny Sunday morning there is no better place than the seclusion of your splendid patio gazebo and in the late evening sunshine if you and your partner want to relax and enjoy each others company as the sun goes down what better place to enjoy the moment than a patio gazebo.

Traditional patio gazebos are of a sturdy construction and made of wood. These traditional wooden patio gazebos have a more natural feel to them than the more modern aluminum or steel versions. Although the more modern versions may last longer the traditional ones are easy enough to maintain and if treated correctly will stand the test of time and still be going strong for many summers to come.

When placing your gazebo you should try to bear in mind the path that the sun takes throughout the day and if there is anytime during the day when your patio area is in the shade. If you prefer to sit outside in the evening then you would be best to place your patio gazebo to receive the evening sunshine but likewise if your patio receives no sun at all during the evening you need to find a more suitable location for it.

A patio gazebo is becoming a more common sight on patios up and down the country and it is easy to understand why when you know how much fun they can bring to your patio area, so why not look at investing in a traditional wooden patio gazebo for your patio this year.

For more info on patio flooring please visit our site -

www.patio-flooring.com

Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site

Harwood E Woodpecker.

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Managing Chinch Bugs In Your Lawn

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:07:31 +0000

All lawns go through many different stages with the changing seasons. The month of May for your lawns is a time to reflect on the spring activity that you have accomplished in prior months, such as putting in a new turf or planting new plants or flowers, which should now be in bloom. The difficult part now is to maintain what you have cultivated throughout these past few months and make sure your lawn is disease-free and protected from harmful insects or conditions.

This month, after April showers, you may be facing drier conditions, which can give rise to more than just annoying pests in your lawn. Large, growing, irregular patches of dead or stunted grass surrounded by yellowing halos of dying grass can indicate the first signs of the harmful chinch bugs. As these insects grow in numbers, so do the area of dying grass. Chinch bug damage can be sized up by detecting a significant number of them present in the affected grass area. Be sure not to confuse the damages on your lawn caused by chinch bugs to a lawn disease, such as brown patch, which occurs in a circular or semi-circular pattern as opposed to the irregular patches that chinch bugs cause.

Chinch Bug Identification

Adult chinch bugs in Texas have black bodies measuring one sixth to one fifth inches long. They are small and slender, with white wings marked by a triangular shape. Recently hatched chinch bugs do not have wings and are yellow or light red with a band across their abdomen.

Thatch management

Getting rid of chinch bugs begins with effective lawn care. The key here is thatch management. Thatch is the layer of dead plant material that lies between the top of the grass plant and below. Chinch bugs like to take refuge in thatch. Thatch also chemically binds with many insecticides, therefore, making these chemical solutions ineffective.

To handle the thatch problem, start off with mowing. This will help to decrease thatch buildup, which can occur when soil microbes cannot break down dead plant material as fast as it is growing. When grass is mowed too infrequently, thatch buildup can occur. Experts recommend homeowners to mow their lawn at least once a week during critical growing times. Grass clippings should be clipped into smaller pieces so that they can be decomposed more easily by soil microbes.

When your thatch is more than one inch thick, you may have to resort to have your lawn “vertically moved.” However, be advised that vertical mowing can temporarily alter your lawn’s appearance negatively since it destroys the tightly woven horizontal stems of the St. Augustine grass in Texas. The best time to have your lawn vertically mowed is when the grass is continuously growing during this season, so that the lawn can recover more quickly.

Along with mowing, lawn aeration with application of a top dressing can help control your thatch buildup. Through a lawn/core aerator, you can put holes in your lawn to increase air and water impact. For top dressing, apply a thin layer of sand, soil, or compost to the surface of the lawn. Top dressing addresses the soil-to-thatch ratio, so that the soil is increased to speed up microbial decay.

Biological Control

Currently, since there are no commercially available varieties of the St. Augustinegrass that are resistant to chinch bugs, a homeowner’s best method besides cultivating and taking good care of the lawn is to use some control/prevention methods. Chinch bugs have a variety of of predatory and parasitic enemies which include big-eyed bugs, small pirate bugs, spiders, wasps, and ants.

Chemical Control

Besides good lawn care practices, thatch management, and some biological control, there are certain situations that may require resorting to using chemical insecticides. When you have dead and rapidly dying areas of turfgrass with chinch bugs eating away, this would be a time to take up some form of chemical control. However, it must be noted that you should really determine whether or not you have a real problem since some chemical insecticides are not effective over a period of time and require constant application. It is a good idea to inspect your lawn weekly during the spring, summer, and fall for off-color areas under the direct sun, next to driveways and sidewalks. Yellow areas in the turf can be caused by chinch bug damage – parting grass at the affected area can reveal any chinch bugs crawling about. When there is a large infestation of chinch bugs, insecticides can be used more effectively.

Granular insecticides can be used with a standard fertilizer spreader and irrigated with one-eighth to a quarter of an inch of water to move the insecticide along. Liquid sprays are applied with a hose-end sprayer that can apply 15 to 20 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. For even coverage, spray back and forth across the same area. Watering the lawn before application of a pesticide can help it penetrate the turf, but irrigation is not recommended after applying liquid insecticides.

Spot treatments can help with isolated areas of chinch bugs. Treat the off-color turf and surrounding areas that have chinch bugs. Keep a close watch on the treated areas every three to five days for at least two weeks to make sure the infestation is under control. Spot treatments can also help prevent environmental contamination and lessen the impact of pesticides on beneficial insects, such as the big eyed bug. Be sure to read and follow the pesticide label if you choose to make the application on your own!

Chinch bugs are just one of many lawn troubles you may run into this spring and early summer. However, they can do great damage to what you have cultivated so far with your lawn care, so it is important to take preventative measures as discussed in this article and maintain a strong, healthy lawn for the summer months to come.

Fran Phalin is a freelance editor and writer specializing in home improvement topics. She is based in Austin, TX.

Fran worked with ABC Pest for tips on how to handle chinch bugs in her lawn.

For lawn care help with chinch bugs, thatch management, vertically-mowed lawns, or other lawn project, please visit ABC Pest & Lawn at www.abcpest.com.

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Choosing The Right Type Of Outdoor Living Area For Your Home

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:07:27 +0000

As the days are getting longer and the heat is coming back into the sun we all find ourselves drifting out of the house and spending more and more time outside in the fresh air of the garden. Generally we all spend more time living outside of the house in the summer months and we are spending more time and money doing this now than we ever have before.
Outdoor living used to be the reserve of the well to do and those with little to do all day other than sit and soak up the sun’s rays. But as the way we live has changed we have seen that we too can have part of this lifestyle and we are transferring more and more of our lives to the outdoors. We can now get hold of very good quality garden furniture that will stand the test of time for a very reasonable price as well as being able to purchase extremely good value outdoor cooking equipment and heaters to give us more reasons to be outdoors for longer.
But what of the outdoor areas where we spend our time? Some of us may have a lawn, others wooden decking and other may have a patio, which one best suits the needs of you and your family?
Without doubt a lawn area looks the classiest if maintained well and managed properly. But this is the problem with a lawn area, it does take a lot of tending to and can be quite high maintenance , add to this the fact that if you have small children they will always have a desire to churn it up in as many places as possible by playing some ball game or other. If you have the time on your hands to keep a lawn maintained in a way that it should be then maybe this is the answer for you but for everyone else I would suggest that you may end up with a giant mud bath with the odd patch of green, which is likely to be weeds.
A decking area is a popular choice for an outdoor living area, this is usually made of grooved wooden planks that are pressure treated with a wood preservative and laid across a wooden framework. A decking area can look fantastic if constructed correctly, using rails and stepped areas to create little pockets and sections. As the decking is made of wood you can even drill through and sink some outdoor lights into it, these sit flush with the decking and work as wonderful up lighters providing some much needed light when the sun goes down. The only down side of decking is that although you can get the timber as pressure treated you will still need to give it a coat or two of wood preserver every year.
The other option you have is the patio area. This can be paved in any number of different materials from block paving, paving slabs, natural quarry stone, marble or even granite. All of these materials are available in different shades, styles and shapes so you can create quite a unique patio with a little bit of thought. The difficult part as far as a patio goes is making sure that the stones are laid even and correctly, with the correct mix of cement to bed onto as well as the correct mix in the joints. This will ensure that the stones are bedded properly and evenly and will keep them even when walked on as well as keeping weed growth between the stones to a minimum.
A patio area offers the greatest versatility as far as designs and styles goes as well as offering the most options in patio flooring materials.
So when you come to think about what to do with your outdoor living area be sure to choose the style that best suits your lifestyle.

For more info on all things patio, outdoor and living please visit our site – www.patio-flooring.com

Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Harwood E Woodpecker

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