Landscape Management Practices Mulching, Watering, Staking, Fertilization, Weed Control

Mulch A tree’s best friend Insulates soil Retains moisture Keeps weeds out Prevents soil compaction Reduces lawn mower / weedeater damage Adds an aesthetic touch

Mulch

Max depth of 2-4” Do not touch the trunk Mulch too deep can lead to –trunk & crown rot –poor root ball aeration

Type of Mulch Bark Pine Straw Grass Clippings Leaves Rock Synthetic Materials

Ground Cloth under Mulch ???

Irrigation How much ? How often? During establishment –Minimum of 1” of water per week Water between 9 p.m. - 9 a.m.

Types of Irrigation Sprinkler Micro Sprinkler Drip Irrigation

Uses 30-50% less water Efficient and effective application Fewer pest problems Fewer weeds No wind effects Easily automated Economic to install

Drip Irrigation

Time Clock

Xeriscape Water Management Practices

Staking Good - quality trees do not require staking When to stake: –Windy Location –Top Heavy –Plants 8’ or taller –Weak Trunks –Small Root Ball –Evergreens

Types of Staking Support weak trunk Root ball anchorage

Staking

Rubber straps are nicely suited for attaching stakes to trunks Wire threaded through hose can girdle plant if left to long Never leave a plant staked for more than one growing season

Trunk Protection Little protection against insect & disease Some sun scald protection for thin bark plants Uneven wraps w/exposed bark = temp difference in trunk tissue Products : –Paper Wrap –Burlap –Plastic –White Latex Paint

Trunk Wraps If used, wrap from the bottom of the tree toward the top overlapping material Use electrical tape or flexible adhesive versus string

Fertilizer Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Landscape plants needs should be based on Soil Sample

Forms of Slow-release Nitrogen Ammoniacal nitrogen IBDU (Isobutylene diurea) Sulfur-coated urea Ureaformaldehyde

General Recommendation

Types of Fertilizer Sources: –Inorganic –Organic Formation: –Dry / Granular –Liquid –Slow-release

How to Apply Fertilizer

Fertilizer Burn

When to Fertilize Main Meal –Slow Release ( 1 time per year) –General Purpose (2-3 x per growing season) Dessert –During active growth (Spring-Summer) –Liquid Soil drench Foliage Spray

Weed Management Mechanical Chemical –Pre-emergent Herbicide Surflan, Treflan, Ronstar, Balan –Post-emergent Herbicide Selective –Kills grasses in shrubs & flowers (Poast) –Kills broadleaf weeds in lawns (MSMA, Trimec) Non-Selective (Round up)