HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture Landscape Management FCHP Chapter 7 HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture

7.1 List reasons landscape management is important. Municipalities, parks departments, golf courses and theme parks employ large numbers of people in landscape maintenance operations. landscape management (maintenance) keeps a landscape functional and aesthetically pleasing. Without proper maintenance a good landscape can decline dramatically. Declining landscapes increase cost in the long term (renovations).

7.2 Explain the goals of an environmental landscape management approach to maintenance. to create beautiful landscapes to create environmentally friendly landscapes to reduce water, fertilizer and pesticide use

7.3 List and describe the 9 principles of a Florida Friendly Landscape (page VII-3). Right Plant, Right Place Water Efficiently Fertilize Appropriately Mulch Attract Wildlife Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Recycle Yard Waste Reduce Stormwater Runoff Protect the Waterfront

7.4 Identify what determines quality in landscape maintenance. good personnel management trained and dedicated labor modern techniques good materials that are properly applied well-maintained tools and equipment used properly Mistakes, short cuts and poor workmanship may not be visible when you leave the job, but days, weeks, months or sometimes years later, they may be highly visible.

7.5 Define proper mowing and describe the importance of proper mowing to the health and vigor of the grass. Attaining the desired lawn is often more difficult than having our ground cover beds, shrubs and trees reach our expectations. Good mowing… good equipment, properly maintained a sharp blade proper mowing height proper mowing frequency Higher cut height improves energy efficiency of lawn: taller grass shades soil surface thereby reducing temperatures, water use and weeds.

7.6 Describe when (how often) grass should be mowed. Grass should be mowed often enough so that you do not remove more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade at each mowing. Where quality is demanded (theme parks and golf courses), this guideline is followed!

7.7 Describe the importance of proper fertilization to the health and vigor of the grass. Proper fertilization of lawns… improves grass performance reduces surface and ground water contamination reduces thatch (insect and disease problems) One of the most important fertilizing principles is to avoid fertilizing dormant or non-growing turfgrass.

7.8 Identify the proper time to verticut a lawn. Verticutting is a method of mechanically removing thatch using a mower with vertical blades. The best time to verticut is… when grass is rapidly growing in the spring (irrigated). the beginning of the summer rainy season (non-irrigated) Research has shown that grass clippings DO NOT contribute to thatch build-up.

7.9 Name 2 of the grasses that may be used for winter overseeding in Florida. Common overseeding grasses in Florida include… Ryegrass Bentgrass Bluegrass

7.10 Name the types of pruning and describe the affects of each on plant growth. Pruning to improve vigor - removing dead, dying or damaged wood and diseased and insect infected plant parts to stop the spread of decay, disease and insects to other portions of the plant. Pruning to control plant size and form - should be done regularly to reduce negative affects on plants.

7.10 Name the types of pruning and describe the affects of each on plant growth. Pruning to create desired shapes selective pruning for branch arrangement, strength and safety; topiary - balls, squares, rectagles or animals figures; espalier - growing plants against a wall (magnolia podocarpus); pruning shrubs as small trees (azaleas, hibiscus, ligustrum)

7.10 Name the types of pruning and describe the affects of each on plant growth. Pruning to enhance flower and fruit production increase fruit size by selectively removing flowers or developing fruit lightly prune to maintain annual flowering/fruiting pruning terminal blooms can increase number of blooms (lateral) removing developing seed heads can cause a second or even a third flower display.

7.10 Name the types of pruning and describe the affects of each on plant growth. Pruning to promote safety remove “V”-shaped branches (structurally weak); leave “U”-shape (structurally strong) remove large, decayed or poorly attached limbs remove dead branches and stubs (lead to serious trunk decay)

7.11 Describe the procedures (steps) in pruning landscape shrubs and trees. can be done any time; prune flowering plants in late spring (before flower buds set for the next season); prune large shade trees late in dormant season or following a growth flush; prune evergreens any time to encourage rapid shoot devlopment, prune just prior to bud swell in spring; to retard growth (dwarf), prune right after each growth flush.

7.11 Describe the procedures (steps) in pruning landscape shrubs and trees. Pruning Shrubs (page VII-13) remove dead, diseased or injured branches first; remove branches that cross, touch or look out of place; If more pruning needed, remove some of older branches; Head back excessively long branches to 6-12 inches below desired height Do not use hedge shears; cut branches individually with hand clippers

7.11 Describe the procedures (steps) in pruning landscape shrubs and trees. Pruning Trees (page VII-16) remove dead, diseased or injured branches first; select best spaced and positioned permanent branches and remove or shorten others; remove fast growing suckers from base of tree, along trunk and larger limbs;

7.12 Describe the proper way to shear a hedge. Informal hedges: annual pruning (thinning and heading back) to maintain desired height and width. Formal hedges: may be continuous during growing season; prune while new growth is green and succulent prune so base of hedge is wider than top (to manage light) prune flowering hedges after they bloom (before next year’s buds set)

7.13 List the three-cut method of large branch removal. First cut upward from the under side of limb 15-inches away from trunk; as far in as you can before binding saw Second cut Downward from above limb 18-inches away from trunk Third cut Downward beginning just beyond the “branch bark ridge” and Ending just beyond the “branch collar swelling”

7.14 Describe pruning tools and the use of each. Hand pruners (clippers) - cut branches less than 1/4” diameter Loppers - cut branches up to 1/2” diameter Hedge and gas-powered shears - to shear formal hedges Saws - to remove larger branches Many types of pruning tools are available on poles.

7.15 List the benefits of mulches. Moderates soil temperature Conserve moisture Reduce weed competition Improve Appearance

7.16 Describe the benefits and use of seasonal color in the landscape. Increase visual appeal of landscape Create focal point Increases landscape maintenance requirements 9fertilizing, spraying, dead-heading) Annuals and perennials used to add seasonal color in landscape Tropical foliage plants used as annuals in shady areas Colorful plants used as container plants at entrances, on porces, decks and patios