Landscaping in May

This time of year it is quite possible to have insect problems cropping up. Some common to the area are Aphids, Scale, Spider Mites, Thrips and Whitefly just to name a few! Most of us are familiar with the available chemical control. Another option is IPM or Integrated Pest Management. This refers to biological control using “beneficial insects”. The most commonly used is the Ladybug. The Ladybugs larva will feed on the other damaging insects mentioned earlier and move on when the job is done. You can become more familiar with their process or order Ladybugs online @ TipTopBio.com and practice an environmentally friendly method of insect control!

 

They say the earth is comprised of 70% water with only 2.5% of that being fit for human consumption. The water we use to irrigate our lawns is part of the 2.5% potable water available to us. With the heat increasing it may be a great idea to inspect your irrigation system if you have one. Keeping up with needed repairs, adjustments and scheduling is vital to water conservation!

 

Does it really matter what type of mulch I use? You bet ya and here’s why. “Pine Bark Mulch “is a less expensive type however the drawback is that it contains turpentine that kills helpful microbe’s essential to plant health. It also “floats out of the beds”, attracts fire ants and depletes nitrogen from the soil. “Hardwood Mulch” is mostly made of tree bark from several types of hardwood trees. This contains an acid that again kills microbes. “Aged Native Hardwood Mulch” is the premium choice, the keyword being aged. This is made from ground trees and brush, not bark. The composting process kills the harmful pathogens and weed seeds, also allowing the helpful microbe’s to multiply. This is the best choice for your gardens and flower beds.

 

With all the new growth Spring brings this is the chance to redefine shrub structure. Allow weak areas to fill in and consider how high and wide you want your plantings to be based on the location or need within your landscape. Shrubs that are in a more natural state give a softer appeal, not all hedges have to have right angles all over them! When trimming also consider a pruning style to leave the base of the plant wider than the top. This allows for more foliage to make contact with sunlight, increasing photosynthesis, resulting in more mature & healthy plants. An incorrect angle of trimming is what causes the plants to become bare on the bottoms.