Some people call it pruning, we call it murder! Crapemyrtles are commonly found in southern landscapes and produce beautiful flowers annually. Generally, mature crapemyrtles (12–15 feet and taller) require little to no pruning. However, during the winter months,...
Mulch can be marvelous
It’s the time of year again when many properties get spiffed up with fresh layers of mulch in planting beds. In addition to improving appearance, mulch helps block out weeds, holds moisture in the soil and breaks down into organic matter over time, promoting a healthy...
We make all the leaves leave
To some people, fall is the quintessential definition of coziness. The Danes have a specific word for it: Hygge (pronounced HOO-gaH). A brisk breeze with a warm blanket and hot chocolate? Definitely hygge. Roasting marshmallows over an open fire with friends? You...
Incurable killers of precious palm trees
Some species of palm trees are more susceptible to illness than others. And in some cases, something can be done after the symptoms of a disease are noticeable. However, these terminal illnesses can only be contained once they’re caught—so you can still save the lives...
On your mark, get set… GROW
Indianapolis is known as The Racing Capital of the World. Every May, hundreds of thousands congregate to the racing mecca known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where they watch Indy Cars circulate around a two and a half mile track, two hundred times! This...
The remedy for root rot and rainfall
Some things are as awful as they sound and Take-All Root Rot (or TARR for short) is one of them. Most prevalent during periods of prolonged rainfall such as summer to early fall when Florida receives the majority of its annual rainfall, TARR affects St. Augustine...
Get your landscape ready for big storms
The 2021 hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts until November 30th. The 2021 forecast from Colorado State University predicts seventeen named storms could form, with eight becoming hurricanes and four becoming major hurricanes—meaning Category 3 or higher. We...
Proper nutrition keeps palms healthy
The beginning of the growing season is often a time when palm nutrient deficiencies show up. Palms start growing quickly this time of year which depletes nutrient reserves in the soil from the last nutrient application. The most common nutritional deficiencies of...
Pine Trees Turning Brown?
If you notice pine trees in your community are turning partially or totally brown, you may want to take a closer look. Saw-dust in the bark crevices or at the base of the tree, small round holes in the bark or visible sap accumulation are telltale signs pine bark...
A Not-So-Friendly Neighbor
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, are native to South America and entered the US around the 1930s. Since then, they have moved into our neighborhoods and have proven not to be the best neighbors. Their stings cause itchy, painful pustules on the skin...
Resources
Memberships and Associations
- Irrigation Association
- Florida Irrigation Society
- Indiana Lawn Association
- Snow & Ice Management Association
- Carolina Irrigation Association
- American Society of Irrigation Consultants
- Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- National Safety Council
- American Society of Safety Professionals
Florida Weather and Data
Education Centers
- EPA Watersense
- Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Orange County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Sarasota County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County
- North Carolina State University TurfFiles Center
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Info Center
- Clemson University