HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS
WATERING
Watering newly planted turf is the most important process to establish a new lawn, regardless of the time of year. You should water regularly with light, frequent applications of water to prevent the surface from drying. (An established lawn is the opposite; it should be watered deeply and infrequently). As the turf begins to take root, reduce the frequency of watering and increase the amount of water applied. This will help establish a deep root system and ultimately reduce the amount of water needed. After the turf has become established, you should apply 1 to 2 inches of water 60 to 90 minutes of watering, per area from one to two waterings per week. This promotes a deep root system, which aids in drought and cold tolerance.
MOWING
As soon as the grass is 1 ½ to 2 inches high, mow the new turf. Be careful not mow any lower than 1 inch in height. Mow frequently enough to prevent removing more than one third of the growth at any one mowing. The more often you mow, the better the quality of the turf will be. Mowing every 5 to 7 days should be there minimum requirement.
WEED CONTROL
Pine islands add beauty and value to your property. For most efficient weed control purchase a pump sprayer and use Round Up (concentrated is most economical). For weed control in Bermuda you may use weed and feed fertilizer. During the winter when Bermuda is dormant you can use “purge” for weed control.
Monthly Maintenance Program
Landscape maintenance should be a 12-month effort with primary emphasis on late winter and early spring. Following this checklist will help ensure that your time and expense will show their best for many years.
Please note: This program is not a warranty of your sod/ turf or landscape. The health of you lawn is dependent upon proper cultural practices at all times. Improper mowing and / or watering will result in decline and potential death of your lawn.
January/February
A) Organize and develop a plan for the growing season,
B) Prune all ornamental trees to shape for coming growing season. Prune unsightly deadwood.
Pruning shears should be used to achieve natural appearance.
C) Prune fall flowering shrubs.
D) Remove leaves from turf areas.
E) Spray weeds in turf areas and plant beds.
F) Straw plant beds for the coming year.
March
A) Apply pre-emergence weed control to turf areas, warm season grasses only (Note: after forsythia bloom and before crabapples bloom).
B) Plant or replant trees and shrubs as needed.
C) Fertilize and seed any fescue area as needed.
D) Prune broadleaf evergreens as needed.
April
A) Fertilize warm season grasses with slow release fertilizer.
B) Fertilize plants and trees with exception of spring flowering plants.
C) Replace pine straw as needed.
D) Implement summer bedding schedule.
E) Begin mowing and edging lawn.
May/June
A) Follow normal grounds maintenance procedures.
B) Insecticide application.
C) Fertilize spring flowering shrubs.
July
A) Second application of slow release fertilizer to Bermuda and Zoysia.
B) Maintain active spray schedule for insect prevention.
C) Look for signs of dryness on plants that have been installed six months or less.
D) Prune screen type shrubs as needed.
August
A) Third application of slow release fertilizer on Bermuda only.
September/October
A) Fertilize cool season grasses (Fescue).
B) Seed cool season grasses if needed.
C) Aeration should be carried out on compacted areas before sowing grass seed.
D) Pruning of evergreen shrubs may begin late October.
E) Re-straw beds where needed for winter protection.
F) Treat Camellias & Euonymous species for scale.
November
A) Fertilize Azaleas at half strength application.
B) Remove leaves from turf areas.
C) Implement planting program for flower bulbs.
December
A) Begin general clean up of areas.
B) Begin pruning non-flower ornamental trees.
C) Clear out natural areas under trees.