B & J Tree & Landscape

The question for many people is "when to fertilize?" To answer this question, you should consider four factors: climate, grass type, the fertilizer being used, and how you want your lawn to look. For those who want your lawn looking its best, then it's a good idea to fertilize your lawn 4-5 times a year. Conversely, even if you don't want a good looking lawn, you should at least fertilize twice a year for your grass's sake.  For most, it's easiest to remember to fertilize on the holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Watering Tips

• Watch the weather. Don’t water if a one-inch rainstorm has occurred in the last week.
• Postpone watering if the forecast calls for rain. 
• Don’t set a schedule for watering; apply only when needed.
• A good soaking once or twice a week is better than watering every day. Allowing the soil to dry, allows the roots to grow to greater depths.
• Water in the early morning hours, before 9:00 am.
• Don’t water heavily after applying fertilizer.
• Set up your sprinkler so it only waters the lawn and not nearby paved surfaces.  

Hardy perennials, grown outdoors or in cold frames can theoretically be planted whenever you can work the soil. Actively growing plants from greenhouses are best planted after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, or no less than one month before the first autumn frost. Plants that are marginally hardy, or are situated in less than optimal sites are usually best planted in May or June, because it allows them to become established before the first winter season.

Generally sod should be mowed every 7-10 days depending on sod type and time of season. Best results are noticed if you mow a little shorter in the spring, then a little taller in the summer (2" - 2 1/2"). This will help insulate the sod during the summer and fall also promoting new growth in the spring and early summer.  Do not mow if the ground is too wet, and it is a good idea to follow the general fuel of thumb of never mowing more than 1/3" of the leaf blade at any one time.   Keep in mind, too, that the most important requirement for proper mowing is a sharp mower blade.  A dull blade rips and shreds the grass instead of cutting it - seedlings can actually be torn from the soil.  Mowing with a dull blade also makes the plants susceptible to toher problems like brown leaf tips and disease infestation.

Trim any Evergreens approximately June 15th and no later than September 1st of each season.  Spraying for insect damage or preventative control can be done on a calendar basis on approximately May 15th, June 15th, July 15th, etc.  If a problem occurs spray as needed.  Chemical sprays to sue for insect problems are Malathion - 50 and Diasanon. 

Trim Spring flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming, then shape as needed throughout the season.  Constantly flowering shrubs such as Potentilla and Flowering Spirea can be trimmed at any time, but usually in early spring or late fall.  Spraying for insects can be done same as Evergreens, but take care not to over spray summer flowering shrubs, as the insecticide could damage the blossoms.  Chemical sprays to use are Malathion, Dormant Oil, and Diasanon.  Shade trees and large flowering crabs are best trimmed late Summer or early Fall - if necessary use chemical sprays listed above.

Activity 

Too much activity on your newly seeded lawn can interfere with seed germination.  For the first two to three weeks, we suggest limiting the amount of activity on your lawn as much as possible.  Wear and Tear from people, pets, and bikes can create ruts and holes that could ruin the terrain and cause drainage problems.  Pampering your new lawn by keeping people and pets off for just a few weeks in the beginning helps ensure the quality and beauty you're looking for in the end.   

Watering 

Newly installed plants should be watered thoroughly 2-3 times per week for the first 3-4 weeks.  Than water thoroughly once per week thereafter for two months.  Be concerned during the drought months of July and August for the first couple of years.  Rainstorms help, but do not be fooled, they do not penetrate the gound unless we have over an inch of rain.  When watering newly seeded areas, the first watering can be doen right away.  It should moisten the soil to a depth of two to three inches.  Be careful not to apply the water with such force that it washed away soil or dislodges the seed.  After the initial watering, irrigate the newly seeded area lightly and frequently - two or three times a day if possible, until the grass begins to establish and mature.  Then the intervals between watering can be lengthened and the amount applied at any one time increased.