LANDSCAPE TIP OF THE MONTH: SUMMER HEAT

As we enter the “Dog Days of Summer”, keep in mind the possible wet weather patterns of the next several months, when hurricanes are possible and those afternoon and early evening thunderstorms are a regular occurrence.

Overnight wet foliage tends to cause certain types of fungal conditions on our lawns and ornamentals. Keep an eye on this and you will realize that most of the time it's just aesthetical for trees and most will rebound. Dogwoods will develop anthracnose, which is very common. Black spot disease on roses, hawthorns, pittosporum, azaleas, hydrangeas, etc., is also very common. Treating these with preventatives can offset, sometimes even hinder progression, but the combination of prevention and maintenance is always the best method. Keep these plants pruned correctly, keep up with fallen litter and feed them well.

As for lawns…. Always provide the best care and management for your particular grass. If possible, water your lawn early in the morning in order to keep foliar wetness down over night. When establishing your management program, alternate chemical control products so you do not build up resistance. Clean up those hard surfaces to prevent storm water contaminants and always, always, always read those labels!

Prune off those spent blooms on your crape myrtles to enjoy a flush of more color to last into September, then leave the seed pods for our foraging birds until December or January. Fertilize your crapes to boost the energy for these blooms.

QUOTES OF THE MONTH:

"Never wear anything that panics the cat."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it."  ~Author Unknown

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer." ~Alfred North Whitehead