9 The weather is getting warmer by the day. Make sure that you keep your lawn and landscape beds watered. Your landscape needs an average of 1” – 2” of water per week. Water slowly so that the water does not run off and water early in the early morning hours to prevent evaporation and fungal problems.
9 Keeping your lawn watered and fertilized will also help to prevent chinch bugs.
9 Any plants in containers will need to be watered more frequently, at least daily or twice a day if the containers are small.
9 There is still time to plant your summer annuals. Keep them watered until the roots have become established.
9 Fertilize your roses every 4 to 6 weeks.
9 Mowing your lawn at the highest setting will discourage weeds and help to conserve soil moisture.
Landscaping Updates
Plant of the Month: Esperanza
Scientific Name: Tecoma Stans Common Name: Esperanza, Yellow Bells Uses: Semi-evergreen shrub, accent plant Soil: Well-drained soil
Watering: Needs regular watering until it becomes established, it is drought tolerant thereafter
Blooms: Spring, summer and fall Exposure: Full sun Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks during growing season Spacing: 5 gallon, 18” apart
Growth Habits: This evergreen shrub has bright yellow trumpet-shaped blooms in the spring through the fall. It can reach up to 6’ tall and 4’ wide. It will freeze back to the ground in a hard freeze, so just cut it back to the ground in the spring if that happens. There is also an orange variety that is native called‘ Tangerine Bells’.
9 The weather is getting warmer by the day. Make sure that you keep your lawn and landscape beds watered. Your landscape needs an average of 1” – 2” of water per week. Water slowly so that the water does not run off and water early in the early morning hours to prevent evaporation and fungal problems.
9 Keeping your lawn watered and fertilized will also help to prevent chinch bugs.
9 Any plants in containers will need to be watered more frequently, at least daily or twice a day if the containers are small.
9 There is still time to plant your summer annuals. Keep them watered until the roots have become established.
9 Fertilize your roses every 4 to 6 weeks.
9 Mowing your lawn at the highest setting will discourage weeds and help to conserve soil moisture.
Avoid Volcano Mulching Around Trees
When applying mulch around trees, proper placement is essential for maintaining tree health. One common landscaping mistake is“ volcano mulching,” which occurs when mulch is piled high against the trunk of a tree, creating a volcano-like shape.
While mulch provides many benefits such as retaining soil moisture, reducing weeds, and regulating soil temperature, it should never be piled against the tree trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, leading to rot, fungal diseases, insect infestations, and the development of girdling roots that can eventually strangle the tree.
Instead, apply mulch in a flat, donut-shaped ring around the tree, approximately 2 – 4 inches deep, while leaving several inches of space between the mulch and the trunk. This allows the tree’ s root system to benefit from the mulch while keeping the trunk dry and healthy.
Remember: Mulch the roots, not the trunk! Proper mulching helps trees thrive and can significantly extend their lifespan.
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